Fast-Track Immigration for Students and Workers

December 23, 2021 — To support Canada’s post-pandemic recovery and chart a more prosperous future, the Government of approved 401,000 new permanent residents for 2021. This is the most newcomers in a year in Canadian history.

This historic achievement is particularly significant in the face of the pandemic’s many challenges. As the world continued to struggle with the pandemic, Canada looked inward and made the most of the talent already within its borders.

This means that the majority of these new permanent residents were already in Canada on temporary status. Most notably, Canada launched new fast-track immigration programs to fast-track the permanent residency of essential workers, health care professionals, international graduates and French-speaking newcomers.

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said that some of these temporary fast-track immigration programs could be here to stay even after the pandemic. He has been ordered to continue the approach as part of his mandate letter from the prime minister.

This means that while it is getting harder for outside-Canada applicants to qualify for permanent residency, applying for temporary residency such as a study permit or work permit will fast-track a person’s path to permanent residency and future citizenship in Canada.

It is after all a known fact that Canada needs immigration to drive our economy, enrich our society and support our aging population. One in 3 Canadian businesses is owned by an immigrant, and 1 in 4 health care workers is a newcomer. Business, labour market experts and economists all agree that immigration creates jobs, spurs innovation and helps address labour shortages.

As we close 2021 and look forward to 2022, it is worth noting that the target increases to 411,000 new permanent residents in 2022. So to those wondering when is the best time to apply to Canada, the answer is definitely Now.