NEWS - GS Immigration Advisors - Page 5

9765 45 Ave NW Edmonton, AB – T6E 5V8

Call: +1-587-400-3335

NEWS

NEWS

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

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

NEWS

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

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

NEWS

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

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

NEWS

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

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

NEWS

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

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

NEWS

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

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

NEWS

“Canada Shines: Ranked Top 10 Globally for Work-Life Balance!”

According to a survey conducted by the international human resources company Remote HR, Canada is among the top ten nations in the world for work-life balance, or as the report refers to it, life-work balance. Overall, New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium, and Denmark occupied the top four positions, with Canada coming in fifth. Rankings for a number of variables that affect an employee’s work-life balance are included in the data. These include of minimum wage, percentage of sick pay, number of hours worked per week, mandatory yearly leave, and an overall happiness score. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Canada achieved an overall score of 72.75 out of a possible 100. It scored high for its relatively short work week (an average of 32 hours for most Canadians), safety, and for being 2SLGBTQ+ friendly. Germany, Finland, Australia, Norway, and Spain rounded out the top ten. Canada’s closest neighbour, the United States, ranked 55 out of 60 in the Remote rankings with a score of 31.82 due to no annual paid vacation or sick leave, non-universal healthcare, and more hours worked per week. The data on average working hours in Canada reported by Remote is supported by the most recent Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) work-life balance rankings where Canada again placed fifth overall. OECD said that “just 3% of employees work very long hours in paid work, much less than the OECD average of 10%.” OECD noted that full-time workers in Canada use 61% of their day (14.6 hours) for personal care. This includes eating and sleeping as well as leisure activities. This is just slightly less than the global average of 15 hours. Canada short on vacation time The Remote report showed that Canada fell short in annual statutory leave and vacation time. The data said that people employed in Canada receive 17 days of annual statutory leave. However, this is not always easy to measure as employment standards in Canada are mandated by provincial governments. For example, in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, workers in the private sector (meaning those not employed by the federal government or in a federally regulated industry) can spend the first five years in any job with just 10 days (two weeks) of vacation time per year. According to the Ontario Employment Standards Act, minimum vacation entitlement increases to three weeks (15 days) after five years.   Again, this timeline can vary by province. Employees in Saskatchewan are entitled to three weeks of paid vacation after one year of employment, going up to four weeks after ten years. Quebec’s annual vacation entitlement rises from two weeks to three weeks after three years of employment. This does not account for Canada’s federal statutory holidays such as Christmas Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Good Friday, and Victoria Day. There are also other public holidays but, in many instances and depending on the province, employees are not automatically entitled to take those days off. It often depends on their employer. Comparatively, in both New Zealand and Ireland, all employees are entitled to four weeks of paid annual vacation after 12 months of continuous employment. Regularly attaining high rankings Canada usually comes up high on international lists. For instance, in January of this year, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) named it the world’s safest country for travelers, while in late 2023, Givetastic conducted a study that revealed Canada to be the most popular “dream work destination” worldwide. In addition, Canada’s passport is ranked seventh strongest in the world in the most recent rankings released by citizenship and residency consulting firm Henley & Partners. These rankings add to Canada’s appeal as one of the most sought-after destinations for newcomers. In 2023, it welcomed over 470,000 new permanent residents and the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024 targets admitting a further 485,000. While Canada’s immigration minister, Marc Miller, has recently indicated that immigration levels in the near future may look different, he also recognized the economic and social benefits of welcoming newcomers sustainably. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“BREAKING: Canada Halts Work Permit Applications for Visitors Inside the Country”

The ability to apply for a work permit from within Canada has been discontinued as of August 28 for temporary residents in the country on a guest visa. The goal of the August 2020 policy was to help Canadian tourists who were stranded at home due to border closures resulting from the COVID-19 epidemic. They would not need to leave Canada in order to apply for a work permit under the scheme. Additionally, anyone who had held a work permit during the previous year but had converted to a “visitor” immigration status were qualified to “work lawfully in Canada while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.” Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The policy’s original expiration date was scheduled for February 28, 2025. However, as “part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system,” Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it is eliminating the policy immediately. Applications filed in accordance with the rules before August 28 will still be processed, according to the Department. Suppression of maladaptive behavior The IRCC claims that knowledge of “bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization” is a contributing factor in the early rollback. This is related to the department’s continuous initiatives to lower the number of temporary residents and fight pervasive immigration fraud. For instance, it was discovered that 700 Indian overseas students were enrolled in Canadian universities last year as a result of forged admission letters from DLIs. A large number of them had no idea that their letters were fake. As a result, the IRCC now mandates that DLIs confirm each and every acceptance letter within ten days of receiving an application from an overseas student. Additionally, it has limited the amount of foreign students that Canada would take in for the ensuing two year.  Significant adjustments to Canada’s temporary foreign worker thresholds A week of significant adjustments intended at lowering Canada’s numbers of temporary foreign workers coincide with the expiration of the temporary policy permitting certain tourists to apply for a work permit. By September 26, 2024, the Department of Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will no longer be reviewing applications for certain applicants under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Low-Wage stream. This announcement was made on August 26. Applicants in Census Metropolitan Areas where the unemployment rate is six percent or greater will be impacted by this. Additionally, the IRCC indicated that the maximum period of employment for workers in the Low-Wage stream would be lowered from two years to one year, and that firms in Canada would only be able to hire up to 10% of foreign workers under the TFWP. Similar to today’s announcement, many of the aforementioned adjustments are reversals of immigration rules that were put in place during the pandemic by the Canadian government in order to address the country’s labor shortage. For instance, during the pandemic, the IRCC and Employment Social Development Canada (ESDC) together implemented interim measures that extended the validity of an LMIA to 12 months and permitted Canadian workers to hire up to 30% of their staff under the TFWP’s Low-Wage stream. Following a joint press announcement by Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault last May, IRCC and ESDC started to rescind these pandemic-era restrictions. Minister Miller made the historic announcement at the same press conference that the annual Immigration Levels Plan would now include temporary resident levels, a first for Canadian immigration history. In Canada, immigration has emerged as a major issue. Much of this year has seen declarations about controlling and lowering the number of temporary immigrants living there. Minister Miller also declared this week that he intends to think about adjusting the number of permanent residents in Canada in the upcoming years. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“Canada Issues 3,300 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw!”

In the second Express Entry draw of the week, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 3,300 applicants were invited by the government through a Canadian Experience Class (CEC)-only lottery. A minimum score of 507 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) was required for candidates to be considered. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Yesterday, the department invited 1,121 candidates in a Provincial Nominee Program-only (PNP) draw. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 694 to be considered.  The last round of multiple Express Entry draws took place between August 13-15. The draw on August 15 was a category-based selection draw for those eligible for the French-speaking proficiency category. On August 13, Canada invited 763 candidates in a PNP only draw. Candidate’s needed a minimum score of 690 to be considered. A draw on August 14 was for 3,200 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a minimum score of 509. IRCC has recently developed a pattern of holding multiple draws every other week. Over the past few months especially there has been an increased number of PNP and CEC draws. This is in line with the department’s priority to hold more domestic draws to help reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada while also working toward hitting the permanent resident admissions targets outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026. IRCC is planning to welcome 110,770 newcomers through Express Entry in 2024 and 117,500 in 2025. Candidate’s who recieve ITAs in the later half of the year are more likely to help meet the 2025 target because IRCC has a service standard of six months to process all finalized Express Entry applications. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS 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 managment system that oversees three prominent economic immigration class programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates in these programs are evaluated and ranked based on human capital factors using the Comprehensive Ranking System. They receive scores for their occupation, work experience, age, education, language ability and occupation in addition to other factors such as if they are immigrating with a spouse or partner or have a sibling in Canada. The points they receive for each factor are added together and make up an overall CRS score. Those who have the highest scores are the most likely to recievev an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence in Canada in an upcoming Express Entry draw. In May 2023, IRCC also annouced it would begin holding category-based rounds of invitations for Express Entry candidates who meet certain criteria due to their occupation or language abilities. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

“Express Entry: 1,121 PNP Candidates Invited in Latest IRCC Draw!”

In the most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The department held a draw for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) solely, and 1,121 individuals were invited. A minimum score of 694 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) was required for candidates to be considered. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Today’s draw is the the fourth of the month. The last Express Entry draw happened on August 15 and was a category-based selection draw for those eligible for the French-speaking proficiency category. Two other draws took place the same week. On August 13, Canada invited 763 candidates in a PNP only draw. Candidate’s needed a minimum score of 690 to be considered. A draw on August 14 was for 3,200 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a minimum score of 509. IRCC has recently developed a pattern of holding multiple draws every other week. Over the past few months especially there has been an increased number of PNP and CEC draws. This is in line with the department’s priority to hold more domestic draws to help reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada while also working toward hitting the permanent resident admissions targets outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026. IRCC is planning to welcome 110,770 newcomers through Express Entry in 2024 and 117,500 in 2025. Candidate’s who recieve ITAs in the later half of the year are more likely to help meet the 2025 target because IRCC has a service standard of six months to process all finalized Express Entry applications. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS 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 managment system that oversees three prominent economic immigration class programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates in these programs are evaluated and ranked based on human capital factors using the Comprehensive Ranking System. They receive scores for their occupation, work experience, age, education, language ability and occupation in addition to other factors such as if they are immigrating with a spouse or partner or have a sibling in Canada. Their total CRS score is the sum of the points they receive for each factor. In a future Express Entry draw, the candidates with the highest scores stand the best chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Additionally, the IRCC announced in May 2023 that it will start hosting category-based invitation rounds for Express Entry applicants who satisfy specific requirements related to their profession or language proficiency. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

Need an Advice for your Immigration Query
Get an Appointment Today!

Contact us today for expert assistance with visa applications, residency, citizenship, and more.

Contact Detail

Add: 9765 45 Ave NW Edmonton, AB – T6E 5V8

Call : 1-587-400-3335

Email: info@gsicanada.ca

Follow Us

Newsletter

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

© 2024 Copyright by GS Immigration Advisors

Scroll to Top