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NEWS, Study

Which country allows international students to work the most hours?

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) declared on April 29 that it will soon let foreign students to work off-campus throughout the academic year for a full day each week. The IRCC formally declared at a press conference that it will not be continuing the temporary policy, along with this declaration. Under the interim IRCC policy, international students could work as many hours as they wanted during scheduled breaks and while classes were in session. Fall 2024 will mark the start of the new policy. Prior to the interim policy that was implemented in 2022, overseas students were only allowed to work 20 hours per week. Discover your options to study in Canada International students will be permitted to work full-time during academic breaks like reading week and the summer and winter holidays under the amended 24-hour-per-week regulation. What is the policy comparison of Canada with other leading nations? When it comes to work hour policies, Canada is still competitive with other leading foreign student destinations. As per the January 2024 report published by ApplyBoard, the top five nations for foreign students seeking to study abroad in 2023 were as follows. This portion of the article will give a quick summary of each nation’s regulations pertaining to international students’ work hours. United States (17%) Students from other countries who possess a valid F-1 student visa are allowed to work 20 hours a week on campus in the United States (US). While school is in session, qualifying off-campus students can work up to 20 hours per week; during the student’s annual break, they can work full-time; and when classes are not in session, they can work part-time. Britain (11%) The United Kingdom’s Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) states that international students who are permitted to work must make sure their weekly hours do not exceed 10 or 20. The UKCISA makes it clear that overseas students are allowed to work full-time during the summer months and advises students to verify any job-related restrictions that [their] university, institution, or school imposes or suggests. Canada (ten percent) Reminder: Starting in the fall of 2024, overseas students studying in Canada are eligible for the following work hours allowances: Work off campus for twenty-four hours a week throughout the academic yearFull-time work within the periods of time designated for academics France (6%). As per Campus France, the French government permits international students to labor for up to 964 hours. Calculated to be 21 hours a week, this is the equivalent of 60% of the French legal work year. The same source also mentions that international students wishing to work at French universities are subject to a different set of regulations. Between September 1st and June 30th, these students are permitted to work a maximum of 670 hours, and between July 1st and August 31st, no more than 300 hours may be worked. Germany and Australia (also 6%). On ApplyBoard’s list, two other nations ranked at the same percentage as France. The Department of Home Affairs in Australia states that holders of student visas are allowed to work up to 48 hours each two-week period while they are enrolled in classes. Additionally, the Australian government makes it clear that, while their training or course of study is not in session, holders of student visas are not restricted from working. International students in Germany are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while they are enrolled in classes, per an ICEF Monitor report. The importance of work hours for students from abroad International students find it beneficial to be able to work while they study. They are able to sustain themselves and their family by earning money through this. In Canada, international students who want to work off-campus during the academic year must fulfill specific conditions. Among them are: Having a current study permit After beginning* full-time coursework at a recognized educational institution (DLI), enrolling in a minimum six-month academic, vocational, or professional training program** Possessing an active Social Security Number (SIN) Note: International students must have work authorization on their study permit in order to be able to work while they are enrolled in classes in Canada. Clearly stated in this authorization will be the student’s ability to work on campus, off campus, or both. Only after beginning their studies at their DLI are international students permitted to work in Canada. **The course of study for the international student must result in a degree, diploma, or certificate. To find out more about working while studying in Canada, go to this specific webpage. Discover your options to study in Canada

NEWS, Provinces

Provincial immigration nominations are issued by Manitoba and British Columbia.

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Invitations to apply (ITAs) for immigration have been sent out by Manitoba and British Columbia via their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Through streams designated for skilled workers with expertise in critical employment fields, a job offer from the province, or prior academic coursework in the nominating province, candidates were solicited. Go on for a detailed explanation. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Results of immigration, May 3–May 10   Note: The processes used by various PNPs to rate applicants for immigration are unique. Therefore, it is not appropriate to compare the cut-off scores for immigration drawings in one PNP with those from PNPs in other provinces. Furthermore, certain provinces may refer to ITAs using different words (like “Notifications of Interest” or “Letters of Advice to Apply”), although they all refer to the same type of invitation. BC, or British Columbia   Through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program’s (BCPNP) streams for skilled workers and international graduates (which includes the Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option), at least 77 individuals were invited by British Columbia. Those with qualifying professional expertise in the BCPNP target industries (veterinary care, childcare, construction, healthcare, and tech) were encouraged to apply for the posts. Each draw had different minimum scores, with the following cut-offs: Cut-off score for childcare draws: 90; Cut-off score for construction drawings: 93; Score threshold for healthcare draws: 100; Cutoff score for Tech Draw: 120; and Cut-off score for veterinary care draws: 80. Those who have just graduated within the last three years from an approved Canadian institution or college are the target audience for the International Graduate stream, which also includes the EEBC option. To be eligible for this stream, a job offer from a B.C. employer must be secured. The stream is an improved PNP stream that is compatible with the federal Express Entry system, as shown by the “includes EEBC option.” This implies that the BCPNP may extend invitations to qualified applicants in the Express Entry pool to immigrate and establish themselves in the province via this stream. Manitoba This week, 371 individuals were invited by Manitoba via the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Three distinct streams of candidates were solicited, along with a draw tailored to a particular occupation. A selection process focused on profiles indicating current employment in occupations where there is a high labor shortage in the province was used for the initial draw. Candidates with experience in the following 18 National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes* were awarded ITAs: 72024 – Supervisors, operators of motor vehicles and other ground transportation; and 73301 – Transportation operators, including bus drivers and subway operators. * Canada’s national system for defining and classifying various employment in the nation’s labor market is known as the NOC system. 242 qualified applicants were called to the second draw, which was an all-program selection held under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream, which consists of the Employer Direct Recruitment and Manitoba Work Experience paths. To be invited, candidates had to receive a minimum ranking score of 836. The International Education Stream invited 76 qualified candidates for the third draw. Graduates from Manitoban institutions who fit the demands of the province’s labor market are invited to apply for the International Education Stream. The International Student Entrepreneur pathway, Graduate Internship track, and Career Employment pathway are all included in this stream. The last draw, which included 35 applicants with a minimum ranking score of 698, was held under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream. Candidates from overseas with professional expertise and in-demand skills can nominate themselves for immigration to Manitoba under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream. The Human Capital pathway and the Manitoba Express Entry pathway make up the stream. Sixty-six of the 371 invited individuals indicated they had a valid Express Entry profile and a valid job seeker validation code. Ceremony for Citizenship   An applicant for citizenship in Canada is required to attend a citizenship ceremony upon approval. In the course of the event, candidates will Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Canada, NEWS

The IRCC has released a new temporary policy for Hong Kong-based PR applicants.

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A new temporary policy has been introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assist Hong Kong applicants for permanent residency (PR) in staying in Canada while they await a decision on their application. The first temporary public policy for residents of Hong Kong was introduced in 2021 and received a large number of applications. This temporary policy is a response to those applications. In response to the geopolitical circumstances between China and Hong Kong in that year, the IRCC established two additional avenues for Hong Kong residents who have worked or studied in Canada to be eligible for Canadian PR. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Which policy is the new one? Residents of Hong Kong who applied for PR through the IRCC’s unique 2021 pathway will now be eligible to extend their status and apply for an open work permit (OWP) beginning on May 27, 2024. This will allow them to stay in Canada and continue working while their application is being reviewed. This new law will particularly benefit persons who are both: Applied under the 2021 policy’s Stream A (for graduates from within Canada) or Stream B (for Canadian work experience); and Had a work or study permit during the three years prior to the approval of their application for permanent residency. During the five years that this new public policy is in effect, applicants for permanent residence (PR) are permitted to stay in Canada while their applications are being processed. The IRCC adds that it is the responsibility of the individuals (or their guardians) with temporary status in Canada (work/study permit) to keep an eye on their status and seek for renewal when necessary. Because of a legal requirement known as “maintained status,” people with work or study permits in Canada who ask to have their permits extended before they expire preserve their legal status in the country (even while their application for renewal is being handled). The department also cautions that anyone who lost their status in Canada during the ninety-day period prior to applying for an open work permit under the new policy is eligible to apply for the OWP and have their status restored at the same time. However, an applicant’s application will not be taken into consideration under this new regulation if they have been out of status for more than ninety-nine days prior to filing it. Background of the interim rule applicable to citizens of Hong Kong Since 1923, Canada and Hong Kong have had diplomatic ties. Actually, one of the main immigration sources to Canada each year is Hong Kong. Over 200,000 immigrants to Canada in 2021 gave Hong Kong as their birthplace, according to data. China enforced a national security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, making “secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces” illegal and defining these offenses broadly. The Canadian government responded to these developments by enacting a number of laws that would make it easier for citizens of Hong Kong to immigrate to Canada. The government concerned that these changes would damage citizens’ rights and freedoms and might result in discriminatory or arbitrary law enforcement. Canada’s Info-Pacific Strategy outlines the government’s ongoing commitment to the people of Hong Kong. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS, Provinces

Manitoba’s request to renew work permits for a few PNP candidates has been approved by the IRCC.

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The Manitoba government has requested that some nominees listed in the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have their temporary resident status extended. This request has been granted by Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller. The nominees, most of whom possess Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), are all expected to have work permits expiring in 2024, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applications for these people are presently being accepted for the Manitoba Skilled Worker Program, an immigration route designed to cover important positions in the province. 6,700 temporary employees may carry on with their work while the province processes their PNP application thanks to the interim arrangement. According to the government, “qualified foreign nationals will obtain an official nomination from Manitoba and ultimately turn into permanent residents” Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration In order to meet the demands of the country’s labor market, the IRCC says it is willing to collaborate with other Canadian provinces and territories to assist in the conversion of additional temporary residents into permanent residents. After the Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) meeting on May 10, more details might become accessible. The PNP for Manitoba The first province in Canada to create a PNP was Manitoba. In order to draw immigrants who might otherwise be more inclined to settle in one of Canada’s major cities, such Toronto or Vancouver, the province launched the initiative in 1998. With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, all Canadian provinces and territories adopted the program as it was so effective in promoting the financial advantages of immigration. Additionally, data indicates that in 2023, 10,000 individuals in Manitoba changed from being workers to permanent residents. The province received 1,560 Expressions of Interest from candidates seeking skilled labor between January and March of this year, and 1,478 of those were approved. According to IRCC data, the PNP accounted for 20% of all admissions of permanent residents in 2022. Furthermore, by the end of 2024, Canada hopes to have admitted 110,000 new permanent residents, and by 2025 and 2026, it expects to have admitted 120,000 per year, according to the Immigration Levels Plan, which sets admission targets for permanent residents each year. Modifications to the levels of temporary residents This measure is exclusive to Canada’s immigration landscape and is consistent with an earlier declared priority for the current year and the years to come. Minister Miller declared on March 21 of this year that he intended to pursue further domestic draws in order to facilitate the conversion of temporary residents into permanent residents. To put it another way, rather than raising the previously unrestricted number of temporary residents that enter Canada each year, IRCC intends to collaborate with recent arrivals to assist them in becoming permanent residents. In 2023, the number of temporary residents in Canada exceeded 2.5 million, accounting for 6.2% of the country’s total population. 157,000 individuals made the switch from temporary to permanent residence in 2023. The modifications to Canada’s thresholds for temporary residents coincide with a period of high living expenses, a burdened healthcare system, and a lack of reasonably priced homes for both citizens and foreigners. In 2023, a number of polls revealed a decline in support for substantial immigration. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Express Entry, NEWS

As an Express Entry candidate, will my job offer earn me points in the Comprehensive Ranking System?

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Candidates for Express Entry should be aware that the term “arranged employment” under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) only applies to qualifying job offers. CRS points play a significant role in an applicant’s economic immigration path through Express Entry. These points are significant in deciding who gets an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They are used to rank candidate profiles against each other. Therefore, regardless of whether they apply to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), all Express Entry candidates are continuously seeking methods to raise their CRS score and increase their chances of being granted permanent residence in Canada. A candidate’s CRS score might be raised by having “arranged employment” ready for their arrival in Canada. The benefit of arranged employment is that it can provide an applicant an extra 50 or 200 CRS points. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The IRCC makes it clear that only specific employment offers are eligible for CRS points. The IRCC makes it clear that the requirements for qualified employment vary based on the program. CEC and FSWP For FSWP and CEC candidates to qualify for CRS points under the category of “arranged employment,” they need to have a job offer that is: For one employer, any of the following Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories apply to an employment that is classified under a National employment Classification (NOC) 2021 code: None, One, Two, or Three Constant, full-time, and compensated (at least 30 hours per week) Not cyclical Valid/offered for a minimum of a year following the candidate’s permanent resident (PR) visa being issued by the IRCC *The qualified employer(s) must possess a work permit that was issued** based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a fresh positive LMIA that accepts the offer and names the worker and their job. **This is applicable to foreign nationals who hold NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs and are actively employed in Canada. Those who apply for the FSTP and CEC and who currently hold an LMIA-based work permit are required to: Be employed by the company that is mentioned on their work permit. Possess the right to work in Canada from the time they apply for a PR visa until the visa is granted. Be given the option to work full-time by their present employer(s) if they are hired as PRs. A foreign person may also earn CRS points for “arranged employment” provided they have a valid LMIA-exempt work permit and are employed in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 role. Right now, they are employed by the company listed on their work permit. They have worked for that firm full-time for a year (or an equivalent number of months on a part-time basis). They have a legitimate job offer from that employer that will last for at least a year starting on the day the IRCC grants the candidate a PR visa. FSTP For FSTP workers to qualify for CRS points under the category of “arranged employment,” they need to have a job offer—or jobs—that: Total(s) 30 hours worked each week (if up to two different employers must make separate job offers) Is/are for ongoing, full-time, paid employment (at least 30 hours per week) for a minimum of one year Is/are for work that falls under a qualifying skilled trade occupation (under a qualifying NOC) *The qualifying employer(s) must either have a new positive LMIA that approves the offer and names the worker and their position or a work permit that was issued** based on a positive LMIA. **This applies to foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada in a skilled trade job FSTP applicants should be aware that foreign nationals with an existing LMIA-based work permit must: Be working for an employer listed on their work permit Possess the right to work in Canada from the time they apply for a PR visa until the visa is granted. Be given the option to work full-time by their present employer(s) if they are hired as PRs. Note: This full-time employment offer needs to be for a position in the same three-digit level of the NOC as your existing position, and it needs to be extended for at least a year. In addition, foreign nationals may earn CRS points for “arranged employment” provided they hold a valid LMIA-exempt work visa for any of the skilled trade jobs on the list. Right now, they are employed by the company listed on their work permit. The employer(s) on your work permit who are making the job offer have one year of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time employment). They have a legitimate job offer from that company that will last for at least a year after the candidate’s PR visa is issued by the IRCC. Does an Express Entry job offer come with a work permit?   IRCC makes it clear that a work visa does not count as a job offer for the purpose of earning CRS points as an Express Entry candidate, regardless of the candidate’s employment status in Canada or elsewhere. A employment offer should include the following details for each Express Entry-managed program in addition to the ones mentioned above: Late In textual form For a permanent, full-time position A minimum of one year from the candidate’s acceptance date as a permanent resident of Canada Accompanied, unless LMIA-exempt, by a valid LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Not from a Canadian high commission, embassy, or consulate gives particular information on the position being offered, such as the salary, benefits, responsibilities, and working circumstances (such as hours worked). Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS, Provinces

In the most recent drawings, five provinces invited applicants for provincial immigration

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This week, applications for provincial immigration have been extended to five provinces: Prince Edward Island (PEI), British Columbia (BC), Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. Provincial Nominee Programs, a type of regional immigration program, are used in every Canadian province and territory—with the exception of Nunavut and Quebec—to choose candidates for economic immigration (PNPs). The goal of these programs is to assist each participating province and territory in welcoming talented immigrants who, in the opinion of their local government, can best assist in addressing the demands of the local labor market and demographic issues. Note: Because of its government’s agreement with the federal government to retain control over its own economic immigration, Quebec does not operate a PNP. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Immigration outcomes by province from April 27 to May 3. The British Columbian On April 30, 2024, two provincial immigration draws were held in British Columbia. The province of British Columbia (BC) invited 47 people to a general draw for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). In keeping with the format of all previous BCPNP general draws this year, candidates were taken into consideration from each of the following five streams: Expert Laborer Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option for skilled workers Foreign Alumnus Foreign Graduate: EEBC choice Beginning and Moderately Skilled A minimum score of 131 was necessary for invitation to all but one of these streams, with the exception of the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled applicant group (minimum score of 107). In addition to the main draw, BC held four further draws in which it extended invitations to applicants in the categories of skilled worker and international graduate (including EEBC option). In particular, invitations were sent to candidates in the following four occupational groups. Below is a breakdown of the precise numbers: Candidates in childcare jobs (minimum score of 91) received nine invitations. Candidates for construction vocations received nine invites (minimum score of 93). Candidates in healthcare occupations (minimum score of 100) received nine invitations. For veterinary care vocations (minimum score of 80), less than five invitations were sent out to candidates. Quebec Just now, the results of two different lotteries for provincial immigration were released by Quebec, one of the two provinces that does so. On April 11, 2024, the first of these two draws took place. 1,036 persons were invited by the province to apply for permanent selection as a result of this draw. Note: The Minister of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) is in charge of immigration in Quebec. On April 8, 2024, a drawing was held from the Arrima bank in Quebec for this batch of invites. During this draw, candidates had to satisfy both of the following requirements in order to be invited: An oral French skill level of level 7 or above, as determined by the French proficiency level scale for adult immigrants in Québec or its equivalent. The Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français is the name of this scale. Hold a legitimate employment offer from anywhere outside the boundaries of Montréal’s metropolitan area Furthermore, individuals whose occupations were included in one of two grouped lists of National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes were invited to participate in this draw. The website of the Government of Quebec provides further information on the particular NOCs that were invited. It should be noted that candidates with a NOC in group one of occupations had to receive a minimum score of 536, whilst candidates in group two of occupations had to receive a minimum score of 606. April 25th illustration An additional 1,415 individuals were invited by Quebec to apply for permanent selection on April 25. On April 22, 2024, a selection was made from the Arrima bank for this round of invites. Candidates had to fulfill three requirements in order to be invited during this draw: an oral French competency level of seven or above, as determined by the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français own a legitimate work offer from anywhere outside the boundaries of Montréal’s metropolitan area A minimum of 598 points is required. Next Steps: Those who were invited by the Quebec government may now submit an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate. If an applicant for immigration is planning to settle in Quebec, they must have this certificate before submitting an application to the IRCC for permanent residence. Alberta Other than Quebec, only Alberta posts the results of its provincial immigration draw in retroactive fashion. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), the province’s PNP, announced this week the outcomes of a draw held on April 17, 2024. 49 Notifications of Interest (NOI) letters were sent out by the AAIP during this draw to individuals who qualified for its “dedicated healthcare pathway with Alberta job offer” category. All of these applicants had to have a CRS score of at least 302. Manitoba Manitoba released updated PNP draw results on April 30. In compliance with the specific immigration measure for Ukraine implemented by the provincial administration, this particular draw was devoted to welcome immigration candidates. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) sent 451 Letters of Advice to Apply for this special immigration measure to qualified candidates during this draw. On May 2, Manitoba held another draw in which candidates were invited from three streams. Initially, the MPNP sent out 488 Letters of Advice to Apply in an occupation-specific selection from the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream. The qualified candidates listed below received these letters: Individuals who hold the subsequent NOC 2021 occupations: 33102 – Orderlies, patient service associates, and nurse assistants Managers of retail and wholesale commerce, 60020 Individuals employed in the following NOC 2021 sub-major group: 731 – General trades in construction Individuals employed in the following three primary groups of the NOC 2021: 12-Supervisors of finances and administration as well as specialized administrative jobs 14-Supply chain logistics and financial and administrative assistance 22-Technical jobs in the applied and scientific sciences Apart from the aforementioned, 66 letters were sent by

Canada, NEWS

Who needs a study permit in order to study in Canada?

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Foreign nationals may be checking to see if they are eligible to study in Canada without a study permit in light of the recent announcement that Canada will be capping the number of international study permits given over the next two years. While the majority of foreign nationals wishing to study in Canada are required to get a study permit, there are several exceptions to this rule, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In particular, foreign people who fit into one of the following eight groups could be eligible for this, according to IRCC. Discover your options to study in Canada Temporary learners A study permit is not necessary for foreign students visiting Canada for a post-secondary program lasting six months or less. relatives or employees of foreign delegates You might not need a permission to study in Canada if you are related to (as a family member) or employed by (as a staff member) someone who has been recognized by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) as a foreign representative to Canada. Note: To find out if you require a study permission, your embassy can get in touch with GAC. Members of a nation defined by the Visiting Forces Act as foreign armed forces A study permit is not required for certain foreign military personnel who are in Canada on official business and intend to continue their education here. This specifically relates to those who serve in the armed forces of a nation that Canada has designated under the Visiting Forces Act (VFA), either as designated civilian personnel or as members of the armed forces. It is important to remember that minor children and other family members of foreign military personnel may still need a study permit in order to pursue their education in Canada. Note: A letter of acceptance from Canada’s Department of National Defence is required for qualified members of the armed forces. Canadian Indians with a registration Keep in mind that being a Registered Indian does not equate to being an Indian citizen or resident. Rather, it alludes to being recognized as an indigenous person in Canada. Canadian minors Minor children can pursue their education in Canada without a study permit under the following five scenarios: The young youngster is either a refugee or a claimant. The little child’s parents are either refugees or asylum seekers. The parents of the minor kid are citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The minor child is accompanied by a parent who is permitted to work or study in Canada while attending preschool, primary school, or secondary school. The young person is enrolled in preschool, primary school, or secondary school in Canada, but they are not accompanied. Students studying French language and culture who are both temporary residents and asylum seekers In order to enroll in French language and cultural integration classes in Quebec, eligible temporary residents or asylum seekers in Canada need not need a study permission. courses for integration and settlement for temporary residents There is no need for a study permit for people who enroll in settlement and integration programs run by provinces or territories to aid in their adjustment to Canada. Workers not needing a study visa to study Without a study permission, foreign employees in Canada may be able to pursue their studies if they: Possess a current work permit that was granted on June 7, 2023, or before; or Received a letter from the IRCC by June 7, 2023, at the latest, allowing them to continue working while their work permit application or extension is being processed. The advantages of requesting and being granted a study visa There are advantages to applying for and receiving an IRCC study permit, even if there are some chances for foreign individuals to pursue an education in Canada without one. For Canadian minors The IRCC states that minors in Canada who have a valid study permit can access more opportunities, services, and programs, such as: Co-ops in secondary schools: work permits Social Services (in certain territories/provinces) The freedom to move between educational levels without having to seek for new permissions or change existing ones When minor children reach the age of majority, which varies by province or territory and is either 18 or 19 years old, they must apply for a study permit in order to continue their education in Canada. Advantages of a study permit in general: working while you study Depending on the terms specified in their study permit, only enrolled full-time students at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) are permitted to work either on or off campus while they pursue their degree. Conversely, students who do not have a study permit are not allowed to work while they are enrolled in classes and must apply for a different kind of work permit. Discover your options to study in Canada

Canada, NEWS

Where to find your cultural community in Canada

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Finding others who share their social and cultural background can be a major factor for many immigrants to Canada when deciding where to settle. Fortunately, Canada’s emphasis on diversity and culture mean that immigrants from all over the world can probably find fellow members of their community there. The most populated communities in Canada are profiled here, along with information on notable ethnic groups, birthplace, immigration status, official languages spoken, and linguistic proficiency. The biggest cities in every province have been selected, and information from the Canadian National Census of 2021 has been gathered. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Definitions This page cites Statistics Canada’s “list of ethnic or cultural origins 2021” (which includes detailed definitions) for ethnic origins. Regarding immigration status, this article makes reference to: “Immigrants” are those who are recent arrivals in Canada who have been granted permanent residence (PR) status and/or those who have obtained Canadian citizenship through naturalization; “Non-immigrants,” denoting those who are citizens of Canada by virtue of their birth; and “Non-permanent residents” are foreign nationals who are granted temporary residency in Canada, usually through a work or study permit. Toronto The largest city and metropolitan area in both the province of Ontario and all of Canada is Toronto. Toronto had a population of about 2.7 million as of 2021. Status of Immigration The people who live in Toronto are: 48.2% or 1.39 million non-immigrants; 1.28 million newcomers (46.6%); additionally Non-permanent residents: 145,240 (5.35%). Language proficiency Toronto’s population spoke the following languages: English (2.6 million speakers); French (238,505 speakers); Mandarin (162,950 speakers); Spanish (138,770 speakers); Tagalog (135,600 speakers); Yue (Cantonese) (134,810 speakers); Hindi (107,170 speakers); Italian (84,335 speakers); Portuguese (80,170 speakers); and Tamil (77,785 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken Of Canada’s official languages, residents of Toronto spoke: English only (2.4 million speakers); English and French (236,915 speakers); and French only (2,555 speakers). Ethnic and cultural breakdown Of Toronto’s population: 1.13 million people were of ethnic European origin; 1.13 million people were of ethnic Asian origin; 248,260 people were of ethnic North American origin; 212,030 people were of “other ethnic and cultural” origin; and 172,560 people were of ethnic African origin. Montréal Montréal is the largest metropolis in the province of Quebec and the second most populous city in Canada. Additionally, it is North America’s largest francophone metropolis. 1.76 million people called Montréal home as of the 2021 census. Status of Immigration Montréal’s population consists of: 1.01 million non-immigrants (59%); 576,120 immigrants (33.4%); and 129,780 non-permanent residents (7.5%). Knowledge of languages Montréal’s population spoke the following languages: French (1.47 million speakers); English (1.21 million speakers); Spanish (177,230 speakers); Arabic (173,385 speakers); Italian (95,535 speakers); Haitian Creole (66,445 speakers); Mandarin (41,405 speakers); Portuguese (28,835 speakers); and Vietnamese (24,550 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken Of Canada’s official languages, residents of Montréal spoke: English and French (1.01 million speakers); French only (473,490 speakers); English only (207,690 speakers); and Neither English nor French (41,975 speakers). Ethnic or cultural breakdown Of Montréal’s population: 684,765 people were of ethnic European origin; 419,860 people were of ethnic North American origin; 307,525 people were of ethnic Asian origin; 230,025 people were of ethnic African origin; and 136,480 people were of “other ethnic and cultural” origin. Calgary The largest city in Alberta and one of the fastest-growing in the country is Calgary. Calgary was named the most livable city in Canada and tied with Zurich, Switzerland, for third place among all cities in 2022. Calgary had 1.3 million residents in 2021. Immigrant Status Calgary’s population consists of: 834,100 non-immigrants (64.6%); 430,640 immigrants (33.3%); and 27,030 non-permanent residents (2.1%). Knowledge of languages Calgary’s population spoke the following languages: English (1.25 million speakers); French (86,135 speakers); Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) (66,720 speakers); Punjabi (61,025 speakers); Spanish (54,235 speakers); Mandarin (45,330 speakers); Hindi (42,160 speakers); Yue (Cantonese) (42,090 speakers); Arabic (33,325 speakers); and Urdu (29,980 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken Of Canada’s official languages, residents of Calgary spoke: English only (1.17 million speakers); English and French (85,360 speakers); and French only (825 speakers). Ethnic and cultural breakdown Of Calgary’s population: 665,085 people were of ethnic European origin; 403,980 people were of ethnic Asian origin; 207,060 people were of ethnic North American origin; 78,555 people were of “other ethnic and cultural” origin; and 74,410 people were of ethnic African origin. Winnipeg The province of Manitoba’s capital and largest city is Winnipeg. The city is a rapidly expanding urban area in the prairie region of Canada. Winnipeg had 749,607 residents as of 2021. Status of Immigration The population of Winnipeg is made up of: 68.6% or 505,525 non-immigrants; 27,3% of immigrants, or 201,045; and 30,095 (4.1%) non-permanent inhabitants. Language proficiency The following languages were spoken by people in Winnipeg: English (723,085 speakers); French (72,665 speakers); Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) (64,325 speakers); Punjabi (39,215 speakers); Spanish (15,660 speakers); Mandarin (15,160 speakers); German (12,425 speakers); Arabic (9,335 speakers); Russian (8,645 speakers); and Ukranian (8,620 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken Of Canada’s official languages, residents of Winnipeg spoke: English only (656,965 speakers); English and French (71,700 speakers); and French only (1,225 speakers). Ethnic and cultural breakdown Of Winnipeg’s population: 401,865 people were of ethnic European origin; 193,135 people were of ethnic Asian origin; 156,025 people were of ethnic North American origin; 54,455 people were of “other ethnic and cultural” origin; and 37,290 people were of ethnic African origin. Vancouver The largest city in British Columbia is Vancouver, which is also one of the three largest metropolitan areas in Canada along with Toronto and Montreal. There were 662,248 people living in Vancouver as of the 2021 census. Status of Immigration The population of Vancouver is made up of: 333,190 non-immigrants (51.2%); 274,360 immigrants (42.2%); and 42,830 non-permanent residents (6.6%). Knowledge of languages Toronto’s population spoke the following languages: English (612,215 speakers); Yue (Cantonese) (96,960 speakers); Mandarin (74,960 speakers); French (60,990 speakers); Spanish (36,500 speakers); Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) (30,430 speakers); Punjabi (19,130 speakers); Hindi (15,025 speakers); Vietnamese (14,905 speakers); and Japanese (12,075 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken

In what ways might a modification to my NOC affect my PR application?
Canada, NEWS

In what ways might a modification to my NOC affect my PR application?

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On rare occasions, applicants for permanent residency (PR) in Canada may first submit an application under one National Occupation Classification (NOC) code, then change it at a later stage of their immigration process. For instance, a candidate may submit an application for permanent residence in Canada via one of the 11 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that are overseen by Canada or through one of the Express Entry-managed programs. Let’s take the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), or PNP, as an illustration. We will specifically examine this scenario through the use of a fictitious applicant who was selected through a tech draw. Under a tech draw, the OINP sent this candidate, Lincoln, a software engineer, a Notification of Interest* (NOI). Discover your options to study in Canada *Notably, Ontario refers to the invitation sent by the OINP as a “NOI,” signifying that the province is extending an invitation to the chosen candidate to make an application for a provincial nomination. After submitting his expression of interest to the federal Express Entry pool, Lincoln was issued his NOI. Using an Enhanced PNP, the provincial government sent the candidate a notice of intent (NOI) after looking over his profile in the federal Express Entry pool. Lincoln was granted a NOI due to his compliance with the OINP tech draw specifications, which included obtaining a primary NOC code from the list of occupations that the OINP targeted. Lincoln has until now to submit an application to the Ontario government for his provincial nomination. In order to accomplish this, he will need to give the Ontario government supporting documentation for the NOC code he claimed, such as reference letters. To enable the province to confirm that the employment duties and responsibilities of the applicant match the NOC (Software Developers and Programmers) listed in his federal Express Entry profile, reference letters from each company should be received (NOC 21232). Furthermore, NOC codes are five-digit numbers that are intended to “classify and categorize occupations for immigration purposes.” Discover more about the Government of Canada’s NOC 2021 system by visiting this dedicated webpage. You can also use this tool to locate your own NOC. What happens if my NOC changes at the provincial level while I’m going through the immigration process? The evaluation of the candidate’s supporting documentation determines whether or not the employment function and responsibilities correspond appropriately with a NOC that is included in the targeted professions list of the province or territory. The results of this evaluation will determine what occurs next, particularly if the provincial or territory government finds that a candidate’s declared NOC is in conflict with the duties and obligations of their position. Note: We’ll use Lincoln, our fictitious candidate, as an example again in the following. First hypothetical scenario: Lincoln’s application listed NOC 21232 (Software Developers and Programmers). The Ontario government, however, determined that his position more closely matched NOC 21234, Web Developers and Programmers. Hypothetical 2: The Ontario government determined that the job applicant’s work more closely matched NOC 22220, Computer Network and Web Technicians, even though his application listed NOC 21232, Software Developers and Programmers. In the first case, despite the fact that Lincoln’s profession does not correspond with his declared NOC, his application can still be approved because the Ontario government has included his evaluated NOC in its list of targeted occupations for tech draws. In this instance, the OINP will get in touch with the client and ask for more details. In the second situation, Lincoln will not be considered eligible for a provincial nomination through the OINP since his evaluated NOC is not on Ontario’s targeted occupations list. We will not accept his application. If my primary NOC differs from the one I used when I first applied at the provincial level, what should I do? Before submitting their application for a provincial nomination, candidates may decide not to proceed with their application as it will be rejected as non-eligible if they discover that their primary NOC has changed and is no longer listed as a targeted NOC. If this NOC change is discovered after the application has been submitted, or if the application is submitted in spite of this revelation, the applicant may try to withdraw it, but they would probably forfeit the processing fees for their provincial nomination application. Problems with the federal government’s modified NOCs A candidate’s application for PR with the federal government may be affected by a change in NOC following the successful receipt of a provincial nomination from Ontario. Note: Candidates whose provincial nomination is based on a NOC must continue to hold the same NOC for their principal occupation as when they first applied to the province. Candidates for provincial nominations specific to a NOC who change their primary NOC code at the federal level risk having their application rejected for not meeting the eligibility requirements associated with their candidacy. What’s the deal with my NOC code? Understanding the significance of NOC codes in general can help you better grasp how an altered NOC may affect your application. To put it briefly, NOC codes play a significant role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) through Express Entry, Canada’s application management system. FSWP Candidates must meet the minimum requirements for FSWP eligibility in addition to other requirements, which include at least one year of continuous, skilled, full-time or equivalent part-time employment at a paid rate in the same NOC (primary NOC). *This work experience must fit into one of the NOC’s Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) areas in order to qualify: TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3 CEC Candidates must achieve the minimum requirements for CEC eligibility, in addition to other program requirements, by having at least one year of paid, full-time or comparable part-time, skilled work experience* in Canada during the previous three years. Keep in mind that work experience obtained while enrolled in classes does not apply

NEWS, Study

Getting PR after graduating from a master’s or PhD program as an international student

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Students coming to Canada for a Ph.D. or master’s degree may find it simpler to get permanent residence (PR) currently. One of several modifications to Canada’s system for international students, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy was originally announced on January 22 and was enacted on February 15, 2024 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Under this regulation, international graduates of master’s degree programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), the only post-secondary educational establishments approved by the International Relations and Cultural Council (IRCC) to admit international students, can now apply for a three-year PGWP. This holds true even for students enrolled in two-year master’s degrees or shorter. Discover your options to study in Canada Note: Prior to February 15, there existed a clear correlation between the duration of a master’s program and the validity period of a PGWP. How does this facilitate the Canadian PR process? The benefit of a PGWP is that, after completing a program at a DLI that qualifies, it enables graduates of overseas schools to work in Canada. Many of Canada’s immigration procedures either demand or reward job experience, therefore having work experience in the country is beneficial for individuals who eventually hope to pursue permanent residence. For instance, candidates with a minimum of 80* additional CRS points for work experience gained in Canada prior to applying for PR are rewarded by Canada’s well-known Express Entry application management system, which gives priority to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. *This point value is applicable to candidates for Express Entry under the Core/Human Capital Factors segment of the system who do not have a spouse or common-law partner. Candidates may obtain a variable number of CRS points depending on the circumstances, such as applying with their spouse or partner. Therefore, because it gives them more time to get useful Canadian work experience that they can cite on their immigration application, this enlarged PGWP policy will make it easier for qualifying students to obtain PR. Additional ways that IRCC facilitates master’s and PhD student immigration to Canada The CRS system of Express Entry incentivizes greater education. In addition to the value of a Ph.D. or master’s degree for immigration to Canada, the Express Entry CRS system favors higher education levels. In particular, the Express Entry system rewards students with master’s and doctoral degrees with the two highest CRS ratings under “level of education.” Master’s students: 126 points with a spouse/common-law partner; 135 points without Ph.D. students: 140 points with a spouse/common-law partner; 150 points without Simply, more CRS points gives candidates a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR. Many provinces/territories have dedicated Provincial Nominee Program streams for Masters/PhD students Students who obtain either a master’s or Ph.D. degree in Canada also open themselves up to various additional Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. Note: With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, eleven of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories run PNPs. This is due to the fact that several of the provinces that are the top destinations for newcomers to Canada, such as British Columbia and Ontario, offer specialized programs for their graduates. You can click on the links below to find out more details about a few of these PNP streams. Ontario: Graduate Programs for Masters and Doctorates in Ontario International Post-Graduate Category in British Columbia Manitoba: Pathway for Graduate Internships Here is more information about the PNPs in Canada. Discover your options to study in Canada

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