As a part of the 2021-2023 immigration Levels Plan, Canada has a goal of welcoming 401,000 new permanent residents by the end of 2021. But this pandemic had some other plans. Since the border closures have been extended and the country is unable to admit new immigrants from abroad, Canada is consecutively introducing new immigration plans. This is one of the new temporary public policies introduced on April 14, 2021.
This policy is for the french-speaking Foreign nationals temporarily residing and working in Canada who are contributing to the economic development of the country. The candidates addressed in these policies are already contributing to the labour market. This policy is designed to support and assist the development of Canadian minority official language communities. It is an initiative towards achieving the Government’s objective of increasing Francophone immigration (except Quebec). The main goal is economic growth and long-run prosperity across the nation. By granting permanent residency to french-speaking temporary foreign workers in Canada will reap benefits from their competencies over time.
Eligibility requirements for principal applicants
To be qualified to apply under these policies the foreign national must:
- Have a minimum of one year of full-time or part-time (at least 1560 hours) Canadian work experience in the essential occupation. You can check for the list of eligible occupations in Annex A or Annex B. The experience should have been acquired in the last three years before the date of submission of the permanent residency application. The qualifying work experience must have been obtained in one or more occupations as follows:
- Stream A: the applicant must have one year of work experience in one or more occupations listed in Annex A. Please note, occupations from Annex A and B cannot be combined under this stream.
- Stream B: the applicant must have one year of work experience in one or more occupations listed in Annex B or a combination of occupations listed in both the annexes.
- Be working in Canada irrespective of any occupation at the time of the submission of the application for permanent residence;
- The employment described in both 1. and 2. must comply with the definition of work as per subsection 73(2) of the Regulations that are authorized according to the Act and Regulations. Also, the applicant must not have been self-employed, except practicing as a medical doctor in a chargeable arrangement with a health authority;
- Have achieved a level of proficiency of a minimum score of 4 in the French language. The score is to be attained in every skill area of the language test as outlined in the Niveaux de compétence Linguistique canadiens. The test taken should be evaluated by a designated institute or organization by the concerned authorities. The evaluation report should not be more than two years old from the date of application submission.
- Be residing in Canada on a valid temporary resident permit. If not valid, the applicant must be eligible to restore their status. The applicant should also be present in the country at the time of submission and approval of the permanent residency application.
- Have plans to reside in a province or territory except for Quebec.
- Have submitted the permanent residence application with completed forms provided by this public policy’s designated Department. The application must also include all the supporting documents.
- Have applied online under this public policy. Those who are unable to meet the application’s eligibility requirement due to disability have different provisions. They can submit a document or provide a signature or information, electronically or by any other means as specified by the Minister in this regard.
- Not be inadmissible to Canada as per the Act and Regulations.
Make sure to submit all the important supporting documents for evaluation along with the application. Still, the immigration officer continues to hold the discretion to request additional documents to process the application if needed.
Eligibility Requirements for Principal Applicant’s Family Members in Canada
For a family member of the principal applicant in Canada to be eligible for permanent residency, must:
- Be residing in Canada
- Be included in the principal applicant’s application for permanent residency submitted under one of these policies
- Fulfil the definition of ‘family member’ given in subsection 1(3) of the Regulations;
- Not be inadmissible to Canada as per the Act and Regulations; and
- Have confirmation from a delegated officer stating that the principal applicant fulfils every eligibility requirement to get permanent residency under the intended policy
Eligibility Requirements for Principal Applicant’s Family Members Abroad
For a family member of the principal applicant abroad, to be eligible for permanent residency, must:
- Be residing overseas
- Be included in the principal applicant’s application for permanent residency submitted under one of these policies
- Fulfil the definition of ‘family member’ given in subsection 1(3) of the Regulations;
- Not be inadmissible to Canada as per the Act and Regulations; and
- Have confirmation from a delegated officer stating that the principal applicant fulfils every eligibility requirement to get permanent residency under the intended policy
Intake Cap
There is no intake cap for this public policy.
Fees
Any applicable fees, that includes the processing fee for:
- application;
- or visa under subsection 25.2(1) of the Act, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, must be paid at the time of application.
Start and end dates
This public policy will be effective from May 6, 2021. The applications under this policy will be accepted latest until November 5, 2021. Like any other public policy, this policy can also be revoked by the Minister without any prior notice.
Foreign nationals in Canada,(excluding those in Quebec), with the latest Canadian work experience in essential businesses
French-speaking foreign nationals in Canada,(excluding those in Quebec), with the latest Canadian work experience in essential businesses
International graduates in Canada, (excluding those in Quebec), who have recently completed their studies from a Canadian post-secondary institution
French-speaking international graduates in Canada,(excluding those in Quebec), who have recently completed their studies from a Canadian post-secondary institution