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international student program

IRCC had started to enhance the integrity of Canada’s International Student Program

Study in Canada /

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began implementing steps to improve the credibility of Canada’s international student program. The government verifies international students’ acceptance letters through an online portal for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Institutions have ten days for verification, the failure of which will cause the student visa application to be canceled. This change was prompted by past abuses of Canada’s international student systems.  A proposed “Trusted Institutions Framework” will introduce a two-tiered system for issuing study permits and may limit the number of student visas for better academic support. Other 2024 changes include:  increasing the cost-of-living requirement,  reconsidering the work cap, ending the measure allowing time spent abroad towards the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and  aligning international student enrolment and PGWP issuance with labor market and demographic needs. We encourage potential international students to check their eligibility to ensure they meet all stream requirements and apply for the updated requirements and scoring. Canada acknowledges the significant social, cultural, and economic benefits that international students bring to the country, and for those benefits to continue, IRCC must address challenges to the program’s integrity. Taking action against nefarious actors who have preyed on genuine students for financial gain through these measures, identifying every fraudulent letter of acceptance soon after it is submitted.  Institutions that show strong support for international students will be recognized, and their applicants will be moved to the front of the processing line, allowing IRCC to better select and retain students who are best suited to meet the needs of Canada’s economy and immigration goals. What are the new changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and what is it? If you recently graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and would like to work temporarily in Canada, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). PGWPs are a great way to gain valuable work experience in Canada and are valid for eight months to three years. Having work experience in Canada opens up a lot of possibilities for an applicant looking for permanent residence in Canada.  The International Student Program has improved its Letter of Acceptance verification system and reviewed the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits – which has almost doubled in a year.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “IRCC had started to enhance the integrity of Canada’s international student program” 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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Canadian Immigration in 2024

Insights into Canadian Immigration in 2024

Express Entry, Permanent Residence, PNP, Study in Canada, Work in Canada /

The Express Entry System,  Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), International Student Programs, Parents and Grandparents Program, and IRCC plans to leverage AI are a few of the insights into Canadian Immigration in 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024. The Express Entry System will continue holding category-based draws, focusing on specific labor gaps. In the first year of category-based draws, the IRCC identified to give priority to the immigration candidates included: proficient in French recent work experience in any of the primary sectors, including trades, agri-food/agriculture, healthcare, STEM, and transportation In addition, this year, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Canada’s largest immigration pathway, will introduce new guidelines and multi-year plans. The provinces and territories will have advance notice of the 2025 allotment as the IRCC releases new multi-year plans for PNPs, which will enable them to better plan their immigration strategies. Furthermore, the International Student Program will improve its Letter of Acceptance verification system and review the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits – which has almost doubled in a year.  The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will be increased to 32,000 in 2024 according to the new Immigration Levels Plan. The intention is to increase intake so that more PGP candidates can come to Canada. Lastly, IRCC plans to leverage AI to streamline the immigration process, and a new advisory board will focus on immigration policy. The following are some ways that the digital revolution will enhance the candidate customer experience: improving the standard for services improved partnerships with organizations and employers increasing the accessibility of applications by using virtual and digital technologies Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Insights into Canadian Immigration in 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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last MPNP Draw of 2023

In the last MPNP Draw of 2023, Manitoba invited 89 Ukrainian Candidates

Manitoba /

On December 29, 2023, the Government of Manitoba held the last MPNP Draw of 2023 for Ukrainian candidates. In the 21st draw for Ukrainian candidates, the province invited 89 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 relative, community ties, previous employment, or studies in Manitoba), and score at least 60 points in the EOI registration points-grid, and possess a valid language test in one of the official languages.  Manitoba PNP Draws 2023 In total, the province invited 16,306 candidates in 2023, including 501 Ukrainian nationals. 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 “In the last MPNP Draw of 2023, Manitoba invited 89 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 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 in the Year 2023

Reviewing Canada’s Express Entry in the Year 2023

Express Entry /

Canada’s Express Entry in the year 2023 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. CRS Scores of Express Entry in the Year 2023 CRS Score The lowest CRS score in 2023 was 354 points, as recorded in the Agriculture and agri-food occupations category-based draw on September 28, 2023. On the other hand, on December 6, 4,750 all-program candidates received ITAs, the highest CRS score was 561. Express Entry Year in 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 the “Reviewing Canada’s Express Entry year 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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New Manitoba invitation round

In New Manitoba invitation round #205, MPNP invited 160 candidates

Manitoba /

On December 28, 2023, New Manitoba invitation round #205 was held under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream, the MPNP invited 160 candidates under the Close relative in Manitoba selection with a minimum score of 612.  In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, MPNP issued 27 LAAs to candidates invited under the Strategic Recruitment Initiative. The lowest score in the SWO category was 698 points.  In addition, 67 invitations were issued in the International Education Stream. In this round, Manitoba has issued LAAs to 254 candidates, including 53 express-entry candidates. In 2023, MPNP invited 16,217 candidates, and 4,456 of them received invitations in the Express Entry. Close relative in Manitoba candidates selection If a candidate indicated having a Manitoba Supporter who is a close relative, is a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, is an established resident of Manitoba, and has been residing in Manitoba for at least one year, they were issued a Letter of Advice to Apply under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway’s Close Relative in Manitoba selection. Candidates selected in this draw must be able to provide documents proving their close relative relationship to their Manitoba Supporter and their Manitoba Supporter’s duration of residence in the province to be eligible to apply. Close relatives may support the application of more than one skilled worker at the same time if they can demonstrate their ability to do so satisfactorily.  A Manitoba Supporter must be related to the applicant (or the applicant’s spouse) through one of the following relationships to be considered a close relative: sister or brother  niece or nephew (i.e., your sister or brother’s child) aunt or uncle (your mother’s or father’s brother or sister) first cousin (child of an aunt or uncle) grandmother or grandfather  mother or father Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Manitoba held a new draw under the new invitation round 205″ 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 SINP Draw

Saskatchewan invited 63 candidates under the SINP Draw

Saskatchewan /

On December 27, 2023, Saskatchewan conducted new rounds of invitations in the SINP Draw. In the Express Entry category, Saskatchewan issued 15 ITAs. Another 48 invitations were issued to the Occupations In-Demand category candidates.  The lowest score in both categories was 69, 15 points fewer than in the previous draws. All invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments or have studied in Canada.  In these draws, Saskatchewan invited 63 candidates under seven different NOCs. In 2023, Saskatchewan invited 5,573 skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs under the SINP. Eligible Occupations invited under the SINP Draw Invited Occupations: Learn about the wide range of healthcare occupations that were invited in SINP‘s most recent draw on December 27, 2023: 31200- Psychologists 31203- Occupational therapists 32102- Paramedical occupations 32120- Medical laboratory technologists 32121- Medical radiation technologists 32122- Medical sonographers 33101- Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Saskatchewan published a new schedule for the 2024 Entrepreneur program” 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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global immigration center

Canada launches global immigration center in Romania

Uncategorized /

On December 6, 2023, Immigration Minister Marc Miller launched a new global immigration center at the Canadian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania. This center, which employs 20 new staff members, is the second of its kind outside of Canada, following the first in the Philippines.  These centers are designed to extend the workday across various time zones, thus improving IRCC’s processing abilities. As migration trends evolve, IRCC remains dedicated to updating Canada’s immigration system to decrease waiting times and enhance service quality. This is due to the surge in applications, as Canada continues to be a popular destination for work, study, travel, and family life. The IRCC claims in a statement that migration trends are changing and the world is becoming more complex. As part of the IRCC’s efforts to build the next generation of Canada’s immigration system, Canadian immigration officials say they are increasing resources, embracing new technology, and streamlining processing. Immigration accounts for nearly all of Canada’s labor force growth and is expected to account for all of Canada’s population growth by 2032. Immigrants make up 36% of physicians, 33% of business owners with paid employees, and 41% of engineers in Canada. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship statement: “Immigration is crucial to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. Improving immigration processing capacity and client service is key to success in the global talent search. I am glad that we are expanding our worldwide presence by opening a second global operations center. This new center will help support our goal of bringing people to Canada—whether to visit, study, work or stay permanently—and doing it faster.” Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada launches a global immigration center in Romania” 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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2024 Entrepreneur program

Saskatchewan published a new schedule for the 2024 Entrepreneur program

Saskatchewan /

On December 27, 2023, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Entrepreneur program updated the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool selection schedule for the 2024 entrepreneur program.  The province will conduct the EOI pool selections on January 11, April 11, July 11, and October 10, 2024. According to the new update, candidates cannot change their business plans after applying to the program. They also cannot change their Business Performance Agreement after the SINP approval. In 2023, Saskatchewan held six business draws and invited 209 entrepreneurs. Saskatchewan Entrepreneur EOI System The Saskatchewan economy provides long-term opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a new business or buy an existing one. Consider applying for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program – Entrepreneur and Farm Categories if you are an experienced business person who meets the program criteria. The EOI is not a formal application; rather, it expresses your interest in the SINP. By providing information on your experience, assets, and a Business Establishment Plan (BEP), you can indicate your interest in running a business and living in Saskatchewan. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will be added to the candidate pool for the EOI. EOIs are scored and ranked using the Points Grid after they are submitted. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Saskatchewan published a new schedule for the 2024 Entrepreneur program” 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 Start-Up Visa program

Canada Start-Up Visa program is accepting more and more entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur /

October saw a resurgence in immigrant entrepreneurship via the Canada Start-Up Visa program, with data suggesting 1,200 new permanent residents by year’s end. In October, 200 new permanent residents arrived via SUV, a 37.9% increase from September’s 145. This rise followed a 17.1% drop from August to September.  The IRCC has significantly increased planned admissions for Start-Up Visa applicants, with numbers set to increase to 3,500, 5,000, 6,000, and 6,000 in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. As of October, 1,000 new permanent residents arrived via SUV in 2021, setting the pace for possibly 1,200 by year’s end. This would be a 108.7% increase from the 575 new residents in 2020. Ontario and British Columbia are the most popular destinations for these entrepreneurs. At the end of this year’s first ten months, the program welcomed 635 new permanent residents to Ontario, and 240 new immigrants had arrived in British Columbia. In the first ten months of this year, Manitoba welcomed 95 immigrant entrepreneurs through the SUV, while Alberta had added 20 new permanent residents through the program by the end of October, signifying no change from the previous month. Canada 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: 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 “Canada Start-Up Visa program is accepting more and more entrepreneurs” 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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citizenship ceremonies

IRCC will continue to hold virtual citizenship ceremonies

Uncategorized /

According to the Government of Canada’s response to the petition on citizenship ceremonies, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is considering an online tool for self-administered Oath of Citizenship. The analysis is underway, considering client experience, process integrity, and preserving the importance of citizenship ceremonies.  Video ceremonies introduced in 2020 due to COVID-19 have helped reduce processing times and increased monthly oath-taking. These allow participation from rural areas and accommodate larger groups. Between January and September 2023, 276,540 new citizens were made, exceeding pre-COVID levels. Ceremonies are scheduled considering operational demands, official availability, and venue suitability. IRCC is working towards a 12-month service standard for granting citizenship. If you are applying for citizenship, you must be a permanent resident (PR) in Canada, regardless of your age. This implies that you must not: be under investigation for immigration or fraud. be asked to leave Canada by Canadian officials (removal order). have unfulfilled conditions relating to your PR status, such as medical screening. Before applying for citizenship, review the documents you received when you became a permanent resident to ensure your eligibility. Canada strengthens its commitments and collaborations at the Global Refugee Forum On December 15, 2023, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), attended the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, endorsing pledges for global refugee solutions. He announced $21 million for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assist Afghan populations in Central Asia and Pakistan. This funding will assist these countries in assisting the refugees.  Over the next three years, Canada intends to resettle over 136,000 refugees, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQI+ communities, Rohingya refugees, and human rights defenders. Canada is committed to expanding refugee labor and education pathways and has co-sponsored the Securing Sustainable Futures mega-pledge for refugee education.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “IRCC will continue to hold virtual citizenship ceremonies” 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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