New Strategies to Alleviate Canada’s Labor Shortage
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada’s New Immigration Measures
As Canada recovers from the pandemic, a significant number of job vacancies remain across various sectors. Immigration is crucial to sustaining Canada’s economic momentum since our growth rate is surpassing our capacity to recruit and retain workers. Canada is recognized globally as a premium destination for skilled talent. It’s vital to capitalize on this reputation to ensure businesses have access to necessary skilled labor.
Recently, the Honourable Sean Fraser announced the resumption of Express Entry draws, with invitations for permanent residence applications starting in July. During the pandemic, travel limitations hindered the processing of international applications, leading to an inventory surge. Consequently, invitations for federal high-skilled streams were temporarily halted. Come July, these invitations will resume, with most applications processed within six months.
Temporary Measures for International Graduates
Minister Fraser also introduced a temporary policy for international graduates whose status is expiring. From summer 2022, graduates with post-graduation work permits expiring between January and December 2022 can apply for an additional open work permit valid for up to 18 months. This policy aims to simplify the process, with more details forthcoming.
International graduates significantly contribute to addressing labor shortages, often transitioning to permanent residency. In 2021, over 157,000 former students became permanent residents, with a substantial number transitioning from post-graduation work permits.
Enhancements to Permanent Residence Processes
The government has doubled the number of permanent residence decisions in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. By March 2022, Canada had welcomed over 113,000 new permanent residents.
In addition to processing over 100,000 work permit applications in early 2022, there’s an ongoing temporary policy from August 2020 allowing visitors in Canada to apply for employer-specific work permits without leaving, extended to February 2023.
Support for Temporary Residents
For those who applied through the temporary resident to permanent resident pathway in 2021, new measures will take effect this summer:
- Applicants can remain outside Canada while their application is processed.
- Open work permits will be valid until the end of 2024, ensuring applications are finalized before temporary status extensions are needed.
- Immediate family members outside Canada included in an application will be eligible for open work permits.
These policies are part of a broader governmental strategy to ensure Canadian employers have the workforce they need, while addressing labor shortages. This builds on recent announcements regarding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map.
Quotes
“With the economy growing faster than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and labor needed to fuel our growth. Immigration will be crucial to easing our labor shortage, and these measures aim to address pressing needs in all sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for recent graduates and other applicants to build their lives in Canada and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Quick Facts
- Express Entry is Canada’s primary application system for permanent immigration through various federal programs. Candidates submit profiles ranked on points, with top candidates invited to apply for permanent residence.
- Approximately 95,000 post-graduation work permits expire in 2022. While many have transitioned to permanent residence or other work permits, around 50,000 could benefit from the temporary measure.
Associated Links
- Government of Canada announces Workforce Solutions Road Map – further changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to address labour shortages across Canada
- Government of Canada takes further action to address labour shortages in Quebec
- New immigration plan to fill labour market shortages and grow Canada’s economy
- Canada welcomes the most immigrants in a single year in its history
- Government of Canada announces new policy to help former international students live in, work in and continue contributing to Canada
Contacts
Contacts for media only
Aidan Strickland
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Aidan.Strickland@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
