Ottawa opens new pathway to permanent status for temporary essential workers and graduates

The federal government will introduce a new pathway to permanent residency forforeign nationals working in Canada in essential jobs such as personal support and health services, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicinoannounced today.

The new policy will allowup to 90,000 workers and international graduates already in Canada to convert their temporary status to permanent status, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a news release.

But one group that advocates for the rights of migrants cautioned the policy change will help onlya small portion of the people who liveand workin Canada and don't have permanent immigration status.

"Since COVID-19first arrived on our shores, we have charted a course guided by one north star that immigration is key to Canada's short term economic recovery and long term prosperity,"Mendicino told a virtual news conference today.

"Fundamentally, we know that by attracting and retaining the best and the brightest ... we will add more jobs, growth and diversity to our economy."

WATCH:Immigration minister announces new pathway to permanent status for essentialworkers

Immigration minister announces new pathway to permanent status for essential workers

3 years ago

Duration 1:30

Marco Mendicino says the new policy will allow over 90,000 workers and international graduates in Canada to obtain permanent residency status.

To be eligible for the new pathway, workers must have at least one year of Canadian work experience in one of 40 differenthealth care jobs or95other pre-approved essential jobs.Graduates must have completed an eligible Canadian post-secondary program over the last four years.

The department provided a list of occupations that are deemed essential. It includes people in a wide range of skilled trades, such aselectricians and metal workers, along with farm workers, cashiers, home childcare providers and French immersion teachers, among others.

Mendicino called the new policy a "broad, fast and innovative path" to permanent residency that focuses on jobs that are vital to the Canadian economy.

"This isn't just about giving people a new piece of paper.We're creating a pathway for newcomers that will strengthen their job security, expand their career horizons and encourage them to put down deeper roots in our communities where they are giving back," Mendicino said.

Applications accepted through three streams

Eligible workers and graduates will be able to apply for permanent status through three streamsbetween May 6, 2021 andNov.5, 2021. The department will take up to 20,000 applications for temporary workers in health care,30,000 applications for temporary workers in the essential job category and40,000 applications for international students.

All applicants must be proficient in either English or French, and a certain portion of spots will be reserved forFrench-speaking or bilingual candidates.

The department says the new policy will help the government achieve its goal of welcoming 401,000 new permanent residents to the country.

Mendicino was joined at the press conference by a group of professionals, three of whom immigrated to Canada and now work in health care.

ShailadiGupta isoriginally from India buthas worked as a registered nursein Canada since 2011. She spoke about receiving permanent status in 2013, saying itallowed her to purchase a home with lower interest rates, go back to university while paying lower tuition feesand start her own business.

"A change in status is transformational for temporary foreign workers in many ways," said Gupta. "Instead of packing suitcasesand returning back to their countries or becoming discouraged and ending up working at Tim Horton's, theycan actually put down roots here in Canada and more fully contribute in Canada in a wide range of roles, including in our hospitals and care homes."

GoldyHyder, president and CEO of theBusiness Council of Canada,issued a statement welcoming the announcement.

"COVID-19-relatedrestrictionshave hit Canada's immigration system hard, significantly reducing the number of newcomersenteringthe country," said Hyder.

"The minister's planaddresses this challenge bywelcomingurgently needed talent."

New pathway not enough, migrant rights group says

A group of advocates for therights of migrants said the program doesn't go far enough.

Syed Hussan, executive director of Migrant's Rights Network, called the new pathwaya "time-limited and partial program" that will help onlya small number of migrants with temporary status.

"Each year, hundreds of thousandsof people come to the country on temporary permits, many of whom cannot get permanent residency. While they are temporary, they are unable to assert basic labour rights, access health care, often get education,get income support even in the public health pandemic or be able to reunite with their families," said Hussan.

"Today's announcement keeps that entire structure still in place."

Hussan said many will find the pathway hard to access because of the language requirements. He saidthe program also excludes abouthalf a million undocumented people who live and work in Canada but don't have any immigration status.

"Undocumented people live andwork in our communities and work in many of the same industries. They must be able to access permanent status," said Hussan."Today's announcement leaves them out."

Hussan called on Mendicino to immediately provide permanent resident status to the 1.6 million people in Canada currently without it.

WATCH:Agricultural workers to be included in permanent residency program, minister says

Agricultural workers to be included in permanent residency program, minister says

3 years ago

Duration 2:06

Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino tells Vassy Kapelos on Power & Politics that temporary farm workers will be able to apply for permanent residency under a new program for essential workers.

NDPimmigration critic Jenny Kwan agreed withHussan's argument that the new pathway will leave many people behind.

"There is no question that the proposed cap will quickly be filled since so many migrant workers are already here in Canada working hard to support Canadians," saidKwan.

"If the government truly wished to recognize the benefits and talent migrant workers and international students bring to the Canadian economy and society, they should also not exclude those who may have lost their employment in the middle of a pandemic or those without status."

Conservative MPJasraj Singh Hallan, the party's immigration critic, said Conservative members of the House of Commons immigration committee have calledon the government to introduce measures to allowworkers and skilled students to stay in Canada.

"However, with the Liberal government's failure to address backlogs and current processing times in the immigration system, including with the existing spousal sponsorship, express entryand caregiver programs, I am concerned that new applicants through this program will face unfortunate and unnecessary delays,"Hallansaid.