Bengaluru
IRCC extended the out-of-status construction workers in the GTA Program
On August 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an extension of the temporary policy addressing out-of-status migrants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This measure, aimed at assisting employers and mitigating critical labour shortages, will remain in effect until December 31, 2024. The policy builds upon a pilot program initiated in 2019 in collaboration with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), which originally offered permanent residency status to 500 out-of-status construction workers. Subsequently, the program’s scope was expanded the previous year, accommodating up to 1,000 applicants.
#IRCC, #GTA, #CLC, #construction_workers, #out_of_status_workers
Immigration policies threaten billions in economic contributions from international students
New immigration policies in Australia, Canada, and the UK aimed at reducing net migration by limiting international student numbers could cost these countries billions in economic contributions. While media coverage has focused on the impact of foreign students on housing and healthcare, less attention has been paid to their substantial economic value. Recent analyses reveal the significant GDP contributions of international students, with Australia’s NAB finding they accounted for over half of the country’s 1.5% GDP growth in 2023. Canada’s contribution was estimated at CDN$31 billion in 2022, while the UK saw a profit of £41.9 billion in 2021/22. As these countries implement stricter policies, they risk immediate revenue losses across multiple sectors and a decline in long-term innovative potential, as exemplified by the surge in billion-dollar startups founded by former international students in the US.
#International_students, #immigration_policy, #GDP
Former international students dominated Express Entry invitations in 2023
Nearly half of all Express Entry invitees in 2023 were former international students, highlighting the significant advantage of Canadian education in the immigration process. A striking 46.2% of candidates who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) qualified for additional points due to their Canadian educational experience. This trend underscores the effectiveness of studying in Canada as a pathway to permanent residency despite potential impacts from the 2024 caps on international student permits. The data also reveals that a three-year post-secondary degree is almost a prerequisite for Express Entry success, with 92% of invited candidates holding such qualifications. Furthermore, these former international students tend to earn above-average incomes after achieving permanent resident status, reinforcing the long-term benefits of this immigration route.
#Express_Entry, #international_students, #tudy_in_Canada, #Permanent_Residency, #CEC, #economic_immigration
The skilled labour shortage costs Canada billions and threatens economic stability.
Canada’s economy is at a critical juncture, facing a significant challenge as the skilled trades deficit reaches alarming levels despite meeting immigration targets. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that the construction industry alone shed 45,000 jobs in July 2023, while the manufacturing sector’s skills shortage cost the economy an estimated $13 billion in 2022. This crisis spans multiple sectors, impacting housing development and infrastructure projects. With 700,000 tradespeople expected to retire by 2028, immediate and decisive action is needed. Experts call for education reform, increased trade diversity, and streamlined immigration policies to address this pressing issue and secure Canada’s economic future.
#skilled_labour_shortage, #construction_industry, #manufacturing_sector, #workforce_challenge, #trades