Canada Immigration Visas

As of 17 September, Canada’s new visa class, named the Experience Class, has been in full effect. Under the newly-introduced scheme, certain temporary foreign workers and students will be allowed to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

The scheme targets foreign workers and international student graduates with professional, managerial and skilled work experience. Unlike Canada’s traditional visa classes, the Experience Class allows an applicant’s previous experience in Canada to serve as a “key selection factor” in relation to their application for Canadian residency.

The move comes as Canada, like other popular migration destinations such as Australia and New Zealand, attempts to heighten its profile by attracting a growing number of foreign workers and graduates to its shores.

Canadian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Diane Finley, commented: “With the Canadian Experience Class fully in place, Canada will be more competitive in attracting and retaining individuals with the skills we need.”

She added: “It, along with other recent improvements to modernize the immigration system, will go a long way in bringing Canada in line with its global competitors while further spreading the benefits of immigration into smaller centres across Canada.”

Since the initial proposal to introduce the Canadian Experience Class was made in August, the policy regarding eligibility has been adapted. Originally, only foreign workers and graduates with temporary residence in Canada were allowed to apply, however, this has since been extended to applicants who have left Canada in the last year, but wish to return.