Thousands of temporary foreign workers offer their expertise to Canada each year, playing a significant role in boosting the nation’s economy and addressing important labor market shortages. Despite their contributions, foreign employees frequently confront difficulties when it comes to pursuing their educational objectives and establishing new chances for themselves.
Today, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Nationality, the Senator Sean Fraser, announced a revolutionary temporary measure aimed at easing limits on study programs for temporary foreign employees without a study permission.
Effective immediately, foreign employees will have the option to pursue further training and education, allowing them to develop their professions. This strategy not only extends their work options but also boosts their chances of moving to permanent residency. Previously, foreign employees were only permitted to participate in study programs of six months or fewer while working. For lengthier programs, students had to apply individually for a study permission. This obstacle proved tough for those trying to upgrade their education, gain extra training, or confirm their international credentials via particular programs.
Under this new three-year temporary solution, foreign employees may study full-time or part-time without any program duration limits.
The interim measure applies to those possessing a current work permit or if they have filed work permit renew forms on or before June 7, 2023, and are permitted to work. If a foreign worker wishes to continue studying beyond the period of their work visa, he or she must apply for a study permit.
Speaker Sean Fraser stressed the relevance of interim foreign staff for the Canadian economy and their goals past their first job contracts. He remarked, “With this policy in place, we hope to empower foreign nationals to improve their skills in order to meet their career goals and achieve their dreams, while providing a future potential source of talent for our labor market.”
This immigration move not only helps companies and employees but also tackles key labor shortages. It provides the path for foreign-trained medical professionals to contribute to the healthcare system, allows construction workers to become tradespersons, and enhances communities by supporting skill development and job creation.
Canada’s labor force growth predominantly depends on immigration, accounting for virtually all of the country’s population increase. By 2036, immigrants are anticipated to contribute up to 30% of Canada’s population. With the present trend, where there are around three employees for every senior, this ratio is predicted to fall to two workers per retiree in the next 10 to 15 years.
Additionally, Canada’s education system has been placed in the top 10 by worldwide employers, reflecting the quality and appeal of Canadian universities for overseas students.
While Canadian work exception gained over continuous enrollment isn’t counted toward ability for the Experience Class or add to Express Entry CRS points, this temporary policy provides foreign nationals with a valuable opportunity for obtaining an Express Entry invitation for permanent residency. By continuing additional studies, individuals may raise their CRS score by earning more years of knowledge, getting relevant jobs in part-time tests, enhancing language competence, or acquiring better-skilled job via enhanced abilities obtained throughout their studies.