International graduates, temporary workers can apply under new policy
Starting today, temporary foreign workers can apply for permanent residency under the federal government’s new rules.
The new pathway focuses on temporary workers employed in hospitals and long-term care homes and on the front lines of other essential sectors, as well as international graduates who are driving the economy.
“The pandemic has shone a bright light on the contributions of newcomers in essential jobs, as we have recognized the caregivers, cooks and cashiers as our everyday heroes. With this new pathway, we are recognizing their key role in our economic recovery, allowing them to set down roots in Canada and help us build back better. Our message to them is simple: your status may be temporary, but your contributions are lasting — and we want you to stay,” says Marco Mendicino, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship.
To be eligible, workers must have at least one year of Canadian work experience in a health care profession or another pre-approved essential occupation. International graduates must have completed an eligible post-secondary program in Canada within the last four years, and no earlier than January 2017.
The portal will remain open until Nov. 5, 2021 or until the government has reached the maximum number of applications:
- 20,000 applications for temporary workers in health care
- 30,000 applications for temporary workers in other selected essential occupations
- 40,000 applications for international students who graduated from an eligible Canadian institution
Three additional streams with similar eligibility criteria have also been launched for French-speaking and bilingual candidates, but there is no maximum number of applications.
The recruitment program will help the government achieve its 2021 Immigration Levels Plan, which will see Canada welcome 401,000 new permanent residents. Canada also plans to attract 411,000 immigrants in 2022 and 421,000 in 2023 to address labour market gaps.
