Canada has initiated a programme aimed at facilitating the transition of skilled temporary foreign workers to permanent residency. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab confirmed this move amid rising concerns regarding the legal status of many migrants. The initiative seeks to bestow permanent status on 33,000 foreign workers over the next two years, with the announcement initially made in November.

Details of the Programme

Minister Diab highlighted that the programme is now operational, though specifics regarding the number of applicants processed will be revealed in April. Recent governmental statistics indicated that over 2.1 million temporary residents are expected to have their permits expire by 2025, with an additional 1.9 million anticipated to lose legal status in 2026. These figures raised alarms about a potential increase in the undocumented population in Canada.

Goals of the Initiative

The programme is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strategy to lower the proportion of non-permanent residents in Canada to below five per cent by 2027, down from 6.8 per cent at the end of 2025. Successful transition of temporary migrants into permanent residents is regarded as crucial for achieving this target. In the previous year, over half of the 395,000 new permanent residents were individuals who previously held temporary permits in Canada.

Extension Policy for Temporary Residents

Minister Diab urged all individuals in Canada on temporary status—be it as visitors, students, or workers—to apply for extensions if they wish to remain beyond their allowed time. She emphasized the necessity of adhering to these guidelines, stating that failure to apply for an extension would necessitate departure from Canada. Furthermore, if an extension request is denied, individuals are also expected to leave the country.

Controversial Bill C-12

In addition, Minister Diab is overseeing Bill C-12, which would empower immigration officials to cancel or suspend applications based on public interest criteria. She described these measures as exceptional and underscored the requirement for careful consideration in decision-making. Her objectives include stabilizing permanent resident admissions, reducing temporary resident numbers, supporting francophone settlement outside Quebec, and implementing a strategy to attract international talent.

Concerns Regarding Temporary Worker Programmes

Diab addressed concerns raised by some politicians advocating for the shutdown of the temporary foreign worker programme. She pointed out that numerous businesses and industries depend on these workers, highlighting the shortage of Canadians available to fill specific job roles. Additionally, she discussed the recent reductions faced by international students under the new federal framework, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the education system while attracting qualified individuals.

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