Maple News reports that Canada is preparing to open up more immigration avenues for temporary residents already living in the country. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has confirmed that the federal government is considering accelerated pathways to permanent residency for international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers, as part of a broader strategy to drive economic recovery and long-term population growth.
This move comes in the wake of the government’s ambitious pledge to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents annually over the next three years. The plan aims to offset the negative economic and demographic impacts resulting from reduced immigration levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Mendicino emphasized that enabling temporary residents to transition to permanent status is crucial for Canada’s immediate and future needs. In particular, international students and foreign workers are seen as highly valuable contributors who can fill essential roles within key sectors of the Canadian economy. As Canada grapples with an aging population and record-low fertility rates, such immigration changes are positioned as long-term solutions to potential labor market shortages.
Canada’s immigration numbers have taken a major hit over the past year. Data from the first half of 2020 showed only 18,221 net new temporary residents, a dramatic drop from over 190,000 in 2019. Likewise, the number of new permanent residents declined by 60% year-over-year, putting Canada on track to admit only around 200,000 new immigrants in 2020—far short of its original 341,000 target.
This stagnation has already prompted a deceleration in population growth, which was just 0.1% in the second quarter of 2020. Historically, Canada has experienced annual population increases of more than 1%. The government sees this as a pressing issue that can be mitigated by leveraging the talent already present within its borders.
Foreign nationals currently residing in Canada are being closely considered in the selection process. The government is exploring how to prioritize those already contributing to essential services and sectors that have been vital throughout the pandemic.
International students, in particular, are now viewed as a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration outlook. Their education, youth, and training acquired within the country make them highly suitable permanent residents, and the government is already implementing measures to make it easier for them to gain work experience and qualify for permanent residency.
By strengthening the pipeline from temporary to permanent status, Canada aims to both stabilize short-term workforce gaps and ensure long-term demographic and economic sustainability.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on policy developments related to these pivotal immigration changes.