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NEWS

“Alberta Introduces New Expression of Interest System for AAIP Worker Streams: A Gateway to Opportunity”

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In certain paths of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), Alberta is altering the process by which it issues Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to applicants. Candidates who wish to apply to one of the AAIP worker streams must submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) starting today, September 30. Candidates must accomplish this by going to the AAIP portal and filling out an online form with personal data. Those that submit a Worker EOI, according to the province, will be added to a pool for consideration in the Worker Stream. Applying is free of charge. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The Worker EOI points grid, which functions similarly to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), will be used to rank candidates. For instance, their points will be determined by human capital factors like age, having a family connection in the province, language proficiency, work experience (with more points given for work experience in Alberta), education (including whether or not they completed their education in the province), and so on. Higher scorers have a better chance of being chosen for provincial nomination. Emails will be used to send invitations. Alberta notes that candidates cannot create a Worker EOI if they “have an existing Worker EOI or Entrepreneur EOI or a draft or active AAIP application. Existing applications or EOIs must be withdrawn prior to creating a Worker EOI.” The province says candidates do not need to rush to submit their application as it will not begin conducting worker stream draws until mid to late October. Alberta Worker Streams Earlier this year, Alberta changed the way it accepts applications for Worker streams to better handle overwhelming demand and meet labour market priorities. In June, the province announced it would only accept a targeted number of applications into the application pool at one time. If a target were reached by the monthly deadline, no further applications would be accepted. The system was meant to better balance processing time and the 9,750 PNP nominations that IRCC allocated Alberta for 2024. The impacted programs included: Alberta Opportunity Stream Rural Renewal Stream Accelerated Tech Pathway Tourism and Hospitality Stream This approach was meant to “provide applicants with multiple opportunities to apply and access to the program year-round.” In fact, the Alberta Opportunity Stream has been so high in demand this year that the province had to pause accepting applications for this stream between February and June. At the time, the province said the pause was necessary to help enable the AAIP to “address its current inventory and focus its limited immigration nominations on priorities, such as filling labour shortages in healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism and hospitality and other in-demand sectors.” Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“Bridging Opportunities: Increasing Provincial Nominations for Skilled Workers in British Columbia and Ontario”

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More immigration candidates have received nominations through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in British Columbia and Ontario. Two different draws were held to choose candidates based on their professional experience in in-demand industries within the Canadian economy, or based on a combination of their skilled job experience and fluency in both English and French. Note: Every PNP rates candidates’ eligibility for immigration using a unique scoring system. It is not appropriate to compare these scores between PNPs. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Results of provincial immigration, September 21–27 British Columbia Through the Skilled Worker, International Graduate stream, the British Columbia PNP (BCPNP) solicited a minimum of 146 applications on September 24. Because of their professional background and the need for open posts in the province, candidates were invited. Candidates’ initiation counts and cut-off scores were determined by their level of professional experience and were as follows: Draw Type Minimum Score Number of Invitations Childcare 83 42 Construction 89 22 Healthcare 99 24 Tech 117 57 Veterinary Care 80 <5 A route to permanent residence (PR) in British Columbia is provided by the Skilled Worker, International Graduate stream, which is open to recent graduates from qualifying Canadian post-secondary educational institutions. Candidates must have a full-time work offer from a company in the province and have finished a degree, diploma, or certificate within the last three years in order to be eligible. A National Occupation Classification (NOC) category 1, 2, or 3 for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) must apply to the position. In addition, candidates must be competent for the role, meet the language requirements, have a wage offer that complies with British Columbian standards, and exhibit financial self-sufficiency. The International Graduate stream is an improved provincial immigration stream since it offers the option of Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC). Enhanced provincial paths give candidates in the federal pool the chance to be nominated by a province, which results in an extra 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points. These pathways are in line with Canada’s federal Express Entry system. The Ontario Through the French-speaking skilled worker stream, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Ontario’s PNP, sent out 243 notices of interest (NOIs) to prospective immigrants on September 26. Candidates had to score between 290 and 445 on the CRS in order to be invited. The Ontario provincial government may nominate qualified foreign workers for permanent residency in Canada under the French Speaking skills Worker stream if they meet the requirements, including having the required skills job experience, language fluency (both French and English), and education. In order to qualify, candidates must have an Ontario NOI and have a current Express Entry profile before submitting an online nomination application. Keep in mind that this stream is upgraded, which means it complies with the Express Entry guidelines.   Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“Understanding Biometrics: Do You Need to Submit Them to Stay in Canada?”

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Your biometrics will be gathered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you are a person between the ages of 14 and 79 and are asking, claiming, or applying for: temporary residency in Canada (apart from Americans); permanent residency in Canada (including US citizens); or refugee defense. What are biometrics? Biometrics refers to data that will help confirm your identity. When giving biometrics, IRCC will collect: Biographic data: Name, date of birth, and other personal details of an applicant as listed on the biographic data page of the applicant’s passport or travel document; Fingerprints: Fingerprints of the applicant, captured electronically during the biometrics collection session, using an electronic fingerprint-capture device; and Photograph: A digital photograph of the applicant. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Who needs to get biometrics? Permanent residence You will be asked to give your biometrics every time you apply for permanent residency, even if you have given them before. According to IRCC, you will be expected to provide biometrics if you are between the ages of 14 and 79, and you are applying for one of the following: A permanent resident visa; A request to remain in Canada as a permanent resident; or A new permanent resident card for the first time, in cases where you were exempt from biometrics enrolment because you were under the age of 14 years at the time of your PR application. Temporary residence Temporary residents must give biometrics if they apply for any of the following: A temporary resident visa; An extension of authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident; A temporary resident permit; A restoration of temporary resident status; A work permit or renewal of a work permit; or A study permit or renewal of a study permit. If you have given your biometrics before, you may not need to again when applying for temporary residence. But since IRCC cannot issue you a visa or permit extending more than 10 years since the date you last provided biometrics, you may wish to voluntarily submit biometrics if you wish to extend your permit past this date. How much does it cost to have my biometrics collected? Individual applicant: $85. Families applying at the same time: maximum total fee of $170. Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $255. There is no fee to give biometrics for a transit visa. Where are biometrics collected? Biometrics are collected in person by appointment. Once you have paid your fee and received your biometric instruction letter (BIL), you will have 30 days to have your biometrics collected. You can book an appointment to have your biometrics collected at one of the following locations: Visa Application Centre (VAC); Service Canada (from inside Canada only); or United States (U.S.) Application Support Centre (ASC) (Inside U.S. only). To avoid fraud, use the official IRCC website to find a location near you, and do not pay for an appointment. Once you have paid the application fee, the biometrics appointment will be free of charge. Exemptions According to IRCC, there are some exemptions under which you will not be required to submit biometrics: a Canadian citizen or citizenship applicant (including passport applicants); an existing permanent resident; a visa-exempt national coming to Canada to visit only; a head of state or head of government; an applicant who qualifies for or holds a diplomatic or official visa; a U.S. visa holder transiting through Canada; an applicant applying for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit who has already provided biometrics for a permanent resident application that’s still being processed; a child under the age of 14; and an applicant over the age of 79 (unless they are claiming asylum). How will my biometric data be used? Upon giving your biometrics, they will be encrypted and sent to a secure government database. They will be deleted at the collection location once they have been sent to IRCC. While processing your application, they will be shared with Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Your fingerprints and photo will be also shared with the Canada Border Services Agency so that they may verify your identity upon arrival in Canada. According to IRCC, they may also share your information with other law enforcement agencies in Canada to enforce any Canadian or provincial law; or Canadian government institutions or foreign governments, in accordance with Canada’s privacy laws. Your fingerprints and photo may also be shared with the US, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and New Zealand in a way that respects privacy laws; civil liberties; and human rights (including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). What if I can’t get my biometrics submitted in time? If your ASC and VAC are open, but you are unable to get an appointment date to give your biometrics within 30 days of receiving the BIL, you can use the IRCC web form to explain why you need an extension. IRCC does not guarantee that one will be granted. If you do need to get an extension for an appointment date that falls past the 30 day mark, you will be expected to provide a screenshot of your appointment confirmation and the appointment date. You will also be expected to explain why you were unable to get an earlier appointment. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“Cost to Study at Canada’s Top Universities: A Guide for International Students”

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Canada’s multi-cultural environment and world-class educational institutions have made it a popular destination for overseas students over the years. Numerous factors need to be taken into account when selecting a designated learning institute (DLI), chief among them the expense of tuition. The weighted average yearly tuition cost for all full-time international undergraduate students in 2024, according to Statistics Canada, is $40,115. Discover your options to study in Canada Apart from tuition, students also have to take into account accommodation, and general cost of living. Keeping these factors in mind, here’s how much it would cost to study in Canada’s top universities as an international student. Note: For this list’s purpose, we’ve looked at the top universities across the country chosen by QS World University Rankings in 2025, which is based on factors like academic and employer reputation, research impact and more. All tuition costs mentioned in this article are in Canadian dollars (CAD). The cost of tuition is calculated for only one academic year. The average undergraduate program in Canada is three to five years, so the total cost of an undergraduate program will need to be calculated accordingly. Rental prices have been taken from Zumper, a digital marketplace for renters and property managers. University of Toronto University of Toronto (UoT) came in the 25th place in QS World University Rankings in 2024 making it the top Canadian university on the list. Founded in 1827, it is a public research university known for its expansive facilities. Students can choose between 700+ academic programs and have access to the largest academic library in the country. UoT has 11 colleges and three campuses, with the oldest located in downtown Toronto and two satellite campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough. Estimated tuition fees for international students 2024-25 Arts $61,720 Commerce $61,720 Engineering $67,370 While daily expenses depend on the campus chosen, the university recommends setting aside $1,000 for books and other equipment (like a laptop) and $8,000-$15,000 for campus accommodation and meal costs per year. If an individual choose to live off campus, the average monthly rent in downtown Toronto for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,000. Without taking into consideration food, it might come to $1,500 when divided between two students. University of McGill McGill University, which is located in Montreal, is frequently included among the nation’s best universities. Currently, the university provides more than 1,200 programs across its many colleges, schools, and institutes. Approximately thirty percent of its student body is international. The anticipated cost of tuition for overseas students in 2024–2025 Arts $47,281.69 Commerce $70,894.37 Engineering $66,327.91 Montreal also ranks among the QS Best Student Cities of 2025 which is based on factors such as university rankings, employer activity, affordability and student life. Living in Montreal also offers a lower cost of living as compared to Toronto and Vancouver, according to cost of living comparison website Numbeo. For those living off-campus, the cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Montreal comes up to $2,300 a month or $1,150 per student. The University of British Columbia Established in 1908, this is British Columbia’s oldest university, and it offers a diverse range of academic programs. The University of British Columbia (UBC) features two campuses – in Vancouver and the Okanagan valley – that attract 65,000 students from Canada and 140+ countries around the world today. The university also has some famous and highly specialized degrees in international economics, food market analysis and journalism. It also has international student advisors who can help make the transition easier for international students. Estimated tuition fees for international students 2024-25 Arts $ 47,189.40 Commerce (Sauder School of Business) $ 61,061.10 Engineering $ 60,622.65   Earlier this year, Vancouver ranked amongst most livable cities in the world according to the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU). That being said, it does have a higher cost of living so students might need to account for that. The median monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the area is $3,700 as of September 2024. That makes it about $1,850 per student. University of Alberta The University of Alberta placed within the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings in 2024. It features three campuses in Edmonton, and has over 200 undergraduate programs to choose from. Estimated tuition fees for international students 2024-25 Arts $33,968.40 Commerce $40,300.80 Engineering $45,482.40 Alberta is increasingly seen as a top spot for international students because of its more affordable cost of living and strong economic outlook. Edmonton, its second largest city, is fairly affordable, with the median monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment being $1,650 (which comes up to $850 per student). Waterloo University According to Maclean’s University Rankings 2024, University of Waterloo has been the “most innovative university in Canada for 30 of the last 32 years.” The institution is well-known for its cooperative education (co-op programs), which provide students with chances for job-integrated learning by giving them access to first-hand work experience with major companies. Its three satellite campuses are located in downtown Kitchener, downtown Cambridge, and Stratford, Ontario, in addition to its flagship campus in the city of Waterloo. Estimated tuition fees for international students 2024-25 Honours Arts $57,000 Global Business and Digital Arts $55,000 Engineering $73,000 The cost of living depends on which campus a student chooses to study on. As of September 2024, the median rent for a two-bedroom rental in Waterloo, ON is $2,350 ($1,175 per student) per month. Dalhousie University Dalhousie University, commonly known as Dal, is located in Atlantic Canada and is placed 275th in the QS World University Rankings 2024. With four campuses in Halifax, one in Bible Hill, a medical school in Saint John, New Brunswick, and three campuses in Halifax, this public research university is the largest in Nova Scotia. It is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Universities and offers more than 200 programs spread over 13 faculties. The anticipated cost of tuition for overseas students in 2024–2025 Arts & Social Science $33,814.00 Commerce $37,418.00 Engineering $43,248.00 Dalhousie is located close to the downtown area of Halifax, giving students

NEWS

“How to Choose the Right NOC Code for Your Profession: A Step-by-Step Guide!”

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Selecting the appropriate National Occupation Classification (NOC) code based on one’s job experience can significantly affect an immigration application, particularly as various NOC codes are applicable to various immigration streams. The possibility of misrepresentation—a legal criterion that applies to immigration petitions and may be construed as a form of fraud—increases when an improper NOC code is chosen. This implies that applicants for immigration may have their applications cancelled or denied due to an incorrect NOC declaration. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration What is the NOC? The National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code system is Canada’s national system for categorizing and describing occupations in Canada. The NOC system was updated in 2021 to include a training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER) component as well, denoting the extent to which these four components are needed to adequately perform the role. Based on this, jobs are assigned a NOC based on the training, education, experience, and responsibilities that they require. TEER 0 indicates the positions that require the most education or training/experience, while TEER 5 denotes occupations with the least. The following table breaks down each TEER level, and the corresponding training, education and experience needed:   TEER Number Occupation Type TEER 0 Management occupations. TEER 1 Occupations that usually require a university degree to adequately perform. TEER 2 Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years to adequately perform, or supervisory occupations. TEER 3 Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training to adequately perform. TEER 4 Occupations that usually require a high school diploma, or several weeks of on-the-job training to adequately perform. TEER 5 Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstrations to learn, and no formal education. How do I pick the best NOC? It can be difficult to determine the appropriate NOC code for a profession because of the NOC system’s immense size. Nonetheless, the Canadian government offers services that can greatly simplify this process. The main source is the NOC page of the Canadian government, which is located here. The IRCC suggests that you use this page to find your NOC Code by doing the following steps: Navigate to the table at the bottom of the page and enter your job title in the “Filter items” field at the top of the table; Note that the exact job title may not be available, and so candidates may have to enter a close approximation (i.e.: as opposed to entering the job title “forensic accountant” a candidate may have to instead simply enter “accountant” at first to be delivered a result); Copy both the TEER number, and the NOC code number for the search result that most closely resembles the required profession; To ensure this is the right code, visit Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC’s) webpage and click on the tab entitled “Search by NOC Code”. Enter the NOC code copied earlier into the search bar, and review the information provided for the profession searched. Note the “main duties” section of this page. Ensure that the duties in the “main duties” section of the page match closely to the duties of the occupation that you are searching for. If the duties do not closely match, restart the process from step 1. What if I cannot find my NOC in the given table? Immigration seekers can now include this information in their applications after locating and verifying the appropriate NOC with the duties and responsibilities of the intended employment. It can be quite helpful to make sure that the NOC code provided accurately reflects your actual function and responsibilities. This will help you prevent any issues that may arise from lying on your immigration application as well as ensure that you are eligible for a specific stream or pathway. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“Ontario, BC, and Quebec Invite Skilled Workers to Apply for Provincial Immigration”

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Applications for provincial immigration programs are now being accepted by three Canadian provinces. In order to do this, British Columbia and Ontario both have Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). In an effort to disperse the advantages of immigration throughout areas of Canada that had previously had low rates of immigration, PNPs were launched in 1998. Provincial governments in Canada and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) share authority over immigration. Each participating province and territory receives a set number of nominations from the IRCC through the PNP. The provinces then choose the economic immigration candidates who have the best chance of assimilating into the Canadian economy. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration A candidate does not automatically become a permanent residence just because their province nominated them. A candidate’s application for permanent residency will be substantially stronger if they are nominated, according to the IRCC. Indeed, candidates for Express Entry who also get a provincial nomination earn an extra 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which practically guarantees them an ITA in the next Express Entry lottery. Because of a separate arrangement it has with the federal government that gives it control over the selection of all its candidates for economic immigration, Quebec does not have a PNP. Additionally, it establishes its own guidelines for how many new applicants it will accept annually. Results of provincial immigration, September 14–20 The Ontario Candidates in the Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate courses received invites from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) on September 17. Of these, 194 went to PhD candidates with a score of 45 or higher, while 1,249 were sent to Master’s graduate candidates with a score of 53 or higher. On September 19, the province conducted a second draw for applicants in the OINP’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream. For 1,424 applicants in “other priority occupations,” it was a targeted draw. They needed a CRS score in the range of 505-528 to be considered. British Columbia The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) also held draws on September 17, inviting more than 163 candidates. The largest draw was general and selected candidates from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate and Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled streams of the BC PNP. Skilled Worker and International Graduate candidates (both streams including those eligible for Express Entry BC) required a minimum score of 128. Those in the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker stream needed a score of at least 110 to be considered. Another three draws for Skilled Workers and International Graduates targeted for candidates in specific occupations: 43 candidates in childcare occupations with a score of at least 83 29 candidates in construction occupations with a score of at least 89 29 candidates in healthcare occupations with a score of at least 99 Quebec The outcomes of the September 5 provincial selection draw for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program have been made public by Quebec. Results of selection draws are usually posted by Quebec after the fact. 1,417 persons were asked to apply for permanent selection by the province. A 575 point minimum score was required. Furthermore, according to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français (Québec’s scale of French proficiency levels for adult immigrants) or its equivalent, all candidates had to show that they could speak French at a level 7 (or higher) or above. Candidates may also have been considered if they had a job offer outside of the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“IRCC Issues 4,000 ITAs to CEC Candidates: Latest Express Entry Draw Updates”

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In the most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In a lottery only for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the government distributed 4,000 ITAs. To be considered, candidates had to receive a minimum of 509 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The third draw of the month was held today, coming after two previous weeks in which 1,000 candidates were invited in a category-based selection draw for French-language proficiency, and 911 candidates were invited from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Since 5,000 candidates received ITAs in a draw on July 31, this was the largest CEC draw. The CRS score for this draw is marginally higher than it was for the previous CEC draw. In the most recent one, which was held on August 27, applicants had to receive at least a 507. An overview of the 2024 Express Entry draw results Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS September 19 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 509 September 13 French language proficiency 1,000 446 September 9 Provincial Nominee Program 911 732 August 27 Canadian Experience Class 3,300 507 August 26 Provincial Nominee Program 1,121 694 August 15 French language proficiency 2,000 394 August 14 Canadian Experience Class 3,200 509 August 13 Provincial Nominee Program 763 690 July 31 Canadian Experience Class 5,000 510 July 30 Provincial Nominee Program 964 686 July 18 French language proficiency 1,800 400 July 17 Canadian Experience Class 6,300 515 July 16 Provincial Nominee Program 1,391 670 July 8 French proficiency 3,200 420 July 5 Healthcare occupations 3,750 445 July 4 Trade occupations 1,800 436 July 2 Provincial Nominee Program 920 739 June 19 Provincial Nominee Program 1,499 663 May 31 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 522 May 30 Provincial Nominee Program 2,985 676 April 24 French proficiency 1,400 410 April 23 General 2,095 529 April 11 STEM occupations 4,500 491 April 10 General 1,280 549 March 26 French language proficiency 1,500 388 March 25 General 1,980 524 March 13 Transport occupations 975 430 March 12 General 2,850 525 February 29 French language proficiency 2,500 336 February 28 General 1,470 534 February 16 Agriculture and agri-food occupations 150 437 February 14 Healthcare occupations 3,500 422 February 13 General 1,490 535 February 1 French language proficiency 7,000 365 January 31 General 730 541 January 23 General 1,040 543 January 10 General 1,510 546 Express Entry: What Is It? In 2015, the application management system Express Entry was introduced. It is in charge of three of the most well-known economic immigration initiatives in Canada: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Each of these programs assigns a point value to a number of in-demand human capital variables, including age, occupation, job experience, education, and language proficiency, using the Comprehensive Ranking System. A sibling living in Canada, immigration with a spouse or partner, or having strong English and French Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores are other factors that can provide points to candidates. Taken together, the scores for these factors add up to a candidate’s overall CRS score. Those who have the highest scores are the most likely to recieve an ITA in an upcoming Express Entry draw. Last year, IRCC also introduced category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates with specific attributes such as their work experience or language ability. Six categories were chosen including: Healthcare Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions Trades Transport Agriculture and agri-food French language proficiency According to the IRCC, these categories were selected following stakeholder consultations and represent Canada’s need to meet demographic targets and gaps in high-demand areas of the labor force. For instance, the department chose to prioritize competency in French in order to aid reach its goal of having newcomers settle in French-minority regions outside of Quebec. A candidate has sixty days from the moment they receive their ITA to send the IRCC their final application. The department’s usual service time for processing an Express Entry application that has been finalized is six months. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

“BREAKING: IRCC Lowers Study Permit Caps & Alters PGWP Eligibility Rules!”

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The immigration minister of Canada, Marc Miller, stated that “the cap on international students is here to stay.” Only 437,000 study permits will be granted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2025. This figure, according to the department, is predicated on stabilizing the intake quota for 2026 after a 10% drop from the goal of issuing 485,000 new study permits in 2024. Over the following four years, the IRCC anticipates that 300,000 fewer study permits will be granted to overseas students as a result of this. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The minister made a number of comments about ongoing modifications to Canada’s program for international students. “The truth is that not everyone will be able to come to Canada, just as not everyone will be able to stay in Canada,” Miller stated. “Our immigration system needs to be sustainably managed, well-managed, and maintain its integrity. And going forward, we’ll do everything it takes to accomplish that objective and provide fresh opportunities for success for newcomers. PhD and master’s degree candidates must now get a provincial attestation letter. Master’s and doctorate students will now be included in the new cap and will not be excused from getting a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). The department states that, “in recognition of the benefits they bring to the Canadian labour market,” it will reserve for these students around 12% of the allocation spaces. In order to assist the IRCC in confirming the validity of their applications and maintaining a steady supply of study permits, many college and undergraduate students were given the opportunity to apply for PALs earlier this year. Modifications to PGWP approval Further modifications have also been made to the prerequisites for eligibility for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 for university graduates and a CLB of 5 for college graduates applying after November 1 will now be needed of applicants. Miller anticipates that during the following three years, there will be 175,000 fewer PGWPs issued as a result of this. Spousal Open Work Permit Restrictions Later this year, the IRCC will only allow work permits to be obtained by spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs that last at least 16 months. Over the following three years, it is anticipated that this will lead to the issuance of 50,000 fewer spousal work permits. Spousal Open Work Permits, which have nothing to do with the foreign student program, will only be granted to spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who work in essential industries. Effects on the Program for Temporary Foreign Workers Since April 2023, there has been an increase in Canada’s unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the 6.4% to 6.6% total unemployment rate has increased. There were 1.5 million jobless individuals in August 2024, up 60,000 (+4.3%) from the previous month. In the near future, the number of temporary residents in Canada with work permits is expected to decline thanks to the actions announced today. Accompanying Minister Miller, Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, reiterated many of his previous statements regarding the purpose of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). He stated that the TFWP should never be used to repress or replace Canadian labor, but rather as a last resort. Nevertheless, Minister Boissonnault pointed out that immigration accounts for 99% of Canada’s economic development. By 2032, this is anticipated to increase to 100%. Modifications to Canada’s temporary and permanent resident thresholds The immigration system in Canada has undergone significant changes this year, with the introduction of several new policies. The first-ever research permit cap was imposed by the IRCC in January. It was first intended to be a temporary measure that would last until the end of 2025. Study permit allotments for each province were given to the provincial government as part of this cap. The PAL system was introduced along with the new cap. Alongside the announcement of the study permit cap, there were additional limitations placed on PGWP eligibility, which excluded students enrolled in college programs that had “curriculum licensing agreements.” Additionally, spouses of students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs were the only ones eligible for new restrictions on Spousal Work Permits. In an effort to lower the number of temporary residents (those with study or work permits), Minister Miller also declared in March that the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027 will incorporate temporary resident levels for the first time. Other actions that Canada has made to lower the number of temporary residents include: Removing the COVID-era rule that let some foreign visitors to apply from within Canada for a work permit backed by their job; Pausing the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for Canadian jobs going to Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with unemployment rates of 6% or greater in the low-wage stream of the TFWP; and Tying the issuance of these work permits to educational programs that would enable graduates to work within in-demand areas of the Canadian economy is something that is being considered, along with significant modifications to the Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) issued to overseas graduates. According to prior statements made by Minister Miller, he is also willing to consider alternatives for addressing Canada’s permanent immigration numbers. The Minister stated that while it was crucial to avoid “overcorrecting” permanent immigration numbers, the adjustments he was thinking about would be “significant” rather than merely “cosmetic.” In the upcoming weeks, more details on this front should be anticipated. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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“Canadian Permanent Residency vs Citizenship: Key Differences Explained!”

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Permanent residents (PRs) in Canada are granted many of the same rights as citizens, including the capacity to remain, work, study, and make investments in the nation. There are, nevertheless, a few differences between the two. A person who immigrated to Canada and was granted PR status is not a citizen; rather, they are a Permanent Resident. In addition to being able to vote and take part in the democratic process of the nation, citizens also have the chance to hold a Canadian passport. Making educated judgments regarding long-term goals in Canada can be facilitated for individuals involved in the process by being aware of the distinctions between the two. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The following are the primary distinctions between citizenship and permanent residence in Canada: Democratic involvement Voting and running for political office are prohibited for permanent residents. This implies that, in comparison to Canadian citizens, they have less influence over leadership and policy. Holding particular positions Permanent residents are permitted to work in Canada without a work permit, however they are not permitted to work in certain positions that call for a high degree of security clearance. Status based on place of residence Permanent residents must have spent at least 730 days physically present in Canada during the previous five years in order to maintain their status as permanent residents. They don’t have to meet this requirement every day, but failing to do so could result in them losing their PR status. Conversely, citizens are not subject to this kind of limitation. Travel benefits A PR card entitles holders to travel inside Canada. For brief visits, a number of nations grant Canadian permanent residents a visa-free entry. On the other hand, one of the strongest passports in the world is available to Canadian citizens. Henley & Partners reports that as of 2024, Canadians will be able to visit 187 countries without a visa. The possession of a Canadian passport has additional advantages. Canadian Canadians are able to pursue dual citizenship and investigate employment and study opportunities elsewhere. While overseas, they can also get diplomatic assistance from Canadian consulates. Easy access to and stability in Canada A Canadian permanent resident may, under exceptional circumstances, lose their status and become ineligible to enter or remain in the nation. This may occur if they give up their status or if they are denied entry into Canada (which may occur for security or criminal reasons). Removing a Canadian citizen’s citizenship, however, is incredibly uncommon and only occurs in cases where the citizenship was initially acquired by fraud or deception. Granting children citizenship A child born in Canada to a permanent resident is automatically granted Canadian citizenship. Nonetheless, children born outside of Canada to permanent residents do not necessarily inherit their parent’s immigration status. If they are eligible for sponsorship and their child is eligible to be sponsored as a dependent, they can seek to sponsor their child. In the meanwhile, children typically inherit their citizenship. The first-generation limit (FGL) that exists in Canada currently states that a child of a Canadian citizen who was born outside the nation does not automatically become a citizen. The option for Canadians born overseas to transfer their citizenship to their children born abroad will be possible with the current amendment to this rule, subject to certain restrictions. Currently, December 19 is the deadline for changing this rule. Key differences between PR and citizenship     Canadian PR Canadian Citizen Right to vote No Yes Right to run for office No Yes Right to work Yes—with exception of certain jobs requiring high-level security clearance Yes Right to open bank accounts and invest Yes Yes Canadian passport No Yes Right to live indefinitely in the country Yes—with a valid PR card Yes Can travel freely Only those countries accessible through PR card and country of nationality Yes to all countries accessible through Canadian passport Guaranteed to be able to enter Canada No in case of inadmissibility Yes Right to pass status to children born outside the country No Yes, if parent is also born in Canada Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“IRCC Launches New LMIA-Exempt Work Permit for Tech Companies in Canada!”

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A new work permit has been made available by IRCC through the International Mobility Program’s (IMP) Innovation Stream. One of the four pillars of this tech talent strategy, which was introduced in 2023 to draw in qualified individuals to support Canada’s rise to prominence in the world of technology, is the Innovation Stream. As of right now, talented foreign workers who receive a job offer from any of the participating firms in the Global Hypergrowth Project are qualified to apply for an employer-specific work permit. This comprises eight particular businesses that the government has recognized as innovators and leaders in their respective industries with great promise. An exempt work permit under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)* will be granted to qualified employees. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration *An LMIA is a document required by the government of Canada to support the issuance of some employer-specific work permits. The document is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market. For an LMIA to support an employer-specific work permit the document must return a “positive” or “neutral” result. Who is eligible for this new work permit? To qualify for a work permit under the Innovation Stream, applicants must: Have a job offer from an employer participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP); Have a job offer in a high-skilled occupation, which includes positions within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3; and Possess the necessary education and experience specified in the employment requirements section of the NOC for the occupation they intend to work in. This stream is open to eligible applicants both inside and outside of Canada. Applicants may also qualify for faster processing times of their work permits, if the occupation they have been hired for falls under TEER categories 0 or 1 of the NOC. Note that the NOC system is used to describe and categorize occupations in Canada. The TEER rankings further groups jobs by the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities required to adequately perform the role. Before applicants submit their application to the innovation stream, their employers must: Submit an offer of employment; Pay a $230 CAD employer compliance fee; and Give the employee (or potential employee) an offer of employment number. Who are the employers who have been selected for this stream? The government of Canada has identified the following employers as aligning with their “industrial innovation goals”: Company Company Summary Ada Support Inc. Ada Support Inc., based in Toronto, is an AI-driven company focused on transforming customer service from agent-first to AI-first. They provide an AI-powered platform that enables companies to automatically handle customer support interactions across various languages and channels. Ada’s platform includes generative AI and voice capabilities to support multi-channel automation, helping businesses reduce wait times and create personalized customer experiences. AlayaCare AlayaCare provides an AI-powered platform for home care agencies to improve planning and management. The platform enhances scheduling, time reporting, clinical documentation, and patient monitoring, allowing providers to deliver better care and improve patient outcomes. AlayaCare’s tools, aim to help clients reduce operating costs, detect adverse events, and minimize hospital re-admissions. CellCarta CellCarta, based in Montreal, Quebec, specializes in precision medicine by providing custom testing solutions and end-to-end sample measurement services in immune monitoring, histopathology, proteomics, and genomics. The company uses expertise in biomarker research to identify genetic, biological, and environmental factors that influence patient responses to treatments, enabling more targeted therapies for individuals. Clarius Mobile Health Clarius Mobile Health, based in British Columbia, aims to make medical imaging accessible everywhere with high-performance, affordable, and easy-to-use AI-powered solutions. Founded by innovators who created the first PC-based ultrasound platform and touchscreen ultrasound system, Clarius focuses on miniaturizing ultrasound technology. The company develops high-definition, point-of-care wireless systems for use across various specialties, enhancing patient care, expanding clinical services, and providing real-time imaging for medical practices. Clio Clio is a legal technology company based in Burnaby, British Columbia, that is leading the digital transformation of the legal industry with its cloud-based software. Clio’s platform helps law firms manage various tasks, including client intake, contact management, calendaring, document management, timekeeping, billing, payments, and trust accounting. Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG) DPG develops new medicines to improve patient health and quality of life, exporting treatments to over 50 countries through strategic alliances, a unique business model in Canada. The company is based in Blainville, Quebec. Lightspeed Commerce Lightspeed Commerce, founded in Montréal in 2005, provides technology solutions to help retailers and restaurateurs streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. The company offers a platform that integrates management tools for in-store and online transactions, inventory updates, and embedded payments, allowing businesses to manage all aspects from a single system. The company serves primarily small and medium-sized businesses. Vive Crop Protection Vive Crop Protection, based in Mississauga, Ontario, develops crop protection products that help farmers improve crop quality while minimizing environmental impact. Using its patented Allosperse technology, Vive delivers active ingredients where needed, improving effectiveness and reducing risks to plants and the environment. This technology also allows Vive products to mix safely with other chemicals, fertilizers, and micronutrients, enabling farmers to apply treatments in a single pass, saving time, fuel, and resources.   Candidates wishing to learn more about the new initiative can visit Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) webpage here. Recent modifications concerning LMIAs or work permits There have been more and more limitations placed on work permits and LMIAs at the time of this new permission. The Canadian government declared on August 26 that low-wage LMIAs will no longer be processed in a number of Canadian cities. Census metropolitan areas (CMAs) having an unemployment rate of 6% or above are to be affected, according to the policy change. There will be some exclusions for employment in the food security sectors, which include construction, healthcare, and primary agriculture as well as food and seafood processing. Visitors in Canada no longer allowed to apply for job-supported work

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