Immigration Minister Aims to Increase In-Canada Immigration Draws

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced plans to expand “domestic draws” for temporary residents already in Canada who are potential candidates for permanent residence (PR). This move is part of a broader strategy to address pressures on critical sectors such as housing and healthcare while facilitating the transition of temporary residents to permanent residency.

Key Points:

1. Definition of Draws: Draws refer to selection rounds for PR through pathways like Express Entry, where candidates from a pool are chosen based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores or specific criteria.
2. Minister’s Announcement: Miller’s intention to increase domestic draws for PR candidates already in Canada was announced alongside measures to manage temporary resident levels and support critical sectors.
3. Impact on Newcomers: The potential shift towards targeting more permanent resident candidates already in Canada could benefit individuals on work or study permits, although the exact policy implications remain uncertain.
4. Past Examples: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted large Express Entry draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with lower CRS scores, prioritizing those with pre-immigration Canadian experience.
5. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): PNPs, managed by provincial and territorial governments, also target individuals already integrated into Canadian life, further supporting the idea of prioritizing candidates with pre-immigration experience.
6. Reasons Behind the Announcement: Miller aims to select candidates with better immigration outcomes and meet immigration targets without adding new entrants to the economy, which could exacerbate existing pressures in key sectors.

The Immigration Minister’s announcement signifies a potential shift in Canada’s immigration strategy towards prioritizing candidates already within the country. This approach aims to balance immigration targets with the need to address pressures on critical sectors while maximizing the integration and success of newcomers.