Canada’s Armed Forces recently announced permanent residents’ eligibility to join the CAF. The declaration came through an Instagram post a week before Remembrance Day(11 November). This day is an attempt to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces.
This tradition started as early as 1918, marking the end of World War 1. Most Canadians gather at ceremonies near cenotaphs to show their gratitude toward the efforts of those serving the country. However, the rest simply pause for two minutes in silence around 11 am.
Canada’s Armed Forces seek to invite more members
Initially, CAF didn’t allow permanent residents to join the force due to the security clearance factor. Currently, there is an acute shortage of force members. Therefore, CAF seeks to invite more members to join its team.
Besides this, the Department of National Defense will soon officially announce the change in policy.
Permanent residents can be a part of Canada’s Armed Forces
CAF’s recruitment policy witnessed a massive change, emphasizing the need to grow the Canadian military. Also, this change is due to the Russia and Ukraine conflict. CAF also revealed that it could not possibly end the citizenship requirement in April this year.
According to Toronto Star’s official report, Canada needs 12,000 more force troops to actualize its full regular force of 100,000 members.
Canada likely to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents by 2025
Canada’s military forces will get a broader pool of candidates with the newly introduced Immigration Levels plan from 2023 to 2025. The new plan focuses on welcoming at least 500,000 new permanent residents toward the latter part of 2025.
The 2021 Census data reveals that a minimum of 25 percent of Canadians acquired permanent residency or had been landed immigrants. Immigrants also account for being eligible candidates for the military forces because they usually move here at a younger age when they are more agile and physically fit.
Currently, the military forces comprise only 12 percent of minorities, while 16 percent of women. The rest of the percentage consists of white males.
SMFA Program
Presently, Canadian permanent residents can use the Skilled Military Foreign Applicant program to join the armed forces. Additionally, this program aims to recruit individuals with exceptional skills so that they can fill in the specific position. Moreover, the forces will not require to invest in training these members for the post of trained pilot or doctor. However, the SMFA program in no way speeds up the application process for PR. But, these candidates get a citizenship waiver through IRCC.
Until now, this program has only permitted 15 candidates to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
Eligibility criteria
At present, candidates must be at least 18 years old, or they could even be 16 years old. Also, they must prove their parent’s consent for the same. They must have completed their education with Grade 10 or Grade 12. However, whether you aim to be an officer will determine the type of education required. Permanent residents will have the same qualifying criteria.
