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PTE for Canadian immigration

Ottawa now accepts the PTE for Canadian immigration

Study in Canada, Work in Canada /

From January 30, 2024, Canada now accepts the PTE for Canadian immigration for all immigration pathways, aside from the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which will accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core test. This includes Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, those in Express Entry managed programs, and individuals needing a language test for Canadian immigration or citizenship (excluding SDS).  What is the PTE for Canadian immigration? The PTE Core is a two-hour computer-based language test assessing everyday English skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. The PTE Core replaces the PTE Essential test, and candidates should ensure they take the correct test for their program. Get a Free Canada Immigration assessment To reduce the risk of bias, the PTE for Canadian immigration tests is scored by both humans and AI. Test results can be obtained within two days. The PTE Core is divided into three parts. Speaking and writing (50 minutes); Reading (30 minutes); and Listening (30 minutes). The PTE Core replaced the previous PTE Essential test, which was approved for Canadian immigration last year. Pearson, like other approved language testing organizations, provides a variety of tests (for example, PTE Academic). Immigration candidates are advised to take the appropriate test for their chosen program. Other accepted Tests for Canadian immigration With the addition of the PTE Core, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now accepts five different language tests for immigration purposes. They are: CELPIP General Test (English); IELTS General Training (English) PTE Core (English); TEF Canada; and TCF Canada (french). All five of these tests assess language proficiency in four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Depending on the program for which they apply, candidates may be required to meet different criteria within these four skills. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Ottawa now accepts the PTE for Canadian immigration” 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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NB healthcare system

International nurses are welcome to work in NB healthcare system

New Brunswick, Work in Canada /

International nurses are welcome to work in the NB healthcare system. At Loch Lomond Villa in Saint John on January 30, 2024, Health Minister Bruce Fitch of New Brunswick celebrated the contributions of nurses with international education. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the workforce in the healthcare sector and highlighted the importance of nursing recruitment. Over 180 job offers have been accepted from a recruitment mission in the Philippines, and since 2021, over 500 internationally educated nurses, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and healthcare aides, have been recruited.  Over 200 are already employed in the province, with others undergoing the immigration process. The process to become licensed in New Brunswick has been expedited for nurses from 14 countries. These nurses can work in support positions before becoming licensed. Canada supports 6,600 foreign-trained health professionals to work there Canada accelerates accreditation for foreign health professionals. The Canadian Government assists 6,600 internationally trained health professionals to work in Canada by providing $86 million for credential recognition. The funding will be allocated to 15 different organizations to improve foreign credential recognition in key health professions. The 15 funded projects that span the country will: Reduce barriers to foreign credential recognition for IEHPs by improving recognition processes, simplifying credential recognition steps, and providing increased field practice opportunities. Provide IEHPs with relevant Canadian work experience in their chosen fields, as well as wrap-around services such as childcare and transportation, mentoring, and coaching. Facilitate labor mobility between Canadian jurisdictions for health professionals and IEHPs, decreasing systemic and administrative barriers for health professionals who want to work in another jurisdiction. This investment will help highly educated and skilled immigrants gain proper recognition for their international credentials. This investment, for example, will allow internationally trained midwives to take their exams virtually, even before arriving in Canada.  The move is in response to Canada’s labor shortages and increasing demand for health workers. The new investment will simplify the credential recognition process and provide Canadian work experience for internationally trained health professionals. The funding is part of Canada’s long-term plan to improve healthcare, with a total investment of over $200 billion planned over the next decade. Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals IEHPs The Province of New Brunswick has made it a top priority to attract, support, and retain qualified healthcare professionals. With employment opportunities available in both official languages (English and French), various provincial departments and employers in a variety of healthcare settings collaborate closely to ensure a well-trained and experienced workforce. For applicants who received their education outside of Canada, the steps to becoming licensed to practice in their chosen healthcare field can take a significant amount of time and resources.  Recognizing that many applicants may require assistance in achieving this, the provincial Department of Health provides a range of navigation services to internationally trained healthcare professionals. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “New Brunswick welcomes international nurses into the healthcare system” 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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Canada held a new Express Entry draw

Canada held a new Express Entry draw and invited 730 skilled candidates

Express Entry /

On January 31, 2024, Canada held a new Express Entry draw of 2024 and issued 730 Invitations to Apply (ITA). In this draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs. In round #281, the cut-off score was 541 points, two points fewer than the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 15, 2023, at 10:52:08 UTC.  As of January 30, 2024, there were 215,726 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 3,280 ITAs through Express Entry. Express Entry 2024 IRCC had initially targeted 82,880 Express Entry candidates in 2023 in the previous year’s Immigration Levels Plan. However, between the first draw on January 11 and the final draw on December 21, the department issued 110,266 ITAs, exceeding the targets.  Express Entry, the backbone of economic immigration to Canada, is also expected to see significant increases in admission targets in 2024. IRCC will seek to admit over 345,770 Express Entry candidates between 2024 and 2026, according to the current Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada held a new Express Entry draw and invited 730 skilled 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 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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Atlantic Canadian provinces

Minimum wage increased in two Atlantic Canadian provinces

New Brunswick, Work in Canada /

As of January 29, 2024, two Atlantic Canadian provinces – Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick – have raised their minimum wages. Newfoundland and Labrador have announced a $0.60 increase effective April 1, 2024, per the Labour Standards Regulations.  This means their minimum wage will be $15.60 per hour from April 1 onwards. Meanwhile, New Brunswick has increased its minimum wage to $15.30 per hour, up from the current $14.75 per hour, effective April 1. This 55-cent increase means the minimum wage has risen by 36% since 2019. “Our government’s attention to the province’s minimum wage over the past five years has ensured New Brunswick wages are competitive within Atlantic Canada,” said New Brunswick’s Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour Minister, Arlene Dunn, in a statement. “Predictable minimum wage increases, which we established in 2019, protect earners from increases in inflation and help businesses to be better prepared for increases when they occur.” The provincial minimum wage rate is indexed to the consumer price index and rounded to the nearest five cents. The CPI increased by 3.6% in 2023. According to the release, the minimum wage has increased by 36% since 2019. According to the report, those “seeking assistance with reaching their career goals or seeking higher-paying work” should visit one of the 19 WorkingNB offices located all through the province. New wage rules for employers hiring temporary foreign workers Employers recruiting through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must adjust foreign workers’ wages to match updated prevailing rates starting on January 1, 2024, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Although some employers are exempt, most require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The Job Bank publishes annual updates on provincial wage differences.  Canada is inviting foreign workers to help boost its economy in the face of labor shortages, which could result in $38 billion in losses, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). Foreign workers in Canada are legally entitled to the same rights as Canadians, and employers must offer a fair work environment and access to healthcare. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Minimum wage increased in two Atlantic Canada provinces” 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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fourth BC PNP draw of 2024

British Columbia issued up to 199 ITAs in the fourth BC PNP draw of 2024

British Columbia /

British Columbia issued up to 199 ITAs in the fourth BC PNP draw of 2024 On January 30, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified candidates in tech, healthcare, and childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations.  Details of the fourth BC PNP draw of 2024 In the tech draw, the province invited 89 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 103 points.  BC issued 49 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 27 candidates who scored 60 points.  The province also issued 29 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector.  Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in veterinary care occupations.  British Columbia issued up to 199 ITAs in the fourth draw of 2024. This year, the province has already invited up to 1,004 candidates. Find out! If you are eligible for the British Columbia PNP Targeted invitations to apply to the Skills Immigration streams may be based on one or more of the following factors: Education – level, and field of education and where it was completed Eligible professional designations in B.C. Language skills Occupation Duration and skill level of work experience Wage and/or skill level of job offer Intent to live, work, and settle in a specific region Strategic priorities – factors that address specific labor market needs in B.C. or support government pilot projects and initiatives Priority Construction Occupations 22114 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists  72102 Sheet metal workers 72103 Boilermakers 72104 Structural metal and plate work 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 Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “British Columbia issued up to 199 ITAs in the fourth BC PNP draw of 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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construction sector labor

New Brunswick to tackle construction sector labor shortages

New Brunswick /

The provincial and federal governments are investing in a Labour Force Adjustment Committee to tackle New Brunswick’s construction sector labor shortages. Spearheaded by the Construction Association of New Brunswick, the committee concentrates on filling job openings through immigration. Their goal is to cater to the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, with a special focus on residential construction.  Present labor force data reveals that roughly 4.2% of construction jobs are currently vacant. Based on labor force projections, we anticipate 8,400 retirements and thousands of new jobs by 2032. The committee’s initiatives will bolster ongoing efforts to encourage apprenticeships and skilled trades. The provincial government has pledged $250,000 to the project, and the federal government is contributing $190,612. With this financial assistance, the CANB will establish a Labour Force Adjustment Committee to develop short and long-term solutions to labor shortages in New Brunswick’s construction sector. The committee, which is composed of federal and provincial governments as well as industry stakeholders, will look at the sector’s challenges and opportunities. The committee will kick off its efforts with a 100-day challenge to solve critical roadblocks like credential recognition, recruitment, and workplace readiness. This announcement demonstrates how the Government of Canada is supporting Atlantic Canada’s momentum by strengthening communities, creating new opportunities, and laying the foundation for a strong, sustainable future.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “New Brunswick to tackle construction sector labor shortages” 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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health professionals to work in Canada

Canada assists 6,600 internationally trained health professionals to work in Canada

Work in Canada /

The Canadian Government assists 6,600 internationally trained health professionals to work in Canada by providing $86 million for credential recognition. The funding will be allocated to 15 different organizations to improve foreign credential recognition in key health professions. The 15 funded projects that span the country will: Reduce barriers to foreign credential recognition for IEHPs by improving recognition processes, simplifying credential recognition steps, and providing increased field practice opportunities. Provide IEHPs with relevant Canadian work experience in their chosen fields, as well as wrap-around services such as childcare and transportation, mentoring, and coaching. Facilitate labor mobility between Canadian jurisdictions for health professionals and IEHPs, decreasing systemic and administrative barriers for health professionals who want to work in another jurisdiction. This investment will help highly educated and skilled immigrants gain proper recognition for their international credentials. This investment, for example, will allow internationally trained midwives to take their exams virtually, even before arriving in Canada.  The move is in response to Canada’s labor shortages and increasing demand for health workers. The new investment will simplify the credential recognition process and provide Canadian work experience for internationally trained health professionals. The funding is part of Canada’s long-term plan to improve healthcare, with a total investment of over $200 billion planned over the next decade. This announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment, made with provinces and territories at the October 2023 Health Ministers’ Meeting, to take concrete actions to address challenges facing Canada’s health workforce, including reducing the time it takes for IEHPs to enter the health workforce. The funding will go directly to key occupations such as nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, laboratory technicians, and respiratory therapy. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program collaborates with provinces, territories, regulatory bodies, and other organizations by funding projects to support faster and more efficient credential recognition systems to grow Canada’s economy, create quality jobs, and promote more sustainable healing. Minister of Health, Mark Holland, stated: “Health workers provide the care that Canadians require. We can help alleviate labor shortages in our healthcare system by hiring new workers and retaining existing ones. This federal funding supports our government’s collaboration with provinces, territories, and stakeholders to increase and streamline the entry of healthcare workers into the Canadian workforce. Together, we will improve our healthcare system, allowing Canadians to receive the care they require and deserve.” Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada assists 6,600 internationally trained health professionals to work in Canada” 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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Manitoba PNP Draw 208

275 skilled workers and international graduates invited to the Manitoba PNP Draw 208

Manitoba /

On January 25, 2024, Manitoba held a new invitation round in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In the Manitoba PNP Draw 208, the MPNP invited 156 applicants under the Completed post-secondary study in Manitoba selection with a minimum score of 772.  In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, MPNP issued 41 LAAs to candidates invited under the Strategic Recruitment Initiative. The lowest score in the SWO category was 713 points, 74 points more than in the previous draw.  In addition, 78 invitations were issued in the International Education Stream. In this round, Manitoba has issued LAAs to 275 candidates, including 29 express-entry candidates. In 2024, MPNP invited 698 candidates, and 102 of them received invitations in the Express Entry. Manitoba Expression of Interest 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 first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates answer a series of questions and are assigned EOI ranking points based on their responses. The candidate is then added to a pool of all qualified candidates. On a regular basis, the MPNP invites the highest-scoring candidates in the pool to submit a full application to the MPNP. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Manitoba invited 275 skilled workers and international graduates in the Manitoba PNP Draw 208″ 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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International students became permanent

355,000 International students became permanent residents, within the last 3 years

Permanent Residence, Study in Canada /

According to IRCC, over 355,000 International students became permanent residents in Canada between 2021 and 2023. Over 627,000 temporary residents gained permanent residency (PR) in the same period. In 2020, Canada admitted less than half the current number of immigrants, at 184,370.  However, immigration quotas for 2024 and 2025 are set at 485,000 and 500,000, respectively, despite housing concerns among Canadians. Many are questioning the feasibility of accommodating half a million immigrants yearly amidst a housing crisis.  International student intake for 2024-2025 On January 22, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, announced a two-year cap on international student permit applications to stabilize growth. For 2024, the cap will result in around 360,000 approved permits, a 35% decrease from 2023. These measures do not apply to master’s, doctoral, elementary, and secondary education students and current permit holders.  Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will start from September 1, 2024, affecting students’ curriculum licensing arrangements. Graduates of master’s and other short graduate programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit. Open work permits will only be available to spouses of master’s and doctoral students. We have a track record of helping international students get legal assistance from Gunness & Associates. International students can work more than 20 hours off-campus On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that more international students are eligible to work off campus for more than 20 hours during academic sessions. Effective from January 1 to April 30, 2024, a new policy will allow certain students to work off-campus for over 20 hours weekly during regular academic sessions if IRCC receives their study permit application between October 8, 2022, and January 1, 2024.  The previous policy allowed international students to work off-campus for over 20 hours weekly during an academic session if IRCC received their study permit application before or on October 7, 2022. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Within the last three years, 355,000 international students became permanent residents” 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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3 OINP streams

Under the 3 OINP streams Ontario issued over 1480 invitations

Ontario /

On January 24, 2024, the Government of Ontario invited candidates via the 3 OINP streams. The province issued 1,344 invitations to apply (ITAs) for the Masters Graduate stream and 125 ITAs for the PhD Graduate Stream. The minimum scores for these draws were 50 points and 45 points, respectively.  In addition, the province invited 12 candidates in the targeted draw for the federal Economic Mobility Pathways Project under the OINP’s Foreign Worker stream. So far, Ontario has issued invitations to 8,122 candidates under all streams in 2024. Ontario-OINP application processing times for 2024 On January 11, 2024, Ontario updated the average processing time in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Currently, the OINP application processing times for 2024  for the different immigration streams are given below:  PhD Graduate and Masters Graduate streams are 30-60 days, and Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream is 60-90 days.  Processing time for Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream and Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream is 90-120.  The average processing time for Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, 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. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Ontario issued over 1480 invitations under the three OINP streams” 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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