Author: Admin

Canada has introduced several new regulations affecting international students, effective from late 2024 and into 2025. These changes aim to balance educational opportunities with labor market needs and ensure the integrity of the immigration system. The key updates are as follows:

1. Updated Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Criteria:

• Effective Date: November 1, 2024
•  
• Details: International students applying for a PGWP must meet new eligibility requirements, which vary based on the submission date of their study permit application and their program of study.
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• For Study Permit Applications Submitted On or After November 2024:
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• • + University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees):
    • * Language Requirement: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all language skills.
    • * Field of Study: No restrictions; all fields are eligible.
    •  
  • + Graduates from Other University Programs:
    • * Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7.
    • * Field of Study: Must be in a high-demand area in Canada.
    •  
  • + College Graduates or Other Programs:
    • * Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 6.
    • * Field of Study: Must be in a high-demand area.
    •  
• Purpose: These changes are designed to align educational outcomes with Canada’s labor market needs, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary language skills and qualifications for in-demand occupations.

2. Updated Off-Campus Work Hour Limitations:

• Effective Date: November 2024
•  
• Details: International students are now permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week.
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• Purpose: This adjustment aims to provide students with greater financial flexibility while ensuring they remain focused on their studies.

3. Termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS):

• Effective Date: November 2024
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• Details: The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs have been terminated.
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• Purpose: There are concerns about vulnerabilities and fairness led to its discontinuation. By terminating these programs, IRCC aims to create a more level playing field for all applicants and reduce exploitation within the system.

4. Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits:

• Effective Date: November 2024
•  
• Details: New regulations have been introduced regarding the eligibility and application process for spousal open work permits.

The eligibility is now limited to spouses of students enrolled in professional degree programs at a university, such as a master’s or doctorate program:

• – Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS, DMD)
  – Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
  – Medical doctor (MD)
  – Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm), Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  – Veterinary medicine doctor (DVM)
  – Nursing Bachelor of Science (BScN, BSN, or BNSc)
  – Education Bachelor’s Degree (B. Ed.)
  – Engineering Bachelor’s Degree (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

Purpose: These adjustments aim to ensure that spousal work permits are issued in alignment with Canada’s labor market requirements and immigration objectives.

5. Restrictions on Study Permit Applications at Ports of Entry:

• Effective Date: November 2024
•  
• Details: International students are now required to apply for study permits prior to arriving in Canada, as applications at ports of entry are no longer accepted.
•  
• Purpose: This change is intended to enhance the integrity of the study permit issuance process and ensure proper vetting of applicants.

End of Flagpoling for PGWP Applications

Effective Date: June 21, 2024

Details: The practice known as “flagpoling,” where students temporarily exit and re-enter Canada to process immigration applications at the border, has been discontinued.

• Purpose: This measure seeks to reduce inefficiencies and enhance oversight within the immigration system.

These regulatory updates reflect Canada’s commitment to maintaining a robust and fair immigration system that supports both international students and the country’s economic needs. Prospective and current international students should familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and to make informed decisions regarding their studies and employment in Canada.

As of December 23, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has successfully met its annual nomination quota, issuing all 21,500 nominations allocated by the federal government for this year.

Implications for Applicants:

Application Processing: New and existing applications will now be processed under the 2025 allocation. Prospective candidates can continue to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) across the program’s primary streams, including the Employer Job Offer and Human Capital categories.

Selection Process: The OINP will maintain its merit-based selection, evaluating EOIs based on a scoring system and conducting draws to determine cut-off scores. Express Entry candidates may receive Notifications of Interest (NOIs) based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores across various streams.

2024 OINP Highlights:

Invitations to Apply (ITAs): The Employer Job Offer: International Student stream led with 8,363 ITAs, followed by the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream with 6,695 ITAs. The Masters Graduate stream also saw significant activity, issuing 5,519 ITAs.

Notifications of Interest (NOIs): Under the Human Capital Priorities stream, 12,731 NOIs were issued, while the Skilled Trades stream accounted for 9,006 NOIs.

Looking Ahead to 2025:

The federal government’s revised immigration targets indicate a substantial reduction in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations for 2025. The national PNP quota is expected to decrease by 50%, from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025. Consequently, Ontario’s allocation may drop to approximately 10,747 nominations, aligning with 2022 levels.

Applications interested in OINP should expect increased competition and higher cutoff threshholds in 2025 as Ontario adjusts to the reduces federal targets.

Effective December 23, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET, the Government of Canada has officially ended the practice of “flagpoling” for obtaining work and study permits at ports of entry.

What Is Flagpoling?

Flagpoling refers to the practice where foreign nationals temporarily exit Canada—often by visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon—and then re-enter to access immigration services at a Canadian port of entry. This method allowed individuals to obtain or renew work and study permits more quickly than applying through standard in-country processes.

Reason For Being Discontinued?

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported processing over 69,300 flagpoling cases between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, predominantly in the Pacific, Southern Ontario, and Quebec regions. This high volume consumed significant resources and diverted border officers from essential enforcement duties, contributing to increased wait times for cross-border travelers.

Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, stated, “This change will enable us to further streamline activities at our ports of entry and allow Canadian and American border officers to focus on what they have been expertly trained to do—border enforcement.”

Implications for Applicants

With the termination of flagpoling, individuals already in Canada must now submit applications and renewals for work or study permits through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Online applications are expected to experience longer processing times, potentially up to 6 months.

The Canadian immigration landscape is about to undergo a significant transformation. As of Spring 2025, Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will no longer contribute points to Express Entry profiles. This change marks a pivotal shift in how Canada evaluates skilled worker applications.

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers obtain to hire foreign workers. It demonstrates that no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the job, justifying the need for international talent. In the current Express Entry system, Express Entry candidates could receive an additional 50 or 200 CRS points for having an LMIA-based job offer.

An additional 50 points can easily make the difference between a candidate receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency, or not being invited at all.

Why is Canada Making This Change?

The decision to eliminate LMIA points from Express Entry reflects several objectives:

1. Reducing Employer Influence: By removing LMIA points, Canada seeks to prevent employers from disproportionately influencing immigration outcomes, ensuring a more equitable selection process.

2. Combating Fraud and Abuse: The LMIA process, designed to assess the need for hiring foreign workers when no qualified Canadians are available, has been exploited by fraudulent actors. By offering additional Express Entry points for LMIA-backed job offers, the system inadvertently created an incentive for unscrupulous individuals to illegally buy or sell LMIAs to improve their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Who Will Be Affected?

This policy change will affect all candidates in the Express Entry pool, including:

– Current temporary workers in Canada seeking permanent residency.
– New entrants to the Express Entry system.

Candidates who have already received an ITA or have an application in progress by spring 2025 will not be impacted.

What Should Candidates Do Now?

1. Enhance Language Skills: Scoring higher on English or French language tests can significantly boost CRS points.

2. Pursue Canadian Education or Work Experience: Gaining experience in Canada through study or temporary work programs can increase CRS scores.

3. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces offer immigration streams that prioritize specific skills and occupations.

As the year 2025 is coming, workers across Canada can expect significant changes to the minimum wage in several provinces. With rising living costs and inflation, provincial governments are adjusting minimum wage rates to help workers keep up with increasing expenses. These wage increases will benefit millions of Canadians, particularly those in lower-income sectors, but may also pose challenges for employers as they adapt to higher labor costs.

What Is the Minimum Wage in Canada?

The minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that employers are legally required to pay their employees.

There are 2 key types of minimum wages in Canada

Federal Minimum Wage:

The federal minimum wage applies to workers employed in industries that fall under federal jurisdiction. This includes sectors like banking, telecommunications, interprovincial transportation (e.g., airlines, railroads), federal government employees, and employees working for federally regulated businesses.

This federal minimum wage will be set annually by the federal government and adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Provincial/Territorial Minimum Wages:

• – Applicable to: Most workers in each province and territory, except for those covered by federal regulation.

• – Set by: Each individual province or territory.

Provinces and territories in Canada have the authority to set their own minimum wage rates for workers within their jurisdiction. These rates can vary widely from one region to another, reflecting differences in the cost of living, local economies, and government priorities.

Canada Wage Increase Amount in 2025 – Province Wise

Country	Canada
Benefit Providing Agency	The Ministry of Labour
Main Purpose of the Payment	Financial Support
Eligibility	All working individuals
Expected Increase	3.40%
Status	Unconfirmed

Current Minimum Wage in Canada across different provinces:

Province	Hourly wage
Alberta	$15.00
BC	$17.40
Manitoba	$15.80
New Brunswick	$15.30
Newfoundland & Labrador	$15.60
Northwest Territories	$16.70
Nova Scotia	$15.20
Nunavut	$19.00
Ontario	$17.20
Prince Edward island	$16.00
Quebec	$15.75
Saskatchewan	$15.00
Yukon	$17.59

The increasing minimum wages in Canada reflect a commitment to fairness, economic inclusivity, and the well-being of all workers.

By continuously adjusting wages in response to inflation and the rising cost of living, Canada is working to create a more just, equitable society where every worker can thrive. These efforts signal a strong belief that fair compensation is vital to ensuring a healthy and prosperous future for everyone in the country.

The Canadian immigration system is undergoing significant scrutiny, particularly regarding the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. Recently, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has suggested the possibility of removing LMIA points from the Permanent Residency (PR) application process, citing concerns over immigration fraud and enforcement challenges. This potential change aims to restore integrity to Canada’s immigration system, ensuring that it remains fair, transparent, and effective in addressing the country’s workforce needs.

What is the LMIA System?

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a tool used by the Canadian government to assess whether a foreign worker is needed for a job in Canada and if hiring that worker will negatively impact the Canadian labor market. Employers are required to obtain a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring a foreign worker under certain programs, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

In the context of permanent residency, the LMIA system plays a crucial role for applicants who are looking to gain points under the Express Entry system. A valid job offer supported by a positive LMIA can significantly increase a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, improving their chances of being invited to apply for PR.

Currently, a LMIA issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) awards applicants 50 points under the Express Entry system. If the LMIA is for a management position (TEER 0, Major group 00), it can add up to 200 points, greatly boosting an applicant’s chances in the increasingly competitive immigration pool.

However, concerns have emerged regarding the misuse of the LMIA system. While 200-point LMIAs are typically not exploited, 50-point LMIAs are sometimes sold to artificially increase an applicant’s score.

Why is the LMIA System Under Scrutiny?

While the LMIA system was initially implemented to protect the interests of Canadian workers and ensure that foreign workers are only hired when necessary, however, the system has become a target for fraud, with unscrupulous employers and recruiters exploiting international students and temporary workers by selling fake job offers at inflated prices. This illegal activity undermines the integrity of the LMIA program and creates challenges for legitimate workers and employers.

Canada’s immigration system used to be celebrated for its efficiency, is now under closer scrutiny. The rapid population growth caused by high levels of study and work permit holders has been linked to the country’s housing and affordability crises. A recent Environics poll revealed that for the first time in 25 years, a majority of Canadians believe the country has accepted too many immigrants.

Marc Miller’s proposal to remove LMIA points for permanent residency reflects a broader effort to address concerns related to immigration fraud, enforcement challenges, and the alignment of immigration policies with public sentiment. While this change could help restore integrity to Canada’s immigration system, it also raises questions about how it will impact skilled workers, employers, and the broader labor market.

Canada has long been recognized for its high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and progressive values. However, in recent years, it has also emerged as the number one destination for job seekers globally. With its strong economy, diverse job opportunities, and welcoming immigration policies, Canada is attracting skilled professionals from around the world. In this article, we explore why Canada has earned this top spot and what makes it an ideal destination for job seekers.

A new study has found Canada to be the top destination that people want to move to for work. According to job search platform Jobseeker, Canada is the most searched destination to move to out of all the countries considered. Australia is the second most searched country to move to, followed by Switzerland and the United States, which are tied for third place. Here is a list of the top countries to move to for work, according to the study. The number next to it corresponds to the number of times the country was ranked as a top country by overseas job seekers from the 30 countries analyzed.

– Canada (8)

– Australia (7)

– Switzerland (6)

– United States (6)

– Singapore (2)

– Denmark (2)

– Saudi Arabia (2)

– United Kingdom (2)

– Germany (1)

– Qatar (1)

– Spain (1)

– Japan (1)

– Netherlands (1)

– New Zealand (1)

According to the same study, most Canadians look for job opportunities in the United States.

Why Canada?

1. Thriving Job Market Across Multiple Sectors

One of the key reasons Canada is a top destination for job seekers is the strength and diversity of its job market. The country’s economy continues to grow, driven by industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, skilled trades, and natural resources.

• Tech Sector Boom: Canada’s technology sector is booming, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The demand for software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and other IT professionals has surged. With companies like Shopify, Telus, and other startups leading the way, Canada’s tech ecosystem is rapidly expanding, offering numerous opportunities for skilled workers.

• Healthcare Professionals in Demand: Canada’s healthcare system is highly regarded worldwide, and as the population continues to age, there is an increasing need for healthcare professionals. Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare workers are highly sought after, with many provinces actively recruiting internationally trained professionals.

• Skilled Trades and Engineering: Skilled workers in trades such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders, as well as engineers in fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical, are in high demand. Canada’s infrastructure projects, energy sector, and construction industry continue to thrive, providing numerous job opportunities.

• Finance and Business: Canada’s financial hubs, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, attract job seekers in finance, accounting, and business management. As Canada’s economy continues to expand, the need for financial analysts, accountants, business consultants, and managers remains strong.

2. Immigration-Friendly Policies

Canada’s progressive immigration policies play a significant role in its appeal to job seekers. The country has one of the most welcoming immigration systems in the world, with multiple pathways for skilled workers to move and work in Canada.

• Express Entry System: One of the main routes for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada is through the Express Entry system, which selects candidates based on their skills, work experience, and language proficiency. With regular draws and faster processing times, Express Entry is one of the most efficient ways to obtain permanent residency.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each Canadian province has its own PNP, which allows them to nominate skilled workers for permanent residency based on regional needs. This provides more localized opportunities for job seekers and the chance to settle in the province that best suits their skills and lifestyle preferences.

• Open Work Permits for Graduates and Spouses: Canada offers several types of work permits, including open work permits for spouses of skilled workers and international graduates. These work permits make it easier for foreign nationals to gain work experience while exploring permanent residency options.

• Global Talent Stream: This initiative is designed to fast-track work permits for highly skilled foreign workers in technology and other high-demand fields. It provides an accelerated pathway to immigration for tech professionals and others with expertise in areas critical to Canada’s economic development.

3. High Standard of Living

Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices, making it an attractive destination for job seekers. From the bustling cities of Toronto and Vancouver to the scenic beauty of places like Calgary and Montreal, Canada offers a high standard of living that is hard to beat.

• Healthcare and Education: One of the most significant factors that contribute to Canada’s high standard of living is its universal healthcare system. Citizens and permanent residents enjoy access to healthcare services without the burden of excessive medical bills. Additionally, Canada’s world-class education system makes it an ideal destination for families.

• Work-Life Balance: Canada is known for its work-life balance culture. The country prioritizes employee well-being, offering generous vacation time, paid parental leave, and strong labor protections. This, coupled with a friendly and inclusive work environment, makes Canada an attractive place to build both a career and a fulfilling personal life.

• Safety and Inclusivity: Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a reputation for welcoming diversity. Canadians value inclusivity and multiculturalism, making it an ideal destination for people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

4. Strong Economic Growth and Job Security

Canada’s economy is resilient and continues to expand, even in the face of global challenges. The country has weathered economic downturns better than many others, and its diverse economy ensures long-term stability. Sectors such as technology, healthcare, and natural resources continue to fuel job creation.

• Resilience During Global Crises: Even during global economic disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada managed to maintain a relatively stable job market. The federal government provided substantial support for businesses and individuals, ensuring that job seekers remained supported and employment opportunities persisted.

• Employment Insurance and Benefits: Canada offers robust social benefits, including employment insurance for those temporarily out of work, which provides a safety net for job seekers. This social support system ensures that Canadians can transition smoothly between jobs, reducing the stress of unemployment.

5. A Welcoming Society

Canada’s reputation as a tolerant, inclusive, and multicultural country plays a key role in its appeal to job seekers. With a large number of immigrants already calling Canada home, newcomers to the country can find diverse communities, making it easier to integrate into Canadian society.

• Cultural Diversity: Canada is known for its cultural diversity, and employers value the unique perspectives that immigrants bring to the workplace. Job seekers from all over the world find that their cultural backgrounds are respected and celebrated, enhancing the overall work environment.

• Supportive Immigrant Communities: Many Canadian cities have large immigrant populations, which means newcomers can find support networks, community organizations, and resources that make settling in easier. This sense of belonging contributes to the overall positive experience of working and living in Canada.

For job seekers looking for new opportunities, Canada offers not only the chance to work but also the potential to grow and settle in one of the world’s most desirable countries. Whether you’re a technology professional, healthcare worker, or skilled tradesperson, Canada is ready to welcome you with open arms and provide the resources to help you succeed.

Graduating from a Canadian institution as an international student is a major accomplishment, and many graduates are eager to gain work experience in Canada to build their careers. For those who no longer qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), there are still several options available to extend their stay in Canada and continue working. Here, we explore alternative work permit options for international student graduates who have aged out of the PGWP or no longer meet its requirements.

1. Free-Trade Agreement-Based Work Permits

Canada has several free trade agreements with countries that allow citizens of those countries to apply for work permits under specific provisions. These agreements are designed to facilitate the mobility of skilled workers and business people between participating countries.

• Eligibility: Graduates from countries with which Canada has a free-trade agreement, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA), can apply for a work permit under these trade agreements. Work permits are often available for specific occupations such as skilled workers, professionals, or intra-company transferees.
• Application Process: The application typically requires proof of citizenship and that the applicant’s occupation is eligible under the trade agreement. No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is needed in most cases, making this a faster option.

2. International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permits

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young people from a variety of countries to gain work experience in Canada. This program is an excellent option for international student graduates who wish to extend their stay in Canada, particularly if they are between the ages of 18 and 35.

• Eligibility: Graduates from participating countries can apply for an IEC work permit, which grants the holder the ability to work for any employer in Canada. The IEC program offers three types of permits: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).
• Application Process: Graduates must apply through the IEC portal, where they can be selected to receive an invitation to apply for a work permit. This program does not require a job offer prior to application, though some streams may require one.

3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Work Permits

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows employers in Canada to hire foreign workers for temporary positions, including international student graduates, when Canadian citizens or permanent residents are unavailable to fill those roles.

• Eligibility: To qualify, a graduate must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who has applied for and received a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.
• Application Process: Once the employer has an approved LMIA, the graduate can apply for a work permit based on that job offer. The TFWP is an option for graduates who are ready to work in a specific job, but it requires employer involvement and an LMIA process.

4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Work Permits

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is designed to attract and retain skilled workers to Canada’s Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. For graduates who studied in one of these provinces, this program provides pathways to work permits and permanent residency.

• Eligibility: International student graduates from post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada may be eligible to apply for a work permit or permanent residency through the AIP. The program targets specific high-demand jobs in the region.
• Application Process: Graduates must receive a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces to apply. Once a job offer is secured, they can apply for a work permit through the AIP. This program streamlines the process of obtaining a work permit and offers long-term prospects for permanent residency.

5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their ability to contribute to the local economy. Many provinces have specific streams designed for international student graduates, especially in high-demand sectors.

• Eligibility: Graduates who have studied in Canada and received a nomination from a provincial government can apply for a work permit. Some provinces may also issue work permits to candidates who are in the process of applying for permanent residency through the PNP.
• Application Process: Graduates must first apply to the PNP in the province where they wish to live and work. If nominated, they can apply for a work permit that allows them to live and work in that province while they await the decision on their permanent residency application.

6. Spousal Open Work Permit – Post-Secondary Studies

An open work permit is available to the spouse or common-law partner of an international student who has completed post-secondary studies in Canada and holds a valid study permit. This permit allows the spouse or partner to work for any employer in Canada.

• Eligibility: The applicant must be the spouse or common-law partner of a graduate who holds a valid study permit. The graduate must have completed their studies at a designated learning institution in Canada.
• Application Process: To apply, the spouse or common-law partner of the student must submit an application for an open work permit. This work permit is valid for the duration of the graduate’s study permit, and the spouse can work full-time without restrictions.

7. Spousal Open Work Permit – Family Sponsorship

A spousal open work permit is also available to individuals who are being sponsored by their Canadian spouse or common-law partner through the family sponsorship program. This pathway provides a way for the spouse of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen to work while they await permanent residency.

• Eligibility: The applicant must be the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The Canadian spouse must sponsor the applicant for permanent residency under the family sponsorship program.
• Application Process: Once the sponsorship application is submitted, the applicant can apply for an open work permit. This work permit allows the applicant to work in Canada for any employer while waiting for their permanent residency application to be processed.

For international student graduates who no longer qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), there are still numerous options to stay and work in Canada. From free-trade agreement-based work permits to spousal open work permits and regional programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program and Provincial Nominee Programs, Canada offers a variety of work permit pathways that can help graduates continue building their careers and potentially transition to permanent residency.

Canada is known for its diverse and inclusive immigration system, which allows individuals from around the world to live and work in the country. For work permit holders, transitioning to permanent residency (PR) is a common goal. One of the key factors in this transition is the industries that offer the best opportunities for work permit holders to remain in Canada permanently.

Certain sectors in Canada are particularly successful at retaining foreign workers who apply for and become permanent residents. These industries not only provide long-term job stability but also offer pathways for career advancement, making them attractive to those seeking to settle in Canada permanently.

The industries had the highest retention rates in Canada

Industry	% of workers who remained in the industry 1 year after receiving PR	% of workers who remained in the industry 5 years after receiving PR
Healthcare & Social assistance	81.4%	64.9%
Utilities	80.3%	58%
Finance & insurance	77.1%	55.2%
Public administration	72%	51.2%
Transportation & Warehousing	70.4%	49%
Manufacturing	74%	48.9%
Construction	70%	47.3%

Industries had the lowest retention rates in Canada

Industry	% of workers who remained in the industry 1 year after receiving PR	% of workers who remained in the industry 5 years after receiving PR
Management of companies & enterprises	36.7%	8.7%
Real estate, rental & leasing	46.2%	19.4%
Other services	45.5%	20%
Administrative & support, waste management and remediation services	54.3%	21%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting	52.8%	24.1%

Canada’s immigration system offers a wealth of opportunities for work permit holders who aspire to transition to permanent residency. Industries such as Healthcare & Social assistance, Utilities, Finance & Insurance, Public administration, Transportation & Warehousing, Manufacturing and Construction have high retention rates for foreign workers. These sectors not only offer stable employment but also provide a variety of pathways to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and industry-specific immigration streams.

For work permit holders, aligning your skills with one of these in-demand industries can significantly increase your chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Whether you are already working in Canada or planning to apply, these industries provide strong foundations for long-term success and settlement in the country.

As of December 1, 2024, Canada has implemented an increase in immigration fees, with adjustments ranging between 2.80% and 4.69%. This change will impact several categories of individuals applying for temporary resident status or permits.

Below is a summary of the new fees compared to the old rates:

Application Type	New Fee (Effective December 1)	Old Fee (Prior to December 1)	% Change
Restoration of Visitor Status	$239.75	$229.00	4.69%
Restoration of Student Status	$389.75	$379.00	2.84%
Restoration of Worker Status	$394.75	$384.00	2.80%
Authorization to Return to Canada	$479.75	$459.55	4.40%
Criminal Rehabilitation (Grounds of Criminality)	$239.75	$229.77	4.34%
Criminal Rehabilitation (Serious Criminality)	$1,199.00	$1,148.87	4.36%
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)	$239.75	$229.77	4.34%
International Experience Canada (IEC)	$179.75	$172.00	4.51%

What happens if you paid the old fee?

For those who submitted an online application before the new fees came into effect will not be impacted.

If the IRCC receives a paper application after the fee increase, it will generally accept the old fee provided if:

• – The application was complete. 
• – Payment for the old fee was made in full. 
• – The application was mailed before the increase took effect.  

 If the new fee exceeds the old one, applicants will be notified to pay the difference and must follow instructions to complete the additional payment.  

Paying the difference

If you have been instructed to pay the fee difference:

1. Calculate the difference by subtracting the old fee from the new fee. 
2. Sign into your IRCC account/ Create an account.
3. Use the “make an additional payment or pay other fees” option via the online payment tool.
4. Enter the calculated fee difference under “quantity.”
5. Obtain and submit the payment receipt as per IRCC’s request.

The new fee increases for Canadian immigration services, effective December 1, 2024, are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the immigration process remains sustainable and effective. While the changes may represent a modest increase in costs for certain applicants, understanding the new fees and planning ahead will help ensure that your immigration process goes smoothly.