Government lays down 2008 immigration plan

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada has committed to admit some 240,000-26,000 new permanent residents in 2008. This is a reflection of their desire to respond to the Imagegrowing and dynamic changes in Canada’s labor market brought by the gap in workforce.

Minister Diane Finley bares this immigration plan in her Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration. According to her, the government believes that immigration plays an important role in building Canada’s communities and growing its economy. With the immigration target, Canada is ensured of continuous growth which in return will also benefit the newcomers and their families.

Part of the plan includes admitting a record number of Provincial Nominees. Also, starting 2008 a new immigration stream will be introduced --- Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Announced in the 2007 Budget, the CEC will be implemented for certain skilled temporary workers and international students with Canadian degrees and Canadian work experience. Should the individuals meet the specific criteria, they will be able to apply for permanent resident status from within Canada.

Under the 2008 Immigration Level Plan, the Canadian government will admit 67,000- 70,000 immigrants under the Federal Skilled Worker; 20,000-22,000 for Provincial Nominees and around 6,000-9,000 caregivers. The new immigration category plans to admit 10,000-12,000 new immigrants. (The class will still be established since the criteria are not yet final.) [Gateway to Canada]