Canada introduced several new pathways to permanent residence (PR) and made significant updates to existing ones in 2024. These changes reflect the government’s focus on attracting skilled workers, supporting Francophone immigration, and prioritizing domestic candidates.
Here’s an overview of the major updates:
Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP)
Launch Date: August 26, 2024
Aimed at French-speaking international students from eligible countries, this pilot offers a direct pathway to permanent residence. Eligible participants must:
- Be enrolled in a participating DLI program.
- Meet financial, language, and admissibility criteria.
Participants also benefit from settlement services while studying in Canada.
Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative
Updates: Ten new communities added in August 2024.
This initiative supports French-speaking newcomers settling in Francophone and Acadian communities outside Quebec, offering language training, employment advice, and community integration activities.
Alberta Law Enforcement Pathway
Launch Date: June 25, 2024
Designed for individuals with job offers in Alberta’s law enforcement sector, candidates must meet Express Entry criteria and secure employment in eligible roles like police officers, investigators, or specialized law enforcement positions.
Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
Updates: Replacement for the Regular Skilled Worker Program, paused until June 30, 2025.
This program offers four streams, including those for highly skilled workers, manual workers, regulated professionals, and exceptional talent. French proficiency is a key focus for most streams.
PEQ Graduates Stream
Updates: Suspended until June 30, 2025.
The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) requires 75% of courses to be completed in French for eligibility. The number of CSQs issued to PEQ graduates will significantly decrease in 2025.
In-Canada Focus Category
Launch Date: October 24, 2024
Targeting applicants already residing in Canada, 40% of planned PR admissions for 2025 will come from this category, encompassing the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and other regional pathways.
Federal Economic Priorities (Express Entry)
Updates: Focused on healthcare, skilled trades, and French proficiency.
This category under Express Entry aims to address economic needs through category-based draws.
BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream
Launch Date: June 21, 2024
This program, now a permanent stream under BC’s PNP, supports newcomers starting businesses in eligible communities. Candidates must demonstrate business experience, invest $100,000 CAD, create jobs, and meet language proficiency requirements.
For personalized guidance on these updates and how they impact your immigration goals, Skynet Immigration offers expert advice and free eligibility assessments. Contact us today to explore your pathway to Canada!
