Immigration Minister Signals Expansion of In-Canada Immigration Draws

These "draws" refer to rounds of PR selection through programs like Express Entry, where candidates are chosen from a pool based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, professional experience, or French language ability, and are subsequently invited to apply (ITAs) for PR.

Miller's remarks were part of a comprehensive announcement aimed at managing temporary resident levels in Canada to alleviate pressures on critical sectors such as housing and healthcare. Temporary residents encompass individuals living or working in Canada on a non-permanent basis, including foreign nationals on work or study permits.

"In our efforts to facilitate the transition of temporary residents to permanent residency, we will conduct more domestic draws at the federal level and encourage provinces and territories participating in the Provincial Nominee Program to do the same with their allocations," Miller stated.

What Does This Mean for Current In-Canada Residents?

For those holding work or study permits in Canada, Miller's statements suggest a potential shift towards targeting more PR candidates already within the country. However, it is challenging to ascertain precisely how Miller's intentions will translate into policy at this stage.

Such a move isn't unprecedented in Canada's immigration system, which has previously favored candidates already residing in the country. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its largest Express Entry draw to date, inviting 27,332 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a CRS score as low as 75. This score is significantly lower than the average CRS scores for Express Entry draws.

The CEC is one of the Express Entry-managed programs, serving as Canada's dedicated federal pathway for immigration candidates who have already established themselves in the country's labor market and society.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also often target individuals who have begun integrating into Canadian life. These programs are primarily managed by provincial and territorial governments, which frequently extend invitations to candidates residing within their jurisdiction.

As Miller emphasized in his remarks, the planned shift towards more domestic draws will involve both federal and provincial pathways.

Why Did the Immigration Minister Make These Statements?

By potentially increasing the opportunities for temporary residents in Canada to obtain PR, Miller aims to select candidates with better prospects for successful integration into Canadian society. Research suggests that prior Canadian experience is a strong predictor of positive outcomes for immigrants in Canada.

Simultaneously, this approach enables the department to meet immigration targets outlined in the immigration levels plan without introducing "new entrants to the economy," which could exacerbate existing pressures in sectors such as housing and healthcare.