Canadian Model of Managed Migration. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Berlin, October 2016

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1 Canadian Model of Managed Migration Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Berlin, October 2016

2 Context: Public support for immigration in Canada is high About 80% of Canadians believe that immigration has a positive effect on the country s economy (Environics Institute, 2011) The majority of Canadians (77%) agree that immigration is necessary if Canada is to sustain its economic growth (CIC s Annual Tracking Study ) Since 2006, approximately one-half of Canadians have agreed that the right number of immigrants are coming to Canada each year (CIC s Annual Tracking Study) When Canadians were asked about future immigration levels, roughly 50% said they should remain the same, 32% said they should decrease and 17% said they should increase Example: one half of Toronto s population born abroad, 47% visible minorities, almost half of the population having a mother tongue other than English or French (City of Toronto website) 2

3 Canada is a land of immigrants BY THE NUMBERS One of the highest per capita rates of immigration in the world 15 million Immigrants since Confederation (1867) 271,847 New permanent residents in 2015 (0.8% of the total population of approximately 35 million) 170,398 Economic immigrants (63% of total) 65,490 Family class 32,111 Refugees 86% Percentage of permanent residents who go on to become citizens 3

4 Canada takes a managed approach to migration Canada actively manages its immigration system by balancing multiple objectives, priorities, pressures and demands. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada required to report annually to the Parliament on number of persons projected to become permanent residents in the coming year known as the annual levels plan. Levels planning includes consultations with provinces and territories, security partners and stakeholders, other government departments and the public. Planning levels is a matter of public policy. The Government of Canada plans levels and mix to balance the benefits and costs of immigration, while protecting the safety and security of Canadians so as to maintain public confidence in the immigration system. Canada is continually reforming its immigration system in an effort to improve its effectiveness, efficiency and integrity. Multiple stakeholders; immigration is a joint responsibility between federal and provincial/territorial governments 4

5 Immigrants in Canada have positive socio-economic outcomes Labour market and social outcomes The employment earnings of economic immigrants exceed those of other immigrant categories and surpass the Canadian average shortly after landing Immigrants experience a strong sense of belonging to Canada Civil engagement and voting turnout converges over time to that of the Canadian born Economic and social integration generally improves with time spent in Canada. All immigrants, including refugees experience a notable improvement in employment earnings with time spent in Canada Established immigrants have similar levels of life satisfaction and trust in others as the Canadian born, and similar or higher levels of confidence in institutions Integration is a multi-generational process. Children of immigrants perform well in the labour market in terms of participation, unemployment and earnings 67.6% children of immigrants (aged 25-34) in Canada obtain post-secondary education 5

6 Human capital and employment are key to positive outcomes Higher levels of human capital lead to better employment and higher earnings. Economic outcomes favour those who are young, high-skilled, speak an official language, and have prelanding work/study experience in Canada. Official language proficiency is a key enabling factor for immigrant integration in Canada. Official language proficiency produces substantial economic returns. Immigrants with higher language proficiency have better social outcomes and stronger social support. Employment is key for economic self-sufficiency. Employment improves immigrants social well-being and participation in society. 6

7 Evolving system The pre- Immigra'on and Refugee Protec'on Act (IRPA) period was characterized by a strong emphasis on short- term factors, with significant points provided for vocaeonal preparaeon, occupaeonal demand, and arranged employment. With IRPA in 2002 Canada moved to a seleceon system with an almost exclusive focus on human capital. In 2008, Canada imposed Ministerial InstrucEons to establish limits on applicaeon intake. Problems: occupaeon lists subject to the usual limitaeons on imperfect labour market informaeon, and no mechanism to priorieze the best applicaeons we received 7

8 Express Entry is fast, flexible and responsive Hybrid system, which reinforces the importance of human capital in selection decisions, while responding to labour market needs. Makes deliberate choices, and issues invitations to apply only to the candidates who are best positioned for economic success. Provides employers with an easy, no-cost method of recruiting skilled foreign workers on a permanent basis. Express Entry Pool Express Entry Pool Expression of Interest 1. MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA 2. COMPREHENSIVE RANKING SYSTEM 3. INVITATION TO APPLY Application Processing 8

9 Conclusion Context is important Public support National history/identity Managed migration, focus on program integrity Strong immigrant outcomes Economic immigrant selection balancing human capital with labour market responsiveness Importance of integration Two-way street : mutual obligations for newcomers and Canadian society Partnerships and engagement of broader society: municipalities, provinces/territories, universities and colleges, business and employer associations, social service agencies, immigrant civic organizations etc. 9