Permanent residents can join Canada’s Armed Forces now through the Instagram post, the Canadian military announced last week. This announcement comes the week before Remembrance Day.
Canadians gather together on November 11 to celebrate military personnel’s sacrifices and efforts. The custom dates back to the end of World War One in 1918 and commemorates the 11 a.m. formal end of the conflict.
Canadians frequently participate in rituals honoring and remembering those who served at nearby cenotaphs. Others simply stop what they’re doing for two minutes at 11 a.m. to think silently.
The CAF is seeking more members for its force
A formal announcement of the change to the policy is expected from the Department of National Defense (DND) in the coming days. A security clearance problem previously prevented permanent residents from joining the CAF. however, CAF recruits are severely lacking.
What is the purpose of allowing permanent residents to join the military now?
In terms of hiring, the announcement has marked a significant shift. As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canada’s defense minister Anita Anand said the country’s military must be expanded in March. As of the end of April, the CAF indicated that it would not be willing to waive the citizenship requirement.
According to the Toronto Star, only about 12,000 troops remain short of Canada’s “full strength” of 100,000 regular force members.
By 2025, Canada will welcome 500,000 new permanent residents
In conjunction with the publication of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2023–2025, the adjustment will be made. 500,000 new permanent residents are expected to come to Canada every year by the end of 2025, according to the strategy. Consequently, the military would be able to choose from a larger pool of candidates.
Census 2021 shows that nearly a quarter of Canadians are or have been residents of Canada for some time. As a result of often arriving as young workers, immigrants are also excellent candidates for the military.
Recruitment of legal residents will also alter the military’s demographics. Currently, only 16% of the military is female, and less than 12% is visible minorities. In the remaining three-quarters, white guys make up the majority.
Skilled Military Foreign Applicant program
For now, Permanent residents can join Canada’s Armed Forces through the Skilled Military Foreign Applicant Program (SMFA). In order to qualify for the initiative, individuals should possess a specific skill set that will lower training costs or meet a need within the CAF, such as a pilot or doctor.
In spite of the initiative, permanent residency applications are not processed faster. IRCC grants waivers of citizenship to candidates who qualify for the program, enabling them to enlist in the military. The program has only approved 15 permanent residents through this route.
Current requirements
The minimum requirements for candidates are that they are Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old (or 16 with parental agreement), and have completed grades 10 or 12, depending on whether or not they intend to serve as officers. Residents who stay for a long period of time will be subject to the same rules.
