Canada Immigration Policy
Canada’s immigration policy, woven since Confederation is designed to foster growth, settle the land, and bolster the economy with labor and financial capital. The policy has evolved over time, reflecting both demographic shifts and national security concerns.
Here’s an overview of how the Canadian immigration process operates.
How Does the Immigration Process Work in Canada?
Canada welcomes new permanent residents through four primary categories:
Economic Pathways (62%): Primarily via federal high-skilled worker programs, utilizing a point system that favors younger candidates with job offers and high levels of education, experience, and language proficiency in English or French.
Provincial Nominee Program (21%): Allows provinces to nominate candidates who align with their economic needs, with final approval granted by the federal government.
Family Sponsorship (20%): Involves legal permanent residents sponsoring relatives, including same-sex couples, who apply for permanent residency.
Protected Persons and Refugees (15%): Canada resettled over twenty thousand refugees in 2021, with two main types—government-assisted and privately sponsored.
Humanitarian and Other (3%): Grants permanent residency for various reasons, including humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Temporary Foreign Worker Programs
Canada’s temporary foreign worker programs address industry-specific needs and cultural advancement, granting over 645,000 temporary work permits in the first ten months of 2022. The International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program cater to different criteria, with labor protections in place.
Canada Immigration Targets
For 2024, Canada aims to welcome 485,000 permanent residents, ensuring a robust workforce and a thriving economy. The targets increase to 500,000 in 2025 and 500,000 in 2026, comprising approximately 1.2% of the population.
Immigration Screening Process
Discover the meticulous screening process that ensures the health, safety, and security of Canadians, with each potential immigrant undergoing careful assessment:
- Police Certificate or Criminal Record Check
- Photo and Fingerprints (Biometrics)
- Security Assurance:
- Human and International Rights Compliance
- Good Health Assessment (Medical Exam)
- Valid Passport or Travel Document
- Serious Crime Check
Asylum Seekers in Canada
Known for its relative openness, Canada allows asylum seekers to make claims at border crossings, airports, or certain government offices. In 2021, over 1,500 asylum seekers entered without authorization, a number rising to nearly thirteen thousand in the first nine months of 2022. Canada’s asylum system can take up to two years to decide on protected status, with successful applicants eligible for permanent residency.
Challenges of Illegal Immigration
Canada, bordered by oceans and the U.S., has a regulated immigration system, yet an estimated five hundred thousand undocumented people may reside in the country. Concerns about immigration levels persist, but several Canadian cities implement sanctuary-city policies limiting police cooperation with immigration authorities.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic prompted travel and immigration restrictions, impacting Canada’s immigration policies. Reforms include adjustments to the Express Entry program’s minimum score and the creation of a temporary pathway to permanent residency for essential workers.
Immigrant Success in Canada
Canada’s success begins with selecting skilled immigrants capable of contributing to the economy. The Express Entry system, with its sophisticated points system, ensures the selection of candidates with the highest scores for permanent residency. Embark on the journey to Canada with Canada Immigration News, your source for the latest insights and updates on the intricate landscape of Canadian immigration policy. Your Canadian adventure awaits!