In addition, the following number of work permits took effect in January and February 2021:
- 62,000 IMP work permits;
- 20,000 TFWP work permits.
The
grand total becomes nearly
1.5 million work and study permit holders in Canada when the programs launch May 6. It is important to stress, however, this grand total over-estimates the number of people who will be vying for the six new permanent resident programs.
In fact, it is virtually impossible for IRCC or anyone else to provide a precise figure on the extent of demand for the streams. Reasons include:
- There is duplication among the permit numbers due to individuals transitioning between categories (e.g., a graduate transitioning from a study permit to a PGWP);
- Not all these people are interested in applying for permanent residence;
- Some have already obtained permanent residence or have submitted immigration applications. For instance, we know 52,708 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates have been invited to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry in 2021. IRCC estimates some 90 per cent of these candidates reside in Canada. Hence, we can deduct this figure from the grand total. The same can be said for the other permit holders currently in Canada who are going through the immigration process (e.g., the partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents living here while IRCC processes their in-land sponsorship application);
- Some are not eligible to apply under the new streams. For instance, they do not have eligible work experience or will not be able to get their IELTS or CELPIP test result in time. Or maybe they will not graduate from their Canadian program before the new programs close;
- Others have since left Canada or their permits are no longer valid.