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On 12 August 2008, Canada announced a proposed new immigration scheme called the Canadian Experience Class. The new immigration scheme would create a new route to permanent residence and eventual citizenship for certain temporary foreign workers and graduates.
The Canadian Experience Class would make it possible for certain temporary foreign workers and certain foreign student graduates with managerial, professional, or technical/trade work experience to become permanent residents and eventual Canadian citizens.
All applicants would be required to have either basic or moderate English or French language skills, depending on their occupational skill level.
"The Canadian Experience Class is one more measure this government is proposing to make our immigration system more attractive and accessible to individuals with diverse skills from around the world, and more responsive to Canada's labour market needs," said Immigration Minister Diane Finley.
People applying under the Canadian Experience Class can continue to work in Canada while their application is being processed.
The new proposal comes at a time when Canada is trying to make its immigration program more attractive to skilled workers from around the globe.
In a recent press release, Canada announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program that would allow some foreign graduates to have easier access to work permits.
In addition, Canada has established a Foreign Credentials Referral Office to help immigrants have their overseas qualifications recognized in Canada.
Canada has also passed new immigration legislation that would allow priority processing for immigration applicants that possess the skills for which Canada has a particular need.
"Choosing newcomers based on knowledge of our labour market and experience within Canadian society would make Canada a more attractive destination for skilled individuals from around the world," Finley said. "International students and skilled workers would be more likely to choose Canada if they knew their time in Canada and contribution to Canadian society would assist in their eligibility to apply to stay permanently."
