Canada tightens permanent residency
Recent adjustments to Canada’s immigration policies, including a 20% reduction in permanent residency (PR) allocations, have made the route to PR more challenging for international students.
Limited Options for PR Points
For international students aiming to remain in Canada and boost their points for permanent residency (PR), one of the few available options is obtaining a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which demonstrates the need for a foreign worker in a specific job. This document is essential for students whose work permits, granted post-study, have expired or are nearing expiration.
What is the LMIA?
The LMIA allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when a position cannot be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. To secure a positive LMIA, employers must prove the need for a foreign worker by advertising the job on Canada’s official job portal and undergoing a thorough approval process.
Application Cost
The LMIA application processing fee is CAD 1,000, payable by the employer. However, due to high demand, some agents or employers charge up to five times the official fee to obtain a positive LMIA, as reported by immigration experts in Punjab.
How LMIA Can Assist
With limited PR opportunities, consultants advise international students to pursue LMIA-backed job offers. Such offers allow students to extend their stay in Canada and gain Canadian work experience, which strengthens their PR application. Students are encouraged to work hard so employers might consider covering LMIA fees, though some employers have started charging students for these applications.
High-Demand Sectors
Labour shortages in healthcare, construction, and agriculture are driving demand for LMIA-based roles in Canada. Positions like drivers, farm workers, cooks, welders, and caregivers are among the most common jobs filled by LMIA applicants, offering viable opportunities for Indian students to secure extended stay options.
Alternatives for Indian Students Seeking Canadian PR
Primary Option: LMIA
According to Tirath Singh, a consultant at Pinnacle Immigration in Jalandhar, the LMIA remains the best option for Indian students, even for those currently studying.
Visitor Record for Extended Stay: Another option is applying for a “visitor record,” which allows students to stay in Canada longer but does not permit them to work. This is generally considered a short-term solution.
Pursuing Further Education with a Study Visa: Students can also consider returning to school to extend their stay. Experts recommend choosing degree programs that increase PR eligibility points and provide skills that are in demand in Canada.
Enhancing Language Skills
Language proficiency, especially in French, can add points to a PR profile under Canada’s Express Entry system. This is particularly beneficial in provinces with a high demand for bilingual applicants.
Does an LMIA Guarantee PR?
While an LMIA-backed work experience strengthens a PR application by prioritizing Canadian work experience under the Express Entry system, it does not guarantee PR. Students must still meet all Express Entry requirements, including language skills, work experience, and education.
