Do you know that Canada has a big plan to grow its economy by welcoming about 500,000 new people every year from 2024 to 2026? Yes, you heard it right, this is the right opportunity for you to apply for immigrating to Canada as this plan is about bringing in more people to Canada to make the country more diverse and help with jobs to make the economy stay strong.
On November 1st, Canada declared that its immigration targets would remain unchanged and positive, aiming to bring in about 500,000 newcomers annually in 2025 and 2026.
A new analysis by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) indicates that the country will need to increase its immigration numbers shortly. The report further emphasises that the current immigration rates in Canada are insufficient to sustain its population size and fulfil the needs of the local job market.
Why does immigration in Canada need to rise again in the future?
Here is why Canada needs more immigrants for the country’s long-term prosperity and social well-being. The need for increased immigration in Canada is driven by several key reasons:
Population stability and growth: Canada faces challenges such as an aging population and low birth rates, which can lead to a decline in the workforce and affect the country’s economic stability and growth. Higher immigration levels can help maintain and grow the population.
Labour market demands: As industries and sectors expand, Canada experiences shortages in skilled labour across various fields. Immigrants can fill these gaps, supporting the country’s economic development and innovation capacity.
Economic contribution: Immigrants contribute to the economy not just as workers, but also as consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs. This boosts the GDP and can lead to the creation of new jobs.
Demographic challenges: With an increasing number of retirees, the ratio of working-age individuals to retirees is declining, which puts pressure on social services and pension systems. A larger, younger workforce can help balance this ratio and support an aging population.
Global competitiveness: To remain competitive on a global scale, Canada needs a diverse, skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and responding to the global market's demands. Immigration brings in talent from around the world, enhancing Canada's competitiveness.
Immigrating to Canada – Why apply now?
Applying for Canadian immigration is important to do now because the system is very competitive and always changing. Here's why it's smart to apply sooner rather than later:
Competitive system: Canada picks immigrants based on points. These points are for things like your age, how well you can speak English or French, your job skills, and your education. The more points you have, the better your chances. Since lots of people want to move to Canada, applying early gives you more time to improve your points.
Language is important: Speaking English well can give you more points. If you can communicate in English in your daily lives, then you have a better chance of being chosen.
Benefits of getting Permanent Residency (PR)
Getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada comes with many advantages, making it even more important to apply as soon as you can:
Healthcare: Permanent residents have access to Canada's public healthcare system, which provides comprehensive coverage without direct costs for most medical services.
Education: Permanent residents benefit from access to public education for children and subsidised post-secondary education rates. Canada’s education system is recognised globally for its quality.
Social services: Access to social services, including social security benefits that provide support during unemployment, illness, or family growth, is a critical advantage of permanent residency.
Pathway to citizenship: Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements, offering a stable and secure future for families.
The importance of language proficiency for immigrants in Canada
For immigrants aiming to work or move to Canada, proficiency in English is the most important requirement. Canada is an English-speaking country, and the ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for several reasons:
Employment opportunities: English language proficiency is often a key requirement for getting a job. It enables immigrants to access a broader range of job opportunities and positions that require effective communication skills.
Social integration: Having a good English-speaking skill facilitates easier social interactions, helping newcomers build community connections and integrate more smoothly into Canadian society.
Access to services: Understanding English allows immigrants to better understand and use Canadian services, including healthcare, education, and governmental services.
IELTS as a benchmark in Canada's immigration strategy
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognised as a standard benchmark for English language proficiency among immigrants to Canada. It plays a significant role in the immigration process for several reasons:
Express Entry and PNP: For those entering through the Express Entry system or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), an IELTS score can significantly enhance an applicant's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Objective assessment: IELTS provides an objective measure of an applicant's language abilities in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, which is important for immigration officials to assess their potential for integration and contribution to Canada.
Universally accepted: Recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and across provincial immigration programs, the IELTS score is a universally accepted proof of English language proficiency.
Note: If you make a visa application to stay or move to Canada, you need to be aware of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements for English language tests. So, when you apply for a work visa, professional recognition or for permanent residency in Canada, it is likely that you will be required to present evidence of English language proficiency. IELTS General Training is the most trusted test accepted by IRCC for immigration to Canada.
An IELTS score not only opens the door to various immigration pathways in Canada but also helps you with a smoother transition and successful integration into Canadian life. For immigrants, this is a step towards not just meeting the basic eligibility criteria but also enhancing their prospects in Canada.
Also, If you want to immigrate to Canada and planning to take an IELTS test and have questions related to the test then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will answer all your queries.