Ashish - GS Immigration Advisors

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

Ashish / September 17, 2024

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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“Ontario, BC, Manitoba, & Saskatchewan: New Provincial Nominations Announced!”

Ashish / September 16, 2024

Canada has long been a popular study destination for international students due to its well-regarded universities, multicultural population, and availability of international work experience. An applicant’s chances of obtaining permanent residence (PR) in Canada may also be increased by obtaining a Canadian education and qualifying job experience. This is due to the fact that overseas students who complete their studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) are eligible for more points under Canada’s Express Entry system, which increases their pooling power. Discover your options to study in Canada However, obtaining an education in Canada does not ensure that one will be granted permanent residence. Although there are various options for graduates to work and settle in Canada, these options depend on a number of variables, such as the candidate’s vocation, abilities, and qualifications. Canada has also been making adjustments to its immigration laws in recent months to better align them with the demands of its labor market. The transfer from a study visa to permanent residency may be more difficult as a result of this and the growingly competitive pool of eligible applicants. Here are some tips to help overseas students earn as many points as possible if they hope to live in Canada in the future. Stay up to date with changing immigration policy Immigration policies in Canada are subject to change depending on the country’s economic needs. For an international student planning on applying for permanent status in the future, it can help to remain informed of eligibility criteria for different programs. For example, earlier this year the government announced that international students who have enrolled in a study program with a curriculum licensing agreement will no longer be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon graduation. This is a style of study program offered by a private college that has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college. These programs often have less oversight than those delivered by public colleges. Students who intend to use their PGWP to gain work experience in Canada should find out which academic programs qualify for PGWP after graduation. Select careers that are in demand. Canada introduced category-specific Express Entry lotteries in 2023 with the goal of highlighting in-demand professions and skills. Among these are the following professions: Medical Care STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Exchange Move around Agri-food and agriculture If a certain professional route piques the interest of the students, they can seek qualifications in one of the category-based draws. For example, a student can pursue a career in STEM such as architecture, engineering, data science, or web development to increase their chances at the Express Entry draw. However, these categories are subject to change though and do not guarantee permanent residency. Research Provincial Nominee Programs Every province and territory, with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, operates Provincial Nominee Programs to attract skilled workers to the province. An overseas student may also check if they are eligible for a province nomination if they believe their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is insufficient and/or they are not eligible for a category-based draw. There are two ways to immigrate under a PNP: the first is through Express Entry, where qualifying individuals can apply for PR under Express Entry by receiving an extra 600 CRS points from the province (a procedure called as enhanced nomination). Directly via a PNP stream is an additional path (base nomination) Students can choose from more than 80 different province economic stream programs, which makes this an excellent chance for individuals wishing to work and study their way into permanent residence in Canada. That said, PNP criteria may change depending on the province’s economic priorities. Improve both language abilities Canada has two official languages – English and French – and being bilingual has many benefits in the PR process. One way for an international student to increase their CRS score is to maximize the number of points they can receive in their primary language. They can do this by retaking language tests like IELTS or CELPIP (for English) if they don’t hit the highest score the first time. Learning a second language also adds valuable points to a candidate’s CRS score which can help them get an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Apart from that, Canada also launched French language proficiency category-based draws, and there has been a huge focus on these draws in 2024—a trend that is expected to continue in 2025 and 2026. To be eligible, candidates must possess a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities (reading, writing, speaking and listening) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC). Validate all degrees Canada’s Express Entry system awards points for education. If a student has more than one degree, but it is done outside Canada, they could get this validated by one of the designated organizations approved by the Canadian government (like WES). International students can also look at enrolling in an eligible degree or program within the country to improve their prospects. Discover your options to study in Canada

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Immigration fuels Alberta’s record-breaking population growth

Ashish / September 13, 2024

Alberta has been seeing population growth that breaks records. The province of Alberta has experienced exponential increase in both interprovincial and international immigration, according to recent data from the government’s Office of Statistics and Information. The population of the province increased by 204,677, or 4.41%, between April 2023 and April 24. This represents the largest year-over-year growth rate in 2023–24 among all Canadian provinces. For the entire country of Canada, the yearly growth rate during the same period was 3.20%. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration It shows a significant increase from the 3.67% growth rate Alberta experienced between 2022-23 and is also the highest year-over-year growth the province has experienced as of April 1 since 1981. Much of Alberta’s population growth comes from international migration. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, international migration added 32,893 net new residents to Alberta. This includes both permanent, and temporary residents (those holding work or study permits or asylum claimants). Alberta is also seeing strong net gains from interprovincial migration—people moving from other Canadian provinces such as Ontario, BC, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. According to Statistics Canada, from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, Alberta saw the highest net gains from people moving between provinces, surpassing British Columbia. All four major cities in Alberta grew significantly: Calgary gained 26,662 residents, Edmonton added 16,082, Lethbridge increased by 1,651, and Red Deer grew by 1,277 people. In contrast, every major metropolitan area in Ontario saw a net loss from interprovincial migration during the 12 months leading up to July 1, 2023. Why are so many newcomers choosing Alberta over other Canadian provinces? As Statistics Canada points out, this influx is “in-line with the analysis from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s 2024 Housing Market Outlook” which indicates that more affordable home prices and a stronger economic outlook make the prairie provinces attractive to job seekers and home buyers – especially when compared to British Columbia and Ontario. Relatively affordable housing While the province has seen an increase in property prices in recent years, it is still seen as a more affordable option, especially when compared to cities in Ontario and B.C. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), in the second quarter of 2024, the median price for a single detached home in Calgary was $710,000, while townhouses cost $454,000, and apartments $330,000. In Edmonton (the second largest census metropolitan area in Alberta), the median price for a detached home was $485,000, townhouses were $294,500, and apartments were $188,000. Additionally, Alberta does not have land transfer tax, making it a more affordable option for out-of-province homebuyers. In comparison to Toronto (Ontario), the median sale price for a detached home was $1,300,000 in the second quarter of 2024. Semi-detached units were going for $1,041,000 while condominium apartments were going for $640,000. Economic growth and changing job landscape Alberta’s real gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise 3.3% in 2024, up 0.4 percentage points from Budget 2024. According to the Business Council of Alberta’s report “Who’s Hiring in Alberta?” which uses publicly available job postings from 2018-23, Alberta’s labour market is no longer closely attached to the price of oil and gas, as was the case in previous years. While demand for energy workers has “stabilized,” there has been increase in demand for trades and healthcare occupations which has “far outpaced population growth.” The report also notes growth in job postings requiring a collage diploma or apprenticeship training. Tech skills such as business intelligence or data analysis may also be important to employers in the province. Meanwhile, postings for categories of engineering occupations fell more than 60%. The province introduced a distinct PNP stream for tourism and hospitality earlier this year, a sign of growing demand in that industry. The government has also directed its Express Entry lotteries toward healthcare professionals. If a candidate has a job offer in one of the province’s qualified health care occupations, they may be eligible for permanent residence in Alberta under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Dedicated Healthcare Pathway. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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“Canada vs. Top Immigrant Destinations: How Does It Stack Up?”

Ashish / September 12, 2024

Newcomers perceive Canada as a nation with opportunity, a modern culture, and a high standard of living. However, immigrants might be curious in how Canada stacks up against other popular immigration locations across the globe and what hard data backs up these claims. One useful tool for answering questions is the Human Development Index (HDI) of the United Nations. The Index provides a single indexed development score for every nation by dissecting several variables. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration What is the Human Development Index? The HDI is a unified index produced by the United Nations (UN) to measure the development of a country. The measure focuses on the idea that the capabilities of people in any given country are the ultimate measure of assessing a nation’s development, “not economic growth alone.” To this end, the HDI measures the longevity, education, and income of individuals in a country, through the following composite measures: Longevity measures: life expectancy at birth, and overall score on the UN’s life expectancy index; Knowledge measures: expected years of schooling, mean years of schooling, and overall score on the UN’s education index; and Income / Standard of living measures: Gross National Income per capita, and overall score on the UN’s Gross National Income index. Through an amalgamation of these measures, the UN assigns each country a score between 0 and 1, with 1 denoting the highest possible score of development, and 0 the lowest. The HDI has assigned scores to countries based on these measures since 1990. According to the index, the following scores denote corresponding levels of development: HDI score Indication of national development ≤0.550 Low 0.550-0.699 Medium 0.700-0.799 High ≥0.800 Very high What is Canada’s HDI ranking? Canada receives a score of 0.935 on the HDI as of the most current data available (2022), which indicates a very high degree of progress. Canada’s HDI score in 1990 was 0.861, showing a 0.074-point rise in the 30+ years since the data was first released on the HDI. The breakdown of this score by composite measure is presented in the table below, as of 2022 (the most recent year data was available): Composite measure Canadian statistics Life expectancy at birth 82.8 years Expected years of schooling 15.9 years Mean years of schooling 13.8 years Gross National Income per Capita $48,444.3 (reported in 2017 Purchasing Power Parity dollars) In comparison, the world average score on the HDI is 0.739, indicating that Canada places well above the average in terms of being a developed nation. The highest-ranked country according to the HDI’s most recent reporting is Switzerland, with a score of 0.967, while the lowest-ranked country was Somalia with a score of 0.380. How does Canada rank against other top immigrant destinations? According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD’s) 2023 international migration outlook, the top five immigration destinations (based on data from 2022) by permanent immigration—excluding Canada—were: The United States of America (USA); Germany; The United Kingdom (UK).; Spain; and France. The following will break down the UN HDI and composite scores for the above countries. Note: While the HDI is a comprehensive measure of human development, there are multiple factors it does not consider (i.e.: cost-of-living, access to medical services, legal rights and freedoms, etc.). The United States of America As of the most recent reporting, the United States achieved an HDI score of 0.927, with the following composite scores. Composite measure American statistics Life expectancy at birth 78.2 years Expected years of schooling 16.4 years Mean years of schooling 13.5 years Gross National Income per Capita $65,564.9 (reported in 2017 Purchasing Power Parity dollars) Germany As of the most recent reporting, Germany achieved an HDI score of 0.950, with the following composite scores. Composite measure German statistics Life expectancy at birth 80.9 years Expected years of schooling 17.3 years Mean years of schooling 14.2 years Gross National Income per Capita $55,340.1 (reported in 2017 Purchasing Power Parity dollars) The United Kingdom As of the most recent reporting, the United Kingdom achieved an HDI score of 0.940, with the following composite scores. Composite measure UK statistics Life expectancy at birth 82.1 years Expected years of schooling 17.6 years Mean years of schooling 13.4 years Gross National Income per Capita $46,623.9 (reported in 2017 Purchasing Power Parity dollars) Spain As of the most recent reporting, Spain achieved an HDI score of 0.911 with the following composite scores. Composite measure Spanish statistics Life expectancy at birth 83.9 years Expected years of schooling 17.8 years Mean years of schooling 10.6 years Gross National Income per Capita $40,043.3(reported in 2017 Purchasing Power Parity dollars) France As of the most recent reporting, France achieved an HDI score of 0.91, with the following composite scores. Composite measure French statistics Life expectancy at birth 83.2 years Expected years of schooling 15.9 years Mean years of schooling 11.6 years Gross National Income per Capita $47,378.7(reported in 2017 Purchasing Power Parity dollars) What makes an immigrant successful in Canada? According to data from Statistics Canada, many recent immigrants may have economic outcomes that are on par with or even better than those of their Canadian-born counterparts. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)* variables were evaluated in a research titled “Which immigration selection factors best predict the earnings of economic principal applicants?” to determine how they affected immigrant performance in the short (1-2 years), medium (5-7 years), and long-term (10+ years) periods. *The Canadian federal immigration system ranks economic immigrants according to their human capital (age, education, and language proficiency) using the CRS. Based on these variables, the algorithm gives each candidate a score that indicates how likely it is that they will successfully settle and assimilate into Canadian society. Specifically, the CRS factors tracked were: Years of pre-landing Canadian work experience (compared to those with no experience); Ability in official languages (English or French (Native speakers vs. Less proficient); Age—Younger (25-29 years) VS. Older (50-54 years); and Education (bachelor’s VS. Secondary school education); In the short term (1-2 years), the strongest

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“First Fall in Canada? Essential Tips Every Newcomer Should Know!”

Ashish / September 11, 2024

In Canada, fall is a pleasant season with lowering temperatures, colorful leaves, special occasions, and enjoyable outdoor activities. It’s the ideal chance for newcomers to Canada to experience everything the nation has to offer. In order to maximize the season, here are some things you should be aware of. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment When does fall in Canada start? While fall typically takes place from September to December, Canada has what’s widely regarded as the “first day of fall.” According to the National Research Council Canada, “fall starts the moment when the sun is directly over the equator, going from north to south: the autumnal equinox.” In 2024, that first day of fall begins on September 22. What to expect during fall in Canada? Reduced daylight and the conclusion of Daylight Savings Time Days will get shorter and nights longer as the season goes on. The end of Daylight Saving Time occurs in the fall. That marks the conclusion of an eight-month period during which many Canadians advance their clocks by one hour in order to maximize daylight. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3, in 2024, which may allow for an additional hour of sleep that evening. Nevertheless, this implies that in the days that follow, the sun sets “earlier.” Weather patterns shifting The temperature can turn significantly colder as winter approaches. The degree of coolness differs from region to province. For instance, the Northwest Territories can have extremely cold temperatures, whereas British Columbia is noted for having more temperate and humid weather. Temperatures can vary significantly during the day in various places of Canada, with mornings and evenings being colder and afternoons sometimes being still rather warm. It’s called sweater weather for a reason, so layering can assist, and wearing fall jackets is advised. Since this is a time of transition, expect the weather to sometimes be volatile. It’s not uncommon to see snowfall as early as October all over the country. Some areas might also experience hurricanes, so keep an eye on that weather app. Things to do during fall in Canada Enjoy fall foliage One of the best parts about fall is seeing the leaves change colour. There are many different places to experience the beauty of fall foliage, with hikes and treks in national parks being popular options. Some famous places to see fall colours in Canada include Algonquin Park in Ontario, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant in Montreal, and Stanley Park in Vancouver. Some parks and provinces also have fall foliage trackers to share updates of the changing leaf colours to help you make the most of the season. Try fun fall activities With a nip in the air, fall is the perfect time to try fun outdoor activities. Apart from hikes and treks to see fall foliage, farms across the country have fun events for families and friends. Corn mazes, hayrides, apple picking, and pumpkin picking are some examples of must-do fall activities in Canada. Renting out a cottage in a rural area to spend time with loved ones is also popular. Savour fall flavours Autumn is the season for comforting food. Pumpkin and apple pies are especially popular this time of the year while many coffee shops and bakeries have limited-time pumpkin spiced pastries and drinks. Festivals that take place during fall in Canada Halloween Halloween falls on October 31 every year, and is a widely celebrated and beloved holiday in Canada. In the weeks leading up to this day, expect to find activities celebrating all things spooky – from scary movie marathons to jack-o’-lantern carving competitions everywhere. Many people choose to decorate their homes and lawns with costumes, pumpkins and other spooky Halloween decorations. On the day of Halloween, trick-or-treating is a popular activity where children dress up in costumes and collect candy for their neighbours by going door to door. For adults, Halloween parties (which usually include dressing up in a costume) and haunted houses are great ways to embrace the day. Thanksgiving Like the U.S., Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving – although there are some big differences. To begin with, Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on the second Monday of October – almost a month and a half before the U.S. holiday. It is a cozy time to gather with family and friends over good food. A meal with turkey, stuffing and vegetables is traditional, although many have their own takes on the meal. This year, Thanksgiving will take place in Canada on October 14. Black Friday Another popular U.S. day that has gained popularity in Canada. Black Friday is traditionally held the first Friday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. It is meant to mark the beginning of the holiday season, with retailers everywhere offering giant sales and discounts to make the holiday shopping for loved ones easier. In Canada, it is held around the same time although many retailers have sales and discounts starting a week or two beforehand. Cyber Monday This is the first Monday after the Black Friday, and it focuses on online sales and discounts so that everyone can enjoy deals from the comfort of their own homes. So, if you have any big purchases coming up – from electronics to household appliances to furniture – it might be worth waiting to see the latest deals. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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IRCC issues 911 invitations to apply in Express Entry draw for PNP candidates

Ashish / September 10, 2024

In the most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Only candidates for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) were eligible to receive 911 ITAs from the department. To be considered, candidates had to receive a minimum of 732 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The first drawing of the month is today, and it comes after a hectic summer. In 14 distinct Express Entry lotteries, the IRCC solicited candidates in July and August. More precisely, since the system’s debut in 2015, July has broken the record for the most drawings in a single month. Between July 2 and July 31, there were nine drawings. In the most recent Express Entry, which was held on August 27, 3,330 individuals received invites in a lottery that was limited to those enrolled in the Canadian Experience Class. IRCC has recently adopted a pattern of multiple draws every other week. They generally include at least one draw for PNP candidates. This is line with IRCC’s previously announced intention to hold more “domestic” draws to ensure that temporary residents in Canada have increased opportunity to become permanent residents and to reduce the volume of temporary residents entering Canada. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS 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 What is Express Entry? Express Entry is an application management system that was introduced by IRCC in 2015 to help the department select economic immigration candidates with in-demand human capital attributes. It oversees three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The Comprehensive Ranking System is the cornerstone of the system. It assigns a point score to applicants for several attributes such as their language ability, work experience, education, occupation and age. Taken together, these points make up a candidate’s overall score. Those with the highest scores are the most likely to recieve an ITA. Candidates in these programs can also apply for streams of the Provincial Nominee Program that are aligned with Express Entry, a process known as enhanced nomination. Express Entry candidates who are nominated through a PNP automatically recieve an additioanl 600 CRS points, making it extremely likely they will recieve an ITA in an upcoming Express Entry draw, depending on the type of draw. IRCC also introduced category-based selection draws in 2023 to allow the department to target the candidates with more specific in-demand attributes, mostly based around work experience. Candidates who recieve ITAs in one of these draws are not required to be in any specific Express Entry program (although they must still be in the Express Entry application pool) and the minimum CRS required is generally lower than it would be for a program-specific or general draw. The six categories are: Healthcare occupations Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors Transport occupations Agriculture and agri-food occupations French-language proficiency IRCC reviews these categories every year and says that as labour market priorities and demographic demands shift, the categories may change in coming years. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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“Ontario and BC Nominate New PNP Candidates: Your Path to Canadian PR!”

Ashish / September 9, 2024

Provincial selections for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) were held this week for each program’s respective PNPs. The selection of candidates was based on their work history, language skills, and professional experience. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Results of provincial immigration (August 31–September 6) The Ontario The OINP conducted a draw for skilled workers who speak French on September 5. Candidates with scores in the range of 290 to 393 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) received 96 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) from the province. The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is for French-speaking skilled workers who want to settle in Ontario. To be eligible, candidates must qualify for the federal Express Entry pool through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC), meet specific work experience and language proficiency requirements, hold a recognized degree, intend to reside in Ontario, and demonstrate sufficient settlement funds. Candidates cannot apply directly and must first receive a NOI Ontario to proceed with their permanent residence (PR) application to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). British Columbia On September 4, the BCPNP conducted two provincial nominee lotteries using various channels. A general selection was made for the Entry Level & Semi-Skilled, International Graduate, and Skilled Worker streams in the first draw. With the exception of the Entry & Semi-Skilled stream, which needed a minimum score of 110, the draw sent invitations to 75 candidates who scored at least 128. The second draw was a focused selection process via the International Graduate and Skilled Worker streams for applicants with prior expertise in important sectors of the British Columbian economy. The following is a breakdown of this draw: 31 candidates with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum score of 83 to be invited; 33 candidates with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum score of 89 to be invited; 19 candidates with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum score of 99 to be invited; and At least one candidate with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum score of 80 to be invited. Closure of the Saskatchewan Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot 31 candidates with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum score of 83 to be invited; 33 candidates with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum score of 89 to be invited; 19 candidates with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum score of 99 to be invited; and At least one candidate with professional experience in childcare needed a minimum score of 80 to be invited. Closure of the Saskatchewan Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot has been permanently closed as of August 30, 2024. After this date, no more employment approval forms or applications will be received. Applications that have already been filed and have a current Candidate-Specific Job Approval Letter will still be handled through to the end. The closure is intended to improve settlement outcomes and expedite immigration procedures. There are still open program categories under SINP, and potential applicants have access to alternate routes. On September 6 and 11, 2024, the SINP will provide information sessions on substitute choices. Email or the SINP’s communication channels can be used to get more information and specifics about this move. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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In Canada, how many hours can an international student work?

Ashish / September 4, 2024

International students in Canada will be able to work off-campus up to 24 hours a week starting this autumn, up from the existing cap of 20 hours. Minister of Immigration Marc Miller made the announcement of the adjustment in April, saying the new 24-hour cap “strikes the appropriate balance so students have the option to work without compromising academic outcomes.” The new rule is anticipated to go into effect at some point this month, while the precise date of implementation is still pending. International students may work off-campus during the academic year for up to 20 hours per week till then. Discover your options to study in Canada During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there is no limit on the number of hours students can work. Off-campus work includes areas outside the educational institution and its campus, including self-employment roles like Uber or DoorDash deliveries. Not abiding by the rules could have consequences including losing a student status, not being approved for a study or work permit in the future and even having to leave the country. Note: Until the new hourly cap is officially announced, the 20-hour limit to off-campus work remains in place. Work Conditions Number of hours of work per week typically allowed On campus Unlimited Off campus, while classes are in session (currently) 20 Off campus, while classes are in session (starting this fall) 24 Off campus, during school breaks Unlimited Remote for an employer outside Canada Unlimited Who is allowed to work as an international student in Canada? Students are only allowed to work on-campus or off-campus while studying if their study permit states this information. To get an off-campus job without a work permit, international students need to meet the following eligibility requirements. Have a valid study permit; Study full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI); Already have started studying at their DLI and remain in satisfactory academic standing; Be studying in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate; and Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). They have to be a full-time student before and after a break to work full-time during the break. For example, students can’t start work before they start their first school semester. Part-time students at DLIs can work off-campus if they’re in their final semester, need a reduced course load to finish, and were a full-time student in previous semesters. Likewise, there are some international students who are not eligible for off-campus in Canada. This includes: Students only enrolled in an English or French as a second language program; Those only taking general interest courses; Those taking courses to be accepted to a full-time program; and Those don’t meet requirements to work off-campus. If one of the above applies, they will need a work permit to work while studying in Canada. Working on-campus as an international student in Canada For international students in Canada, finding a part-time job may be a good way to gain international experience while also covering some basic expenses. International students in Canada can work on-campus in addition to off-campus employment, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria. Unlike off-campus work, there is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus. On-campus work refers to employment within the buildings or grounds of a school’s campus. This includes jobs with the school itself, faculty members, student organizations, or private businesses that operate on campus. Students can even work for themselves if they own a business that is physically located on-campus. If a school has multiple campuses, students are generally expected to work at the campus where they are enrolled. However, exceptions are possible, such as when a student is a research or teaching assistant, or when the work is tied to a research grant. Students may also work at libraries or research facilities affiliated with the school but located outside the main campus. Additionally, students can work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside Canada, as long as they comply with the conditions of their study permit. This remote work does not count towards the off-campus work hour limit. Earning as an international student in Canada For those looking for a part-time job, minimum wage varies by province: Province Minimum Wage Effective Date Alberta $15.00 26 June 2019 British Columbia $17.40 1 June 2024 Manitoba $15.30 1 October 2023 New Brunswick $15.30 1 April 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador $15.60 1 April 2024 Northwest Territories $16.05 1 September 2023 Nova Scotia $15.20 1 April 2024 Nunavut $19.00 1 January 2024 Ontario $16.55 1 October 2023 Ontario $17.20 1 October 2024 Prince Edward Island $15.40 1 April 2024 Prince Edward Island $16.00 1 October 2024 Quebec $15.75 1 May 2024 Saskatchewan $14.00 1 October 2023 Saskatchewan $15.00 1 October 2024 Yukon $17.59 1 April 2024 International students looking to maximize earnings through their part-time work can also look for higher-paying jobs, such as those in administration, teaching, or translating. Certain occupations may have restrictions for study permit holders, and will be stated on the study permit. As residents of Canada for tax purposes, students will have to file income tax returns the following year. Changes to international students’ working hours cap in recent years International students in Canada have traditionally been allowed to work up to 20 hours a week in Canada during regular school terms or semesters. During the pandemic, the government announced a temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week, up to a maximum of 40 hours. The policy was put in place to ease the country’s labour shortage while also giving students the chance to earn more money. On April 30, 2024, the IRCC announced that this interim provision would not be continued in order “to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.” Miller argues that in order for pupils to focus their education, adjustments have been implemented. “Students should

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“Who’s In? Meet the Latest CEC Candidates Receiving ITAs!”

Ashish / September 3, 2024

An applicant’s ability to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency through Express Entry (EE) is contingent upon their CRS score. Candidates that meet the requirements of the CEC program can apply to join the Express Entry (EE) pool, where they will be compared to other candidates and assigned a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The Canadian government periodically chooses the top scorers who meet the requirements for the draw and sends them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. 3,300 CEC-eligible applicants were most recently chosen by the IRCC from the EE pool. These applicants met the lowest cut-off score in this draw category since the year’s beginning with a CRS score of 507 or above. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment We have created a few fictional profiles of candidates who would have been selected in the previous CEC draw. EXAMPLE 1: Bio: Sehan is a 26-year-old chemical engineer from Sri Lanka. He moved to Canada to do a three-year bachelor’s degree in engineering after which he did a diploma course. After graduating, he got a job at a Canadian company as a process engineer and has worked there for a little over two years. He has advanced English language skills (CLB10+ in all categories), which have earned him the maximum number of points in that category but does not speak French. Here’s a breakdown of his skills and qualifications – and the points allotted to them. Age 26 110 Education Two or more post-secondary credentials with at least one being three years 128 English language proficiency Advanced 136 Work Experience in Canada 2.5 years 53 Education (Language + Canadian Work Experience) 50 Canadian education 30 Core Human Capital for a Primary Applicant with no Spouse: (427 / 460) Skill Transferability Combinations: (50/100) Additional Factors: (30/600) Based on this profile, Sehan has 507 points, which is exactly equal to the last CEC cutoff score. That means that there are high chances he would have received an ITA following the latest draw. EXAMPLE 2: Bio: Helena is a 29-year-old marketing professional from England who already has two years of work experience there. She moved to Canada to pursue a master’s degree in marketing and then joined a firm in Canada where she worked for a year. Helena has excellent English skills (CLB10+ in all categories) but does not speak French. Here’s a breakdown of her skills and qualifications, and the points allotted to them. Age 29 110 Education Master’s degree 135 English language proficiency Advanced 136 Work experience in Canada 1 year 40 Education (language + work experience) 50 Foreign work (language + Canadian work experience) 38 Canadian education 30 Core Human Capital for a Primary Applicant with no Spouse: (421/ 460) Skill Transferability Combinations: (88/100) Additional Factors: (30/600) Results: Based on this profile, Helena has 539 points, which is higher than the last CEC cutoff score. That means that she would have received an ITA following the latest draw. EXAMPLE 3: Bio: Samia is a 31-year-old architect with a year of experience in an Egyptian company with a global presence. After receiving a valid job offer from Canada, she arrived on a work permit and has worked in the country for a year. She has arranged employment with an LMIA. Samia has good English skills (CLB9 in all categories) but doesn’t speak French. Although she has two degrees, she has never studied in Canada. Age 31 99 Education Two or more post secondary credentials with at least one being 3 years 128 English language proficiency Initial advanced 124 Work experience in Canada 1 year 40 Education (language + Canadian work experience) 50 Foreign work (language + Canadian work experience 38 Qualifying Canadian job offer 50 Core Human Capital for a Primary Applicant with no Spouse: (391/ 460) Skill Transferability Combinations: (88/100) Additional Factors: (50/600) Results: Based on this profile, Samia has 529 points which is higher than the last CEC cutoff score. That means that she would have received an ITA following the latest draw. EXAMPLE 4: Bio: Sami is a 33-year-old from Algeria who moved to Canada to become an electrician. He enrolled in a trade school and completed an apprenticeship program. After finishing this, he worked for a year as an electrician. He speaks good English (CLB9 in all categories) skills and is also fluent in French (CLB8 in all categories). Age 33 88 Education Three-year post-secondary credential 128 English language proficiency Initial advanced 124 French language proficiency High intermediate 12 Work experience in Canada 1 year 40 Education (language + Canadian work experience) 50 Trade certification 50 Canadian education 30 Proficient in French 50 Core Human Capital for a Primary Applicant with no Spouse: (392 / 460) Skill Transferability Combinations: (100/100) Additional Factors: (80/100) Results: Sami received 572 points, which is well-above the current cut-offs in the CEC category. Where do I rank in the Express Entry pool? IRCC has a comprehensive and up-to-date record of all the profiles in the Express Entry pool which can give candidates an idea of the overall state of the EE pool and how they rank within it. This list is constantly changing as new profiles are submitted and older ones expire. As of August 27, there are 205,137 candidates in the pool. According to this draw, most candidates seem to be in the 450-500 points range, with that bracket having 61,133 candidates. With current cut-offs in the CEC draws being higher than 500, boosting points by improving language abilities, getting an eligible job offer or exploring PNP options can help a candidate get an ITA. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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“Ontario, BC, and Manitoba Open Doors: Provincial Nomination Invites Sent!”

Ashish / September 2, 2024

In the most recent round of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, invitations have been sent out to three Canadian provinces. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the provinces share joint authority over immigration. Except for Quebec and Nunavut, every province and territory in Canada runs PNPs. Quebec and the federal government have a separate agreement that gives Quebec complete control over who it chooses as economic immigrants. A certain number of nominations are sent to each government, which they can then distribute to candidates for economic immigration. The population and labor requirements of a province are among the many variables that determine how many nominations the IRCC accepts. For instance, the most nominations are given to Ontario, which has the greatest population in Canada. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026 states that the IRCC wants to use the PNP to bring in 110,000 new permanent residents this year. A provincial government’s nomination does not equate to an invitation from the IRCC to submit an application for permanent residence. Applications for the two distinct programs must be submitted separately. Provincial immigration figures for August 24–30 The Ontario 1,287 candidates for the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) received letters of interest from Ontario on August 22. To be considered, candidates had to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 435–435. Additionally, they mandated work experience in a targeted field that had a certain National Occupation Classification code. British Columbia On August 27, British Columbia sent out more than 158 invitations to candidates for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) who were skilled workers and international graduates (including those who applied through Express Entry into the province). The province held five targeted draws for candidates in specific occupations. The minimum score required varied for each draw. Draw results included: 40 candidates in childcare occupations with a minimum score of 83 31 candidates in construction occupations with a minimum score of 88 18 candidates in healthcare occupations with a minimum score of 99 69 candidates in tech occupations with a minimum score of 118 Less than five candidate in veterinary care occupations with a minimum score of 80 Manitoba The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held a draw on August 30 inviting 150 candiates from two PNP streams. The province invited 126 candidate from the International Education stream. No minimum score was reported. It also invited 24 candudates from the Skilled Worker Overseas stream under a Strategic Recruitment Initiative. These candidates required a minimum score of 727. Among all the letters of advice issued, 21 went to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Author name: Ashish

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