Why Is Immigration Important to Canada? For over a century, immigration has been a means to support the population, economic, and cultural growth in Canada. Millions of eligible people from around the world have chosen to reside in Canada and make it their new home. Whether seeking better economic opportunities, reuniting with family members, or seeking protection as resettled refugees or other protected persons, newcomers to Canada have been a major source of ongoing growth and prosperity. Along with those who migrate to Canada permanently, many individuals come to Canada to stay temporarily, whether as a visitor, international students or temporary foreign workers. Regardless of their pathway into Canada, they all contribute in a meaningful way to Canada’s economy, support the success and growth of various industries, and contribute to Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism. Immigration has helped to build the country that the world sees today – a diverse society with strong economic and social foundations, and with continued potential for further growth and prosperity. Temporary residents are foreign nationals who are permitted to enter and remain in Canada for a specified period of time if they have a valid passport and a temporary resident visa (TRV), and who must leave by the end of the period authorized for their stay. They may re-enter Canada only if their authorization provides for re-entry; otherwise, they must reapply for permission to do so. A temporary resident visa (TRV) allows a foreign national to enter Canada. Study in Canada International students IRCC facilitates the entry of students who wish to study at a designated Canadian educational institution. Students approved to study in Canada are issued a study permit. In 2019, 827,586 international students held valid study permits in Canada. Of these, 402,427 new study permits were issued (a 15% increase from 2018). In 2019, 11,566 study permit holders were granted permanent residency. There are many reasons that studying in Canada may be an attractive option for foreign students: – the possibility of obtaining a high-quality education – Canadian work experience after graduation – the ability to transition to permanent residence The study permit is a document officer issue that allows foreign nationals to study at some learning institutions in Canada. There are other benefits to the education pathway. Students can help pay their living expenses since foreign students can work for 20 hours each week. Spouses or common law partners accompanying a student can work fulltime. Their work permits are valid for the same period as the student’s study permit. Work permit Work in Canada RCC facilitates the entry of foreign nationals who seek temporary work in Canada. Canada’s temporary immigration programs help Canadian businesses attract people with the talent they need to succeed in the global marketplace. Notably, the Global Skills Strategy supports Canadian businesses by providing a fast and reliable way to bring in the highly skilled foreign talent needed to succeed in the global marketplace when workers in Canada are unable to fill the need. Immigrants and temporary foreign workers fill gaps in Canada’s labour force and help employers respond to vacancies in various sectors. Approximately 1 in 4 workers (26%) in Canada are immigrants. Immigration will continue to be a key driver in advancing Canada’s economy. Immigrants and newcomers contribute to Canada’s economic growth. Foreign nationals who wish to work temporarily in Canada must receive permission to do so by applying for a work permit. It is possible a work permit is tied to a specific employer or the work permit may be “open.” Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) The purpose of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is to help employers who are in need to fill a job position. The employer must prove that there are no Canadians qualified to fill the job. In order to be qualified under TFWP, foreign workers need to have: – A job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained LMIA – Work permit International Mobility Program (IMP) The International Mobility Program allows employers to hire foreign workers without the need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The foreign workers do need work permit. In general, workers are exempt from LMIA because the job is in benefit for Canada or due to international agreements. Trade agreements There are international agreements between Canada and some countries, with a purpose to facilitate temporary entry for business persons. The eligible candidates will still need a work permit, but not LMIA. Parent and Grandparent Visa The visa is for 10 years and the person can stay up to 2 years in Canada The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa was created to replace the lengthy sponsorship processing for permanent residence, so that family members may be reunited more quickly. With a Super Visa, the foreign national is allowed to stay for up to two years at a time without the need to renew their visa, and may re-enter as many times as they wish over a ten-year period. Specific to the Super Visa is the requirement that all applicants undergo a medical examination and purchase Canadian medical insurance that is valid for a period of at least one year and provides a minimum coverage of $100,000 for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation and that is valid for re-entry and available for review by the officer at the POE. Applicants must also provide proof of the parent, or grandparent, relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The child or grandchild, must prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income.
