Canadian Armed Forces to enlist PR Holders

In response to the military’s ongoing recruitment issues, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) announced on Friday that permanent residents can now join defense forces.

According to the Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia, a non-profit organization of retired and active duty members of the CAF, permanent residents were formerly only qualified under the Skilled Military Foreign Applicant (SMFA) entry program, which was “open for individuals… that would reduce training costs or fill a special need… such as a trained pilot or a doctor.”

Additionally, the decision was made five years post the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that they would be modifying their “outdated recruitment process” to allow PR holders who have been in Canada for ten years or more to apply.

The CAF sounded an alarm in September over a severe shortage of recruits to fill thousands of vacant positions, meeting about half the number of applicants it needs per month to meet the goal of adding 5,900 members this year.

Experts cite the steep decline in the number of applications received this year has led to this modification. The COVID-19-caused disruption is said to have impacted major sectors of the economy.

Though this decision is warmly welcomed by thousands of current and potential immigrants, who have keenly awaited such an opportunity. To check if you’re eligible, visit.