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AAIP eligibility change in response to Alberta wildfires

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For a limited time, Alberta has suspended the work experience prerequisite for some candidates under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). In order to help workers whose current job is impacted by the wildfires find new employment as soon as possible, the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams of the AAIP have temporarily waived the requirement for specific work experience. The Alberta government reports that open work permits from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be accepted by the AAIP for workers in the wildfire-affected Streams who are looking for work. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration It is anticipated that the eligibility changes will take effect on July 19, 2024, and end on November 30, 2024. This is a stopgap meant to help people who might lose their jobs as a result of the fires, which happened in an area that is home to many of Alberta’s hotels and resorts. Requirements for work experience Candidates in the tourism and hospitality stream were required, outside of the measure, to have completed seventy-odd hours of work experience in six consecutive months with their current employment. Candidates for the Alberta Opportunity Stream need: a minimum of 18 months’ worth of full-time job experience in their present field in Alberta, or a minimum of 24 months of full-time experience working in their present field in Canada or overseas within the previous 30 months, or both. The experience may have been obtained in Alberta as well as in Canada (outside of Alberta) or overseas. Holders of Post-Graduation Work Permits must have completed at least six months of full-time work experience in Alberta during the previous eighteen months in their present line of work. The lack of explicit work experience requirements for the Rural Renewal and Express Entry pathways will not disadvantage applicants who wish to use them. Additional assistance for individuals impacted by wildfires The modifications are the latest in a string of unique actions taken by the IRCC to assist individuals who are directly impacted by the wildfires. The Alberta government made the following announcement on July 26: Apply for a free replacement of lost, damaged, or destroyed citizenship, immigration, or travel documents (passports included). Extend or reinstate their status as a temporary resident; if you are unable to continue working for your current job, switch from an employer-specific work permit to an open work permit. The lack of explicit work experience requirements for the Rural Renewal and Express Entry pathways will not disadvantage applicants who wish to use them. Additional assistance for individuals impacted by wildfires The modifications are the latest in a string of unique actions taken by the IRCC to assist individuals who are directly impacted by the wildfires. The Alberta government made the following announcement on July 26: Apply for a free replacement of lost, damaged, or destroyed citizenship, immigration, or travel documents (passports included). Extend or reinstate their status as a temporary resident; if you are unable to continue working for your current job, switch from an employer-specific work permit to an open work permit. Applicants will have one year to prove they meet the criteria outlined by the AAIP including finding a new, eligible position if left unemployed by the fires. The Alberta government notes that all other criteria for each stream will still apply, and it will continue monitoring the situation for further updates. Impact of wildfires on Alberta’s economy This summer has seen over 100 wildfires burning across Alberta in the last month. As of now, the fires have claimed 358 of the 1,113 total structures in Jasper, with the evacuation notice only lifted on August 17, 2024. The fires have already disrupted the local economy, particularly the hospitality industry in Jasper, which attracts thousands of tourists and temporary workers every year. With plans to more than double the size of the tourism economy by 2025, the Alberta government’s response to the wildfires aims to support both the businesses and workers at the heart of the hospitality sector. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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Candidates for Express Entry continue to see favorable economic results.

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Newcomers who immigrate to Canada through an Express Entry-managed program often see a rapid increase in their median employment income during their first five years in Canada. This is according to the 2023 Year-End Express Entry report. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) included data that shows the median income of newcomers through an Express Entry managed program is higher than that of Canadian-borns. The data analyzes the median employment incomes of Express Entry candidates admitted between 2016 and 2021. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Earnings are continuously rising. Candidates under Express Entry have continuously experienced favorable long-term economic results since the program’s launch in 2015. For instance, the 2023 study revealed that median employment earnings for those accepted in 2016 increased to $58,400 in 2017 and then to $76,800 in 2021 (five years after landing). Additionally, it states that the typical income of newly enrolled students in 2018 was $55,200 in their first year of employment and increased to $70,800 three years later. This demonstrates how quickly newcomer earnings increased. Over the course of the five years, the median employment income for Canadians remained largely unchanged, averaging only $40,870 in 2021 (compared to $38,006 in 2017). Newcomers who enter the country under a federal program for highly skilled workers, like Express Entry, are frequently qualified to fill positions in the labour market in Canada. Based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score—which assesses individuals’ in-demand human capital traits such language proficiency, work experience, vocation, age, and education—they are asked to apply for permanent residence status. According to IRCC, persons who have the highest CRS ratings have the best chance of assimilating into the Canadian economy. The IRCC advanced this idea in 2023 by instituting invitation-only rounds of selection based on categories. Rather than receiving an overall high CRS score, Express Entry candidates are invited in these draws based on a particular criteria, usually their job experience. There is currently no information available on the economic effects of these arrivals. In contrast, the median salary of economic immigrants admitted to Canada via a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream that is not associated with Express Entry is often lower. According to the report, after a year of admission, the median job wages for the PNP entrance cohorts varied from the mid-$40,000s to the low $50,000s. There is little effect of additional score criteria on income. The survey points out that additional information submitted with an Express Entry application may have an impact on median salaries. On the other hand, unless candidates achieved the maximum possible scores for these traits, additional scoring criteria do not always translate into higher median wages two to three years after admission, according to report data. For instance, it discovered that candidates with a three-year or longer post-secondary certification from a Canadian university who were allowed to Canada in 2019 had somewhat higher median job earnings than those without such a credential. On the other hand, the median salary of individuals admitted in 2019 who held a post-secondary Canadian credential for one to two years was less than that of those who had no post-secondary education in Canada ($51,000 vs. $61,100). For those with siblings living in Canada, the same applied. For those who arrived in 2019, the typical salary two years after arrival was $53,100 for those who had a sibling who was a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, compared to $61,200 for those who did not. Those with pre-arranged employment in other occupations were also found to have higher median incomes than those who did not. For example, those who arrived in 2018 with an “other” job offer had median incomes of $84,500 while those without an arranged employment reported a median income of $60,700. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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How Much Does a Home Cost in Canada’s Biggest Cities?

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In 2024, housing has emerged as a major concern for Canadians, with much focus on the effects of shifting interest rates, population growth, emigration trends, and other variables on housing costs. CIC News has created the following guide on the costs of purchasing a property in Canada, taking into account the major cities and population centers in each of the nation’s provinces, after assembling a guide on rental expenses throughout Canada in 2024. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The following guide breaks down the costs of buying various kinds of housing in Canada’s largest cities. The largest city or metropolitan center is considered for each province or territory. Specifically, the guide covers the cost of buying a: One bedroom, one bathroom apartment; Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties; Townhouse; and Detached house. Data was collected from listing websites like realtor.ca, and zillow.com, as well as housing boards like the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CHMC). Note: The figures presented are average housing prices, however these may vary substantially based on the neighborhood, time of purchase, and property type (among other factors). It is suggested that these figures be used as a guide and not a definitive measure of housing costs in these locations. Alberta Calgary Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $325,863 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $414,427 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $443,443 CAD; Townhouse: $482,774 CAD; and Detached house $1,018,888 CAD. Edmonton Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $152,877 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $278,273 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $401,765 CAD; Townhouse: $288,968 CAD; and Detached house $521,238 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in Alberta in July 2024 was $486,828 CAD, representing an 8.2% increase from 2023. British Columbia Vancouver Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $597,051 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $1,444,846 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $2,662,771 CAD; Townhouse: $1,626,282 CAD; and Detached house $8,493,824 CAD. Surrey Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $451,920 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $616,574 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $808,187 CAD; Townhouse: $1,239,000 CAD; and Detached house $2,364,226 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in British Columbia in July 2024 was $962,537 CAD, representing an -0.5% decrease from 2023. Manitoba Winnipeg Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $159,567 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $317,400 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $346,117 CAD; Townhouse: $391,575 CAD; and Detached house $459,325 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in Manitoba in July 2024 was $376,770 CAD, representing a 6.9% increase from 2023. New Brunswick Moncton Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: Data not available; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $373,755 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $307,520 CAD; Townhouse: $289,291 CAD; and Detached house $374,267 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in New Brunswick in July 2024 was $308,800 CAD, representing a 6.4% increase from 2023.   Newfoundland and Labrador St. John’s Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $184,933 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $425,375 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $307,520 CAD; Townhouse: $410,102 CAD; and Detached house $548,960 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in Newfoundland and Labrador in July 2024 was $297,000 CAD, representing a 4.2% increase from 2023. Nova Scotia Halifax Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $471,092 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $732,532 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $771,540 CAD; Townhouse: $578,833 CAD; and Detached house $764,766 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in Nova Scotia in July 2024 was $418,200 CAD, representing a 4.4% increase from 2023. Ontario Toronto Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $ 671,092 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $ 920,588 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $2,952,402 CAD; Townhouse: $992,280 CAD; and Detached house $4,713,735 CAD. Ottawa Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $399,544 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $568,338 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $789,717 CAD; Townhouse: $629,665 CAD; and Detached house: $1,020,820 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in Ontario in July 2024 was $837,685 CAD, representing a -1.7% decrease from 2023. Prince Edward Island Charlottetown Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $321,825 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $453,483 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $487,139 CAD; Townhouse: $474,480 CAD; and Detached house: $679,247 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in Prince Edward Island in July 2024 was $365,000 CAD, representing a -0.3% decrease from 2023. Quebec Montreal Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $420,616 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $871,050 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $997,473 CAD; Townhouse: $782,850 CAD; and Detached house: $1,091,333 CAD. Quebec City Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $227,492 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $567,983 AD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $687,143 CAD; Townhouse: $ 514,850 CAD; and Detached house: $ 643,083 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in Quebec in July 2024 was $525,732 CAD, representing a 6.3% increase from 2023. Saskatchewan Saskatoon Average price of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment: $235,142 CAD; Average price of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: $299,083 CAD; Three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties: $400,675 CAD; Townhouse: $414,308 CAD; and Detached house: $ 1,070,483 CAD. According to the CREA, the average price of all available housing in Saskatchewan in July 2024 was $344,800 CAD, representing a 4.5% increase from 2023. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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Quebec declares that it will no longer be processing LMIAs for some temporary foreign workers with low wages.

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The Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) that are being processed for job offers with hourly earnings less than $27.47 CAD (the median hourly salary in Quebec) will no longer be processed for candidates in Montréal as of September 3. This legislation has been approved by the Canadian federal government and is anticipated to be in effect for the next six months. Premier François Legault of Quebec and Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette of Quebec announced the suspension this morning with the goal of controlling the number of temporary residents in the province and preserving the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Note: People who are in Canada temporarily on a visitor visa, work or study permit, or electronic travel authorization (eTA) are referred to as temporary residents. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration These changes do not apply to: Jobs in a place of work outside of the economic region of Montréal*; Jobs with an offered wage equal to or higher than the current median wage in Quebec ($27.47 CAD); LMIA applications received before the 3rd of September 2024; Employers applying for LMIAs in certain industry groups, as described by the North American Industry Classification (NAICS), including: Agriculture; Construction; Food processing; Education; and Health and social services sectors. *The administrative region of Montréal includes the municipalities of: Baie-d’Urfé; Beaconsfield; Côte-Saint-Luc; Dollard-des-Ormeaux; Dorval; Hampstead; Kirkland; L’Île-Dorval; Montréal; Montréal East; Montréal West; Mount Royal; Pointe-Claire; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue; Senneville; and Westmount. The federal government says it will closely monitor this policy as it continues to make decisions about the future of the TFWP. TFWP under attention recently in Canada Canada’s federal program known as the TFWP allows firms to hire foreign workers to assist fill critical labor shortages that cannot be filled domestically. An LMIA is required in order to hire a foreign worker through this stream. Following comments made by Canada’s Ministers of Immigration and Employment, the program has recently come under investigation. Most notably, on August 6th, Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at protecting the TFWP’s integrity, with a focus on the program’s low-wage stream. Boissonnault has previously cited the danger of employers becoming addicted to cheap foreign labour, and emphasized that the TFWP is not meant to circumvent the hiring of Canadian workers in jobs and industries where they are available. He further noted that the low-wage stream of the TFWP was a potential vehicle to artificially depress wages in Canada and stated that the ministry would consider refusing to process LMIA applications under the stream altogether. These sentiments were echoed by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, in recent comments to news agency Reuters. A component of a larger set of actions The TFWP is being modified at the same time that Canada is reevaluating its temporary immigration policies. For instance, Minister Miller declared in March of this year that Canada will be adding levels for temporary residents to the yearly immigration levels plan. To help address this, the IRCC has limited the number of study licenses that can be issued to some overseas students to two years, and they have instituted a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) system. In addition to these modifications, Miller has declared his desire to seek new rules pertaining to the granting of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and to increase the number of “domestic draws” aimed at identifying temporary residents who are currently in Canada for permanent residence (PR). Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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The CUAET participants’ deadline to apply for work permits has been extended.

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The Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program participants now have an extended deadline to apply for a work visa, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The current deadline for CUAET participants who are temporarily residing in Canada to apply for an open work permit is March 31, 2025. Nevertheless, these work permit applications will not be free of charge, in contrast to earlier CUAET programs. Depending on the applicant’s biometrics and passport expiration date, the validity of the open work permit may extend up to three years. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration To be eligible, participants must have been approved under the CUAET measures and arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024. CUAET officially stopped accepting new applications on July 15, 2023. Those who were approved had until March 31 this year to arrive in Canada to fully benefit from the supports offered by the program, including fee exemptions. Settlement services for Ukrainians CUAET participants currently in Canada can also still benefit from many free settlement services until March 31, 2025. These include services to help newcomers find employment, learn an official language, prepare for citizenship and others directed at specific groups such as women, 2SLGBTQI, or seniors. Permanent residence pathways for Ukrainians with family in Canada Some Ukrainians may also be eligible for a dedicated pathway to Canadian permanent resident status. IRCC is accepting applications through this pathway until October 22, 2024. There are two categories for eligible candidates however, in both categories the applicant must be able to demonstrate a relationship with a family member in Canada who is already a citizen or permanent resident. This includes a: spouse or common-law partner child (regardless of age) grandchild parent grandparent, or sibling (or half-sibling) In the first category, the applicant must be a Ukrainian national. They must also have a statutory declaration form signed by their family member in Canada explaining the relationship to them. The second category is for the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national. They must be able to prove that their spouse or partner has immediate family in Canada and that their spouse or partner is unable to leave Ukraine, be missing, have passed away, or be presumed to have passed away. CUAET CUAET was launched in February 2022 as a temporary measure for Ukrainians fleeing unrest in the region following the Russian invasion. Under the measure, Ukrainians and their immediate family members were permitted to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. After arrival, they could apply for a work permit or study permit without paying fees. This also applied to any Ukrainians already in Canada requiring an extension on their work or study permits According to IRCC data, between March 17, 2022, and April 1, 2024, the department received 1,189,320 applications for the program and approved 962,612. However, the same data shows that less than 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada in that period. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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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

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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

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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

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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

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