Canada has long enjoyed a reputation as a diverse and welcoming country. Part of the reason this is true is Canada’s ongoing creation and use of policies that encourage students, among other populations, to study and work in Canada. The Canadian federal government is looking to admit more than one million new permanent residents in 2021. So, what are some of the factors driving people to seek permanent residency (or PR) in Canada?
There are many reasons why someone would choose Canada. However, the four points listed below are some of the most important factors driving the recent increase in Canadian permanent residency.
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Express Entry System
The Express Entry System (EES) is used by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to streamline the PR application process for skilled foreign workers. The EES has been popular since it was first introduced in 2015. In fact, according to CIC News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited a total of 41,800 applicants over the first half of 2019. As things stand, the total Invitations to apply (ITAs) for 2019 are on pace to surpass 2018, which saw a record 89,800 ITAs.
The Express Entry System is arguably the clearest indicator of PR numbers in Canada. However, it’s not the only factor behind the increase we’re seeing.
Global Talent Stream
One of the great things about Canada’s immigration system is it’s a two-way street. Under the Global Talent Stream program, Canadian employers can bring on highly skilled foreign workers and get them a work permit in as little as two weeks. This program was launched as a temporary pilot in June 2017. However, due to an ongoing need for skilled workers, it’s since been made permanent.
Booming Tech Sector
California used to be the top place to go if you wanted to work on the cutting edge of technology. And while the American west coast is still the tech capital of the world, Canada has emerged as a competitive alternative. Many of the world’s most successful companies, including Amazon, Google, and Uber, have large operations in Canada. Plus, many Canadian cities have a lower overall cost of living than communities in California’s Bay Area, which attracts both employers and future workers.
Combined with homegrown companies like Shopify and OpenText, it’s no surprise Canada’s largest tech region–the Toronto tech corridor–has been labelled by some as “Silicon Valley North.”
Work Visa Challenges in the US
The United States continues to be a major destination for skilled foreign workers. However, different policy developments have discouraged potential applicants.
Various challenges affect American immigration pathways, from ongoing issues with H-1B visa policies to a fierce rivalry with China. So, countries like Canada, with a (comparatively) more straightforward permanent residency application process, have benefited from an influx of highly skilled workers.
Curious about working in Canada after graduation? Check out our guide on the popular Post Graduation Work Permit program.
