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Express Entry Invitations

Former International Students Dominated Express Entry Invitations in 2023

Express Entry, Permanent Residence /

Most of the remaining 49 percent of the immigration slots in Express Entry in 2023 were occupied by international students who received Express Entry invitations and are eager to advance to permanent residency as soon as possible. Of a staggering 46 of the persons that got an ITA, 2% got further points for having a Canadian education, making it one of the best ways for hopeful immigrants. Canadian Education: A Key to Permanent Residency and Express Entry Invitations For a Canadian education, it’s not about getting a degree; it is about preparing oneself for life. This means that the majority of the invited candidates possess at least three years of post-secondary degree education; thus, higher education is almost mandatory for individuals seeking to be selected in the Express Entry pool. This advantage is especially significant since there are expected effects of the 2024 capping of international student permits. Education in Canada helps one to be part of the country and has a way of creating networks and developing skills that are needed most in Canada’s employment market and government. The extra points gained for Canadian education make it easier for the people with such qualifications to compete in the Express Entry system in a time where immigration has become competitive. Study Now, Succeed Forever International students or those who are planning to study in Canada need to be cautious of their next move right now. The statistics speak for themselves: In this system, those who decide to strive for Canadian education are always among the leaders in competitiveness. Thus, getting a quality education as well as Canadian work experience not only enhances your prospects of immigration but also of success in life in one of the most desirable and tolerant countries globally. A Pathway to Success Beyond Immigration Not only does a Canadian education increase your chances of receiving an ITA, but also prepares you for a financially sound existence as soon as you get your permanent residency. International students who studied in Canada earlier are known to share higher average incomes than any other immigrant category, which means that getting an education in Canada is horribly profitable, not only during the school years. This trend explains why it is advantageous to study in Canada do business in this country and migrate. Whether Canada has been chosen as your country of study to gain permanent residence or you are still in your home country and Canada is the preferred destination to study in with the hope of improving your life, then there is a need for you to know more about the Canadian immigration system. Join our RSS Feed  If you want to know more details about “Former International Students Dominated Express Entry Invitations in 2023,” 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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Provincial immigration ministers

Provincial immigration ministers pledge to collaborate for immigration benefits

Uncategorized /

On November 17, 2023, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met in Toronto to discuss Canada’s immigration future. Provincial immigration ministers agreed on a coordinated approach to address opportunities and challenges, focusing on economic immigration and support for vulnerable newcomers.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented a report that emphasized a welcoming experience for immigrants and alignment with labor market needs. The ministers affirmed the importance of reducing processing times and supporting Francophone immigration. Additionally, they agreed on collaborating on a crisis response framework, improving settlement services and the International Student Program. Details of the Provincial immigration ministers pledge This approach is founded on the principle of shared jurisdiction and mutual respect for federal and provincial-territorial roles and responsibilities in Canadian immigration. Immigration, ministers agreed, is an important part of the country’s fabric because it contributes to its diversity, economy, and meeting labor market needs. Ministers also agreed on the importance of assisting Canada’s response to humanitarian crises as well as the needs of vulnerable newcomers. The ministers were presented with the findings of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) recently released report, An Immigration System for Canada’s Future. The report’s key themes include making newcomers feel more welcome, continuing to align immigration with labor market needs, and developing a comprehensive and coordinated growth plan, including collaboration with federal and provincial-territorial (FPT) partners, to best support immigrants and communities across the country. Provinces and territories discussed the future of Canada’s immigration system, as well as the challenges and opportunities that their jurisdictions face. The 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan was discussed by ministers in the context of FPT immigration priorities and responsibilities. These include focusing on economic immigration, including through provincial nominee programs, reuniting families, and meeting Canada’s humanitarian obligations. Provincial and territorial ministers acknowledged the recent increases to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and called for a greater share of PNPs to be considered when planning immigration levels. Ministers discussed the importance of FPT programming in advancing economic immigration and attracting and retaining immigrants outside of major metropolitan areas. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Provincial immigration ministers pledge to collaborate for Canada’s immigration benefits” 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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PEI conducted a new invitation round

PEI conducted a new invitation round and issued 69 new invitations

Prince Edward Island /

On November 30, 2023, PEI conducted a new invitation round in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams and invited 69 candidates under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).  This draw invited candidates working in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Food Processing, and Construction sectors. The province invited 2,394 candidates this year, including 2,199 under the Labour Impact and Express Entry categories and 61 business candidates.  According to the schedule, the next PEI PNP draw will occur on December 21, 2023. The PEI EOI system collects important information about you to rank and select those who are most likely to meet the economic and labor market needs of Prince Edward Island, based on one or more of the following characteristics: Language options include English and French. Education: level and field of study, as well as location of completion; Skill and work experience level; Strategic priorities: characteristics that address immediate labor market needs in PEI. Other employment-related factors include but are not limited to, having a job offer in PEI and/or previous Canadian work experience. PEI PNP Streams: PEI Conducted a New Invitation Round The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), is a collection of immigration streams intended for immigrants with business acumen, skilled workers, and recent graduates. PEI PNP streams are: PEI Express Entry Skilled Worker outside Canada stream International Graduate Stream Critical worker stream Skilled Worker in the PEI stream Occupations in demand stream PEI Business Impact Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “PEI conducted a new invitation round and issued 69 new invitations” 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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STEM candidates

5900 STEM candidates invited to the new occupation-specific Express Entry draw

Express Entry /

On December 8, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second occupation-specific Express Entry draw for STEM candidates and issued 5,900 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to qualified Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals.  In round #274, the cut-off score was 481 points, 5 points fewer than the previous draw for STEM candidates.  The tie-breaking rule for this round was November 25, 2023, at 09:48:36 UTC.  As of December 5, 2023, there were 217,370 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool.  This year, Canada issued 106,871 ITAs through the Express Entry draws. Category-based Rounds of Invitations Candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category established by the Minister to meet an identified economic goal are invited in category-based rounds of invitations. Candidates for permanent residence are invited to apply based on criteria such as: The ability to communicate in a specific official language. Work experience in a specific occupation is required. education. Category-based rounds add general and program-specific rounds by inviting top-tier candidates who can contribute to the achievement of these specific economic objectives. Categories selected for 2023 These categories have been chosen for 2023: Proficiency in French is required. Occupations in healthcare. Jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Occupations in the trades. Transportation jobs. Agriculture and agri-food jobs. STEM candidates in the occupation-specific Express Entry draws On May 31, 2023, the Government of Canada launched a category-based selection for Express Entry, allowing IRCC to invite prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training, or language ability.  This year, invitations will focus on candidates with strong French language proficiency or experience in:  healthcare,  STEM professions,  trades,  transport,  agriculture, and  agri-food.  Category-based selection supports Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers into communities nationwide.   If you want to know more details about “5900 STEM candidates invited in the new occupation-specific 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 ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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application processing times for the OINP

Ontario updated the average application processing times for the OINP

Ontario /

On November 29, 2023, Ontario updated the average application processing times for the OINP. Application processing times vary according to the quantity of applications. Ontario keeps updated the processing times without any delays. Current application processing times for the OINP Currently, the application processing times for the OINP for the PhD Graduate Stream is 30-60 days, and for the Masters Graduate Stream, it is 60-90 days.  Processing times for Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream is 70-100 days. Moreover, the average processing time for Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream,  Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, and Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream is 90-120.  The average application processing times for Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is 120-150 days.  The processing time for Ontario’s Expression of Interest (EOI) Assessment in the Entrepreneur Stream still requires less than 30 days, and the application processing depends on the complexity of the business nomination application.  Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) The province’s economic immigration program is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). It interacts with the Canadian government through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Foreign workers, international students, and others with the necessary skills, experience, and education apply for nomination to the OINP. The OINP recognizes and nominates people for permanent residence who have the skills and experience that the Ontario economy requires, and the Government of Canada makes the final decision to approve permanent residence applications. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Ontario updated the average application processing times for 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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Foreign skilled worker

Foreign skilled worker demand has risen this year for Canadian employers

Work in Canada /

Western Canadian employers seeking Foreign skilled workers have seen a significant rise this year, with a 39% increase in LMIA applications nationwide and 83% in Western Canada.  Yukon is the sole exception, with a slight decrease. Nunavut had the highest application growth, followed by Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. LMIA processing times are slow, with Alberta having the longest. This is because fewer applications are in priority processing streams.  Efforts have been made to modernize the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including distributing files across the national network, moving away from paper applications, and simplifying applications for compliant employers through the Recognized Employer Pilot. The Recognized Employer Pilot The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) is a two-phase, three-year pilot project. Applications for positions on the Phase 1 REP occupations list will be accepted starting September 12, 2023. Phase 2 applications will be accepted beginning in January 2024. The phase you apply for will be determined by the position you are attempting to fill. The REP provides a streamlined process for employers who: Access the TFWP regularly to fill positions in high-demand fields from the REP occupations list, and  meet the highest standards for working and living conditions and worker protection. Phase 1 REP occupations are: NOC 85100 Livestock laborers NOC 85101 Harvesting labourers NOC 84120 Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators NOC 85103 Nursery and greenhouse labourers These occupations have been determined to be in high demand and to have a shortage of domestic labor. Labor Market Assessment (LMIA) A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer may require before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA will demonstrate the need for a foreign worker to fill the position. It will also demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position. A positive LMIA is also known as a confirmation letter. Once the LMIA is obtained by the employer, the worker can apply for a work permit. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Foreign skilled worker demand has risen this year for Canadian employers” 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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BC held new invitation draws

BC held new invitation draws and invited 185 skilled candidates

British Columbia /

On November 28, 2023, the Government of BC held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified candidates in healthcare, childcare, construction, and other priority occupations.  In the general draw, the province invited 80 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 94-116 points.  Furthermore, BC issued 49 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, BC British Columbia invited 29 candidates who scored 60 points. In addition, the province invited 27 candidates working in the construction sector.  In total, British Columbia issued 185 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited 9,525 candidates. Eligibility Requirements for Construction Workers The following requirements must be fulfilled by construction workers in order to receive targeted invitations to apply:  An employment offer for a full-time, indeterminate position in one of the top construction occupations is required. You need to be in possession of a current trade certificate from SkilledTradesBC or be enrolled in training. The trade certificate you possess must correspond to the job offer you received. Construction occupations in priority 22114 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists  72102 Sheet metal workers 72103 Boilermakers 72104 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters 72105 Ironworkers 72106 Welders and related machine operators 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system) 72201 Industrial electricians 72300 Plumbers 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters, and sprinkler system installers 72302 Gas fitters 72310 Carpenters 72311 Cabinetmakers 72320 Bricklayers 72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 72401 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics 72402 Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics 72500 Crane operators 73100 Concrete finishers 73101 Tilesetters 73102 Plasterers, drywall installers finishers, and lathers 73110 Roofers and Shinglers 73111 Glaziers 73112 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) 73113 Floor covering installers The occupations listed above are not the only ones that are eligible for the BC PNP.  Priority occupations may receive a targeted invitation after registering. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “BC invited 185 skilled candidates in the new BC PNP draws” 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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Express Entry candidates

Which Express Entry candidates are most likely to receive an Invitation to Apply?

Express Entry /

The Canadian Government released data on Express Entry candidates who most often have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The data, covering January to September 2023, showed 53,455 ITAs issued. Express Entry manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and part of the Provincial Nominee Program.  Important Factors for the Express Entry Candidates Factors considered for express entry candidates included ITAs by program, province, score, age, and occupation. Most successful were Canadian Experience Class applicants in their 20s, often software engineers planning to live in Ontario. By program, 45% of ITAs went to the CEC, 30% to FSWP, and 26% to the PNP. Almost half of all ITA recipients planned to reside in Ontario, followed by British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. Program: When the number of candidates in each of the three programs run by the Express Entry system is broken down, the majority of invitations were sent to CEC candidates. About 45%, or 23,910, ITAs were given to candidates from this program.  Express Entry Draws 2023 Between January and September of this year, FSWP candidates were given approximately 30% of all Express Entry ITAs (15,855 ITAs), while PNP candidates were given roughly 26% (13,655 ITAs). During these nine months, there were no ITAs for FSTP candidates. Province: Approximately half of all ITAs were given to applicants who intended to go to Ontario. Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Alberta were the next three provinces in order of the total number of ITAs. CRS Score: Approximately 50% of the candidates obtained an ITA based on their CRS score between 451 and 500, whereas very few candidates scored higher than 600. Age: With 28,970 candidates in their 20s, the age range of 19–29 comprised the majority of candidates who received ITAs. Occupation: NOC 21231: Across all three programs, software engineers and designers were the most popular occupations in Canada. Software engineers and designers and information system analysts and consultants were among the most popular job titles. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Which Express Entry candidates are most likely to receive an Invitation to Apply” 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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International Student Stream 2024

New changes in the Ontario-OINP International Student Stream 2024

Ontario /

Candidates with one-year college graduate certificates are eligible for OINP’s Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream. On January 2, 2024, the Government of Ontario announced changes to the eligibility requirements of the Ontario-OINP International Student stream 2024.  According to the new update, as of January 1, 2024, international students who have completed a one-year college graduate certificate are eligible for OINP’s EJO IS stream. Before, the OINP’s EJO IS stream permitted candidates to apply with a one-year college graduate certificate only if the program demanded degree completion as an entry requirement. The Expression of Interest (EOI) scoring factors for additional Canadian educational credentials and the highest educational credential have been revised to reflect this change. Existing registrants who have not been invited to apply are encouraged to review the updated EOI. The list of eligible educational institutions for this stream has also been revised. We encourage potential applicants to check their eligibility criteria to ensure they meet all stream requirements and apply for the updated requirements and scoring. Ontario Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream Under the Employer Job Offer program, international students who are granted a job in a skilled occupation can apply for permanent residence in Ontario under the International Student stream. The National Occupational Classification’s (NOC) TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 must apply to the job offer for it to be eligible. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “New changes in the Ontario-OINP international student stream 2024″ 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 ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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undocumented people

Canada provides undocumented people with a new route to permanent residency

Permanent Residence /

Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a comprehensive program allowing undocumented people to apply for permanent residence. This aligns with Canada’s immigration targets, aiming to admit up to 500,000 immigrants by 2025. An estimated 300,000 to 600,000 individuals currently live in Canada without valid documents, facing potential deportation.  The program will also cover those who overstayed their visas. However, not all will be eligible to apply. Undocumented migrants typically fall out of status due to failing eligibility criteria for overstaying their authorized period. A small portion unlawfully entered or was trafficked into Canada. In addition to people who entered the Canada illegally, the proposed program will also cover people who initially came as foreign students or temporary workers and decided to stay in the country after their visas expired. To be a Permanent Resident in Canada, Get legal assistance from Gunness & Associates Description of Undocumented People Undocumented individuals do not have the legal right to live and work in Canada. Most become undocumented when they are unable to meet the eligibility requirements for existing immigration programs after lawfully entering the country and exceeding their authorized period of stay. Only a small percentage of undocumented migrants entered Canada illegally or were trafficked/smuggled in. Overview of the past Programs for undocumented People in Canada There have been many initiatives for out-of-status workers implemented in the past. For example, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTA) Temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers was introduced to address the vulnerabilities that come with a lost status and to acknowledge the economic contributions made by construction workers. Under the new Subsequent Temporary Public Policy to Continue to Facilitate Access to Permanent Resident Status for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area in 2023, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) was reportedly collaborating with the IRCC in 2023 to process at least 500 more applications for PR for out-of-status construction workers in the GTA. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada provides undocumented individuals with a new route to permanent residency” 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 ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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