These target figures are split across various schemes and programmes by which people may gain residency in Canada.
If you’re thinking about emigrating to Canada, this means that whatever your situation, it is likely to become easier to make the move over the next 12 months.
Canadian Experience Class
Naturally, the expats most in demand are those with a particular skill or profession who are permitted to work in the country under the ‘economic migration’ class. Most of these gain visas as ‘Canadian Experience Class’ immigrants, a programme that allows temporary workers with at least one years work experience within Canada to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. It is this group that will most benefit from the increase in targets, with the number of CEC immigrants intended to rise by 7000 to 23,000.
This is excellent news for temporary workers already living in Canada, but also should encourage those thinking about moving as it will ultimately make gaining that permanent visa significantly faster and easier.
Express Entry
Another key change for 2015 is the introduction of the Express Entry system which will allow people to register an interest in entering Canada and state their particular skills and qualifications. Canadian businesses and both Federal and Provincial Governments can then select suitable candidates for immigration. This is excellent news for anyone wanting to move to Canada as it should make the immigration process faster and fairer for all.
The number applicants granted visas by provinces through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is also set to rise to 48,000, with some being selected through the Express Entry system.
Family Reunification
While the Government is clearly targeting skilled, professional immigrants, it remains committed to keeping families together and has assured expats that family sponsorship will continue to be a priority. Anyone granted either a permanent or temporary foreign workers visa should be able to sponsor a spouse or common law partner and any dependant children, so the professional expats in demand in Canada can rest assured that their families are welcome too.
There will also continue to be a limited number of visas granted to the non-dependent children or grandchildren of current Canadian residents. Reassuringly, the Canadian government has also vowed to continue to make international refugees a priority.
Canada Wants You!
With record targets for immigration, it is clear that Canada is more eager than ever to welcome expats who want to build a solid, successful life within its borders. It is now easier and faster to gain the holy grail of permanent residency in Canada and with a stable economy, booming cities such as Vancouver, Ottawa and Calgary and the perennially beautiful scenery, there are few better places to be an expat.
