International graduates of Yorkville University’s on-campus degree programs might soon be able to fast-track their permanent residency in Canada, thanks to an innovative new pathway recently announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Under the new special public policy, 40,000 applications for permanent residency will be accepted from international students who graduated from a Canadian institution, and who are already in Canada and possess the skills and experience necessary to help the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For us at Yorkville University, this news comes as a clear indication that the Canadian government values the notable contribution international graduates make to our economy,” said Walter Lee, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Enrolment at Yorkville University.
“It also presents an opportunity for some of our international graduates to fast-track their permanent residency, so that they can continue their efforts to help Canada accelerate its economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic.”
Indeed, in his comments announcing the new pathway to Canadian permanent residency, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco E. L. Mendicino characterized international graduates as key drivers of the economy of tomorrow.
“The pandemic has shone a bright light on the incredible contributions of newcomers. These new policies will help those with a temporary status to plan their future in Canada, play a key role in our economic recovery and help us build back better,” he said in a statement.
“Our message to them is simple: your status may be temporary, but your contributions are lasting—and we want you to stay.”
To be eligible to apply for this new pathway to permanent residency, international graduates must have completed an eligible Canadian post-secondary program within the last four years, and no earlier than January 2017.
Graduates must also have proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages; meet general admissibility requirements; and be present, authorized to work and working in Canada at the time of their application to qualify.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will begin accepting applications effective May 6, 2021, and the application period will remain open until Nov. 5, 2021 (or until they have reached their limit).
More information about the new pathway is available here.
