New Permanent Residency Pathway Proposed for Semi-Skilled Workers

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be taking a groundbreaking step for workers with skills defined by levels 4 and 5 under the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system. A statement from the department unveils plans for a new permanent resident category aimed at revamping the economic immigration system to be inclusive of a broader spectrum of skills and professional experiences.

IRCC confirms detailed instructions about this upcoming class will be available later this year in the Canada Gazette.

Canada’s TEER Hierarchy: A Progressive Classification

Introduced in 2022, the TEER hierarchy serves as the updated framework of the previous NOC system. It classifies jobs into various levels with 4 and 5 indicating roles that are accessible with secondary education or less and may include on-site training or brief work demonstrations. Up until now, these TEER levels did not qualify for federal economic immigration programs, which has left many workers categorized as “low-skilled” according to Statistics Canada, in a precarious position regarding permanent residency in Canada.

Temporary Resident Population: A Call for Permanent Residency Pathways

A significant spike in temporary residents peaked in 2023 at over 2 million, prompting IRCC to call for a more sustainable equilibrium for the Canadian economy. With Canada’s job market bouncing back strongly post-pandemic, opportunities for temporary residents such as workers, visitors, and students are being reevaluated, including a cap on international student applications and integration into the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

Notably, IRCC is focused on ‘domestic draws,’ making those already residing in Canada as temporary residents the priority for permanent residency. This is evident from the increased Express Entry draws for candidates with a provincial nomination or those under the Canadian Experience Class. Following through on these strategies not only aids in meeting annual permanent resident targets but also in managing the temporary resident demographic more effectively.

Conclusion

The IRCC’s initiative introduces equitable and inclusive pathways for workers with varied skill sets, thereby enriching the Canadian workforce. It also streamlines the process for temporary residents within the country to transition to permanent residency. Such progressive amendments are beneficial, not only to newcomers but for the long-term growth of Canada’s economy. For more information email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com