Toronto, May 5 (ZXS) -- Canada's federal government announced on May 31 the introduction of a new immigration policy, giving priority to new immigrants with work experience and skills in specific occupations.
Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Fraser announced in the capital Ottawa that Canada's main economic immigration management model "Fast Track" will launch the selection process based on occupational categories for the first time. This will allow Canadian authorities to attract potential permanent residents with specific skills, training or language skills.
This year, the selection policy based on occupational categories will focus on candidates with strong French language skills or work experience in a number of specific fields, such as health care, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, transportation, agriculture and agricultural products, as well as carpenters, plumbers and contractors.
Canada officials will announce details such as the processing period and application methods for specific categories in the near future. The Canadian government says the move is intended to create an immigration system that drives economic growth, empowers businesses, helps address labour needs and strengthens the French-speaking community.
Express Entry is available to Canada's immigration application channels such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Category, and some provincial nominee programs.
Official figures show that immigration now accounts for almost 100 per cent of Canada's labor force growth. The number of occupations facing labor shortages in the country doubled between 2019 and 2021. In June 2022, the Canadian government amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow the selection of newcomers based on specific work experience, French language proficiency and other key attributes that support economic priorities.
In addition, the Canadian government recently announced new immigration measures to promote family reunification to help cope with the labor shortage. The measures include: speeding up the processing of temporary resident visas for spouse applicants; Provide new, dedicated approval tools for spouses applying for temporary resident visas; New open work permits for spouse and family applicants. The Canadian government will also extend permits for open work permit holders who expire between August 8 and the end of this year. (End)