New, Innovative and Fast Economic Program Attracts the World’s Best and Brightest

OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Citizenship,
Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced
today that Canada has welcomed its 20,000th permanent resident
through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) immigration stream,
reflecting the success of the government’s efforts to attract as well
as retain the world’s best and brightest skilled workers.

The Minister was joined at the announcement by Gaurav Gore,
originally from India, who was recognized as the 20,000th permanent
resident admitted under the CEC. Mr. Gore earned a master’s degree in
business administration from the University of Toronto. He is
applying his education as well as his experience as a business
consultant with a major bank in Toronto.

“We are working hard to attract and retain the best and brightest
students from around the world. Gaurav is an excellent example of the
benefits of welcoming highly educated and skilled people to stay as
well as work in Canada. Mr. Gore completed a challenging, competitive
university program. He is now building a successful career,
contributing to our economy and helping create jobs for Canadians
here in Canada. Guarav is exactly the sort of skilled worker that
Canada hopes to attract and retain through the CEC program,” said the
Minister.

“As a student, I saw the wealth of opportunities that are available
in Canada,” said Mr. Gore, a Personal and Commercial Digital Channels
Advisor with BMO Financial Group. “I felt welcome. I wanted to stay,
pursue a career here, and contribute to the economy as well as to the
country. I was happy to discover that it was possible through the CEC
and that I could use my skills immediately upon graduating.”

“Canada’s universities are pleased to see the success of the CEC in
helping international student graduates become permanent residents.
The graduates contribute their knowledge, talent and global
perspectives to our communities and to our economy,” says Paul
Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges
of Canada. “These graduates contribute to economic growth and
innovation in Canada and help Canadian businesses connect with new
international markets.”

The CEC, Canada’s fastest growing economic immigration program,
offers a pathway to permanent residency for international student
graduates as well as others with skilled work experience in Canada.
Those who are eligible may apply from within Canada and expect a
quick decision. In the past, a brilliant student graduating from our
top universities who wanted to stay in Canada and help create jobs
would have had to return to their home country to wait at the back of
a seven or eight year queue. They may have spent several years
waiting in the immigration queue and may have been required to leave
the country before applying for permanent residence. The goal of the
CEC is to ensure that Canada retains talented and motivated people
who have already shown that they can put their skills as well as
their experience to work, grow the Canadian economy, create jobs and
integrate easily into Canadian life.

“The Canadian Experience Class is a sound program that responds to
the needs of employers. The program contributes to economic growth,”
said James Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Association of Canadian Community Colleges. “Equipped with diplomas
as well as degrees, international students become Canadian citizens,
excellent employees and community members.”

In order to make the CEC even more responsive to Canada’s labour
market needs and economic goals, CIC is proposing changes that will
expedite the transition to permanent residence of those already
working successfully in Canada. With the proposed change, all
applicants will require 12 months of Canadian work experience gained
in the 36 months preceding their application. Some applicants
currently require 24 months of full-time work experience. This change
will make the program more flexible for international student
graduates. It will provide them with more time to launch their
careers as well as gain the necessary experience to apply for
permanent residency through the program.

Minister Kenney concluded by saying that, “International student
graduates have educational credentials that are recognized by
Canadian employers as well as official language skills that are
important factors for success. The proposed changes to the CEC will
make it easier for them to stay here, contribute to Canadian
innovation as well as to the economic development that will help
ensure Canada’s future prosperity.”