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The major changes to Canadian permanent resident pathways in 2024

AdminDec 13

Major Changes to Canadian Permanent Resident Pathways in 2024

Canada has introduced transformative updates to its permanent residency programs in 2024, with several new pathways and substantial modifications to existing ones. Here is a detailed overview of these changes:

Pathway Target Audience Key Updates Launch Date
Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) French-speaking graduates from select Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Brand-new program offering a direct pathway to permanent residency. August 26, 2024
Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative French-speaking newcomers settling outside Quebec. Ten new communities added to the initiative. Details pending
Alberta Law Enforcement Pathway Law enforcement professionals with job offers in Alberta. New pathway launched for police and related occupations. June 25, 2024
Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program Skilled workers aiming to settle in Quebec. Replaces the Regular Skilled Worker Program, suspended until 2025. June 30, 2025 (ITAs resume)
In-Canada Focus Category Temporary residents in Canada with Express Entry profiles. New category prioritizing domestic candidates. October 24, 2024
PEQ Graduates Stream Graduates from Quebec’s DLIs. Added French requirements; paused until 2025. October 31, 2024
Federal Economic Priorities (Express Entry) Express Entry candidates. Focus on healthcare, trades, and French language skills. Details pending
BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream Entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in BC. Pilot program now permanent with updated requirements. June 21, 2024

Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP)

Launched on August 26, 2024, the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) supports French-speaking international students aiming for permanent residence. As a part of Canada’s Francophone Immigration Policy, this pilot offers participants access to settlement services during their studies.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a citizen of an eligible country.

  • Hold an acceptance letter from a participating DLI indicating FMCSP enrollment.

  • Be enrolled in a qualifying study program.

  • Demonstrate sufficient financial resources for tuition and living expenses.

  • Reside outside Canada when applying.

  • Obtain medical and police clearance, if required.

  • Achieve NCLC Level 5 or higher in all language abilities.


Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative

The Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative expanded in 2024, adding 10 new communities across six provinces. These communities receive funding for settlement plans, language training, employment services, and community integration events to support French-speaking newcomers.

Eligibility:

Details on eligibility for the new communities are yet to be announced.


Alberta Law Enforcement Pathway

Introduced on June 25, 2024, under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), this pathway focuses on law enforcement professionals. Alberta allocated 50 nominations to this program in 2024.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A job offer from an employer affiliated with the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP).

  • Eligible occupations include:

    • Commissioned and non-commissioned police officers.

    • Investigative and public protection services.

  • Must meet Express Entry criteria.


Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

Replacing the Regular Skilled Worker Program, the PSTQ emphasizes French proficiency and Quebec values. The program features four specialized streams:

Stream Target Audience
Highly qualified and specialized skills Workers with French proficiency in high-demand occupations.
Intermediate and manual skills Workers with French proficiency in mid-level occupations.
Regulated professionals Professionals requiring a license to practice in Quebec.
Exceptional talent Skilled individuals contributing to Quebec’s prosperity.

General Eligibility:

  • Must be at least 18 years old.

  • Intend to reside and work in Quebec.

  • Sign a Financial Self-Sufficiency Contract.

  • Complete a Quebec values and democracy certificate.

  • Comply with any conditions tied to Quebec scholarships.

Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for PSTQ are paused until June 30, 2025.


PEQ Graduates Stream

Changes to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) include:

  • Programs now require 75% of coursework in French.

  • Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) for graduates will reduce to 4,500 in 2025.

The graduate stream is paused until June 30, 2025.


In-Canada Focus Category

This new category prioritizes candidates already residing in Canada. In 2025, 40% of admissions will target this group, equating to 82,980 spaces.

Eligibility:

  • Candidates must have a valid Express Entry profile.

  • Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada.


Federal Economic Priorities (Express Entry)

Under the Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims for 41,700 PR admissions under Federal Economic categories, focusing on:

  • Healthcare occupations.

  • Skilled trades.

  • French-language proficiency.

Eligible candidates in these priority groups may receive targeted ITAs.


BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream

The Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot became a permanent program on June 21, 2024, now named the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream.

Key Requirements:

  • Establish a business aligned with the referring community’s priorities.

  • Have a personal net worth of $300,000+ CAD.

  • Invest at least $100,000 CAD in the business.

  • Create one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or PR.

  • Meet CLB Level 4 language proficiency.

Eligible communities span across regions like Cariboo, Kootenay, and Vancouver Island/Coast.


Stay informed on the latest Canadian immigration updates by exploring these pathways and determining your eligibility today!

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies and programs are subject to change. Please consult official government resources or a licensed immigration consultant for the most accurate and personalized guidance.