Canada Announces a Renewed Vision for Canadian Immigration

Ottawa, Canada - The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, just announced the release of a detailed report titled "An Immigration System for Canada's Future." The report outlines a set of strategies and measures intended to make the Canadian immigration process more efficient and adaptable. The objective, IRCC said, is to continue supporting economic growth through immigration and to provide a fair and transparent experience for newcomers.

The proposed actions in the report are based on consultations with various stakeholders and partners, and some have already been set in motion. They encompass the following key areas:

• Adapting to Global Humanitarian Crises: The plan seeks to position Canada's immigration system to respond quickly and equitably to the increasing global humanitarian crises.
• Francophone Immigration Policy: Canada is developing a new policy aimed at enhancing the vitality of Francophone minority communities while preserving and increasing the demographic weight of French linguistic minority communities in the country.
• International Student Program Enhancement: The government is collaborating with provinces and territories to introduce a Recognized Institutions Framework. This is intended to expedite the processing of study permits for post-secondary institutions that meet high standards in areas such as integrity and student support.
• Integrated Services: Housing, healthcare, and infrastructure planning, along with other crucial services, will be integrated into Canada's immigration levels planning in close cooperation with provinces, territories, and municipalities.
• Advisory Body of Newcomers: A newcomer advisory body will be established to offer insights into program and policy improvements and service delivery. This body will consist of individuals with first-hand experience of the immigration process.
• Chief International Talent Officer: The creation of a Chief International Talent Officer position is intended to better align immigration programs and pathways with the labour market, industry, and sector strategies.
• User-Friendly Website: The government aims to make its website more user-friendly, simplifying the process for applicants to find the information they need.

The report also contains commitments to attracting skilled workers to Canada, namely:

• Enhancing the Start-Up Visa Program by giving priority to applications with the backing of venture capital, angel investor groups, and business incubators that have committed capital. Additionally, prioritising applications supported by business incubators affiliated with Canada's Tech Network.
• Placing emphasis on those studying in Canada with high-demand skills, and exploring new measures to facilitate the transition of international students into the labour force in line with Global Affairs Canada's International Education Strategy. Additionally, updating the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program to support critical sectors and promote high-demand skills and sectors to prospective international students.
• Collaborating with partners to enhance the recognition of foreign credentials, enabling more newcomers to apply their skills effectively in Canada.

Promisingly for many prospective immigrants in the skilled worker categories, the report emphasised IRCC’s previously stated plan to prioritise category-based selection in the Express Entry immigration system. The government stated it would prioritise  applicants with a strong command of the French language and those with work backgrounds in healthcare, STEM fields, transportation, agriculture, and trades such as construction occupations, carpentry, plumbing, and welding.

The full report was also released on the Government of Canada’s website.