GTR Canada

Blog

  • The new two-stage approval process to facilitate international students

    The new two-stage approval process to facilitate international students

    Earlier Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) permitted online courses from home countries for the fall 2020 semester and they will be eligible for the Post-graduate Work-permit, which is available for up to three years. During normal days, time spent studying in Canada is deducted from the length of the work permit.

    Now to facilitate international students, an in-principle approval process has been introduced.

    Canada has announced more flexibility in its immigration rules, to serve the needs of its international students.

    Marco E L Mendicino, Canada’s immigration minister, said, “The pandemic has had a significant impact on international students and the Canadian institutions and communities that host them. This is why we have implemented a series of measures to support them. We value the contribution of young people seeking a high-quality education in Canada, and we’re making every effort to minimize how current challenges affect their plans and dreams for the future.”

    This newly introduced norm is about giving priority processing of study-permits to those international students, who have submitted a complete application online, before Sept-15.

    IRCC noted, as soon as international students receive an in-principal approval, they can count the time spent studying online abroad (from their home country), towards their PGWP.

    The processing of study-permit on priority basis followed by an in-principal approval will give international students that assurance to enroll and begin their online-studies for the upcoming fall semester, even though they aren’t able to submit all required documents due to pandemic-related closures.

    Adding to that, as soon as services begin to reopen, the applicants will be required to submit their documents and receive an approved study permit before being allowed to travel to Canada.

    So far we, as an immigration expert see the recent US crisis a larger number of international students are opting to study in Canada. The PGWP not only offers work experience but provides some good points for their way to Permanent Residency (PR).

    Make your dreams come true. 

  • The influx of people into Canada “an engine” of economic growth

    The influx of people into Canada “an engine” of economic growth

    Canada’s economic growth is dependent on immigrants- “an engine”.

    As the coronavirus pandemic raged across the country in March, Marco Mendicino, the federal minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced his plan to battle Canada’s looming demographic problem.

    More than nine million baby boomers are set to retire over the next decade, creating a potential labour shortage that, if unchecked, could raise health-care costs, upend pension payments and halt the country’s economic growth.

    Mendicino proposed adding a total of one million new permanent residents to Canada by the end of 2022, a slight increase that raises the annual immigration level to around one percent from 0.9 percent currently.

    According to Mendicino “Welcoming more newcomers will help to address the demographic challenges of an aging population and to compete and win in a competitive global marketplace.”

    Indeed, the coronavirus pandemic has placed the country on an unexpected detour that will have repercussions for decades, according to analysts.

    “We need to be thinking about how we can turn our immigration system back on. We can’t just go into this turtling, not letting people in, because it’s such an important piece of our growth,” Andrew Agopsowicz, a senior economist at RBC Capital Markets, said.

                                                                                unemployment rate

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is unemployment-rate.jpg
    Agriculture is largely powered by a temporary foreign workforce, but the number of agricultural workers from foreign countries was down 45 percent year over year in March, according to the RBC report.

    And that decline is despite the federal government exempting this group from entry restrictions. It is even offering $1,500 to help offset the cost of a required two-week quarantine for these workers.

    Universities also face a potential funding cliff with the borders closed. Foreign students on average pay triple the fees compared to domestic students.

    It’s basically a revenue generator for post-secondary institutions. The students can get a work permit while they’re studying, and after they’ve completed their education, they’re able to apply to stay in Canada and seek permanent residency.

    International students now compose 25 percent of the University of Toronto’s student body. If 20 percent decided not to study in Canada this year, the university could see a $200-million funding shortfall in a $3-billion budget.

    The situation demonstrates why Mendicino believes immigration spurs innovation. By helping to fund universities, Canada develops research that launches businesses and attracts both investment and people.

    A Statistics Canada report published on June 9 noted that companies owned by immigrants were 8.6 percent more likely to implement a product innovation than a company managed by Canadian-born individuals, and 20.1 percent more likely to implement innovative processes.

  • Study in Canada: IRCC continues to facilitate online learning for international students

    Study in Canada: IRCC continues to facilitate online learning for international students

    Opportunity to Study in Canada with numerous efforts from Canada Govt.

    Earlier the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship has made several temporary policy changes to support and reassure international students and learning institutions.

    •  International students who had a valid study permit, or who were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020, are exempt from travel restrictions.
    •  Students in Canada who were forced to study online, reduce their studies to part-time, or take a break from their studies completely, as a result of restrictions on classroom learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are allowed to continue working on- or off-campus if their study permit allows it.
    •  No one is going to lose their eligibility for PGWP if they were forced to complete more than 50% of their program online.
    •  Until August 31, 2020, international students are permitted to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus during their academic sessions if they are employed in an essential service or function.
    •  Students beginning a new study program in the 2020 spring, summer, or fall semesters can begin their classes online from abroad  without affecting their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit, provided they can complete at least 50% of their program in Canada.

    According to IRCC International students make immense cultural and social contributions to Canada and generate more than $21 billion in economic activity.

    While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented several challenges worldwide, Canada’s whole-of-government approach is aimed at protecting the health of Canadians while minimizing the economic and social impact of restrictions. With these changes, it is expected that international students will continue contributing to the health and vitality of Canada and the local communities where they study from coast to coast to coast.

    “The pandemic has had a significant impact on international students and the Canadian institutions and communities that host them. This is why we have implemented a series of measures to support them. We value the contribution of young people seeking a high-quality education in Canada, and we’re making every effort to minimize how current challenges affect their plans and dreams for the future.”

    – The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship

    As the fall season is fast approaching, the Minister has announced additional measures to support international students beginning a new program online this fall with a Canadian learning institution, if their institution is offering the program online, so that they can pursue their education while ensuring everyone’s safety.

    The new measures include

    providing priority study-permit processing for students who have submitted a complete application online, to ensure that permits are processed as quickly as possible
    allowing students to count the time spent pursuing their studies online abroad toward their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit, if they have submitted a study permit application and if at least 50% of their program is completed in Canada
    providing reassurances to international students who cannot submit all of the documentation needed to complete processing of their applications, and who choose to pursue programs through distance learning, by implementing a temporary 2-stage approval process

    In 2019, Canada hosted over 650,000 international students at the post-secondary education level. More than 58,000 former international students have become Canadian permanent residents.

    If you are looking to study in Canada, GreenTech Resources is there to help you.

    Our services:

    1. Admission

    2. Airport receive

    3. All stay arrangement

    4. Post-graduate work permit

    5. Job assistance

    6. All visa works

    For more details visit our website at www.canadastudyvisas.com

    To discuss immigration-related queries join our forum: https://canadaimmigrationforum.ca/

    source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2020/07/minister-mendicino-announces-changes-to-facilitate-online-learning-for-international-students.html

  • How has Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) handled the Covid-19 situation? Do you want to immigrate to Saskatchewan?

    How has Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) handled the Covid-19 situation? Do you want to immigrate to Saskatchewan?

    TheSaskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)is a route which helps non-Canadians to immigrate to Canada. Candidates who fulfill these requirements are nominated by SINP to apply for permanent residency through federal Immigration.

    For years SINP has been one of the easiest pathways to Immigrate to Canada and has full-filled many people’s dreams to settle here.

    Post COVID-19:

    Covid-19 has hit the world hard in every possible way and immigration is also one of the affected industries. It has left many aspiring immigrants in a hard place because of various processing and logistical restraints.

    While some provinces like Alberta(AINP) are planning to tighten the immigration restrictions, Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program(SINP) is doing surprisingly well to support foreign workers and aspiring applicants. Alberta government is now asking the federal government to suspend big divisions of its temporary foreign worker program for the following 1 Year.

    On the other hand, SINP is doing many things to support foreign workers and aspiring immigrants:

    “SINP nominees can now request a six-month extension to their nomination. This provides nominees with an additional six months to apply for permanent residency to the federal government. Please send extension requests to immigration@gov.sk.ca.

    Applicants and nominees may be issued a conditional nomination if the terms of the employment offer associated with their original SINP application have been changed or their employment has been disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Nominees will have six months to obtain new, eligible employment if the job offer associated with their original SINP application no longer exists. Their nomination will become a conditional nomination until new full-time employment (30 hours/week) is obtained.

    Applicants or nominees working in the province that have had their full-time hours reduced will be allowed to continue working for their approved employer(s) at the reduced hours without supplementing their employment if the employer(s) commits to resuming full-time employment (30 hours/week) within 6 months of the full-time hours being reduced. If a nomination had been issued previously then it will become a conditional nomination while the nominee is working less than 30 hours per week for the approved employer(s). An applicant must be working 30 hours per week in one job or more and meet all of the applicable Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) criteria in order to be nominated to the program.
    Potential applicants that have been living and working in Saskatchewan for at least six months will be eligible to apply to the SINP with 780 hours of work experience (equivalent to 6 months at 30 hours per week), whether through full-time or part-time work

    If a worker does not have an open work permit, they will need to obtain a new work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The SINP will issue them a new work permit support letter where required. A worker cannot legally work for a new employer until a new work permit is obtained.
    Nominees or potential applicants must continue to economically support themselves except for short-term supports. If nominees or applicants access short-term income support during the pandemic, they will not be penalized.”

    Source: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/immigrating-to-saskatchewan/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/immigration-faqs#sinp-temporary-measures

    This displays that Saskatchewan yet again proved that they’re one of the most welcoming and supportive provinces in the country for foreign nationals. Be it the ease of the provincial nomination program(SINP) or the welcoming nature of the residents, Saskatchewan is here to upkeep your settlement.

    Need help in immigrating to Saskatchewan? Leave the entire process to us.

    Visit our forum to ask your doubts.

    www.canadaimmigrationforum.ca

  • Online Courses: Study permit approval no longer a hurdle towards PGWP!

    Online Courses: Study permit approval no longer a hurdle towards PGWP!

    International students who already enrolled or those likely to apply for the new online courses, this is really good news for them.

    So what is this about?

    Earlier we know Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that due to this pandemic travel restriction will be there for some time but they do not want to halt the study process in Canada. So far that they allowed online courses to take place for a certain period. Now that got complicated when the post-graduate work permit arises! To solve the issue IRCC said online courses will not be penalized when applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. But there was a condition where PGWP will be cunted only after the study permit gets approved.

    Now to give International Student more facility IRCC declared that they don’t need to wait for the study permits to be approved their count towards PGWP going to start the day they start their online courses. But they have to apply for the study permit before Sept’ 15 and they must complete half of their course within Canada.

    So far IRCC decided they won’t deduct the study time completed outside Canada from the length of the PGWP up to Dec’31, 2020.

    Those who haven’t applied for the study permit! We suggest you should go for it as Canada will accept incomplete applications for study permits. The new 2-step process is there to facilitate International Students to start studying without having a full study-permit. However, it will be needed once every document submitted.

  • Temporary visas and International Students are about get a good chance in Canada

    Temporary visas and International Students are about get a good chance in Canada

    “Come to Canada” message by Canada’s immigration minister Marco Mendicino that clearly clarifies Canada is ready for immigrants, temporary foreign workers and international students.

    In order to bring Canada’s economy in good track he said-

    “We have a plan in place that looks to leverage the best and the brightest from around the world. We’ve got pathways like the Express Entry program, and the Global Talent Stream, which will help to bring entrepreneurs, engineers, and innovators. We’ve also got pathways for manual laborers and skilled laborers.”

    Trump’s administration on Monday extended its ban on green cards issued outside the U.S. for the remainder of 2020, also freezing the issuance of H-1B, H-2B, J-1 and L-1 visas in the process.

    During this pandemic situation Canada continues to welcome candidates through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and PR.

  • Immigration Nominee Program for Saskatoon, Regina- Saskatchewan

    Immigration Nominee Program for Saskatoon, Regina- Saskatchewan

    Saskatoon and Regina two major cities in Saskatchewan province.

    The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a way to immigrate to Canada. Through the SINP, the Province of Saskatchewan:

    Invites residency applications from non-Canadians who want to make Saskatchewan their home
    Nominates successful applicants to the federal government for permanent residency in Canada
    The SINP is only one of the steps toward becoming a permanent resident in Saskatchewan. All approved applicants must also apply for residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Canadian Immigration Commission.

    Three SINP program categories you can apply to:

    International Skilled Worker:
    Saskatchewan Experience:
    Entrepreneur and Farm:
    International Skilled Worker: 

    International Skilled Workers:
    Eligibility:

    Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the SINP point assessment grid.
    Have a language test result that meets the federal Express Entry language requirements. Visit IRCC to convert IELTS, CELPIP, TEF and TCF scores to CLB 5 to 9+.
    Have completed post-secondary education, training or apprenticeship that’s comparable to the Canadian education system of at least one year in length.
    Have experience in an occupation that is high skilled and not on the Excluded Occupation List.
    Your above work experience must be in the field of your completed post-secondary education, training or apprenticeship.
    You may be required to provide proof of Professional Status or proof of eligibility for Licensure (for regulated occupations or those with professional certification standards in Canada and/or Saskatchewan) for your occupation.
    Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.


    Saskatchewan Experience:
    Eligibility:

    Those having existing work permit as in working in Saskatchewan for at least six month.
    Individual who worked as Health professional.
    Those who working in hospitality sector in Saskatchewan as food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, or housekeeping and cleaning staff for at least six months.
    Individual working for an approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan.
    For students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada.

    Entrepreneur and Farm:
    Eligibility:

    If you are an international student graduating from a Saskatchewan institution who wants to become an entrepreneur can fit into the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category.
    If you are an entrepreneur and plan to start a business in Saskatchewan.
    The Entrepreneur Expression of Interest (EOI_Pool_Selections_Table_Mar-5-2020)
    if you are an experienced farmer and plan to buy and operate a farm in Saskatchewan.

    If you are interested in this program, GTR Immigration will provide with all the resource and support during the process to help you choose the right place to settle in Canada and support you with launching or purchasing your business. Not only that, we will ensure to make a process of your immigration documents are properly filed with quality and professional manners.

  • Caregiver Pilot Program 2019-2024

    Caregiver Pilot Program 2019-2024

    Immigration Canada has announced 2 new Caregiver immigration pilots. The Home Child Care Provider (NOC4411) and Home Support Worker (NOC4412) pilots are the new Caregiver immigration pathway to Canada. It will open for applications on June 18, 2019.

    This new program will replace the expiring Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pilots.

    Caregivers will now have to meet the standard criteria for economic immigration before you are granted a work permit.

    Requirements:

    1. IETLS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF for Canada = CLB/NCLC 5
    2. Post-secondary diploma/certificate/advanced diploma of at least 1 year in Canada or ECA
    3. 24-months of work experience within 36-months prior the submission of the application of the following jobs:
      1. Home Child Provider (NOC 4411)
      2. Home Support Worker (NOC 4412)
    4. If you do not have work experience, you need a genuine job offer (LMIA is not required)

    Since the work permit is granted base on occupation-specific rather than employer-specific, candidate have flexibility in changing their employer if necessary. Also, the immediate member of the principal applicant can accompany them to Canada. This pilot will give the principal applicant a lot of advantages when apply for permanent residency.

    The processing time of this program is 12-18 months.

  • IRCC again to facilitate International Students with PGWP!

    Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) again to facilitate International students with the post-graduate work permit (PGWP)

    Earlier we have seen numerous measures have been taken by IRCC. They allowed educational institutes to use online platforms just to continue their process. A post-graduate work permit is one of the key facilities that students from abroad looking forward to, considering that point they even assure colleges and universities that online classes won’t hamper the PGWP of these students.

    Now regarding the online classes or the students who enrolled for the online classes for the Sept’2020 intake, IRCC introduced some new measures.

    Three major changes which we’re about to tell you:

    1. Students may now study online from abroad until April 30, 2021, with no time deducted from the length of a future post-graduate work permit, provided 50% of their program of study is eventually completed in Canada.
    2. Students who have enrolled in a program that is between 8 and 12 months in length, with a start date from May to September 2020, will be able to complete their entire program online from abroad and still be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
    3. Students who have enrolled in a program with a start date from May to September 2020 and study online up to April 30, 2021, and who graduate from more than one eligible program of study, may be able to combine the length of their programs of study when they apply for a post-graduation work permit in the future, as long as 50% of their total studies are completed in Canada.

  • The Canadian Government provides emergency fund for students

    The Canadian Government provides emergency fund for students

    Breaking News – The Canadian Government provides emergency fund for students in Canada

    The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced to issue a Candian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) of 9 billion dollars to postsecondary students across Canada. This is a great movement from the government to help students who is financially struggle due to Covid-19. In addition, if a student is taking care of someone else or have a disability, that amount increases to $1,750 monthly. College and university students currently in school, planning to start in September 2020, or who graduated in December 2019 are eligible. As well, working students earning less than $1,000 per month can apply.

    However, the benefit will require additional legislation and the Government will soon announce how to enroll in this program very soon.

    Along with this announcement, the Canadian Government also proved to invest $291.6 million to extend scholarships, fellowships, and grants for three or four months to keep research projects and placements going, including postdoctoral fellowships. They will also launch a new Canada Student Service Grant of between $1,000 and $5,000 for students volunteering in the COVID-19 fight to go towards their fall tuition. Furthermore, Canada Student Grants will double all eligible full-time students up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents are also being doubled.

    International Students are going to be allowed to work more that the current maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods. They will also receive free healthcare if they are infected by Corona Virus.

    However, the eligibility of International Students has not been announced yet. We will wait have to wait for more update from the Canadian Government. In case if international students cannot receive this fund, they are still eligible to enroll for CERB if they can meet all the conditions.