Canada has long enjoyed a reputation as a diverse and welcoming country. Part of the reason this is true is Canada’s ongoing creation and use of policies that encourage students, among other populations, to study and work in Canada. The Canadian federal government is looking to admit more than in 2021. So, what are some of the factors driving people to seek permanent residency (or PR) in Canada?
There are many reasons why someone would choose Canada. However, the four points listed below are some of the most important factors driving the recent increase in Canadian permanent residency.
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Express Entry System
聽is used by聽 to streamline the PR application process for skilled foreign workers. The EES has been popular since it was first introduced in 2015. In fact, ,听聽invited a total of 41,800 applicants over the first half of 2019. As things stand, the total Invitations to apply (ITAs) for 2019 are聽, which saw a record 89,800 ITAs.
The Express Entry System is arguably the clearest indicator of PR numbers in Canada. However, it鈥檚 not the only factor behind the increase we鈥檙e seeing.
Global Talent Stream
One of the great things about Canada鈥檚 immigration system is it鈥檚 a two-way street. Under the聽 program, Canadian employers can bring on highly skilled foreign workers and get them a work permit in as little as two weeks. This program was launched as a temporary pilot in June 2017. However, due to an ongoing need for skilled workers, it鈥檚 since been made permanent.
Booming Tech Sector
California used to be the top place to go if you wanted to work on the cutting edge of technology. And while the American west coast is still the tech capital of the world, Canada has emerged as a competitive alternative. Many of the world鈥檚 most successful companies, including Amazon, Google, and Uber, have large operations in Canada. Plus, many Canadian cities have a lower overall cost of living than communities in California’s Bay Area, which attracts both employers and future workers.
Combined with homegrown companies like Shopify and OpenText, it鈥檚 no surprise Canada鈥檚 largest tech region鈥搕he Toronto tech corridor鈥� by some as 鈥淪ilicon Valley North.鈥�
Work Visa Challenges in the US
The United States continues to be a major destination for skilled foreign workers. However, different policy developments have discouraged potential applicants.
Various challenges affect American immigration pathways, from ongoing issues with H-1B visa policies to a聽. So, countries like Canada, with a (comparatively) more straightforward permanent residency application process, have benefited from an influx of highly skilled workers.
Curious about working in Canada after graduation? Check out our guide on the popular Post Graduation Work Permit program.
