The Canadian economy is in recovery from the pandemic with many employers actively seeking workers. Immigration Canada says workers are in demand for hundreds of thousands of jobs in all industries across the country. At present, economic growth is outpacing labor market opportunities and once again attracting foreign workers is a critical tool for boosting Canada's economy. On April 22, 2022, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, announced that Express Entry draws will resume in early July to allow businesses and employers to have access to skilled workers. Anyone wishing to assess their chances of immigration can use our free service and fill out a free assessment form on our website.
NEWS FOR STUDENTS
Minister Fraser also announced a new temporary policy that will give international graduates with expiring temporary status the opportunity to stay in Canada longer so they can continue to gain work experience and have a better chance of becoming eligible for permanent residence. Beginning this summer, international students who are in Canada and have a post-graduate work permit that expires between January and December 2022 will be eligible for an additional open work permit for up to 18 months. Students have always been seen as a great opportunity and play a vital role in solving the labor shortage problem, as they are already well integrated into the Canadian labor market and work in key industries across the country. Every year, tens of thousands of people successfully transition from temporary status to permanent status after completing their studies in Canada.
NEWS FOR TOURISTS
Additionally, Canada extended a previously taken measure to allow the transition from tourist to work status without leaving Canada until February 28, 2023. This will allow tourists to find work in Canada and obtain a work permit with the prospect of further immigration.
Taking effect this summer, the policy changes announced today include:
Applicants are no longer required to remain in Canada while their application is being processed.
Applicants who apply for an open work permit while waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed will be able to obtain a work permit valid until the end of 2024. This ensures that all applications for permanent residence are completed before applicants need to renew their temporary status.
To support family reunification, immediate family members who are outside of Canada and who were included in the main applicant's application for permanent residence will be eligible for their own open work permit.