Changes coming to Canada's temporary residents program. What to know

Ottawa says changes will make it easier for temporary workers to transition to permanent residency, fix labour shortages and support the economy

The Canadian government is making significant changes to its temporary resident program, including new pathways to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers and international students.

The changes will also make it easier for temporary workers to transition to permanent residency, which the government hopes will help fix labour shortages and support the economy.

The changes are outlined in a new policy paper released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The paper says the changes are needed to "support Canada's economic recovery and long-term growth."

Changes for temporary foreign workers

The changes for temporary foreign workers include:

A new pathway to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers who have worked in Canada for at least three years.

A new "fast-track" pathway to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers who work in high-demand occupations.

A new "rural and northern" pathway to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers who work in rural or northern communities.

Changes for international students

The changes for international students include:

A new pathway to permanent residency for international students who graduate from a Canadian university or college.

A new "post-graduation work permit" that will allow international students to work in Canada for up to three years after they graduate.

A new "start-up visa" that will allow international students to launch their own businesses in Canada.

Other changes

Other changes to the temporary resident program include:

A new "global talent stream" that will make it easier for highly skilled workers to come to Canada.

A new "temporary resident to permanent resident pathway" that will allow temporary residents to apply for permanent residency after five years.

The changes are expected to come into effect in 2023.