Atlantic Immigration Program benefits from the renewed Atlantic Growth Strategy
Canada's Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) has received a boost with the renewal and revitalization of the Atlantic Growth Strategy (AGS). The AIP is crucial for Atlantic Canada's need for a skilled and diverse workforce. The AGS aims to accelerate the sustainable...
Virtual citizenship ceremonies help the Canadian Government reduce the backlog
The Canadian Government will soon allow new citizens to take the citizenship oath online without attending a mass swearing-in ceremony. This move will reduce the backlog of citizenship applications, shorten the application processing time, and make it easier for...
The Canadian Government needs more immigrants to improve the economy
As Canada faces an aging population, a new report suggests that the country needs to increase immigration to balance the demographic. According to the report, the working-age population would have to grow by 2.2% annually through 2040 to maintain the same old-age...
BC invited around 172 skilled candidates and tech professionals under the BCPNP
On July 18, 2023, British Columbia issued new invitations in the Skilled Worker – International Graduate categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). In the Tech-targeted draw, BC issued 112 invitations with a minimum score of 88 points. In...
mmigration Minister appointed the new chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
On July 14, 2023, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), appointed Ms. Manon Brassard as the new Chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). She will serve for a five-year term starting from July 23, 2023. Ms....
Ottawa announced an update for open work permit issuance under the IMP
On July 13, 2023, the Government of Canada published a new program delivery update for work permit issuance under the International Mobility Program (IMP). Starting July 13, 2023, family members of students working on campus under the authority of R186(f) or with a...
IRCC announced a new pathway for Ukrainian nationals
On July 15, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new pathway for Ukrainians to help keep families together. This pathway will provide permanent residence to Ukrainian nationals who have fled Russia's illegal invasion and are currently...
Canada eased permanent residency requirements for Hong Kong nationals
On July 11, 2023, the Government of Canada removed the education requirement for Hong Kong residents applying for permanent residency under the Canadian work experience stream (Stream B) starting August 15, 2023. This amendment simplifies the application process and...
Canada invited more candidates in the new all-program Express Entry draw
On July 11, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 800 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under Express Entry. In this draw, IRCC invited candidates under all immigration programs. In round #257, the cut-off score was 505 points, 6...
Canada received over 1,100,000 applications under the CUAET
On July 11, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the number of Ukrainian newcomers arriving in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). According to the latest update, between March 17, 2022, and July 1,...
The CRS score in the new Express Entry draw for Francophone candidates dropped below 400
On July 12, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw, selecting candidates for French language proficiency. In round #258, IRCC issued 3,800 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to qualified candidates. This round had the lowest...
International students transitioning to permanent residence will positively impact the Canadian economy
Increasing the number of international students transitioning to permanent residence through Express Entry would positively impact Canada's economic needs and priorities. According to a survey, 69% of respondents agreed this would have a strong positive impact, while...
ESDC updated processing times for LMIA applications
On July 10, 2023, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under various streams. Based on statistics from all processing centres, the current average LMIA processing times...
What next targeted Express Entry round is IRCC going to hold?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) started to hold targeted Express Entry draws. So far, IRCC held two Healthcare draws, one draw for STEM occupations and one for the Francophones. In total, Canada invited 4,800 candidates in these four rounds in the...
IRCC held the first Express Entry draw for Francophone candidates
On July 7, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw, selecting candidates for French language proficiency. In round #256, IRCC issued 2,300 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to qualified candidates. This round had the lowest...
Saskatchewan invited 35 candidates under the Entrepreneur Program
On July 6, 2023, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) conducted the fourth invitation round in the Entrepreneur Program 2023 and invited 35 entrepreneurs. This round's highest Expression of Interest (EOI) score was 125 points. The average score was 110...
IRCC held the second healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw
On July 6, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second occupation-specific Express Entry draw and issued 1500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates working in healthcare occupations. In round #255, the cut-off score was 463 points, 13...
The Government of Canada announced the category-based selection for healthcare workers
On June 28, 2023, the Canadian Government announced an initiative to invite skilled newcomers with work experience in healthcare to address this sector's severe labour market shortages. Statistics Canada reported an all-time high of 150,100 job vacancies in health and...
Canada announced occupation-specific Express Entry draws for STEM workers
On June 28, 2023, the Government of Canada announced occupation-specific Express Entry draws for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals. By prioritizing skilled newcomers in these fields, Canada aims to fill key positions and meet the...
IRCC held the first occupation-specific Express Entry draw and invited healthcare professionals
On June 28, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first occupation-specific Express Entry draw and issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates working in healthcare occupations. In round #252, the cut-off score was 476 points. The...