There are three primary ways by which workers are now entering Canada, two of which are through the permanent resident stream and one by the temporary resident stream.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Several provinces in Canada, especially Western Canada, are now searching for workers in a wide variety of trades, professions and skill levels.    Each province and the Yukon now has its own nominee program by which it can attract and select workers.   Those who are nominated are then able to apply for permanent residency.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

In addition to these provincial programs, the federal Skilled Worker Program continues to be the program by which the largest number of persons become permanent residents; in 2007, the number of applicants, plus their spouses and dependants, totalled 98,000 persons.

Temporary Foreign Workers

In 2007, 115,000 people entered Canada as temporary residents on Work Permits.   These workers play a valuable role in assisting employers who have been unable to recruit local help.

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Canada Experience Class

New in September, 2008, this category creates an opportunity for Temporary Foreign Workers and students working on Post-Graduation Work Permits to apply for permanent residency.