Are you planning to apply for Skilled Worker Visa Canada? Well, your timing couldn’t have been better. The Canadian Immigration Ministry recently unveiled a robust 3-year Immigration Plan to harness global talent to reinvigorate their economy. Multiple industries in Canada are facing labour shortages. There is a dire need to hire skilled international workers.
Canada achieves this through a hassle-free and flexible immigration program is its only path to economic recovery. Hence, the revised immigration levels plan was announced on 14th February 2022. The biggest highlight is that Canada aims to welcome 1.3 million immigrants as permanent residents over the next three years. For Indians eyeing plush jobs and high living standards abroad, this is a golden opportunity!
Skilled Worker Visa Canada: Big Takeaways for Indian Aspirants
Canada has always been amongst the leading hubs of global talent. But like all other countries, it has faced the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the economy still reeling from the impact, the government has put a firm foot down to modernize immigration programs. From eliminating administrative bottlenecks to speeding up Visa formalities, multiple initiatives have been rolled out. Here are some key takeaways for aspiring Indian immigrants:
- Spanning 2022, 2023, and 2024, the purported intake of immigrants will be 1.14% of the total population of Canada. It implies that 431,645 immigrants will be granted PR in 2022 and 447,055 in 2023. As per population growth projections, 451,000 applicants will receive permanent residence in 2024.
- Close to two-thirds of the immigrant intake quota will be under the Economic Stream. The main motive is to foster economic growth by hiring skilled foreign workers. The professional work experience, skills, and educational qualifications of aspiring immigrants will be critical for visa approval.
- The hiring of Frontline workers will be exceptionally high. These include qualified professionals in the Healthcare Industry, Logistics, and Transportation, Manufacturing, etc. Multiple IT and Tech positions also need urgent filling.
- Based on the labour requirements, temporary residents working in Canada will receive permanent residence. The process of their reunification with spouses and children will be fast-tracked.
- While it may not be of consequence to Indians, the 2022 Canadian Immigration Plan also focuses on humanitarian immigration. A significant percentage of refugees from global crisis zones (like Afghanistan) are invited to apply for PR.
- India has consistently been the single most significant contributor of skilled workers to Canada. Many young professionals work there on a temporary work visa, while others permanently settle there. In 2021, close to 30% of the immigrants granted permanent residence in Canada were Indians. With this new plan to fill the labour market shortage across various Canadian provinces, the number is bound to increase.
- Be it economically, culturally, or ethically, Canada’s ambitious new immigration modernization initiatives are indeed praiseworthy. It is one of the few highly-developed and peace-loving countries where multiple ethnicities can thrive, and global talent can flourish.
Bracing with the Pandemic After-Effect
There is a fiscal deficit in the Canadian economy due to higher spending and lower returns in 2020 and 2021. With vaccinations in full swing and the pandemic nearing its end, the government is now undertaking rapid measures to recover. One of the most key strategies for economic recovery is to have a strong, skilled workforce. Across various industries, manpower shortage is being experienced due to the declining fertility rate. Hence, the immigrant intake quota has been drastically increased. This new immigration plan is also applicable to the French-speaking state of Quebec, which has announced its immigration levels. The recent announcement covers all the major Canadian immigration programs and streams. These include
- Express Entry Program (Federal Skilled Worker or FSW Stream)
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Family Sponsorship
- Temporary and Open Work Permits
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Class
- Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Program\
Based on the CRS Score or the PNP Score of your Express Entry Profile, your chances of selection vary. Since the immigrant intake quota for 2022, 2023, and 2024 will be the highest this decade, the probability is high. If you have been trying for the last several years, but to no avail, another try is recommended now!
ALSO READ: 20 JOBS IN CANADA THAT DON’T NEED WORK PERMITS
A Word of Caution
Now that the Canadian government has officially announced its keenness on welcoming skilled immigrants, many dubious visa consultants have emerged. If you plan to apply for Canadian immigration through any of the streams mentioned above, beware of unauthorized visa consultants. Before going ahead and liaising with a Canadian immigration consultant, always check that it is a registered RCIC. It should be a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with a current license from the ICCRC (Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council). Steer clear of fake visa agents by recognizing the following signs:
- No RCIC certification or ICCRC affiliation
- Asking for your original documents to keep with them
- Asking for your signature on blank documents
- False promises like guaranteed job or placements, immediate visa approvals, instant family reunification, and so on
- Encouraging you to bribe Visa officials or any other illegal conduct for fast visa approval
- A money-minded approach with multiple hidden charges and insisting on full payment before the work is done
Conclusion
If you have been vying for Canada PR immigration the 2022 Immigration Levels Plan will undoubtedly work in your favour. The Canadian Immigration Ministry has categorically recognized the prominent role of immigrants in shaping their economy. Their contributions as frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic have been particularly hailed.
Today, thousands of vacancies persist in the face of their declining birth rates and ageing population. Therefore, while many other developed nations (the US in particular) are curtailing immigrants, the contrary is true for Canada. This is a safe, stable, prosperous, and welcoming multi-cultural hub for skilled foreign workers. With the guidance of a certified RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant), you can have your Canadian permanent residence visa fast-tracked.
