Many new skilled immigrants already have Canadian experience

Immigrating to a new country is not an easy feat, and often people have to spend some time acclimatizing themselves with the new environment. That is one of the main reasons why the country is now recognizing that immigrants who are already living, studying, or working in Canada could have an advantage when it comes to becoming permanent residents. They find it easier to integrate into the Canadian society and continue with their normal lives.

Recent years have seen that more immigrants with Canadian work and study experience are gaining permanent residence. According to Statistics Canada, the number of temporary foreign workers and international students has risen exponentially between 2000 and 2018. More than half the new economic-class principal applicants in 2018 had the advantage of being former temporary foreign workers.

Facts and figures:

Temporary foreign workers have begun to obtain permanent residence via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In 2018, the CEC admitted 20% of the economic-class principal applicants, and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) invited 25%. PNPs recorded the largest share at 46%.

These findings are a part of the StatsCan study series that is being conducted with the help of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The studies reflect the crucial role played by temporary foreign workers when working in the Canadian labor market and paving the way for new immigrants.

Two-step process:

Living in a country as a worker or student, and then gaining permanent residence is actually a “two-step” immigration selection. Students or skilled migrants secure temporary residence, after which Canadian employers assess their documents. They can then apply for permanent residence under any suitable program. The findings of the study suggest that immigrants who already have Canadian experience are more successful in finding employment and earning well.