Four Key Canadian Immigration Pathways Reviewed
- Provincial Nominee Programs in 2023
Towards the end of this year, we came to learn that the PNP is set to overtake Express Entry as Canada’s top immigration pathway. PNPs are crucial to helping Canada address specific labor market needs that are becoming more prominent across the country. Accordingly, 2023 is expected to see Canada welcome just under 23,000 more PNP immigrants than Express Entry candidates.
- Express Entry in 2023
Further reinforcing Canada’s desire to address specific labor market needs and gaps, IRCC is expected to introduce ‘targeted’ Express Entry draws in 2023. These draw, instead of giving out Invitations to Apply (ITAs) based on a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, will target candidates who have specific occupational experience, language skills, and/or educational backgrounds.
- Parents and Grandparents Program in 2023
In 2023, Canada will remain committed to family reunification. This is evident in the popularity of Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The PGP, combined with other immigration pathways such as the Super Visa, will look to welcome more than 28,000 newcomers next year according to Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan.
- International Students in 2023
In October, IRCC announced an amendment to its off-campus work hours policy for international students in Canada. From November 15, 2022, until the end of 2023, “international students who are in Canada and have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will be allowed to work over 20 hours per week off-campus while class is in session.” Designed to help Canada better deal with labor shortages, this change will potentially allow over half of a million international students to work more hours while they attend their classes between now and the end of next year.
The Impact of Canada’s Immigration Programs in 2023
Immigration significantly benefits Canada’s population and labor force, which should continue in 2023. For instance, the expected increase of newcomers to Canada through both PNPs and targeted Express Entry draws should allow Canada to relieve more of the pressure currently hindering the country’s labor market. As more capable skilled immigrants enter the country, Canada will benefit economically through the natural cycle of spending that occurs when people are employed.
Additionally, temporarily lifting the off-campus work hours rule means more international students may come to Canada over time, as this move is expected to make Canada an even more attractive international student destination. Should this lead to more international students also staying in Canada after graduation, this work hours policy change will mean that more foreign students eventually contribute to the improvement of Canada’s economy and labor market.
Accordingly, immigration in 2023 should provide many reasons for all Canadians to be more hopeful for a prosperous labor force and economic future in this country. All of these changes and developments point towards an exciting 2023 for immigration in Canada. With any luck, 2023 promises to be the year that Canada welcomes an even greater number of skilled, capable immigrants and international students to the country.
