Maple News reports that Canada is opening six new immigration pathways this May, targeting international graduates, essential workers, and French-speaking temporary residents. The programs offer a significant opportunity for those currently living and working in Canada to transition to permanent residency.
Minister of Immigration Marco Mendicino announced the initiative on April 14, outlining that three of the programs will collectively admit up to 90,000 new permanent residents in 2021. The remaining three streams, designated for French-speaking applicants outside Quebec, will have no intake cap.
Starting May 6, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin accepting applications under these streams:
– 20,000 spots for temporary healthcare workers
– 30,000 spots for temporary workers in other essential roles
– 40,000 spots for international graduates of Canadian institutions
These pathways are time-limited and will remain open until November 5, 2021, or until intake limits are reached. Eligible occupations span 40 healthcare roles and 95 other essential jobs, including fields like caregiving, food production, and distribution.
Applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
– At least one year of relevant Canadian work experience
– For graduates, completion of a Canadian post-secondary program no earlier than January 2017
– Proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages
– Legal authorization to work and current employment in Canada (excluding Quebec)
“These new policies will help those with temporary status plan their future in Canada, contribute to our economic recovery, and support us in building back better,” said Mendicino. “Our message to them is simple: your status may be temporary, but your contributions are lasting — and we want you to stay.”
The move is seen as part of Canada’s broader strategy to meet its ambitious immigration targets after a pandemic-related shortfall in 2020. Canada welcomed only 184,000 new immigrants that year, leading to the lowest population growth rate since World War I. The new programs are expected to accelerate Canada’s immigration recovery in the years ahead.
The initiative is especially noteworthy in its focus on retention. By enabling essential workers and international graduates to gain permanent residency, Canada is strengthening its workforce and encouraging high-potential, skilled individuals to permanently settle and contribute.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on updates regarding these new pathways and other immigration initiatives shaping Canada’s future.