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Category Archives: News

September 26, 2020

The SINP has invited 2,740 Occupations In-Demand candidates thus far this year. Combined with the 2,245 candidates invited to apply for a provincial nomination through the Saskatchewan Express Entry sub-category, the entire number of invitations issued in 2020 is now slightly below 5,000.

The SINP uses an EOI system to invite immigration candidates that have the potential to thrive within the prairie province to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.
Interested candidates must create an EOI profile and demonstrate their capacity to settle into life in Saskatchewan by listing their work experience, education, language ability, age, and connections to the province.

The minimum score required within the September 24 draws was 82 for both sub-categories.
No job offer is required so as to receive a invitation to apply from Saskatchewan. However, candidates needed a minimum of one year of work experience in an eligible skilled occupation associated with their field of study.

Invited candidates in both categories also had Educational Credential Assessments, which show how foreign degrees, diplomas, and certificates compare to Canadian credentials.

Express Entry sub-category

In the latest invitation round, Saskatchewan issued 278 invitations to candidates who had profiles within the federal Express Entry pool.

If candidates within the federal Express Entry pool also filled out an EOI for Saskatchewan, and that they scored 82 on the SINP’s Points Assessment Grid they’ll are selected during the September 24 draw.

Express Entry candidates who apply for and receive a provincial nomination from the province of Saskatchewan are awarded a further 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score at the federal level, and are effectively guaranteed an invitation to apply to use for Canadian permanent residence.

Occupations In-Demand sub-category

The Occupations In-Demand sub-category is open to immigration candidates who do not have a federal Express Entry profile.

There were 257 Occupations In-Demand candidates invited to apply for a provincial nomination, and just like the Express Entry sub-category, candidates needed a provincial score of 82 so as to be chosen.

The September 24 draw issued invitations to candidates in 81 occupations including senior managers, sales representatives, and machinery operators among others.

September 26, 2020

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) invited skilled workers and international graduates through three immigration streams:

  • Skilled Workers in Manitoba,
  • International Education Stream,
  • Skilled Workers Overseas.

This draw brings the total number of Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) issued to 3,671.

The LAAs were distributed as follows across the immigration streams, along with their minimum required Expression of Interest (EOI) score.

  • Skilled Workers in Manitoba – 160 LAAs with a minimum EOI score of at least 464;
  • Skilled Workers Overseas – 4 LAAs with a minimum EOI score of at least 847;
  • International Education – 25 LAAs with no minimum score required.

This was Manitoba’s 99th draw since the program began in April 2014.

September 26, 2020

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) released the draw’s eligibility criteria for Express Entry candidates but didn’t say what percentage invitations were sent.

Candidates needed to have a primary occupation in one of the following two National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

motor vehicle body repairs (NOC 7322) or

automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (NOC 7321).

Invited candidates also got to demonstrate that they have two or more years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience, in these occupations within the five years preceding the application.They also needed a Canadian Language Benchmark of a minimum of five altogether English abilities. They must include copies of language tests and proof of education with their application for the provincial nomination. Proof of education must include an academic Credential Assessment report issued by a corporation designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada if your educational credential was obtained outside of Canada.In addition, candidates also must have completed a program of two or more years at a post-secondary institution, like a university, college or vocational school.

Invited candidates have until October 24 to send their application for the provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residence.Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities Stream invites immigration candidates supported the requirements of the province’s labour market. This is the primary Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) prolong of Nova Scotia since May, when the province invited nurses who had profiles within the Express Entry pool.

In order to be considered for a provincial nomination from Nova Scotia through the Labour Market Priorities Stream, candidates first got to have a profile within the Express Entry system.Now that Nova Scotia has issued invitations, also referred to as Letters of Interest, invited candidates now have 60 calendar days to finish their application for a provincial nomination.

If they receive the provincial nomination from Nova Scotia, they’re going to automatically be awarded a further 600 CRS points, which can effectively guarantee that they’re going to receive a invitation to apply (ITA) in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

September 25, 2020

New Brunswick could benefit from an increase in the number of newcomers over the next three years as a result of policies proposed by the Progressive Conservative Party.

During the election campaign, the incumbent premier, Blaine Higgs, pledged to continue his government’s five-year action plan on population growth. The government had already announced its goal of attracting 7,500 immigrants per year by 2024, which is the maximum allowed by the federal government.

The Progressive Conservative Party said its goal is to attract 10,000 people to the province per year by 2027.

The province wants to increase the number of francophone immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program to support the growth of francophone culture. The party’s platform sets a goal that would allow francophone immigrants to make up 33% of the population by 2024.

This goal, which would reflect the proportion of francophones in New Brunswick’s population, was supposed to be achieved this year, but has been postponed and is now set again.

The official says the key to increasing the population is attracting families to the province while also encouraging them to stay. In its platform, the party set a retention rate target of 75% for the next five years.

Another of the party’s goals is to work with institutions of higher learning and professional associations to attract international students, professionals, skilled workers and keep young people in the province. The party promises to continue investing in experiential learning initiatives, such as FutureNB, which has already helped more than 1,000 students connect with 240 employers.

To increase its population, New Brunswick plans to continue to rely on immigrants, as newcomers have helped the province see the longest period of sustained growth since the 1990s. The migration of large numbers of people to the province will lead to population growth and help meet labour market needs.

During his campaign, Higgs said New Brunswick’s population grew by more than 4,000 people last year and that this growth was almost exclusively due to immigration. Statistics Canada estimates the province’s population at approximately 780,900.

Higgs stated that the government’s business development agency, Opportunities New Brunswick, is committed to attracting companies in emerging sectors such as cybersecurity, digital health and energy innovation in the years ahead.

September 24, 2020

The September 22 draw saw the minimum score remain within the low 80s, as has been the case for Tech Pilot draws since the start of May.

The pilot program was launched in 2017 and has been extended several times, last until June 2021.

In order to be considered eligible for this program, candidates got to be registered in one among B.C.’s existing provincial immigration streams and have a legitimate job offer of at least 12 months in one among the Tech Pilot’s 29 eligible occupations.

To apply for the Skill Immigration or Express Entry BC categories candidates must first create a profile through the BC PNP’s online portal and register under its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).

Applicants are evaluated and issued a score that determines whether or not they could also be invited to apply during a given invitation round. The score is predicated on variety of things like level of education, years of direct work experience and having a B.C. employment offer.

Express Entry candidates who receive a nomination from British Columbia will be given an additional 600 points toward their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and are effectively guaranteed an Invitation to apply (ITA) during a future federal Express Entry draw.

So far in September, B.C. has 6 draws through its various PNP categories and streams and invited numerous candidates to apply for a provincial nomination.

Invited candidates have 30 calendar days to apply for the nomination.

September 23, 2020

Mr. Mendicino stated that Canada has already issued 56,000 first stage approvals for study permit applications.
Secondly, the minister confirmed that the federal government, led by Health Canada, continues to work with designated learning institutions to identify how they can physically welcome international students onto their campuses during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Mendicino, Minister Patty Hajdu is working to ensure each designated learning institution (DLI) has met the public health requirements of the province and territory they are located. This approach will protect health and safety of international students and Canadian students.

Some DLIs have indicated an interest in welcoming international students during the pandemic. However, due to Canada’s travel restrictions, most international students are currently unable to travel to the country.The discussions between Health Canada, provinces, territories, and DLIs are aimed at identifying whether DLIs can safely form quarantine and socially distancing plans that would enable them to potentially welcome international students in the coming months. Under Canadian law, most travellers must quarantine for 14 days immediately upon arriving to Canada. Moreover, provinces and territories across Canada have strict social distancing measures in place to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

In the meantime, Canada has announced a number of major policy reforms to enable international students to pursue their Canadian studies amid the pandemic. Among the reforms, Canada announced a two-step study permit process in the summer to give students certainty so they can begin their studies while overseas.In addition, international students can study online while overseas but still be able to work in Canada under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) once the pandemic is over.

The minister revealed that 56,000 international students have been approved for a study permit under stage one so far. This means that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has provided students with approval after reviewing each applicant’s letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds that they can support themselves and their studies financially, among other criteria.

Once the students are able to travel to Canada, they need to complete a medical exam, criminal background check, and biometrics in order to get stage two study permit approval.

Mr. Mendicino delivered the remarks during a webinar hosted by the Canadian International Council, which is an organization that brings Canadians together to explore foreign affairs issues.He made sure to affirm Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming immigrants, international students, and global talent in general.

September 9, 2020
September 9, 2020

The City of North Bay is prepared to launch the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot within the next few weeks.

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a community-driven program designed to enable small communities to profit from the contributions of economic immigration by providing potential candidates with a pathway to permanent residence. The program is meant for skilled foreign workers who wish to work and live in one among the participating communities.

North Bay will become the tenth community to simply accept applications through the RNIP once it launches its website within the coming weeks.

The RNIP is meant to attach foreign workers with employers facing labour shortages in small Canadian communities. Each community is chosen for its size, location, employment opportunities, and skills to assist newcomers settle.Once the North Bay site is online, it’ll be possible for candidates to submit applications and for employers to post job offers.

An eligible offer of permanent full-time employment in one among the participating communities is required and only applicants who receive a community referral through the RNIP may apply for permanent residence in Canada.

As RNIP is community-driven, participating communities take the lead in attracting new immigrants or temporary foreign workers already in Canada and matching them with local job opportunities.
The matching process varies from community to community. In North Bay’s case, interested candidates who become involved within the community and who are bilingual may have a plus.

September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020

Canada economy has started recovering from the COVID – 19 pandemic.

Some 3 million jobs were lost following lockdowns introduced across Canada in March to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

However, more people are now back to work .
The results of the August Labour Force Survey released on Friday show that the recent easing of public health restrictions has meant more employment for Canadians generally and for immigrants especially .

In August, employment rose 1.4% for Canadians, rising to within 5.7% of pre-COVID levels. Meanwhile, employment for landed immigrants was up 1.6% while employment for recent immigrants was up 2.2%, a rise driven mainly by the reduction within the population of recent immigrants because of lower newcomer arrivals during the pandemic.

The overwhelming majority of the utilization gains were in full-time positions.
Employment growth was concentrated within the services sector (+1.5%) as against the products producing sector.

The services sector growth was concentrated in educational services, accommodation and food services, and therefore the “other services” industry which incorporates hard-hit hair and wonder salons.
“In the products producing sector, gains in manufacturing were partially offset by declines in natural resources.”

This new report, however, shows that Canada’s economic recovery is moving in the proper direction. Nearly 1.9 million jobs are recovered in recent months. Additionally to the 246,000 jobs created in August, another 419,000 were recovered in July, and 1.2 million were recovered in May and June.

September 7, 2020

Canada has always stood with their citizens, the way the government is lessening the burden on masses is incredible. Canada continues to implement new measures to help its citizens and stimulate the economy, many of which are accessible to immigrants.

Among the most recently implemented measures is the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to the end of September, bringing the total duration of benefits to 28 weeks. As a result, the many individuals for whom payments were expected to end in August will now have access to an additional month of support.

CERB is a temporary income support program for people who are impacted by the current coronavirus pandemic. The program provides $2,000 per month to those affected.

When CERB ends at the end of September three new proposed benefits may be offered to those who continue to face financial hardship, particularly those who have been laid off due to the pandemic.

Those who were already eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) can move to this program, while those who are not eligible can apply for three new “restoration” benefits starting September 27.

1. The new Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) will provide $400 per week for up to 26 weeks to self-employed individuals or those who do not qualify for EI and still need income support and are looking for work.

2. The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $500 per week for up to two weeks to workers who are sick or who need to be isolated for reasons related to COVID-19. However, it is not possible to receive both this benefit and any other sick leave allowance at the same time.

3. The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500 per week per family for up to 26 weeks to eligible individuals who are unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities, such as

  • a child under 12 years of age whose school or daycare is closed due to COVID-19;
  • a family member with a disability or a dependent whose daycare program is suspended or care facility closed due to COVID-19; or
  • a child, disabled family member or dependent who is not attending school, daycare or other care facilities on the advice of a health professional because of high risk for COVID-19.

Any Canadian resident who is at least 15 years of age and has a valid SIN will be able to apply for the new recovery benefits. All three of the new proposed benefits will be in effect for one year starting September 27, 2020.

Facilitated access to CERB for temporary residents

In May, the Government of Canada introduced a special measure that made it easier for eligible temporary work permit holders and eligible international students in Canada to apply for the CERB.

The government lifted the condition requiring proof of a valid work or study permit or confirmation that newcomers to Canada have applied for renewal by email, deeming verbal confirmation to be sufficient proof.

This change was one of a series of measures introduced by the federal government to accommodate immigrants and provide more support to foreign workers and international students during this difficult time to encourage them to stay in Canada.

September 3, 2020
September 3, 2020

The Government of Canada issued 4,200 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence to Express Entry candidates having CRS 475 or above in a draw held September 2.

The latest Express Entry draw was the third all-program draw since March 18 and the 162nd overall held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in this latest invitation round was 475.The large number of invitations issued during this draw is a strong indication that Canada remains committed to welcoming high levels of immigration in 2021 and beyond.

IRCC has been issuing 3,900 invitations to apply for permanent residence (ITAs) through Express Entry every fortnight for most of 2020 but has been alternating between all-program and program-specific draws. In latest draw, 300 more invitations were issued to immigration candidates.This draw was the 29th draw of 2020 and brings the total number of ITAs issued this year to 69,950 a new record for this date.

IRCC used its tie-break rule in current draw. The timestamp used was September 2, 2020, at 14:17:32 UTC. This means that each one candidate with a CRS score above 475, also as those candidates with score of 475 who entered their profile within the Express Entry pool before the chosen date and time, received an ITA during this invitation round.

The tie-break rule is employed to rank candidates who have an equivalent CRS score. A candidate’s CRS score remains the first think about selecting candidates to be invited to apply for permanent residence.Factors that can affect the cut-off CRS score include the size of the draw (larger draws can produce a lower minimum CRS score) and the time between draws (shorter periods between draws can help to lower the CRS score).