On May 10, the FMRI meeting was held to discuss Canadian immigration priorities. The Federation of Ministers responsible for Immigration consists of provincial and territorial immigration. These ministers constitute the decision-making body that assists a productive Canadian immigration system. Its chief objective is to let the joint immigration priorities progress while improving Canada’s immigration policies and programs.
This decision-making body conducts meetings twice yearly, inviting all immigration ministers to partner with their co-workers and proceed with provincial priorities. The same FMRI meeting took place last November.
The most recent FMRI witnessed the minister claim that the meeting went well, creating a positive impact. However, he even observed that there was some work still left, specifically within the capacity of the international student program in Canada.
FMRI meeting was held to discuss Canadian immigration priorities – What about international students?
The minister even stated that the year had been quite challenging for international students. This was due to numerous essential changes that have been executed since January. These alterations include the following:
- The restriction or cap on the applications of international students that IRCC will be taking into account.
- The PALs introduction – Provincial Attestation Letters.
- Updated eligibility requirements of the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
The immigration minister reiterated that some provinces or territories wanted IRCC to acknowledge prolonged PGWPs for healthcare and trades graduates. This is because these two industries offer employment to an aging labor force.
Marc Miller further claimed that IRCC is attempting for a permanent residence pathway for those working in the construction sector. He discussed the present Express Entry category for trade occupation candidates. However, per the ATIP, this category will contribute to 5 percent of all ITAs granted in Express Entry category-based draws in 2024.
In addition, most of these occupations will need accreditation from the province. The minister stated that just like in former meetings, provinces are presently attempting to “cut the red tape” around the entire process. This is so that new immigrants can work faster in their desired industries. Hence, it is the responsibility of provinces to implement foreign credential recognition.
Discussing the TR levels
Since IRCC declared numerous policies and initiatives concerning the new TR levels, this FMRI meeting was the first one. IRCC even seeks to add the temporary residence levels to the yearly Immigration Levels Plan. Marc Miller reiterates that these targets will serve as a soft cap on the TR numbers for the following three years. These TR numbers include those working, studying in Canada, or those on their visitor visas.
The entire population in Canada is made up of 6.2 percent of temporary residents. However, the updated targets will reduce this percentage to 5 percent over the upcoming years.
Marc Miller observed an ardent need to share accurate data between provinces and territories. Also, the federal government had to ensure that provinces properly prepare for the future to align the new immigrants with the current labor force needs.
IRCC also partially seeks to decrease the TR levels to conduct more domestic draws. This was evident in IRCC’s response to extend the work permits of around 7,000 PGWP holders who fell under the Manitoba PNP. The work permit extension reduces Canada’s requirement to bring in more candidates from outside to bridge the labor force gaps.
The immigration department displayed interest in working with other provinces or territories to shift the rising number of temporary residents to permanent residents.
If you wish to learn about Canadian immigration, connect with our immigration experts at MakeHomeCanada. Our considerable experience in the immigration field can help you. You may write to us at [email protected].
