CANADIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Canada to welcome up to 265,000 new immigrants next year

Friday, 2 November 2007

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced its target immigration intake for 2008, accepting up to 265,000 newcomers through the various visa and permit schemes. The increased target for 2008 is in recognition of the important role that immigration plays in economic and community growth in Canada.

The targets were announced in the Citizenship and Immigration Canada's 2007 Annual Report on Immigration. The new targets were not the only announcement.

Among the other announcements of note is a new focus on the Canadian Experience Class visa, which will be implemented in 2008 for temporary workers and students with Canadian degrees and Canadian work experience. Once established, people who meet the requirements, likely based on experience levels in Canada, will be able to apply for Permanent Residence while living and working in Canada.

The annual report also gave official backing the new Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) and to improving the Provincial Nominee Programs. The report also commits Citizenship and Immigration Canada to improving the Temporary Work Permit program to make it more responsive to labour market needs.