The IRCC has released new guidelines regarding the eligibility conditions of 6 new immigration programs.
On May 6, the federal government launched new immigration programs for essential workers and international graduates that provide a pathway to permanent residence.
As per the new guidelines, only those applicants can register for any of the six new streams who meet the following criteria:
- Status as a temporary resident;
- Current work experience;
- Language Proficiency;
- Academic requirements;
- Qualifying work experience;
- Intent to live outside Quebec;
- Temporary resident status
All eligible candidates must be currently staying in Canada when they apply for six new immigration streams. They must have a valid status as temporary residents. Also, they have to be physically present while submitting applications for permanent residence.
Note: Refugee claimants are not eligible to apply for PR under the new immigration streams.
Language Proficiency is required
Essential workers need to have a CLB score of a minimum of 4 points on a language ability test. And international graduates require a score of 5 points.
Following are the test options:
For English
– IELTS
– CELPIP
For French
– TCF Canada
– TEF Canada
Current Employment
Only working applicants are eligible for the additional immigration streams and the current employment:
- Must be valid;
- Be in Canada only;
- Must be paid;
- Can be in any occupation;
- Cannot be self-employed.
The meaning of “currently employed” in terms of IRCC’s definitions is the date when the applicant applies to the ministry. It does not require an applicant to remain employed during the entire process of the application. Also, the employment can either be part-time or full-time.
Settle outside the province of Quebec
The six new immigration pathways are for applicants who have no intention to settle in Quebec. If you want to live in Quebec, you should not apply to these new programs for permanent residence.
Qualifying work experience for essential workers
Essential workers have to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- The applicant needs the authority to work in Canada;
- Must have work experience of at least 1,560 hours in the last three years;
- The wages or commission in occupations must be paid;
- Applicant should not be self-employed.
Academic requirements
International students who want to apply for the new pathways must ensure that they meet the following requirements:
- Should have studied at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution;
- Studies must be completed at a DLI after January 2017;
- The applicant received an eligible education that can help him get a job in a skilled trade.