The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in the most recent Express Entry draw on Oct 7th, 2024.

The department issued 1,613 ITAs in a draw that only considered Express Entry candidates with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination.

Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 743 to be considered.

The last draw happened on September 19th, invited 4,000 candidates solely from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with the minimum required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 509.

Provincial Nominee Program : Express Entry process

The Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws are a key part of Canada’s immigration system, helping provinces and territories select skilled workers who can contribute to their local economies.

The Express Entry Program manages applications for the 3 main immigration programs:

• – Federal Skilled Worker Program
• – Federal Skilled Trades Program
• – Canadian Experience Class

Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), provinces can nominate candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet specific regional labour market needs.

Each province or territory participating in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has its own criteria and holds regular draws to invite candidates who match their requirements. These draws help them address local labour shortages by selecting skilled workers with relevant experience and qualifications, and some of the popular provinces are Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan,…

To be considered for a PNP draw, candidates must first create an Express Entry profile and indicate their interest in being nominated by a particular province. If selected, they receive a “provincial nomination”, which adds 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, essentially guarantee they will receive a permanent residence invitation under Express Entry.

According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), over 200,000 Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are set to expire in Canada over the next 15 months. As a result, many international graduates are facing an uncertain future as their PGWPs approach expiration. The work experience gained during this period is vital for their immigration prospects, and losing that opportunity could jeopardize their plans to settle in Canada permanently.

On September 18th, 2024, the Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced measures aimed at managing the number of temporary residents in Canada (reduction from 6.5% to 5% of Canada’s population by 2026), upholding the integrity of the immigration system, protecting vulnerable people, mitigating fraud and ensuring program compliance is strictly enforced, which include changes to Open Spousal Work Permit (OSWP) and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program eligibility as well as Study Permit intake caps for 2025 and 2026.

This move is also a part of a broader strategy which to reduce student visas by 35%, the changes primarily aim to ease pressure on Canada’s strained housing market.

In the year 2023, Canada welcomed over 1 million international students in which the highest number of

international comes from India with 28,230 students.

Last but not least, Spousal work permit eligibility will be further limited as well (beyond the new limits set in January 2024). Later this year, spouses of master’s degree students whose programme is less than 16 months in duration will no longer be eligible for a spousal permit.

In general, these reforms highlight the Canada’s ongoing efforts to manage its international student population and temporary foreign worker streams, with the Low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Workers Program now capped at 10% starting September 26, 2024.

Exciting Update: Optional Open Work Permit Now Available for Start-up Visa Applicants

If you’ve already applied for permanent residence through Canada’s Start-up Visa Program, we have great news! The latest update introduces an optional open work permit that enhances your entrepreneurial journey in Canada.

What You Need to Know About this Open Work Permit:

• Duration: The open work permit is valid for up to 3 years, providing you with ample time to focus on developing your business and integrating into the Canadian workforce.
• Entrepreneurial Freedom: This permit allows you to work as an entrepreneur, giving you the flexibility to fully commit to your business ventures while you await your permanent residence decision.
• Employment Opportunities: In addition to your entrepreneurial pursuits, you can also work for almost any employer in Canada. This means you can supplement your income and gain valuable experience in the Canadian job market.

This update is a significant step forward for aspiring entrepreneurs in Canada. It not only supports your business development but also helps the you to gain the financial stability needed during the permanent residence process. The option to work for other employers can be invaluable as the you can build your network and gain insights into the local market.

This is an exciting opportunity to thrive in Canada’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape while you work towards securing your permanent residency. Embrace the possibilities and take your business to new heights!

If you’re eyeing a move to Canada and have been considering the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) under the Express Entry stream, you’re in the right place. The Saskatchewan Express Entry program is a pivotal pathway for skilled professionals seeking to make Saskatchewan their new home.

What is the Saskatchewan Express Entry Program?

The Saskatchewan Express Entry Program is a highly efficient immigration pathway that aligns with Canada’s federal Express Entry system, offering an opportunity for skilled workers to become permanent residents. This program allows Saskatchewan to nominate candidates with the expertise and experience needed to meet the demands of the province’s labor market, contributing to its economic growth and development.

Eligible candidates from the federal Express Entry pool, whose occupations are not included on the SINP Excluded Occupation List, can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The program is designed to prioritize applicants with the highest potential to integrate successfully into Saskatchewan’s economy and community. Here are some key features of the program:

1. Expedited Process: Being nominated by Saskatchewan can significantly increase a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, enhancing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
2. High Demand for Skilled Workers: The program specifically targets skilled workers in high-demand occupations, addressing critical labor shortages in industries such as healthcare, agriculture, IT, and trades.
3. Access to Settlement Support: Successful applicants benefit from the province’s support services, including job assistance, language training, and community integration programs, making it easier to settle and thrive in Saskatchewan.
4. No Job Offer Requirement: Unlike some provincial programs, the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream does not require candidates to have a job offer from a local employer, making it more accessible to skilled workers abroad.
5. Comprehensive Ranking Using SINP Points Assessment Grid: Applicants are ranked based on the SINP Points Assessment Grid, which evaluates factors like education, work experience, language proficiency, and connections to the province, ensuring that only the most competitive candidates are invited to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Express Entry Requirement

• To be eligible for the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream, applicants must be registered in the federal Express Entry pool. To submit a profile to the pool, applicants must be eligible for at least one of three federal Economic programs:
• – Federal Skilled Woker: requires candidates to have, at minimum, a high school diploma, as well as at least 1 year of continuous full-time, skilled work experience. Work experience is considered skilled if obtained in a position at National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. Candidates must also demonstrate language proficiency in English or French consistent with CLB level 7.
• – Canadian Experience Class: no minimum education requirement. CEC candidates must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time Canadian skilled work experience. This work experience does not have to be continuous, but it must have been obtained within the three years prior to application. Work experience is considered skilled if obtained in a position at NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. Candidates must also demonstrate language proficiency in English or French consistent with CLB level 7 for work experience obtained at NOC Skill Level 0 or A and CLB 5 for work experience obtained at NOC Skill Level B.
• – Federal Skilled Trades: no minimum education requirement. FST candidates must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade occupation. Candidates must also have either an offer of employment to work in a skilled trade in Canada or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority. Candidates must also demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at CLB Level 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

In a strategic move to address critical labor shortages and boost economic growth, Saskatchewan has launched new targeted immigration pathways specifically designed for the agriculture and healthcare sectors: Agriculture Talent Pathway & Health Talent Pathway. These initiatives aim to attract skilled professionals and address the pressing needs of these vital industries, ensuring the province’s continued prosperity and development.

Why Focusing on Agriculture and Healthcare?

By introducing these targeted immigration pathways, Saskatchewan seeks to:

1. Address Labor Shortages: Both sectors have long faced challenges in finding qualified professionals. The new pathways aim to fill these gaps with skilled workers who can contribute immediately to these critical fields.

2. Support Economic Growth: By ensuring that key industries have the necessary workforce, Saskatchewan can continue to grow its economy and remain competitive on a national and global scale.

3. Enhance Quality of Life: Attracting skilled professionals to these sectors will improve the quality of services available to residents, from better healthcare services to enhanced agricultural productivity.

Details of the New Immigration Pathways

The Agriculture Talent Pathway is designed for foreign workers with experience in farming and related occupations. Applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience within the past 3 years or 6 months of continuous employment with a Saskatchewan-based employer who has issued a job approval letter.

To be qualified, candidates must meet basic educational requirements and score at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.

The Health Talent Pathway is focused on healthcare professionals. Applicants must demonstrate 6 months of full-time work experience (780 hours) with a Saskatchewan employer offering a job approval letter. They must also meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 5 in English or French.

Both pathways are open to candidates who live outside Canada or those with legal status in the country, though refugee claimants are not eligible.

The Health Talent Pathway also offers the potential for Express Entry applicants to qualify for permanent residency under the the non-Express Entry sub-category.

These 2 new immigration pathways: The Agriculture Talent Pathway and The Health Talent Pathway represent a proactive approach to addressing critical labor shortages and supporting economic growth. By focusing on these essential industries, Saskatchewan is taking significant steps to ensure its continued prosperity and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Breaking News: Canada visitor work permit policy ends From Within the Country

In a significant policy shift, the Canadian government has officially ended the temporary measure that allowed visitors in Canada to apply for work permits without leaving the country. As of August 28, 2024, this change—announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)—comes into immediate effect, bringing an end to a measure first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overview of the Temporary Policy

The now-terminated policy, initially rolled out in August 2020, was designed as a temporary solution to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. During that time, international travel was severely restricted, and many visitors who had entered Canada on temporary visas found themselves unable to leave when their visas expired. In response, the Canadian government introduced a policy allowing these visitors to apply for work permits while still in the country, bypassing the need to return to their home country to submit applications.

The measure also extended to individuals who had previously held work permits but had switched to visitor status after the expiration of their permits. This allowed them to remain legally employed while awaiting the processing of their new work permits, alleviating the burden on both employers and workers during a period of uncertainty.

Why Was the Policy Introduced?

At the height of the pandemic, Canada, like many other countries, implemented strict travel restrictions to limit the spread of the virus. This left thousands of foreign nationals stranded in Canada. In addition to travel issues, there were also economic concerns. Canadian businesses were facing severe labor shortages, especially in industries like healthcare, construction, and technology, where skilled workers were in high demand.

To address these challenges, the Canadian government took swift action by introducing a policy that allowed visitors and those with expired work permits to apply for new work permits without the need to leave the country. This offered a streamlined way for visitors and businesses to navigate the situation, providing relief during a critical time. Many companies relied on foreign workers to maintain their operations, and the policy was seen as a positive move to support Canada’s economy and job market.

Why Did the Canadian Government End the Policy?

Although the policy was originally set to remain in place until February 28, 2025, the IRCC has decided to bring it to an early close. Several factors contributed to this decision:

1. Immigration Integrity: One of the primary reasons for terminating the policy was the need to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. Reports surfaced that some individuals were misusing the policy to obtain unauthorized work in Canada. The IRCC noted that the policy had become vulnerable to exploitation, which undermined the very purpose it was meant to serve.
2. Manage Temporary Resident Population: Another key concern was managing the rising number of temporary residents. Canada has seen a substantial influx of foreign nationals in recent years, and the government wants to ensure that pathways to residency and work permits are properly regulated. Ending the policy allows authorities to better control who is eligible to apply for work permits and ensure that applicants follow the established procedures.
3. Post-Pandemic Conditions: With the global pandemic receding, the COVID-19 travel restrictions that justified the introduction of the policy are no longer relevant. Flights to and from Canada have returned to normal, and visitors can now leave the country without the obstacles that were in place during the pandemic.
4. Abuse of the System: There were increasing reports that individuals and organizations were taking advantage of the policy to circumvent traditional immigration processes. Some visitors were using the policy as a loophole to work in Canada without meeting the usual eligibility requirements, which could result in labor market discrepancies and unauthorized employment.
5. Economic and Labor Market Considerations: While the policy helped fill labor gaps during the pandemic, Canada’s labor market has since stabilized. The government wants to ensure that the workers entering the market do so through legitimate channels. By ending the policy, the IRCC aims to balance the needs of Canadian businesses with the protection of Canadian workers’ rights.

What Does the Policy Change Mean for Visitors in Canada?

The termination of the visitor-to-work permit application policy means that visitors currently in Canada can no longer apply for a work permit from within the country. They will need to follow the standard procedure, which typically requires them to return to their home country and submit their application from there.

However, the IRCC clarified that all applications submitted before August 28, 2024, will continue to be processed under the previous guidelines. This provides some relief to those who applied before the policy change but were still waiting for a decision on their application.

Impact on Canadian Employers

For Canadian employers, particularly those in industries heavily reliant on foreign labor, this policy shift could present new challenges. Sectors like agriculture, hospitality, construction, and technology have frequently turned to foreign workers to fill gaps in their labor force. The ability to hire foreign nationals already within Canada provided an additional layer of flexibility for employers struggling to fill positions quickly.

With the policy now ended, employers may face delays in hiring foreign workers, as prospective employees will need to go through the traditional channels of applying for a work permit from outside of Canada. This could lengthen the hiring process, potentially causing a labor shortage in certain sectors that depend on foreign workers.

Challenges for Prospective Workers

For foreign nationals who were planning to apply for a work permit from within Canada, the end of this policy marks a significant hurdle. Many individuals may now face longer processing times and additional travel expenses as they are required to leave the country to submit their applications.

Additionally, visitors who were hoping to transition to a work permit status while in Canada will now need to adjust their plans. This could affect their ability to secure employment in Canada or remain in the country for an extended period. For those with expired visitor visas, leaving Canada to apply for a work permit might be even more complex due to varying re-entry restrictions or visa requirements.

A Return to Pre-Pandemic Rules

The end of the visitor-to-work-permit policy represents a return to pre-pandemic immigration regulations. Before this policy, foreign nationals had to apply for a work permit through designated processes outside of Canada, either from their country of origin or another eligible location.

For many, this shift means a return to the more bureaucratic processes that existed before the pandemic. The flexibility that the temporary policy provided has now been removed, and the application procedures are likely to be more rigid going forward.

Key Takeaways

• Policy Change Date: As of August 28, 2024, visitors in Canada can no longer apply for work permits without leaving the country.
• Policy Introduction: Originally introduced in August 2020 to respond to pandemic-related travel restrictions, this temporary measure was set to expire in February 2025, but it has been terminated early.
• Impact on Applicants: Those who had planned to apply for a work permit from within Canada will now need to exit the country to do so.
• Economic Considerations: The policy shift may have broader implications for Canadian employers, particularly in industries reliant on foreign workers.
• Immigration Integrity: The IRCC has emphasized the need to protect the immigration system from abuse, which was one of the key reasons for ending the policy early.

conclusion

This decision by the Canadian government to end the visitor-to-work-permit policy marks a significant moment in the country’s immigration history. While it was initially created to address the unique circumstances of the pandemic, the government has determined that it is no longer necessary and may be subject to misuse.

Looking forward, both prospective foreign workers and Canadian employers will need to adapt to these changes, with a renewed focus on adhering to Canada’s existing immigration rules and regulations. Although this policy change will likely bring new challenges, it also underscores Canada’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, fair, and secure immigration system that benefits both its citizens and those seeking to work and live in the country.

As the landscape of Canadian immigration continues to evolve, stakeholders will need to stay informed of any new developments and adjust their strategies accordingly to navigate the post-pandemic regulatory environment.

By focusing on integrity, compliance, and fairness, Canada remains committed to upholding the values that have long defined its immigration policies, even as the world continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

In a major policy shift, the Canadian government has announced it will stop processing Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in select cities. This decision, unveiled on August 26th, 2024, marks a significant change in the management of foreign labor in Canada and aims to address ongoing labor market and economic concerns.

Effective September 26, 2024, the Government of Canada will implement the following changes to the TFW Program:

1. Labour Market Impact Assessment:  The government will refuse to process LMIAs in the Low-Wage stream for census metropolitan areas where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher. However, exceptions will be made for jobs in sectors critical to food security, including primary agriculture, food processing, and fish processing, as well as in construction and healthcare.
2. 10% Cap on Foreign Workers: employers will not be permitted to hire more than 10% of their total workforce through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Exceptions will apply to the same critical sectors mentioned above.
3. Reduced Employment Duration: The maximum duration of employment for workers hired through the Low-Wage stream will be reduced to one year from the previous two-year limit.

A Plan To Invest In Local Workforce

Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, emphasized the importance of investing in the domestic workforce.

“The Temporary Foreign Worker program was designed to address labour market shortages when qualified Canadians were not able to fill those roles. Right now, we know that there are more Canadians qualified to fill open positions. The changes we are making today will prioritize Canadians workers and ensures Canadians can trust the program is meeting the needs of our economy.”

Employers are now encouraged to explore domestic talent pools, including young people, newcomers, and persons with disabilities.  

The government also urges employers to invest in retraining and upskilling their current employees to adjust to the changing economic conditions. 

The government has pledged to monitor labour market conditions closely and make further adjustments to the TFW Program as needed.  

A review of the program is planned within the next 90 days, which may lead to modifications in the high-wage stream, sectoral exceptions, and processing of existing LMIA applications. 

The decision to halt processing low-wage LMIA applications in certain cities marks a notable shift in Canada’s approach to managing its labor market and temporary foreign workforce. While the policy aims to enhance job opportunities for Canadian workers and encourage investment in local talent, it also presents new challenges for employers who will need to adapt to these changes.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has announced a major update to its Expression of Interest (EOI) system, set to take effect on September 30, 2024. This change is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the immigration process for those seeking to settle in Alberta.

The EOI system is a points-based selection mechanism where candidates express their interest in immigrating to Alberta.

After submitting an EOI, candidates will enter a selection pool similar to the Express Entry pool.

Periodically, AAIP will draw candidates from this pool, inviting those with the highest rankings and who meet provincial labor market needs to apply for immigration.

Key Features of the New EOI System

1. Continuous Intake: The new EOI system allows for continuous submissions and processing of EOIs. Candidates can express their interest at any time without waiting for specific dates.
2. Ranking and Selection: Candidates are ranked based on various factors, including skills, work experience, and their potential to meet province’s economic needs, and higher-ranked candidates are more likely to receive invitations to apply.
3. Labor Market Focus: The selection process is closely aligned with the labor market requirements to ensure that the province attracts individuals who can significantly contribute to its economy.

With the introduction of the EOI system, the program will not proceed with the remaining monthly application acceptance dates for 2024. This ensures a smooth transition to the new system, allowing for continuous intake and processing of EOIs.

The new EOI system is designed to be more dynamic and responsive, potentially reducing waiting times for candidates and better addressing the province’s labour market needs.

This approach is expected to:

• Enhance Efficiency: Continuous intake allows the program to manage application volumes more effectively, reducing processing times.
• Targeted Selection: Candidates with skills and experience in high-demand sectors have a better chance of selection, aligning with Alberta’s economic priorities.
• Transparency and Fairness: The points-based system ensures a transparent and fair selection process, where candidates are ranked and selected based on their merits.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Preparing for the New System

Prospective immigrants aiming to settle in Alberta should prepare for the new EOI system by:

1. Understanding the Points Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the factors influencing your ranking, such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and adaptability.
2. Enhancing Your Profile: Improve your chances of selection by enhancing your qualifications, gaining additional work experience, or improving your language skills.
3. Staying Informed: Keep up to date with the latest information and updates from the AAIP to understand the province’s evolving labour market needs and how they might impact your application.

The launch of the new EOI system on September 30, 2024, marks a significant milestone for Alberta’s immigration program.

By allowing for continuous intake and targeted selection based on labour market needs, the AAIP aims to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the province’s economic growth.

Prospective immigrants should take proactive steps to understand and adapt to the new system, enhancing their profiles to increase their chances of being invited to apply.

With this new system, Alberta continues to demonstrate its commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants and fostering a dynamic, prosperous economy.