Canada has launched plans to have over 390,000 people immigrate by 2022. With it being a safe destination for immigrants and visitors, Canada has incorporated measures to boost its immigration rate. It is good news to anyone wanting to gain permanent residence in Canada.
Ontario stands as the most popular immigration province in Canada. Ontario received over 107,000 new immigrants in July 2020- June 2021.
Correspondingly, over one-quarter of workers in Canada are immigrants.
In 2020, Statista’s survey on Canadians showed only about 25% of them claiming to have a lot of immigrants in the country. It presents Canadians’ welcoming outlook on the growing number of immigrants. Consequentially, more people become more confident about applying for the move.
Reasons why Canada Needs Immigrants
The following reasons contribute to Canada’s growing need for immigrants in the recent past:
To Support Canada’s Aging Population
Canada has one of the world’s oldest populations with a significantly low birth rate. A recent report by Statcan shows about 18.5% of Canadians to be sixty-five years of age or older. Also, since approximately 5 million Canadians will retire by 2030, the working population is dampened further.
When the working population grows old, Canada gets less and less income tax. If nothing gets done to attract more young and skilled workers, it forces the younger Canadian population to pay more income taxes. The immigrants come in to replace and support Canada’s aging population, ultimately improving Canada’s economy.
To Meet Canada’s Labor Market Needs
More Canadian natives growing old reduces the employability of the population. As a result, employers advertise job opportunities to people outside Canada. Most of them immigrate to Canada via the Express Entry Program and start working.
To Fill Momentary Labor Needs in Canada
There are many instances where employers need to employ people temporarily. However, there are no Canadians to fill in. It forces them to take in a skilled workforce from people outside Canada that are willing to work. Such people get issued Temporary Work Permits during their stay.
To Boost Trade in Canada
Entrepreneurs invest in Canada in innovations, funds, skills, and craftsmanship. They create employment opportunities for Canadians and immigrants. In addition, they help improve trade in Canada by broadening trade networks and links with other countries.
To Enhance the Education System in Canada through International Students
Each year, Canada’s economy gains approximately $21 billion in international students’ tuition and spending. This amount surpasses what the country realizes from exports of aircraft, lumber, and auto parts.
Additionally, when these international students come to Canada, they bring in new ideas and cultures. If they graduate and start working in Canadian firms, they contribute positively to the Canadian economy.
Canada’s New Immigration Plans
For Canada to match the incoming population with its economy, labor market, and demographic needs, it has to pay attention to the following:
- The educational background of immigrants. Canada ensures that immigrants’ educational background is in tune with the economic goals of the country. For instance, those with backgrounds in courses like Software engineering and computer science get a higher priority.
- The age of immigrants. The working population between the age of eighteen and thirty-five stand at an advantage.
- Their work backgrounds. Skilled immigrants are needed to boost the Canadian labor market and workforce.
- The adaptability levels of immigrants.
Below are Canada’s new immigration plans in their respective levels:
Below are Canada’s new immigration plans in their respective levels:
2021-2022 IMMIGRATION LEVELS PLAN | |||||||
2021 | 2022 | ||||||
Category of the immigrant | TARGET | LOWEST | HIGHEST | TARGET | LOWEST | HIGHEST | |
The Total Planned PR Admissions | 401K | 300K | 410K | 411K | 320K | 420K | |
ECONOMY | Federal High Skilled (FHS) | 108.5K | 81k | 110.25K | 110.5K | 96.25K | 112.9K |
Federal Business | 1K | 400 | 1.25K | 1K | 250 | 1.25K | |
Economic pilots: Caregivers | 8.5K | 4.9K | 9.25K | 10K | 4.5K | 10.5K | |
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program | 6K | 3.3K | 6.25K | 6.25K | 3K | 6.75K | |
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 80.8K | 64K | 81.5K | 81.5K | 63.6K | 82.5K | |
The Quebec Skilled Workers & Business | To be stated | ||||||
Totals | 232.5K | 180.5K | 237K | 241.5K | 199K | 247K | |
FAMILY | Spouses, partners & children | 80K | 61K | 81K | 80K | 60K | 81K |
Parents & Grandparents | 23.5K | 15K | 24K | 23.5K | 14K | 24K | |
Totals | 103.5K | 76K | 105K | 103.5K | 74K | 105K | |
REFUGEES & PROTECTED PEOPLE | Protected people in Canada & Dependents abroad | 23.5k
K |
17K | 25K | 24.5K | 19K | 25K |
Resettled refugees that are government-assisted | 12.5K | 7.5K | 13K | 12.5K | 7.5K | 13K | |
Resettled refugees that are privately sponsored | 22.5K | 14.9K | 23K | 22.5K | 15.4K | 23K | |
Resettled refugees that are bended visa office referred | 1K | 100 | 1K | 1K | 100 | 1K | |
Totals | 59.5K | 39.5K | 62K | 60.5K | 42K | 62K | |
HUMANITARIAN & OTHER | Total Humanitarian & Compassionate & other | 5.5K | 4K | 6K | 5.5K | 5K | 6K |
Overall, the new immigration plans target the population that will help steer Canada’s economy and trade. With that, a huge chunk of immigrants is set to come in through the Express Entry program.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic taking a toll on Canada’s immigration plans, plans are underway to see it reaching its targets sooner than later. The Prime Minister recently publicized travel restrictions that will affect travel to Canada.
For instance, people from countries that have traced the Omicron variant have to quarantine before being allowed into the country. It prioritizes the health and safety status of those in Canada.
To meet its 2021 new immigrants target of 401,000, Canada has to take in approximately forty-five thousand new immigrants every month for the rest of 2021.
Canada had lifted its travel limitations on all established permanent residence holders in June 2021. Additionally, it lifted the ban on all direct flights from India to Canada in September. However, with the new Omicron variant outbreak, Canada was forced to take further protective measures.
There is an effort to prioritize transitioning those already in Canada. It is easier for those coming in to bring in the new covid-19 variant than those in the country. Hence, even if a travel ban ensues, Canada can continue with its immigration plans.
Conclusion
Canada boasts of being one of the countries in the world open to immigration. While plans are still underway to have it hitting its 2021’s and 2022’s immigration goals, the covid-19 pandemic slows down this process. Staying abreast of information about immigration helps aspirants get through with the move. If you need any help concerning immigrating to Canada, contact us for immediate assistance.