Post-Corona Era, Canadian Government Declares Massive Immigration Acceptance

Many experts predict that the current pandemic will end to some extent in 2021 next year with the spread of the COVID-19 vaccine and treatment. Of course, it is true that there are many variables, but now those who are considering studying abroad, working, or emigrating need to set up a specific action plan.

This is because living abroad is a mid- to long-term plan that requires a preparation period of at least 6 months to 1 year due to problems such as language training, visa, and preparation of funds.

For those who build these plans, the recent 2021-2023 massive immigration acceptance policy announced through the media by the Canadian Federal Immigration Department is very good news.

It is unusual for the Canadian government to actively declare the influx of immigrants as a national growth engine, unlike other developed countries, while suppression and discrimination against the influx of foreign workers into the country are expected to become more severe in most countries due to the corona crisis. 

According to the announcement, Canada aims to continue welcoming immigrants at a rate of about 1% of Canada's population, including 401,000 in 2021, 411,000 in 2022 and 421,000 in 2023. Compared to the previous plan, which was 351,000 in 2021 and 361,000 in 2022, the target has been raised by more than 15% and the period has also been extended to 2023. These plans are likely to be extended into 2024 or 2025, unless the COVID-19 situation ends immediately in early 2021.

So far, there is no word on how to recruit immigrants on a large scale, but the plan is to select around 60% of immigrants from the economy class, training young people with English or French proficiency and the skills needed to rebuild Canada's economy. There's a good chance they'll run a big promotion for their talent.

As stated in the announcement, it is expected that an innovative and community-centered approach to address the diverse labor and demographic needs of Canada will be further strengthened, which is expected to be strengthened from immigrant selection to those who are steadily building their careers, such as studying and working in Canada. It can be said that it is an absolutely favorable environment for candidates.

The article below is the full text of the Federal Immigration Department's announcement that came out last October 30th.

October 30, 2020—Ottawa— The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, tabled the 2021‒2023 Immigration Levels Plan today, which sets out a path for responsible increases to immigration targets to help the Canadian economy recover from COVID-19, drive future growth and create jobs for middle class Canadians.

The pandemic has highlighted the contribution of immigrants to the well-being of our communities and across all sectors of the economy. Our health-care system relies on immigrants to keep Canadians safe and healthy. Other industries, such as information technology companies and our farmers and producers, also rely on the talent of newcomers to maintain supply chains, expand their businesses and, in turn, create more jobs for Canadians.

Although Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued to accept and process applications throughout the pandemic, the global travel restrictions and capacity constraints led to a shortfall in admissions over the last several months. To compensate for the shortfall and ensure Canada has the workers it needs to fill crucial labour market gaps and remain competitive on the world stage, the 2021 to 2023 levels plan aims to continue welcoming immigrants at a rate of about 1% of the population of Canada, including 401,000 permanent residents in 2021, 411,000 in 2022 and 421,000 in 2023. The previous plan set targets of 351,000 in 2021 and 361,000 in 2022.

The health, safety and security of Canadians remain our top priorities. Canada has strengthened health screening at the border as well as monitoring and enforcement, and will continue to closely follow the advice of public health officials as we welcome newcomers.

This multi-year levels plan recognizes the importance of family reunification and Canada’s global commitment to protecting those most at risk through refugee resettlement. 

Highlights of the plan include

- an increase in admissions over the 3 years of the plan to make up the shortfall in 2020

- a focus on economic growth, with about 60% of admissions to come from the Economic Class

- a continued focus on innovative and community-driven approaches to address diverse labour and demographic needs across the country

- a renewed commitment to capacity-building and digital transformation in Canada’s immigration system, to support operations and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the processing of applications

- additional points for French-speaking candidates under Express Entry, to promote the growth of Francophone communities outside of Quebec

- a commitment to admit up to 500 refugees over the next 2 years through the Economic Mobility Pathways Project, an innovative approach that helps qualified refugees apply for permanent residence through existing economic immigration pathways

- a pathway to permanent residency for eligible asylum claimants who were working on the front lines of the pandemic between March 13 and August 14, 2020, providing direct care to patients in health-care institutions

The 2021–2023 Immigration Levels Plan will help cement Canada’s place among the world’s top destinations for talent, creating a strong foundation for economic growth while reuniting family members with their loved ones and fulfilling Canada’s humanitarian commitments.