Earlier this month, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco E. L. Mendicino, announced an innovative pathway to permanent residence for 40000 international graduates who “actively contribute to Canada’s economy”. 

This new pathway is part of a wider initiative that offers permanent residence to 20000 temporary workers in health care and to 30000 temporary workers in other essential occupations. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin accepting applications on 6 May 2021 and will close on 5 November 2021, or until they have reached their limit. 

Graduates must meet several requirements which include completing a selected Canadian post-secondary programme from the eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) no earlier than January 2017. 

As Marco E.L. Mendicino stated, “The pandemic has shone a bright light on the incredible contributions of newcomers. These new policies will help those with a temporary status to plan their future in Canada, play a key role in our economic recovery and help us build back better. Our message to them is simple: your status may be temporary, but your contributions are lasting—and we want you to stay.”  

The announcement aims to help the country achieve its 2021 Immigration Levels Plan, which will see Canada welcome 401 000 new permanent residents. The skilled newcomers and international graduates welcomed under the plan will help create jobs and drive long-term growth in Canada.