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NEWS

Under the IRCC’s new pilot program, francophone students will have a straight route to permanent residence.

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In an effort to increase the number of foreign students attending Francophone towns across Canada, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller today announced the launch of a new immigration pilot program. The Francophone Minority Communities Pilot Program (FMCSP), according to an IRCC press release, will increase acceptance rates and ensure that students from the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa are treated fairly in the present program. Students and their families “will be exempted from having to demonstrate that they will leave Canada at the end of their temporary stay,” according to the IRCC, in order to accomplish this. Furthermore, the necessary financial threshold will be changed to correspond with 75% of the municipality’s low-income cut-off in the area where the institution’s main campus is situated. These students will also have a direct pathway to permanent resident status after they complete their programs and access to settlement services. The pilot will open on August 26, 2024, and will accept 2,300 students in the first year. This cap will be reassessed in August 2025. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Who can apply? To be eligible, students must have a letter of acceptance from a participating Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that says they are applying under the FMCSP. The study program must meet the following criteria: be at the post-secondary level; be full-time; be 2 years or more of study; lead to a degree or diploma; and have French as the primary language of instruction (over 50% of the classes are taught in French). Students must also be citizens of these eligible countries: Benin Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Comoros Côte d’Ivoire Democratic Republic of the Congo Dominica Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Gabon Guinea Guinea-Bissau Haiti Lebanon Madagascar Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Niger Rwanda Saint Lucia São Tomé and Principe Senegal Seychelles Togo Tunisia Wives, common-law partners, or dependant children may accompany students enrolled in the FMCSP. Participants’ spouses and common-law partners might qualify for a study permit, open work permit, or visitor visa. Notably, many of the most recent modifications to Canada’s international student program do not apply to students enrolled in the Pilot. For instance, participants are not subject to the IRCC’s processing cap for applications from international students, nor are they obliged to get a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from their DLI. New communities added to the Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative Minister Miller also announced the addition of 10 new francophone communities to the Welcoming Francophone Communities (WFC) initiative. This initiative aims to support the reception and settlement of Francophone newcomers in select Francophone and Acadian communities across Canada. Settlement services for newcomers through this initiative (including community building, skills development, employment assistance and more) are provided by IRCC, and the participating community. In addition to the 14 communities already participating in the initiative, Miller announced the following communities will now also be included:   Province New Communities Selected British Columbia Nanaimo Manitoba Red River (Ritchot, Salaberry, Montcalm, and St-Pierre-Jolys) Nova Scotia Chéticamp (including St. Joseph du Moine) New Brunswick Belle-Baie (including Bathurst and the Pabineau First Nation) Caraquet (including Rivière du Nord and Hautes-Terres) Restigouche West Region (Saint-Quentin and Kedgwick) Saskatchewan Prince Albert Ontario Cornwall Cochrane District (Route 11 Corridor) London This brings the total number of communities participating in the WCF to 24. Canda’s renewal of this initiative is part of a wider Francophone immigration strategy which looks to balance the use of English and French (both official languages) in the country—particularly the use of French outside of Quebec. These are further detailed in comments made at today’s release by Liane Roy, President of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA): “The WFC initiative is an eloquent example of the commitment of Francophone and Acadian communities to the overall success of immigrants…. [communities] have set up activities to promote living together and inclusion, and have strengthened the attractiveness of our communities with the aim of increasing Francophone immigration” Canadas francophone immigration policy The two pilot programs are part of Canada’s Policy on Francophone Immigration. Earlier this year the department announced that it was targeting that 6% of all newcomers to Canada are French speaking. Additionally, Canada’s Official Language Act highlights the obligation for the immigration minister to adopt “a policy on Francophone immigration to enhance the vitality of French linguistic minority communities in Canada, including by restoring and increasing their demographic weight.” The new programs are one measure IRCC is undertaking to increase the number of francophone immigrants. It is also expected that the department will issue a high number of Invitations to Apply to Express Entrycandidates with French language proficiency through category-based selection rounds of invitations. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

Express Entry

In this week’s third Express Entry draw, the IRCC is inviting 2,000 candidates.

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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 category-based selection draw for individuals with French language competency, the department extended invitations to 2,000 candidates. A minimum score of 394 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) was required for candidates to be considered. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Following a program-specific draw for 3,200 candidates for the Canadian Experience Class on August 14, this is the third draw of the week. 763 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates were awarded ITAs in a draw held on August 13. A minimum CRS score of 690 was required. The draws this week come after an exceptionally high number of Express Entry drawings held in July. In nine different drawings, the IRCC awarded almost 25,000 ITAs to hopefuls. This indicates that since the system’s inception in 2015, July has seen the highest number of Express Entry draws of any month. It represents a noteworthy recovery after a sluggish June that saw only one. Two of the four draws held in July were for candidates who satisfied the requirements for French language competency. The other four draws were category-based selection draws. This category’s draw on July 18 has the lowest CRS score of the month (400). ITAs were given to candidates in commerce and healthcare occupations in the other two category-based draws. Three of the five draws that remained were for candidates who were already enrolled in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and two of the draws were specifically for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). PNP candidates received the highest CRS score of the month on July 2 (739). The IRCC is meeting its objective of holding more domestic drawings for candidates for permanent residency who are currently residents of Canada, as seen by the number of program-specific draws held after a year of just category-based selection and general draws. This is a part of the department’s declaration that it will endeavor to meet its goal for admissions of permanent residents while simultaneously working to decrease the number of temporary residents in Canada. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS 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? IRCC launched Express Entry, an application management system, in 2015 to assist in the selection of economic immigrant candidates who have the best chance of successfully assimilating into Canada’s employment and economy. Applications from three programs are managed by it using the Comprehensive Ranking System: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the CEC. Based on human capital variables like age, occupation, education, language proficiency, and job experience, the system assesses and ranks candidates. A candidate’s total CRS score is determined by adding the scores for each factor. The best scorers have the best chance of being invited to submit an application for permanent residence. What is category-based selection? Category-based selection rounds of invitations were introduced in May 2023 as a means for IRCC to further target the Express Entry candidates that are likely to either fill an urgent need in the workforce or to help the department reach a demographic target. IRCC says the department decided on the six categories following months of consultations with relevant stakeholders. Categories include: 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 The recently released Express Entry year-end report for 2023 found that candidates in the STEM category received the most ITAs throughout the year (32,111) followed by French-language candidates (15,812). However, according to an Access to Information Request shared with CIC News earlier this year, it is expected that candidates in the French-speaking category will receive the highest number of ITAs in 2024. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Express Entry

PNP candidates are invited to Canada’s most recent Express Entry draw.

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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 draw linked with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the department invited 763 candidates. A minimum score of 690 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) was necessary for candidates to be considered. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The lottery that took place today is the first of August and comes after an extraordinary number of Express Entry draws in July. In nine different drawings, the IRCC awarded almost 25,000 ITAs to hopefuls. This indicates that since the system’s inception in 2015, July has seen the highest number of Express Entry draws of any month. It represents a noteworthy recovery after a sluggish June that saw only one. Two of the four draws held in July were for candidates who satisfied the requirements for French language competency. The other four draws were category-based selection draws. This category’s draw on July 18 has the lowest CRS score of the month (400). ITAs were given to candidates in commerce and healthcare occupations in the other two category-based draws. Three of the five draws that remained were for candidates who were already enrolled in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and two of the draws were specifically for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). PNP candidates received the highest CRS score of the month on July 2 (739). The IRCC is meeting its objective of holding more domestic drawings for candidates for permanent residency who are currently residents of Canada, as seen by the number of program-specific draws held after a year of just category-based selection and general draws. This is a part of the department’s declaration that it will endeavor to meet its goal for admissions of permanent residents while simultaneously working to decrease the number of temporary residents in Canada. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS 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 introduced by IRCC in 2015 to help select economic immigration candidates who are most likely to integrate into Canada’s economy and workforce successfully. It uses the Comprehensive Ranking System to manage applications from three programs; the CEC, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The system evaluates and ranks candidates based on human capital factors such as their age, occupation, education, language ability and work experience. Each factor is assigned a score, and the sum is a candidate’s overall CRS score. Those with the highest scores are the most likely to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. What is category-based selection? Category-based selection rounds of invitations were introduced in May 2023 as a means for IRCC to further target the Express Entry candidates that are likely to either fill an urgent need in the workforce or to help the department reach a demographic target. IRCC says the department decided on the six categories following months of consultations with relevant stakeholders. Categories include: 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 The recently released Express Entry year-end report for 2023 found that candidates in the STEM category received the most ITAs throughout the year (32,111) followed by French-language candidates (15,812). However, according to an Access to Information Request shared with CIC News earlier this year, it is expected that candidates in the French-speaking category will receive the highest number of ITAs in 2024. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

Alberta’s trade occupation incentives for skilled immigrants

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One of Canada’s most pressing labour market gaps exists in the trades industry. In fact, according to a study released this month by Statistics Canada (StatsCan), the national labour market is facing “downward pressure” resulting from a wave of recent retirements among baby boomers (those born between 1955 and 1965). This has resulted in Canada’s labour force participation rate being at its lowest in 20 years (65% in 2021, 2022 and 2023). Accordingly, on both the federal and provincial levels, Canada is always looking to attract skilled workers who can help bolster the workforce in this sector. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Alberta has implemented certain financial incentives to attract refugees to the province, even though Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making its own efforts to address these critical shortages. What does Alberta have to offer qualified tradespeople who are immigrants? The Alberta government launched its Alberta is Calling program in April 2024. Up to 2,000 qualified skilled tradesmen will get a $5000 one-time refundable tax credit under this scheme. To be eligible for this program, candidates must meet certain criteria. These criteria include: Be 18 years or older when they apply Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Move to Alberta between May 1 and December 31, 2024 Be a tax resident of Alberta on December 31, 2024 Have moved to Alberta between May 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 Have a resident of Alberta for at least 12 consecutive months at the time they apply About the trades industry in Alberta The trades industry in Alberta has long experienced a significant labour shortage. Therefore, trade careers are among the most in-demand occupations in the entire province. In fact, the Alberta government now lists nine distinct trade industry vocations as being in high demand. They are listed below, not in any specific sequence. Note: Next to each occupation will be its National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 code. Construction managers (NOC 70010) Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (NOC: 72410) Plumbers (NOC: 72300) Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC: 21310) Civil Engineers (NOC: 21300) Engineering Managers (NOC: 20010) Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers (NOC: 74203) Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC: 22310) Electrical Mechanics (NOC: 72422) Learn more Prospective Canadian immigrants looking to learn more about the trades industry in Alberta can visit the provincial government’s dedicated trades. This site can provide interested individuals with key information such as: Things to know about Apprentice Services in Alberta’s trades industry How to become a certified tradesperson in Alberta What trades qualify as designated trades across the province Job vacancies in Alberta According to StatsCan data from May 2024, Alberta has a significant number of job vacancies, the third most of any province in Canada (behind Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia). Ontario: 204,180 Quebec: 130,735 British Columbia: 102,720 Alberta: 76,500 This means that newcomers to Alberta, both within and outside of the trades industry, may have better chances to find employment than in other provinces across Canada. For more about employment and other key aspects surrounding life in Alberta Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec invite candidates to apply for provincial immigration

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This week, applicants are being asked to apply for provincial immigration programs in three Canadian provinces. Invitations were sent out by Alberta and British Columbia (B.C.) via their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Instead of having a PNP, Quebec has a separate arrangement with the federal government that gives the state the power to choose every candidate for economic immigration. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Provincial immigration figures for August 3–9. British Columbia Over 144 individuals were asked by British Columbia this week to submit nomination applications via the BC PNP. 52 applicants were invited by the province in a general draw that took into account applicants from the entry-level, semi-skilled, skilled worker, and international graduate streams. With the exception of Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates, who had to score 110, all candidates needed to receive a minimum score of 132. Additionally, four occupation-specific drawings were held by British Columbia for applicants in the International Graduate and Skilled Worker streams. Among them were: 32 candidates in childcare occupations with a minimum score of 88 29 candidates in construction occupations with a minimum score of 90 24 candidates in healthcare occupations with a minimum score of 101 and; less than five candidates in veterinary care occupations with a minimum score of 80 Alberta On July 30, Alberta conducted a drawing for applicants in the Alberta job offer stream of its Dedicated Healthcare Pathway. A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300 or above was necessary for the 54 candidates. Alberta shares the outcomes of these draws in retrospect. Candidates must already have an application in the Express Entry application pool in order to be considered for this stream, which is in line with Canada’s federal Express Entry system. In an upcoming Express Entry draw, applicants who obtain an invitation from the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) will automatically receive an extra 600 CRS points on their application, almost guaranteeing them an ITA. Alberta is also launching a new expression of interest system on September 30, 2024, for worker streams. This new system will replace the current monthly application intake and allow for an ongoing intake of applications. The AAIP says that applicants will be placed in a selection pool and then be invited to apply based on their “candidate ranking and provincial labour market needs and priorities.” Quebec Quebec invited provincial immigration candidates on August 1. Like Alberta, Quebec posts provincial immigration results retroactively. The province invited 1,490 people to apply. They required a minimum score of 580 to be considered in addition to  a level 7 oral proficiency (or higher) in French according to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français  (Quebec’s scale of French proficiency levels for adult immigrants) or its equivalent; Candidates may also have been considered if they had a job offer outside of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

Are you employed at a global conference in Canada? Find out if a work permit is required.

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The start of international events in Canada this summer has drawn tourists from all over the world and covered a wide range of topics, from agriculture to technology. It is crucial that guests to Canada are aware of the precise admission requirements they must fulfill in order to take part in international events in various capacities. The entry requirements for foreign service providers operating under contract at international events will be covered in this article. Note: the Government of Canada defines a “foreign event” as an event held by an organization which is located in – and conducts business from – a country other than Canada. For example, the Collision Conference in Toronto, Ontario, which is hosted by an organization called Web Summit, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. This foreign event draws thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to Canada annually, and is set to take place in Vancouver next year under the new name ‘Web Summit Vancouver’ from May 27 – 30, 2025. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Entry requirements for attendees Entry requirements for attendees (those simply attending the event as guests) of foreign events in Canada are straightforward. Attendees are technically tourists to Canada. Attendees must simply meet entry requirements for visitors – like obtaining a visitor visa, or (if from a visa-exempt country) an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Entry requirements for foreign service providers Entry requirements for non-Canadians working foreign events in Canada are more complex. Foreign service providers working under contract for foreign events do not need work permits if they are: event planners; exhibit managers; professional conference organizers; destination marketing company personnel; or event accommodation consultants. However, foreign service providers working under contract to provide the following services do need work permits: Installing or dismantling shows/exhibits; Audio video, staging, or show decorating services; and/or Lighting, carpet laying, carpentry, or electrical work. What kind of work permit is needed for service providers at foreign events in Canada? Non-Canadian service providers at foreign events in Canada typically do not require an LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment. Instead, they qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit known as the significant benefit work permit. To qualify for this LMIA-exempt work permit, you must meet three requirements: You must be working under contract for a foreign event organizer or exhibitor; You must be providing services like audio visual services or electrical work (see the full list of eligible activities above); and You must be supervising and directing local fires at the foreign event. The final requirement is important. You must prove that your role is supervisory–that you will be overseeing local labour rather than completing all the hands-on work yourself. This is because foreign event organizers and exhibitors are expected to hire Canadians to perform labour on the convention floor. If you believe you are eligible for this significant benefit work permit, your work permit application should address all key requirements above by including documents like the formal service agreement, your CV / resume, and more. Visa requirements for foreign service providers and exhibitors In addition to the work permit, foreign service providers (like visitors) working foreign events in Canada will need valid visitor visas or eTAs. Those who are visa-exempt may apply for their work permit at the port of entry to Canada. Those who require visas must apply for their work permit online. If you are applying online, it is important to check processing times to ensure you will meet timelines and obtain your work permit before the event. Contact Cohen Immigration Law for assistance If you plan to work under contract at a foreign event in Canada, the first step is to figure out if you qualify for the significant benefit work permit. Cohen Immigration Law has over 45 years of experience in helping foreign workers and employers navigate Canadian immigration regulations. The law firm can help assess your eligibility and prepare your work permit application, so you can focus on delivering services to your client. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

Miller: More steps will be taken to control the number of temporary residents.

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The Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, recently spoke with news agency Reuters about a “suite of measures” that will be implemented to further restrict non-permanent residents (those with study or work permits) in Canada. Miller claims that upcoming actions “may involve modifications to [Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs)] and enforcement.” “The days of unrestricted immigration schemes into this nation are rapidly drawing to an end. “This is a significant change,” Miller remarked in the interview. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration What modifications to the PGWP are under consideration? In order to get input on potential modifications to the PGWP, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) distributed surveys to important post-secondary education stakeholders in June. This poll and the Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024 indicate that the department is thinking about coordinating PGWP issuance with labor market requirements. The department’s role would be to oversee “students entering occupations in shortage, while reducing access for graduates from other programs” in terms of work permit management. The poll additionally disclosed that the IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) collaborated to associate job titles (as classified by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system) with educational programs (as described in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)). To further clarify, the IRCC survey cites the example of pertinent NOCs for “carpenters” that are associated with “three programs of study: woodworking/general, carpentry, and construction trades.” A component of a larger scheme The first-ever goal for non-permanent resident temporary residents (NPR) levels was revealed earlier this year by the IRCC and was to be incorporated into the immigration levels strategy for this year. In line with this announcement, the IRCC planned to lower NPR levels in order to stabilize the percentage of these recent immigrants in the Canadian population at 5% during the following three years. In April of last year, NPRs accounted for about 7% of the population. The IRCC has already put in place a two-year quota on international students as part of this strategy, limiting the total number of new post-secondary enrollment to 292,000 this year. In 2025, this cap will be reexamined, and the numbers of international students may change for that year. Furthermore, Minister Miller has stated that he intends to increase the number of “domestic draws” for both federal and provincial permanent residence (PR) pathways. This effectively means that fewer TRs will be allowed to remain in Canada by giving them priority over new PRs from overseas, which could worsen the housing and affordability issues that have been linked to immigration. All of these actions are being taken at a time when Canadians are more interested in immigration than ever before. According to Miller in the Reuters interview, “[Immigration will be] a top issue, if not the top issue, in the next election.” Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

Manitoba and British Columbia are the winners of the Provincial Nominee Program.

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Through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Manitoba and British Columbia extended invitations to more provincial immigration candidates this week. Through PNPs, or economic immigration programs, candidates were recruited. Individuals were chosen for in-demand occupations within provincial labor markets based on their qualifications and expertise. See the complete results breakdown by continuing to read. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Results of provincial immigration (July 27–August 2) BC, or British Columbia This week, British Columbia conducted a targeted draw via the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). Through the Skilled Worker, International Graduate (which includes Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC)) option stream, the province extended invitations to at least 147 candidates. This draw’s invitees were chosen based on their educational background and capacity to solve labor market needs in British Columbia. Cut-off scores varied between industry targeted within the draw. These were as follows: Childcare workers needed a minimum score of 89 to be invited (33 invites issued); Construction workers needed a minimum score of 90 to be invited (27invites issued); Healthcare workers needed a minimum score of 101 to be invited (22 invites issued); Tech workers needed a minimum score of 120 to be invited (64 invites issued); and Veterinary care workers needed a minimum score of 80 to be invited (at least one invite issued). International workers with postsecondary education or training and relevant experience in professional, management, technical, trade, or other skilled occupations in British Columbia are eligible to apply for the Skilled Worker category. The position must fall within skill levels 0, 1, or 2 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) matrix. Candidates wishing to apply under the Skilled Worker category must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a British Columbian company in a skilled field. Candidates must demonstrate that they meet the provincial standards for the occupation at the time of application if the job offer is in a regulated field that necessitates required certification or licensing. Work experience is recognized for paid co-ops if the placements were full-time and at a NOC level that matched or exceeded the job offer. Manitoba The Manitoba PNP (MPNP) conducted two skilled worker immigration lotteries this week. Under the Skilled Worker’s in Manitoba stream, an occupation-specific selection was used for the first draw. Those whose NOCs matched 44101—home support workers, caretakers, and similar occupations—or who fell under the wide occupational category “3” (healthcare occupations) received 145 invitations through the draw. The MPNP conducted a second draw under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream that same day. Candidates with a minimum score of 724 were given 58 invites under this stream. To be eligible for consideration in this draw, candidates had to be invited by the MPNP as part of a “Strategic Recruitment Initiative.” 29 of the 203 invites that the MPNP sent out this week went to those who confirmed that their Express Entry profile was active. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

Immigrating to Canada through Ontario’s PNP

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Temporary residents living in Ontario, Canada’s most popular arrival destination, have access to multiple avenues to permanent residency (PR) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is made possible by Ontario’s specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The OINP gives the local government the authority to extend invitations to immigrant applicants who they believe have the greatest potential to close demographic and labor market gaps in the community. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration It is one of the eleven PNPs that the Canadian provinces and territory run. Which OINP streams demand that you live in Ontario? Three PNP streams in Ontario particularly call for previous or current residency in the region. Stream of Skilled Trades: Human Capital Division The OINP often falls into four groups. One of such categories is the Skilled Trades stream under the Human Capital category (more on that later). In order to be eligible for this stream, applicants must be residents of Ontario at the time of their application for permanent residence and hold a valid work permit. Note: Because this stream is connected to the IRCC’s Express Entry program, candidates in the Skilled Trades stream who accept an OINP nomination will get 600 extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. There are other eligibility criteria for candidates looking to pursue PR through this stream. Applicants must: Have a valid Express Entry profile Have accumulated at least one year of full-time paid work experience Possess a valid license or certificate (if applicable) Achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or higher (English or French) Graduate Stream for Masters: Masters and PhD Applicants may also think about the Masters and PhD programs offered by the OINP. The Masters Graduate stream in Ontario is one of the two streams available in this category. This stream employs the Expression of Interest (EOI) mechanism of the province and is intended for foreign nationals with a Masters degree from Ontario universities that meet the requirements. This implies that in order to be considered for PR, prospective individuals must register an EOI and develop a profile. It is not connected to the IRCC’s Express Entry system, in contrast to the Skilled Trades stream. In addition to having a Masters degree from an eligible university in Ontario, applicants must meet the following two criteria: Must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one of the last two years Must have achieved a CLB Level 7 or higher (English or French) PhD Graduate Stream: Masters and PhD Category The PhD Graduate stream for candidates who have a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university. Similar to the Masters Graduate stream, this stream is not Express Entry-aligned. Again, interested candidates must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years to be eligible for PR through this stream. Interested applicants must create a profile and register an EOI to be eligible for PR. Note: there is a $1,500 dollar (Canadian) application fee for both streams. What are my other OINP immigration options? The OINP has four larger categories. The following will briefly summarize the streams (as well as their eligibility criteria) that have not yet been mentioned in this article. Visit this dedicated webpage for full details on all of the OINP’s categories and streams, including application fees, how each stream works and what happens when you receive an OINP nomination. Note: Both of the OINP’s Masters and PhD Category streams were outlined above. Human Capital Category Stream Name Express Entry Linked? Details Human Capital Priorities Yes * Includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)* Applicants must have a valid Express Entry profile* Applicants must have a Bachelor’s, Masters or PhD degree* Applicants must have a minimum of one year full-time paid work experience French-Speaking Skilled Worker Yes * Includes the FSWP and CEC* Requires applicants to have strong skills in English and French (including CLB level 7 or higher in French)* Applicants must have a Bachelor’s, Masters or PhD degree* Applicants must have a valid Express Entry profile* Applicants must have a minimum of one year full-time paid work experience   Employer Job Offer Category   Stream Name Express Entry Linked? Details Foreign Worker No * Requires a job offer* For skilled workers with two years of work experience if the occupation does not require a license or other certification* Job offer must include pay that is higher than the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario International Students No * Requires a job offer* For recent graduates of Ontario post-secondary institutions In-Demand Skills No * Requires a job offer* For “intermediate skilled workers” in certain eligible sectors who have a job offer to work in an in-demand occupation* Applicants must have at least nine months of work experience* Job offer must include pay that is higher than the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario* Requires applicants to have CLB level 4 or higher (English or French)* Applicants must have a high school diploma Skilled Trades No * Requires a job offer* Job offer must include pay that is higher than the median wage level for that occupation in Ontario* Applicants must have a two-year degree or diploma from a Canadian institution   Business Category   Stream Name Express Entry Linked? Details Entrepreneur No * For foreign nationals looking to start a business or buy an existing one in Ontario* Applicants must have business experience of 24 months in the last 60 months* Applicants must control at least one-third of the business’ equity* Applicants must be actively involved in managing the business Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

New regulations in British Columbia will restrict the number of overseas students admitted.

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New steps to strengthen the integrity of the province’s program for overseas students were recently released by British Columbia’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. According to a Ministry announcement, the province’s recognized learning institutions will now have more safeguards and requirements. The Education Quality Assurance (EQA) code of practice is one of these safeguards. Under the EQA, there are three main goals. First and foremost, the goal of British Columbia’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) is to “limit international student enrolment to 30% of an institution’s total enrolment.” Discover your options to study in Canada Only the public DLIs in the province will be subject to this limit. There is no effect on private DLIs. Many of British Columbia’s 25 public post-secondary educational institutions already have enrollment rates below that of international students, according to a Ministry representative who sent an email to CIC News. The Ministry did not respond to a question about whether the 30% cap on international student enrollment was in addition to the province’s current cap on foreign enrollment, which is determined by the number of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) that British Columbia will issue this year. However, the Ministry did state that the distribution of attestation letters was predicated on promoting and supporting international student programs at public DLIs. The Ministry’s personnel will collaborate with the institutions to give them enough time to modify their student recruitment strategies in order to reach the goal and handle any associated financial consequences, they added. According to the Ministry, educational institutions will discuss their threshold-meeting methods by referring to their international education strategic plans, which are specified in the new rules. A total of 83,000 PALs were allotted to British Columbia for 2024. These letters attest to a student’s acceptance to a DLI within a specific jurisdiction. Following the announcement of a cap on the number of study permits the department will handle over the next two years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) established a new stage in the application process for a study visa in Canada. The number of PALs a province is allocated is based on population. British Columbia is Canada’s third most populated province after Ontario and Quebec. How provinces then distribute letters among DLIs is up to provincial governments. In B.C., 53% of PALs will be issued to public post-secondary institutions in 2024 and 47% will go to private institutions. Fees that are transparent for international students According to B.C., DLIs in the region will likewise be required to display the cost of tuition for each student for the duration of their studies. This will assist new students prepare their budget for living in Canada by enabling them to know how much their complete education will cost before they start. The Canadian economy benefits greatly from the presence of overseas students. Global Affairs Canada revealed in a recent research that the amount spent on overseas students in 2022 exceeded $37 billion. Additionally, according to Statistics Canada, the average tuition paid by overseas undergraduate students in the 2023–2024 academic year was $38,081. Presently, 111,900 foreign students are enrolled in public universities in British Columbia. Meeting standards As part of the EQA, the province will also require that institutions “meet or exceed the institutional quality assurance standards set by the province and is required for all public and private institutions enrolling international students.” These standards include the “development of international education strategic plans, improved student services, housing supports, and standards to ensure Indigenous and domestic students are not displaced.” Meeting these standards builds on the International Framework Measures the province introduced last January. These measures included pausing the growth of the number of DLIs in the province, increasing oversight of private institutions and strengthening and publishing compliance and enforcement actions. The province considers the new measures as Phase 2. DLIs that follow the code will receive an EQA designation. Those that do not meet the EQA code of practice will lose their EQA designation, making them unable to accept international students. Discover your options to study in Canada

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