Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced plans to create new pathways to permanent residency for workers in lower-skilled occupations. This proposed amendment to the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA) aims to introduce a new permanent economic immigration class for workers with experience in Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) levels 4 and 5.
Breaking Down the TEER System
The TEER system, introduced in 2022 as part of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) overhaul, categorizes occupations based on the level of training and education required. While TEER levels 0-3 typically require post-secondary education or extensive apprenticeship, levels 4 and 5 include jobs that usually need only high school education, on-the-job training, or in some cases, no formal education at all.
Currently, workers in TEER 4 and 5 occupations face significant obstacles in accessing federal economic immigration programs like Express Entry. This has led to a growing population of temporary residents who struggle to transition to permanent status despite contributing to Canada’s workforce.
The Need for Change
Statistics Canada has highlighted a shift in employment patterns among temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and international students towards what it terms “low-skilled” sectors, such as accommodation, food services, and retail trade. This trend has potential implications for the integration and economic prospects of newcomers to Canada.
“These shifts could potentially result in a higher proportion of low-skilled TFWs among new immigrants,” a recent Statistics Canada report noted, adding that this situation often results in “low earnings and slow earnings growth, delaying their integration into Canada’s economy.”
A Multifaceted Approach
The creation of new permanent resident pathways for TEER 4 and 5 workers is part of a broader strategy by IRCC to address the ballooning temporary resident population, which peaked at over 2 million in 2023. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that these levels are “no longer sustainable for Canada’s economy.”
To tackle this issue, the government is implementing several measures:
- Introducing caps on international student applications
- Including temporary resident levels in the upcoming 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan
- Increasing “domestic draws” to prioritize temporary residents already in Canada for permanent residency
Looking Ahead
While specific details about the new immigration class are yet to be released, IRCC has promised more information through ministerial instructions to be published in the Canada Gazette this fall. This move represents a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy, potentially opening doors for a more diverse range of workers to build their lives in Canada permanently. It also reflects the government’s recognition of the valuable contributions made by workers across all skill levels to the Canadian economy and society.
As Canada continues to navigate its post-pandemic economic recovery and address labour shortages in various sectors, this new pathway could prove crucial in attracting and retaining the workforce needed to drive growth and prosperity. Stakeholders across industries, particularly those relying heavily on TEER 4 and 5 workers, will be watching closely as more details emerge about this new immigration stream.
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