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Start-Up Visa program SUV

Immigration via Canada’s Start-Up Visa program SUV has more than doubled

Entrepreneur, Permanent Residence /

In November, a 32.5% drop was observed in Start-Up Visa Program SUV entrepreneur immigration, following a rebound in October, as per data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC has set goals to welcome 5,000, 6,000, and 6,000 new residents via the SUV in 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively.  Despite a slowdown in November, the program is expected to achieve record permanent resident admissions by the end of 2023. Until November, the SUV had facilitated the arrival of 1,145 new residents, marking a 104.5% increase from the previous year. Most SUV immigrants choose Ontario and British Columbia as their destinations, with Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia also seeing some arrivals. Before their application for permanent residence is processed, candidates under the SUV program may initially enter Canada with a work permit supported by their designated Canadian investor. Canada’s Start-up Visa Program Entrepreneurs eyeing Canada’s Start-Up Visa program can anticipate a wealth of opportunities, with Canada’s commitment to innovation and economic development creating an environment ripe for success. The program not only facilitates permanent residency but also provides a launching pad for individuals to turn their groundbreaking ideas into thriving businesses.  Canada’s Start-Up Visa program stands as a beacon for immigrant entrepreneurs, offering a pathway to permanent residency and the chance to contribute to one of the world’s most dynamic and inclusive economies The start-up visa program may make it possible for entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada. Canada is on a search for bright entrepreneurs who are eager to start businesses that will boost its economy and offer job opportunities to its citizens. The Start-up Visa Program in Canada encourages immigrant business owners who have the skills and ability to start successful businesses in Canada: Who are Innovative Can create jobs for Canadians Can compete on a global scale Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Immigration through Canada’s Start-Up Visa program has more than doubled“ 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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studied in Canada

Over 1 million international students studied in Canada in 2023

Study in Canada /

Over 1 million international students studied in Canada in 2023. Active study permits for international students in Canada grew by 27% to 1,028,850 in 2023, exceeding the government’s projection of 950,000. Ontario hosted 51% of these students, followed by British Columbia (19.5%) and Quebec (11.5%).  However, this rapid growth has created challenges like housing shortages and strain on the healthcare system. This has led to a planned 35% decrease in approved study permits for 2024. The cap will be based on each province’s population, leading to significant changes in student recruitment across provinces. This move is supported by a Nanos Research poll indicating that 55% of Canadians favor accepting fewer international students. International student numbers have increased dramatically, from 637,855 in 2019 to 807,260 in 2022, prompting concerns that many students, including those from India, are being exploited by agents who recruit them to attend private colleges in Canada with subpar standards, support, and facilities.  More than 60,000 international students became permanent residents of Canada in 2023, a 9,670 increase over the 52,740 international graduates who became international students in 2022, according to IRCC data. In a written parliamentary answer, the Immigration Department told Conservative MP Garnett Genuis in October 2023 that as of September, 1,015,744 people had valid study permits that allowed them to enter Canada. In a written parliamentary response, the department stated that slightly over a third of them were enrolled in programs at universities recognized by Universities Canada, which is made up of almost 100 universities. The Globe and Mail was able to obtain an August 2023 IRCC document that was distributed to universities last year, which predicted that 949,000 international student applications would be received in 2023 as well as just over one million in 2024. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Over 1 million international students studied in Canada 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 ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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permanent residence route

Canada unveils permanent residence route for former protective care minors

Permanent Residence /

Canada unveils permanent residence route for former Protective Care minors On January 23, 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a policy to address individuals who came to Canada as minors under protective care but never obtained permanent residence or citizenship. As these individuals may face deportation and have little connection to their birth country, the policy provides a pathway to permanent residence.  This protection extends until January 21, 2027, building on measures from fall 2023 that allowed eligible individuals to apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP) and a work or study permit, thus reducing the risk of removal. Those eligible for the TRP can now apply for permanent residence and stay in Canada. This new permanent residence pathway expands on previous measures implemented in fall 2023. As of September 29, 2023, eligible individuals who previously worked in child protection services can apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP) as well as a work or study permit under new ministerial instructions. The TRP grants temporary resident status and lowers the risk of removal from Canada. Those who were eligible for the TRP will now be able to apply for permanent residence via this path. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada Unveils Permanent Residence Route for Former Protective Care Minors” 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 in Canada

International students in Canada will be able to work more than 20 hours off-campus

Study in Canada /

On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that more International students in Canada 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. Who can work off-campus? You can only start working in Canada once your study program has started. The conditions on your study permit will state whether or not you are permitted to work while studying.  If you are eligible for off-campus work, you do not require a work permit. You can work off campus without a work permit if you meet all of the following requirements: You are a full-time student attending a designated learning institution (DLI). You are currently enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or a secondary-level vocational training program (only in Quebec). Your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. You have started studying. You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). We have a track record of helping international students get legal assistance from Gunness & Associates. During the scheduled school break You can work full-time during a scheduled break, such as the winter and summer holidays, or a fall or spring reading week. You can work overtime or two part-time jobs that total a higher number of hours than usual. Working full-time requires you to be a full-time student both before and after the break. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “International students will be able to work more than 20 hours off-campus” 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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new invitation rounds

BC held new invitation rounds & Invited over 220 candidates

British Columbia /

On January 23, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation rounds under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified candidates in healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations.  In the general draw, the province invited 79 candidates. The minimum score for candidates in this draw was 98 points. BC issued 66 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 36 candidates who scored 60 points. The province also issued 34 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector. Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in veterinary care occupations. Jobs in veterinary care with the most priority are:  31103 veterinarians and  32104 veterinary technicians and animal health technologists. British Columbia PNP Draws in 2023 to Date In total, British Columbia issued up to 220 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited up to 805 candidates. 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 Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “British Columbia held new invitation rounds and Invited over 220 candidates under the BC PNP” 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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Express Entry draw of 2024

Canada invited over 1,000 candidates in the 2nd Express Entry draw of 2024

Express Entry /

On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second Express Entry draw of 2024 and issued 1,040 Invitations to Apply (ITA). In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs.  In round #280, the cut-off score was 543 points, three points fewer than the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was January 21, 2024, at 07:43:47 UTC. As of January 23, 2024, there were 213,526 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 2,550 ITAs through Express Entry. It was the second draw of 2024 after the general draw on January 10th, which invited 1,510 candidates from all Express Entry-managed programs to apply. To be considered, candidates had to have a minimum CRS score of 546. Express Entry in 2023 In 2023, Canada’s Express Entry application management system underwent significant transformations. Throughout the year’s first half, Express Entry maintained several patterns established in 2022, resuming draws after an 18-month hiatus. These draws encompassed various formats, including all-program draws, Provincial Nominee Program-only draws, and, on one occasion, the draw exclusively for Federal Skilled Workers.  May marked the introduction of six new categories for Express Entry draws by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This change allowed targeted draws for specific occupations like healthcare, STEM, transport, etc., to address labor market needs.  Its success is yet to be determined, but the variety of draws significantly increased, with the first targeting 500 healthcare workers. The Canadian Government invited candidates under a total of 82 NOC codes in five categories (healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, and food) through occupation-specific draws and introduced targeted draws for French-speaking candidates. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “IRCC invited over 1,000 candidates in the new 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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Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program is predicted to grow by 6.5%

Permanent Residence, Spouse or Common-Law Partner /

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) saw a 32% drop in arrivals in November following a strong October, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Arrivals fell from 2,530 in October to 1,720 in November, coinciding with a 12.4% drop in overall monthly immigration.  Despite this, the PGP welcomed 26,600 new permanent residents in the first 11 months of the year, potentially reaching 29,018 by year-end, a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Ontario received the majority of PGP arrivals, with 12,660 parents and grandparents settling there. During that time, the following provinces and territories attracted the following number of new permanent residents under the PGP: 50 – Newfoundland and Labrador 10 – Prince Edward Island 175 – Nova Scotia 45 – New Brunswick 2,200 – Quebec has  1,020 – Manitoba  680 – Saskatchewan  4,820 – Alberta  4,080 – British Columbia  25 – Yukon  15 – Northwest Territories Super Visa for Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program A super visa allows you to visit your children or grandchildren for up to 5 years. It is a visa that allows multiple entries for a period of up to ten years. A super visa has specific requirements, including the need for health insurance. To be eligible, you must meet all of the requirements. Super Visa holders are allowed to stay in Canada for a maximum of two years during that time. On the other hand, a regular visa for visitors typically has a maximum validity of six months. Citizens of countries exempt from visa requirements may still find the Super Visa program beneficial. Normally, visitors from visa-exempt nations are allowed entry into Canada for six months without the need for a visitor’s visa. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program is predicted to grow by 6.5% compared to 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 ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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intake for 2024-2025

Canada capped the international student intake for 2024-2025

Study in Canada /

On January 22, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, announced a two-year cap on intake for 2024-2025 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. “International students bring significantly to Canada and enrich our communities. As a result, we have a responsibility to ensure that they have access to the resources they require for a fulfilling academic experience. This is not always the case in Canada today, according to Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. “Today, we are announcing additional safeguards to protect a system that has grown so profitable that it has created a path for abuse. Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada, ensuring the integrity of our immigration system, and preparing students for the success they look for,” Miller added. Updates to the International Student Program focus on enhancing student protection Canada cherishes the social, cultural, and economic contributions of international students. To maintain these benefits and ensure student success, the Government of Canada addresses issues challenging the International Student Program’s integrity. This involves managing international student numbers sustainably and penalizing any threats to the system.  On October 27, 2023, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller introduced measures to strengthen Canada’s International Student Program and fight fraud. From December 1, 2023, post-secondary DLIs must confirm acceptance letters with IRCC for study permit applications. IRCC will reward DLIs offering superior services, including priority permit processing. Additionally, IRCC will adjust the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to align with labor and immigration goals. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada capped the international student intake for 2024-2025″ 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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the International Experience Canada

Over 7,000 candidates invited in the International Experience Canada

International Experience Canada /

Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws in the pools of International Experience Canada (IEC). From January 14 to January 21, Canada invited 7,474 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of January 21, there were 34,358 candidates registered in the pool, waiting for the invitation. In this round, these were invitations sent out: No of ITAs Country Name No of ITAs Country Name 16  Switzerland 478  Australia 700  Japan 1,989 Korea 2  Croatia 9 Costa Rica 220  Spain 90  Czech Republic 24  Denmark 6 Estonia 605  France 31  Greece 34  Hong Kong 457  Ireland 232  Italy 66  Slovakia 53  Chile 64  Poland 333  Germany 1,355 United Kingdom 1 Luxembourg 155  Belgium 143  Netherlands 163  New Zealand 8 Norway 74  Taiwan 45 Portugal 17  Sweden 2 Slovenia 1 Marino 33  Austria 3 Iceland 20  Latvia 45  Lithuania In 2024, Canada issued 19,396 ITAs under the IEC Program. New changes to the International Experience Canada On December 12, 2023, the Canadian Government updated the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This program fosters travel and work collaboration between Canada and other nations, assisting in arranging transportation, job hunting, and accommodation procurement. The refreshed instructions from December 18 mirror the roster of organizations acknowledged by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada in 2018.  Notable amendments include service adjustments, the omission of Memorial University of Newfoundland from the recognized organizations list, the inclusion of International Internship Network (IIN) and Languages Canada, updates to the designations and descriptions of AIESEC Canada, Go International, IAESTE, and International Rural Exchange/A-Way to Work, and clarifications on the IEC program’s participation counting methods. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “IRCC invited over 7,000 candidates under the International Experience 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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OINP Draw

The latest Ontario OINP Draw invited 1,654 candidates

Ontario /

On January 19, 2024, the Government of Ontario held the latest Ontario OINP draw in the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW) Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).  The province issued 1,654 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the General draw of the EJO FW stream. All invitees have their profiles created in the Express Entry system between January 19, 2023, and January 19, 2024. The minimum score for this draw was 50. In total, Ontario invited 6,641 candidates through the OINP streams in 2024. The January 9 targeted profiles for the previous OINP Foreign Worker stream had job offers in any of the 63 skilled trade occupations, 41 healthcare occupations, or 15 tech occupations. After receiving the invitation, candidates must submit their completed application within 14 calendar days. Ontario-OINP invitation draws of 2023 to date OINP nomination allocation for 2023 has reached The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has reached its nomination limit for 2023. In 2023, the program issued a total of 16,500 nominations to successful applicants from all streams. New applications, and applications already submitted to the OINP, will continue to be accepted and considered under the program’s 2024 nomination allocation. In 2023, invitations to apply were issued for Ontario-OINP draws under various streams: Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream – 6,456 Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream (2,963) Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream (1,069) Graduate streams: 5,734 for Masters, 486 for PhD, and 58 for Entrepreneur. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “The latest Ontario OINP Draw invited 1,654 candidates in the job offer Stream” 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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