There has been a new development proposed by the Canadian Government to amend the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA). The policy update is expected to create a new permanent economic immigration class specifically for semi-skilled workers.
This change aims to offer a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with experience and training at Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) levels 4 and 5.
Understanding the TEER System
The TEER system was introduced in 2022. It replaced the previous Skill Levels classification in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). This system is broken down in the following categories:
TEERS 0-3 includes occupations that generally require post-secondary education or an apprenticeship.
TEER 4 includes roles that require a high school diploma and also some practical hands-on training while on the job.
TEER 5 includes jobs that may not necessarily require formal education, but short-term work experience is mandatory.
TEER 4 and 5 occupations carry limitations that make them ineligible for federal economic immigration programs such as the Express Entry. The ripple effect of this creates limited opportunities for those working in lower-skilled roles to transition from temporary to permanent residency.
The Need for Change
In a recent report from Statistics Canada, many newcomers are employed in what is classified as “low-skilled” positions, especially in sectors like accommodations, food services, and retail trade. This shift is contributing to slower earning growths and challenging integration into Canada’s economy. To address these issues and create a pathway to permanent residency, a more inclusive immigration system needs to be implemented, that will reduce the reliance on temporary resident status.
The Impact on Canada’s Immigration System
In 2023, the number of temporary residents in Canada peaked at over 2 million. According to the IRCC, this was a level that was deemed to be unsustainable. The government's proposed amendment reflects the IRCC’s approach to stabilize and manage the temporary resident numbers. Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has advised that the focus now is on ensuring that the number of temporary residents aligns with our economic needs.
In recent developments, the IRCC has implemented caps on international student applications and increased the number of domestic draws in the Express Entry system. This means that those who are already in Canada are able to apply for permanent residency, including those with provincial nominations and Canadian experience.
What does this mean for you?
If you are a semi-skilled worker currently on a temporary work permit, you should speak with a lawyer as this amendment creates a significant opportunity for you. This change allows for a smoother transition to permanent residency and secures a greater stability and growth potential within Canada’s economic and job market.
How can we help at Yanique Russell Law?
We understand that navigating immigration laws and staying up to date with all these significant changes can be overwhelming and complex. At Yanique Russell Law, we are dedicated to providing you with expert guidance and support to help you make the most of these new opportunities. From the very beginning of understanding your eligibility, to advising you of the requisite documentation and preparing your application to the point of submission, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Comments