Immigrants & International Students to Begin Canada’s Post-Pandemic Recovery

Key Highlights:

• Overview
• Colleges & Institutes Canada
• Worldwide Travel Bans
• International Students Exempted
• Prior to the Pandemic
• Immigration Programs for 2021-2023
• Create an Express Entry Profile

Canada’s economic growth had been badly hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. It hopes to recover, starting with immigrants and international students.

Both newcomers and international students are crucial in filling the rising labour shortages across Canada impacted by Covid-19.

Colleges & Institutes Canada

A paper by Colleges and Institutes Canada suggests that educational institutions across the country can make a difference in their local communities.

They are best placed on training immigrants to integrate into the labour market. 

Worldwide Travel Bans

Canada is no exception. International travel across the world has been largely affected by the pandemic. Travel restrictions have been placed to curb the spread of the virus.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued to process immigration applications for permanent residence despite the restrictions.

It is because Canada needs to attract eligible highly-skilled individuals to prepare for economic recovery.   

International Students Exempted

IRCC has exempted international students from travel restrictions. Fresh students can apply for study permits. The importance of international students is highly recognized as Canada’s future workforce.

Opening of Canadian borders to immigrants and international students benefits the labour needs of employers and small businesses.

Prior to the Pandemic

Canada has always welcomed new immigrants every year, even prior to the pandemic. The country has an ageing population that creates labour shortages. Effective immigration programs are being created to overcome the situation.

The pandemic has aggravated and amplified the need for more flair. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB), most occupations require at least a college diploma or apprenticeship. 

While immigrants can access short-term programs to update their skills, international students can quickly integrate within the labour market after finishing their study programs.

Immigration Programs for 2021 - 2023

Canada aims to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants each year. Over 60 percent of these will be coming as skilled workers. Individuals with skilled work experience have options to choose from.

There are three economic class Express Entry programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Candian Experience Class (CEC)

Create an Express Entry Profile

All applicants will have to create an Express Entry profile to submit details. There is a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that will give a score to candidates based on the information provided.

The highest-ranking candidates through a draw will be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.