Photo credit: National Newswatch
Canada and the UK are taking opposite stances on immigration policy, with Canada easing and the UK tightening pathways to permanent residency.
Business Insider Africa reports that while Canada is introducing new pathways to allow up to 200,000 temporary residents already living in Canada to gain permanent status, the UK is moving to double the waiting period for permanent settlement for over half a million foreign nationals.
This divergence reveals how major Western governments are responding differently to workforce shortages, public service pressures, and housing demands.
Canada’s strategy focuses on retaining workers already integrated into its economy, whereas the UK establishes stricter earning requirements and longer waiting periods for permanent residency.
Under its updated immigration plan presented in Budget 2026, Canada is shifting its priority toward granting permanent status to individuals who are already living and working in the country.
The federal government announced that up to 200,000 temporary foreign workers and international students will have the opportunity to transition to permanent residence by the end of 2027.
As part of this measure, federal authorities will collaborate with provincial and territorial governmemts to transition 100,000 eligible workers through the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nminee Program to satisfy loocal labour needs.
In contrast to Canada’s transition policy, the UK is implementing stricter terms for foreign nationals
seeking permanent settlement.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to double the standard waiting period for permanent residency from fibe to ten years.
