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Meeting the minimum language requirement does not guarantee a visa approval

Meeting the language requirement does not guarantee a visa approval

Leave a Comment / Work in Canada /

Applying for a permanent residency or a work permit in Canada, applicants must prove their language skills by meeting minimum language requirements. However, even if an applicant meets the requirement, visa officers can reject applications. The application of an Indian citizen who applied for temporary residence and a work permit as a long-haul truck driver in British Columbia has been denied since the Canadian visa officers have not been convinced that the applicant had the language skills necessary to adequately perform the work. The applicant had a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and met the language requirement of CLB 4 for the job. His application has been rejected due to the lower level of reading score (CLB 5) since the officer considered this score not enough to study and learn the rules of driving in Canada. Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here. To know more details about the Canada Immigration news, you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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New Express Entry Applications will be processed in 6 Months

New Express Entry Applications will be processed in 6 Months

Leave a Comment / Express Entry /

New Express Entry Applications will be processed in 6 Months. Great news for those who are looking to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced that it will once again be processing applications within 6 months. Until the epidemic, the Canadian government sought to complete the majority of Express Entry immigration applications will be processed in 6 months. However, because of the outbreak, applicants have had to wait considerably longer. Non-Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry applicants are waiting an average of over 20 months for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to complete their permanent residency applications.  Fortunately, IRCC has now stated that it will soon be able to process most new Express Entry immigration applications will be processed in 6 months. This change will become effective once IRCC resumes issuing Express Entry invitations to Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), CEC, and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates in early July. Many have had to wait for almost two years for Immigration, IRCC (Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) to finalize their permanent residence applications with the pandemic slowing down immigration services. Prior to the pandemic hit, Express Entry applications usually took only 6 months to come through. Canada is welcoming skilled workers through Express Entry because it is the main way. Permanent residence invitations to Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates were paused in December 2020. And CEC applications since September 2021. This announcement also has come at a time when the latest data revealed Canada’s lowest unemployment rate on record, with over 800,000 job vacancies being reported. Employers are needed more immigrant talent to help address their worker shortages.   Curious about Immigration to Canada? After reading this ” New Express Entry Applications will be processed in 6 Months” blog you are truly curious to immigrate to Canada. So if you’re interested in immigration to Canada, make sure to get started on your Express Entry profile as shortly as possible. You could quickly come to Canada sooner than you think. Register at immigrationmatters.info today and get started on your journey to Canadian immigration. Our experienced immigration professionals can help you every step of the way, ensuring that your application is submitted correctly and on time. We’ll also provide you with useful resources and advice so that you can maximize your chances of success. Reach us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system. Get weekly/monthly.   To find out more details about “New Express Entry Applications will be processed in 6 Months” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment    Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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Start-Up Visa Program

Ottawa Increased Settlement funds for Start-Up Visa Applications

Leave a Comment / Entrepreneur /

Immigrant entrepreneurs desiring to obtain permanent residency in Canada through the Start-Up Visa program will need to show they have more settlement money than necessary last year. The amount required for a single applicant has risen by $97, from $13,213 in 2021 to $13,310 this year as a result of the most recent hikes.  Each number of family members has seen similar little increases in costs over time. This is the case even if the family is not coming to Canada with the applicant. The money must be accessible at all times both when a candidate applies for and receives a permanent residence visa. “The Canadian Government does not give financial support to new Start-Up Visa immigrants,” mentions Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on its website. “When you apply, you’ll need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependents after you arrive in Canada. You can’t borrow this money from another person.” Settlement Funds Required For the Start-Up Visa Program The new requirements are outlined below: Number of Family Members                                   2022 Funds Required 1                                                                               $13,310 2                                                                               $16,570 3                                                                               $20,371 4                                                                               $24,733 5                                                                               $28,052 6                                                                               $31,638 7                                                                               $35,224 Each Additional Family Member                             $3,586 The basic government-imposed candidate eligibility requirements for the Start-Up Visa program are: A commitment certificate and letter of support from a designated entity; A qualifying business; Sufficient unencumbered, available, and transferable settlement funds to meet settlement funding, and; Proficiency in English or French at the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level 5. However, it frequently occurs that higher levels of English are needed to meet due diligence requirements imposed by designated entities. Do Start-Up Visas Allow Immigrant Entrepreneurs to Gain Permanent Residency? Yes, Immigrants can get Canadian permanent residence if they qualify as immigrant entrepreneurs under the Start-Up Visa program. There are three types of private-sector investors are considered:  Angel investors Venture capital funds and Business incubators. Want to get up-to-date news on immigration to Canada, Sign Up for free immigration newsletters click here. Get a  free consultation.  Contact at 416 604-2669  or  E-mail: info@immigrationmatters.info  

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Manitoba held the largest draw

Manitoba held the largest draw for Ukrainian candidates

Manitoba /

On December 4, 2023, the Government of Manitoba held the largest draw for Ukrainian candidates. The province invited 117 candidates through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) in this draw.  To be eligible, applicants must:  be Ukrainian citizens,  have a minimum of CLB 4 in each language band,  have connections to the province (close relatives, community ties, previous employment, or studies in Manitoba),  score at least 60 points in the EOI registration points grid, and  possess a valid language test in one of the official languages.  In total, the province invited 14,567 candidates in 2023, including 412 Ukrainian nationals. About the Expression of Interest (EOI) System The Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system applies to the Skilled Worker and International Education Stream pathways. The Business Investor Stream pathways each have their process for submitting an EOI. Submitting an EOI is the first step toward obtaining permanent residency in Manitoba through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). An EOI is not a formal application, but rather a profile. Anyone interested in applying to the MPNP must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates answer a series of questions and are assigned EOI ranking points based on their responses. Your profile is then added to a pool of all qualified candidates. Regularly, the MPNP invites the highest-scoring candidates in the pool to submit a full application to the MPNP. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Manitoba held the largest draw for Ukrainian candidates” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Canadian Experience Class

IRCC Invites 3,300 Canadian Experience Class Candidates in the Latest Express Entry Draw

Express Entry, Work in Canada /

The fifth Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class for the year 2024 was conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on 27-Aug, for which 3,300 candidates were invited to apply for Canadian immigration. The latest draw of invitations was in Round #312; the cut-off CRS score was 507, which is 2 points lower than the previous round CEC-targeted draw on August 14, 2024. As we know, the tie-breaker for this draw was set rather specifically, namely on June 5, 2024, at 01:08:58, UTC. Express Entry pool had 205,137 profiles as of August 27, 2024. Last year in 2024, Canada conducted 78,963 invitations in different streams of express entry, thus following the same pattern of inviting skilled workers and making Canada’s economy sound. Why Is This Draw Important for Canadian Experience Class Candidates? This latest draw is indeed a ray of hope to all those planning to apply under the Canadian Experience Class. A small decrease in the CRS score is good news, as it creates a clear path for more skilled workers with experience in Canada to immigrate and have permanent residency. As you are here right now, reading this article means that you want to move to Canada, and with your CRS score of 507+ and other requirements met, this is your chance to go and grab the opportunity for a better life in Canada. A Golden Opportunity: Why Now Is the Time to Act? Canada’s immigration landscape is evolving, but one thing remains clear: therefore, there has never been a better time at which one can apply for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class. The constant appeals for interest and call for participants are evidence of the country’s demand for experienced workers who can easily adapt and integrate into the new society of Canada. Calculate your CRS score! Whether you are an IT professional working in Toronto, an engineer working in Calgary, or a healthcare worker working in Vancouver, your experience in Canada has given you the leverage in this process. Now it is time to capitalize on that advantage! What is the Canadian Experience Class? The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration pathway for individuals who have already gained valuable work experience in Canada. As part of the Express Entry system, the CEC allows skilled workers who have lived and contributed to the Canadian economy to apply for permanent residency. This program is ideal for international graduates and temporary foreign workers who have adapted to Canadian life and can further strengthen the country’s workforce. Canada’s Express Entry system, introduced to streamline the immigration process, manages applications for three economic immigration programs:  This system is points-based, ranking candidates through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. It ensures that the most qualified individuals are invited to apply for permanent residency, contributing to Canada’s growing economy and diverse culture. Join our RSS Feed  If you want to know more details about “IRCC Invites 3,300 Canadian Experience Class Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw,” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2024 Gunness & Associates

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streams of the OINP

Ontario invited 2,437 candidates under two streams of the OINP

Ontario /

On December 5, 2023, the Government of Ontario held new draws under two streams of the OINP in the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream (EJO IDS) and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW) of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).  The province held three draws in the EJO FW Stream and issued 2,437 invitations to apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates working in healthcare, tech, and skilled trades occupations and those applying under the Economic Mobility Pathways.  In addition, Ontario held another draw for the EJO IDS stream and issued 262 invitations to apply in a general draw to candidates with a minimum score of 30. In total, OINP issued invitations to 39,564 candidates in 2023. Tech Occupations invited under two streams of the OINP Candidates received an invitation only if they had a score of 43 or higher and a job offer in one of the national occupational codes (NOC) listed below: NOC 20012 – Computer and information systems managers NOC 21211 – Data Scientists NOC 21220 – Cybersecurity specialists NOC 21221 – Business system analysts NOC 21222 – Information systems specialists NOC 21223 – Database analysts and data administrators NOC 21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers NOC 21231 – Software engineers and designers NOC 21232 – Software developers and programmers NOC 21233 – Web designers NOC 21234 – Web developers and programmers NOC 21311 – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) NOC 22220 – Computer network technicians NOC 22221 – User support technicians NOC 22222 – Information systems testing technicians You may apply to this stream if you receive an invitation to apply by December 5, 2023.  Overview of the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream The Employer Job Offer: The in-demand Skills stream allows foreign workers with job offers in specific in-demand occupations such as agriculture, construction, and other select occupations to permanently apply to live and work in Ontario. This stream is open to both inside Canada and outside workers. Before you can apply online to be nominated for permanent residence by the Ontario government, you must first receive an invitation to apply. About the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) selects individuals who may meet the criteria for one of the immigration streams listed below through an expression of interest system. If Ontario selects you from the candidate pool, you will be invited to apply. Receiving an invitation to apply does not guarantee that you will be accepted into one of our streams. If you receive an invitation to apply, you may apply online if you meet the requirements for the stream specified in your invitation to apply. You must apply within 14 calendar days of receiving the invitation to apply. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Ontario invited 2,437 candidates under two streams of the OINP” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Canadian business

Canadian businesses expect a positive economy this year

Entrepreneur /

Canadian business owners are optimistic about the future as inflation slows, with many planning to hire. Eight in ten business leaders report their businesses are growing, and 76% are hopeful about their performance over the next five years. Despite a slowdown in job growth and the housing crisis, 65.9% of businesses remain optimistic about the next 12 months.  Foreign investors with similar optimism can gain permanent residence via the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program. This program, which has launched 200 start-ups since 2013, considers angel investors, venture capital funds, and business incubators. Investment requirements are $75,000 from angel investors, $200,000 from venture capital funds, or acceptance into a business incubator program. You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program: You must have a qualifying business A letter of support from a designated organization is required meet the language requirements, and Before you start your business, you should have enough money to settle and live in Canada. Start-up Visa Program is projected to increase by roughly 80% According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program saw a slight dip in September compared to August. Still, overall numbers are significantly higher than last year. In September 2023, Canada welcomed 145 new permanent residents through the SUV, down 17.1% from 175 in August.  However, this follows a record month in August, up 30% from July. IRCC plans to increase admissions substantially for Start-Up Visa applicants. Current annual admissions of 1,000 will rise to 3,500, 5,000, 6,000, and 6,000 in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. As of September, Canada had welcomed 770 new permanent residents through the SUV, potentially reaching 1,027 by year-end. This would signify a 78.6% increase over the previous year. The popularity of the Start-Up Visa (SUV) increased in August as 175 new permanent residents settled in Canada through the program, a 29.6% increase from July.  Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Canadian businesses expect a positive economy this year” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Ontario's labor force growth

Immigrants drive Ontario’s labor force growth

Ontario, Work in Canada /

The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) report highlights that international immigrants increasingly drive Ontario’s labor force growth. Based on 2021 Statistics Canada data, the study focuses on immigrants with permanent residence status in Canada. With immigration to Ontario reaching 227,424 in 2022, these new residents play a “significant role” in Ontario’s economic growth.  The report reveals that despite a decrease in numbers in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, Ontario welcomed many newcomers in 2022 due to increased border restrictions and higher immigration targets. The province’s share of immigrants to Canada has increased to 42.5% this year. Despite fluctuations, immigrants account for a growing share of the province’s labor force growth, constituting 39% from 2007-2014 and 63% from 2015-2022. This report provides information on long-term trends in the labor market of international immigrants in Ontario. The scope of this report is limited to international immigrants (also known as immigrants in this report), which include economic immigrants, family-sponsored immigrants, refugees, and other immigrants. This report’s analysis excludes interprovincial migrants and non-permanent residents like temporary foreign workers and international students. The percentage of immigrants in the core working age group (25-54 years) has increased from 43.7 percent of those who arrived in the 1980s to 62.3 percent of those who arrived between 2016 and 2022. Immigrants are younger in age than the rest of the Ontario population. From 2016 to 2022, 92.0 percent of immigrants were under the age of 54, compared to 69.0 percent of the total population. Policy changes have resulted in a greater percentage of recent core working-age immigrants having postsecondary education credentials (80.0%) and Canadian work and/or study experience (38.5%) compared to long-established immigrants (66.7%) and 5.4%, respectively. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Immigrants drive Ontario’s labor force growth” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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asylum claims

Canada announced a $7 million investment for asylum claims

Refugee Claim Portal /

Facing increased asylum claims and shelter pressure, Canada announced a $7 million investment for a new reception center in the Peel Region. Operated in partnership with community organizations, this center will offer services and additional shelter for asylum claimants.  The government has provided nearly $700 million to provinces and municipalities since 2017 through the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which was extended with an additional $212 million. The federal government has procured temporary accommodations to alleviate local shelter pressure, currently housing over 7,000 asylum claimants across Canada. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated: “We recognize the significant challenges that provinces and municipalities, such as Peel Region, are facing as a result of the increase in asylum claims, and we will continue to work closely with them to find solutions.” Everyone has the basic right to a safe place to live, and this funding will go a long way toward alleviating the pressures in this area. We are confident that with full participation from all levels of government, we can develop long­term alternatives to the current situation for interim housing.” About the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) contributes to provinces and municipalities on a cost-sharing basis for the costs of interim housing for asylum seekers.  Immigration has shaped the country of Canada. With increased global migration, Canada, like many other countries, is seeing an increase in the number of people seeking asylum. While provinces and municipalities are responsible for housing and support for asylum seekers, the federal government recognizes the need for all levels of government to collaborate on solutions to address the current need, and we have been there every step of the way. On July 18, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced funding to ensure impacted communities have the capacity to keep vulnerable asylum claimants who want Canada’s protection a roof over their heads. This assistance will be provided through a one-time $212 million funding injection into the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which will be extended until March 31, 2024. The City of Toronto will receive approximately $97 million in new funding. IHAP funds provinces and municipalities on a cost-sharing basis for the costs of interim housing for asylum seekers. The funding announced today is in addition to the nearly $700 million already provided by the program, including over $215 million for the City of Toronto. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada announced a $7 million investment for asylum seekers” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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