Canada Considers Launching New Temporary Residency to Permanent Residency (TR to PR) Pathway for International Students and Temporary Workers by September 8, 2022
In a bid to meet its immigration targets for 2022 and 2023, Canada is exploring the possibility of introducing a new TR to PR pathway for international students and temporary workers, similar to the programs rolled out in 2021. The House of Commons has tasked the Immigration Minister with devising this new pathway, which is anticipated to be revealed as part of the TR to PR 2022 initiative.
The nation’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2022-2024 seeks to welcome 1.3 million new permanent residents. This plan, released annually by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), guides the country’s immigration system and informs its federal, provincial, and territorial programs. IRCC adjusts its operations to attract, settle, integrate, and retain the targeted levels of newcomers.
Canada’s immigration levels are set with the goal of strengthening the economy, reuniting families, and aiding refugees. As the nation grapples with an aging population, low birth rates, and slow economic growth, the new TR to PR pathway aims to facilitate economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, emphasized the importance of immigration in shaping the nation and driving its economic recovery. The ambitious targets outlined in the 2022-2024 Levels Plan reflect this commitment.
Key factors influencing the development of Canada’s immigration levels plan include:
- An aging population and one of the world’s lowest birth rates.
- A low rate of natural population growth, resulting in sluggish labor force and economic growth.
- Difficulty raising taxes for social spending due to low economic growth.
- An estimated 9 million Canadians reaching retirement age by 2030, potentially exacerbating labor shortages.
According to the Immigration Levels 2022-2024 plan, the following number of new immigrant landings are targeted over the next three years:
- 2022: 431,645 permanent residents
- 2023: 447,055 permanent residents
- 2024: 451,000 permanent residents
These targets represent the highest in Canada’s immigration levels planning history. The plan’s highlights include:
- Overall admissions amounting to 1.14% of the Canadian population by 2024.
- A long-term focus on economic growth, with nearly 60% of admissions in the Economic Class.
- Support for vulnerable populations and humanitarian immigration for those facing persecution.
- Talent retention through granting permanent status to temporary residents accepted through the time-limited pathways for essential workers launched in spring 2021.
To prepare for the new Canada TR to PR pathway, applicants should familiarize themselves with the eligibility requirements and processes from the 2021 programs, as any new pathway is likely to follow a similar structure. Key criteria include proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages, meeting general admissibility requirements, and being present, authorized to work, and working in Canada at the time of application.
