Eligible Immigrants would be able to apply from with in Canada in 2008

November 13, 2007: Announcing the targets for Canadian immigration in 2008, the minister of citizenship and immigration revealed that the country expects to welcome between 240,000 and 265,000 new immigrants.

Minister Diane Finley also said that Canadian government believes that immigration plays an important role in building communities and contributes to growth of the economy.

"The immigration targets tabled today will help ensure that Canada continues to grow and benefit from all that newcomers and their families bring to our country," she added.

Emphasizing that the Canadian Government's long-term immigration plan included the Canadian Experience Class for certain skilled temporary workers and international students with Canadian degrees and Canadian work experience, she added that the same will be implemented next year.

This would mean that individuals meeting specific criteria will be able to apply for permanent resident status from within Canada.

Other initiatives to address labor skills shortages include improving the Temporary Foreign Worker program and expanding the Provincial Nominee Program.