India has emerged as the top source of overseas talent for Canada even as Indians are increasingly moving to Canada from India. More than 405,000 immigrants were welcomed by Canada in 2021, a record in itself. Almost 1/3rd of these migrants were of Indian origin.
Canada also welcomed almost 450,000 overseas students in 2021 and Indians accounted for nearly 50% of this figure. 10,000 plus Indians immigrated to Canada through the TFWP - Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Around 130,000 Indians obtained Canada Work Permit in 2021 through the IMP - International Mobility Program.
A Blend of Factors
A mix of Canadian domestic and international factors account for the increasing levels of arrivals of Indians.
Globally, India possesses an expanding middle-class population with settlement funds, work experience, language skills, and education. These are the very criteria specified by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for approving a Canada Visa.
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| Indians are increasingly moving to Canada from India |
The attributes specified above are crucial for Indians seeking to move to Canada from India. It could be as skilled overseas workers, PR Visa holders, or overseas students.
A major international cause is that the US highly lacks the pathways to Permanent Residence in comparison with Canada. As a result, a large number of overseas Indian workers are immigrating to Canada to obtain Permanent Resident status.
Canada has implemented extensive and crucial changes to immigration policy domestically proving to be immensely beneficial to Indians. IRCC launched Express Entry in 2015 for managing its immigration programs for the economic class at the Federal level.
The CRS - Comprehensive Ranking System under the Express Entry System was implemented for ranking and scoring the candidates based on their profiles. The factors based on which they are assessed include their education, work experience, age, and language skills. Other factors include work experience and education in Canada.
Indians are faring well under the CRS due to the presence of the selection factors under Canada express entry eligibility. They have thus become the highest source of candidates receiving the Canada PR Visa in the Express Entry System.
The latest trends reveal that number of Indians arriving in Canada is increasing every year. Meanwhile, their numbers in the US are steadily declining.
Indian citizens accounted for 14% of the total fresh PR Visa holder arrivals to Canada in 2015. The numbers have now enhanced to 25% in 2019. On the other hand, roughly 65,000 fresh Permanent Residents from India were accepted by the US in 2016. However, the numbers declined to less than 60,000 in 2018.
The Language Edge
Indians have a considerable edge over citizens of several other nations due to their high levels of proficiency in the English language.
Additionally, the SDS - Student Direct Stream was launched by IRCC in 2018 to enable qualified Indians to accelerate their Study Permit process. Applicants from India who fulfill the criteria for SDS can obtain their Canada Study Permit more speedily. The rate of approval for Study Permits is also higher under SDS in comparison with the normal application process.
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After Studying in Canada Indians usually opt for working here mostly through the PGWP - Post-Graduation Work Permit. It offers them an edge through Express Entry and several other immigration programs in Canada including PNPs - Provincial Nominee Programs.
Large Indian Diaspora
The huge Indian Diaspora in Canada and the augmentation of Indian culture across the nation is another crucial domestic factor. This gives a feeling of home away from home to Indians supporting their integration and settlement.
The 2016 Census in Canada reported that the nation had roughly 1.4 million individuals of Indian origin. However, this figure is all set to swell considerably when the 2021 Census is published later this year.
The number of Indians arriving in Canada is likely to only further increase as per the projections. The immigration levels have been significantly increased by Canada to boost its economic recovery in the post-pandemic period.
The targeted intake for 2022 is nearly 432,000 immigrants which will increase to 450,000 in the year 2024. The target can increase even further by the time the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan is announced by IRCC on 1st November 2022.
Meanwhile, an unprecedented scarcity of workers continues to be witnessed in Canada. There is also huge demand to study in Canada. It is likely that high levels of Indians will continue to immigrate to Canada to study and work in the years ahead. The travel curbs of the pandemic have been highly relaxed now.
The hindrances for in-person studies in Canada are no longer applicable further aiding the arrival of Indians. Additionally, overseas students have to be present in Canada for the calculation of their full study period in Canada towards PGWP.
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