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International Student Program

IRCC will modernize the International Student Program

Study in Canada /

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will modernize its International Student Program by implementing a Trusted Institution Framework by 2024. This framework will create a two-tiered structure with post-secondary institutions being assessed against criteria to show that they are reliable partners.  Institutions that meet the requirements will receive benefits such as expedited application processing. DLIs must provide additional data to the government, including: retention rates,  on-time program completion rates,  revenues from international tuition,  institutional spending on international student support services,  housing availability, and  teacher-student ratios.  The government will establish the initial Trusted Institution destinations in the spring of 2024 and may consider caps on the number of international students due to rapid growth in application volumes. If Trusted Institutions meet specific criteria, the IRCC has proposed that they may benefit from streamlined and accelerated processing for their applicants. The entire implications of this designation, however, have yet to be completely clarified. Currently, any Canadian institution that accepts international students must be designated as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and approved by their respective provincial or territorial government, and international students must have an acceptance letter from a DLI in order to apply for a Canadian study permit. The Trusted Institution architecture will be supported by two types of data. Some data, such as study permit approval rates, country of origin, and post-graduation student outcomes, such as transfers to post-graduate employment permits or other IRCC programs, will be drawn from IRCC records as well as other Government of Canada sources. DLIs will also be required to participate in a novel reporting effort, which involves submitting additional information to IRCC. To get started, anybody interested in studying internationally in Canada is invited to take a free assessment.    The Canadian International Student Program Apply to study in Canada through the International Student Program, update your study permit, or find out about work while studying or after graduation. Because of its combination of top-tier academic opportunities and low living costs, Canada stands out as an outstanding place for pursuing higher education. The number of international students applying to Canadian universities has grown significantly in recent years. The government has acknowledged that there will be an estimated 753,000 international students with study permits for Canada by 2023. Many Canadian universities provide a wide range of programs, including engineering, medicine, business, tourism, liberal arts, and more, for students to continue their studies in Canada in 2023. The Canadian universities offer numerous intakes in Canada. Read the ultimate guide on studying in Canada in 2023. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “IRCC will modernize the 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 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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temporary residence permit

Ottawa provided clarification for temporary residence permit applications

Work in Canada /

On August 23, 2023, the Government of Canada announced program delivery instructions for temporary residence permits (TRP) made within Canada.  The update clarifies that the TRP fee exemption under paragraph 298(2)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) does not apply to temporary resident permit applications made within Canada when submitting a work or a study permit application.  Moreover, the Government updated the one-time fee exemption for TRPs issued to foreign nationals who are inadmissible to Canada on criminality grounds. Who is eligible for a temporary residence permit? A temporary residence permit (TRP) may be awarded to a foreign national who is inadmissible in the view of an officer or who does not meet the conditions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) [A24(1)]. A TRP, or Temporary Resident Permit, is a document granted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada that allows people who are logically inadmissible to Canada to visit the country. A TRP is granted to a person only if the need for that person to travel to Canada outweighs the risk of that person being in the country.  TRPs are always issued at the discretion of the delegated authority and are subject to cancellation at any time. The delegated authority determines whether the individual’s purpose for entering Canada balances Canada’s social, humanitarian, and economic duties to Canadians’ health and security, and complies with the IRPA’s objectives. An officer may also consider the following: The foreign national’s need to enter or remain in Canada is compelling. whether the foreign national’s presence in Canada is necessary and outweighs any risk to Canadians or Canadian society.   Who is not eligible for a temporary residence permit? If all of the following conditions are met, a failed refugee claimant may not request a TRP: It has been less than a year since their claim for refugee status with the Refugee Status Division (RPD) was rejected, withdrawn after substantive evidence was heard, or abandoned. There has been no appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD). There has been no application for leave (or judicial review of that application) to the Federal Court. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Ottawa provided clarification for temporary residence permit applications” 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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EOI Draw 190

Manitoba invited 623 candidates through the MPNP in EOI Draw 190

Manitoba /

On August 24, 2023, Manitoba held a new invitation round in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In EOI Draw 190, the MPNP held a new occupation-specific candidate selection and issued LAAs to 623 candidates including 178 Express Entry candidates for this round. Details of the EOI Draw 190 In EOI Draw 190 MPNP held a new occupation-specific candidate selection under MPNP streams i.e.; Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM) stream, Skilled Workers Overseas stream, and International Education Stream. To be eligible for an ITA, invited candidates needed CRS scores between 612 and 724. Skilled Workers in Manitoba In the Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM) stream 256 invited applicants who scored 612 points and above.  Manitoba also issued 250 LAAs in the regular SWM draw. The minimum score for the LAA in this category was 646 points, 1 point fewer than the previous draw.  Skilled Workers Overseas stream In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, MPNP issued 54 LAAs to candidates invited under the Strategic Recruitment Initiative. The lowest score in the SWO category was 724 points, 16 points more than in the previous draw.  International Education Stream 63 invitations were issued in the International Education Stream.  As a candidate, you can work with an immigration specialist. Fill out the form to Get an assessment from an experienced immigration consultant. Occupation-specific candidate selection  Profiles declaring current employment in Manitoba in occupations defined as having high labor demands based on Statistics Canada data were taken into consideration. In this draw, occupations from the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 major groups were considered: 73 – General trades 74 – Mail and message distribution, other transport equipment operators, and related maintenance workers 75 – Helpers and laborers and other transport drivers, operators, and laborers In 2023, MPNP invited 10,301 candidates, and 2,687 of them received invitations in the Express Entry. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is continuing to execute invitation rounds with higher ITAs and lower CRS scores in this EOI Draw 190. The Manitoba PNP’s back-to-back draws clearly show that the government seeks to increase the number of candidates eligible for a provincial nomination under its MPNP-managed streams.   What is the EOI draw in Manitoba? The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducts regular draws through its Expression of Interest (EOI) system to invite individuals in the EOI pool to apply to the MPNP in full. The Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system applies to the Skilled Worker and International Education Stream pathways. The Business Investor Streams also have their own process for submitting an EOI. Submitting an EOI is the initial step toward obtaining permanent residency in Manitoba through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). An EOI is not a formal application instead, it’s an online profile. Anyone interested in applying to the MPNP must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates answer a series of questions online and are assigned EOI ranking points based on their answers. Your profile is then added to a pool of all qualified candidates. On a regular basis, the MPNP invites the highest-scoring applicants in the pool to submit an official application to the MPNP. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Manitoba invited 623 candidates through the MPNP in EOI Draw 190” 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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candidates in the construction section

Alberta updated inventory and invited 89 candidates in the construction section

Alberta /

On August 22, 2023, Alberta invited candidates in the construction section and published an update considering the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) inventory. According to the new AAIP inventory update, there were around:  1,479 Alberta Opportunity Stream applications,  448 Rural Renewal Stream applications,  249 Accelerated Tech Pathway applications,  128 Family Connection Stream applications,  100 applications from priority sectors, and  less than ten applications under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway.  Overview of the AAIP invitations to candidates in the construction section On August 22, 2023, the AAIP invited 89 candidates working in a construction section under the Family Connection Stream. The province invited construction workers with job offers in Alberta and a minimum CRS score of 303 to apply for immigration to the province. This year, Alberta invited 2,673 candidates and issued 6,921 nomination certificates. Alberta issued 615 NOIs overall in the first four weeks of August 2023. Details of the AAIP invitations in the first four weeks of August 2023 are listed in the table below: Date  Total NOIs   Occupations CRS  August 22, 2023  89  Construction occupation   303  August 16, 2023  300  Tourism and Hospitality occupation  408  August 15, 2023  14  Healthcare occupation   326  August 3, 2023  201  Family connections & primary occupation in demand  315  August 1, 2023  43  Agriculture & Healthcare occupation   317-322  As a candidate, you can work with an immigration specialist. Fill out the form to Get an assessment from an experienced immigration consultant.   What are Alberta Application processing times in 2023? The following are the main factors taken into consideration when processing AAIP applications: completeness, eligibility, and the presence of outdated information or documents in the application. applications received in volume. the day the request was submitted. strategic priorities guided by data on the employment market and the growth of the economy. how many nomination certificates are still valid for the year AAIP Application processing times are as follows: Alberta Opportunity Stream – Approximately 4 months. Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway- Approximately 1 month. Dedicated Healthcare Pathway- Approximately 1 month. Priority Sectors (construction, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism)- Approximately 2 months. Alberta Express Entry Stream (family connection and occupation in demand)- Approximately 3 months. Rural Renewal Stream – Approximately 2 months.   What is the Alberta Express Entry Stream? A limited number of qualifying applicants may be nominated by Alberta through the Express Entry system of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada under the Alberta Express Entry Stream. The Alberta Express Entry System’s priorities and methods of selecting applicants are provided as a courtesy and are subject to change at any time. The Alberta Express Entry Stream has to extend invitations to applicants.  How to be selected for the Alberta Express Entry Stream? Candidates may be asked to submit an application or receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) letter if they have one of the following: a connection with personal family members in Alberta and experience in an in-demand occupation,  a job offer from an Alberta employer in the healthcare industry and are licensed to practice in one of the qualified healthcare professions under the Designated Healthcare Pathway; expedited processing applies a job offer for an eligible tech occupation from an Alberta employer in an eligible tech industry under the Accelerated Tech Pathway; an initial Accelerated Tech Pathway web form is required as a first step and expedited processing applies  experience is required to help meet labor needs in major sectors like agriculture, construction, tourism, and hospitality Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “BC invited up to 230 candidates under the BC PNP Skills Immigration 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 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 PNP Skills Immigration

BC invited up to 230 candidates under the BC PNP Skills Immigration Draw

British Columbia /

The Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the BC PNP Skills Immigration candidates on August 22, 2023. In the general draw, BC invited 169 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 88-109 points.  In the childcare-targeted draw: The province issued 33 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, BC invited 23 candidates who scored 60 points.  In the priority occupations: Fewer than five invitations have been issued for other priority occupations (NOCs 31103, 32104).  In total, British Columbia issued up to 230 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited 6,848 candidates. Important factors of targeted BC PNP Invitation rounds One or more of the following factors may be used to target ITAs to the Skills Immigration streams: Education: level, field of study, and place of completion Professional designations that are acceptable in BC language proficiency Occupation length and level of work experience the job’s salary and/or level of skill want to settle down in a specific region and live there Strategic goals are elements that support government pilot programs and initiatives or address specific labor market needs in British Columbia. Canada is a top destination for immigrant entrepreneurs   BC PNP Draws 2023 The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is an economic immigration program operated by the Immigration Programs Branch of the Government of British Columbia. The program allows the province to select and nominate foreign workers, international students, and entrepreneurs to satisfy British Columbia’s labor market demands, support government initiatives, and develop the province’s economy.  You can find out details on the most recent BC PNP draw 2023 dates, the number of invitations to apply (ITAs) issued to submit nomination applications, the draw streams that were held, and any specific factors targeted. BC PNP draws 2023 BC PNP Skills Immigration Stream British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) administered by the province of British Columbia, contains a number of immigration streams referred to as British Columbia Skills Immigration. Workers and foreign graduates who have the skills, education, or experience necessary to effectively contribute to the BC economy may be nominated for permanent residence in Canada through the BC Skills Immigration programs. The BC Skills Immigration program offers the following streams: BC Skilled Worker BC Healthcare Professional BC International Graduate BC International Post-Graduate BC Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “BC invited up to 230 candidates under the BC PNP Skills Immigration 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 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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new Recognized Employer Pilot

The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers

Work in Canada /

The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers. In early 2020, COVID-19 outbreaks among migrant farm workers caused produce sections of Canadian grocery stores to become increasingly empty. The workers are hired through Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which has been accused of abuse due to unsafe workplaces and living conditions.  The program will be altered in September with a new initiative, Recognized Employer Pilot, to reduce the administrative burden on employers with the highest worker protection level.  The pilot will last three years and help prevent workplace and living conditions from deteriorating. The power imbalance between employers and workers is the root of the problem, which is caused by employer-specific work permits and the tenuous immigration status of workers. What is the new Recognized Employer Pilot? On August 8, 2023, the Canadian Government announced the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) to make it easier for repeat Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) employers to hire foreign workers.  Employers with at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the same occupation over the past five years can participate in REP.  It will be rolled out in two stages: with the first stage beginning in September 2023 for employers in the Primary Agriculture stream and  the second stage starting in January 2024 for all other industry sectors.  When hiring new workers through the LMIA Online Portal, recognized businesses can benefit from validity periods of up to 36 months and access to a quicker LMIA application. The REP, which is intended to improve administrative efficiency, will include the following features: Employers will have faster and more predictable access to labour stronger workers protection, and more flexibility for the Canadian labour market.   What are the Eligibility Requirements for the new Recognized Employer Pilot? When an employer applies for the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP), Service Canada will perform an initial, comprehensive assessment of your LMIA application to evaluate your eligibility for the REP. You may be eligible for the REP if you meet the following criteria: In the last five years, you’ve received at least three positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) decisions to hire temporary foreign workers (TFWs) for positions on the REP occupations list. You meet the highest standards for working conditions, living settings, and worker protection, as demonstrated by your history with the TFW Program (TFWP), and  you commit to follow the regular TFWP requirements. To apply for the REP, you are not required to provide additional information. You can apply for REP at the same time that you submit your LMIA. Service Canada will decide whether you’re eligible depending on your TFWP history. Even if you are not approved for the REP, you will receive an LMIA decision. If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA or hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates   The REP is divided into two stages REP is rolled out in two stages: the first stage beginning in September 2023 for employers for five specific occupations and  the second stage starting in January 2024 for all other industry sectors.  Occupations list for the first stage of REP Applications for positions on Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Phase 1 REP occupations list will be accepted starting in September 2023. These occupations have been evaluated to be in high demand and to have a shortage of domestic labour. Employers must offer the hourly wage rate at a minimum in occupations with wage floors. Annual wage levels are offered only for illustration purposes. Occupations in the first REP stage are:  NOC code 2011 NOC code 2021 Occupations 8431 85100 Livestock labourers 8431, 8611 85101 Harvesting labourers 8431 84120 Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators 8432 85103 Nursery and greenhouse labourers Occupations list for the Second stage of REP Applications for positions on ESDC’s Phase 2 REP occupations list will be accepted starting in January 2024. These occupations have been evaluated to be in high demand and to have a shortage of domestic labour. Employers must offer the hourly wage rate at a minimum in occupations with wage floors. Occupations in the second REP stage   What are the updated LMIA applications  processing times for 2023? Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for the Permanent residence Stream, Agricultural stream, and In-home caregivers.  Global Talent Stream – 10 business days (-3 days) Agricultural stream – 16 business days (+5 days) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 6 business days (-1 day) Permanent residence Stream – 60 business days (+6 days) In-home caregivers – 24 business days (+1 day) High-wage Stream – 37 business days (-3 days) Low-wage Stream – 44 business days (-6 days) Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “The new Recognized Employer Pilot to provide greater protection for foreign workers” 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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top destination for immigrant entrepreneurs

Canada is a top destination for immigrant entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur /

According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Canada is the top destination for immigrant entrepreneurs among all OECD countries. There are over 24 OECD countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden. According to OECD research, these countries are becoming more interested in attracting international entrepreneurs. This is intended to promote innovation, foreign investment, the creation of jobs, and economic growth.  Furthermore, in order to create a favorable environment for new and innovative enterprises to grow, a combination of measures should be implemented to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems, drive research and innovation, and guarantee that prospective founders have access to funds and appropriate human capital.  The top destination for immigrant entrepreneurs in 2023 The OECD’s Indicators of Talent Attractiveness evaluating approach focuses on attracting foreign entrepreneurs by taking into account both general criteria and specific immigration laws aimed at potential international start-up founders. The system comprises seven important components: market size and reach, capital access, degree of digitization, and connectivity. In comparison to the other 24 OECD countries, Canada was recognized as the most attractive country for immigrant start-up founders and entrepreneurs. According to the ranking system, OECD concluded that Canada evaluated among the top 25% across every aspect of the framework, except for the ‘skills environment’. Canada, along with Australia, is the only country that allows successful start-up visa applicants to apply for permanent residency from day one.   How to Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur? Foreign entrepreneurs are able to get permanent residency in Canada through the country’s unique entrepreneur immigration programs.  Some of the most popular programs are: Canada Start-Up Visa Canada-United States- Mexico Agreement Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit Entrepreneur/Self-Employed Work Permit Canada Investor Visa Quebec Investor Program Do you want to make Canada your new home? Fill out our Free Assessment Form right now to assess your chances of coming to Canada.   What is the Canada Start-Up Visa Program? If you are an entrepreneur, you may be able to immigrate to Canada under the start-up visa program. Canada is looking for exceptional entrepreneurs who want to develop enterprises that will stimulate the Canadian economy while also creating job opportunities for its citizens.  Eligibility Requirements for the Start-up Visa Program To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must meet all four eligibility requirements as well as the entry requirements for Canada. You must: have a qualifying business; Having a letter of support from a designated organization is required; to meet the language requirements, and have enough money to settle and live in Canada before you start your business. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Canada is a top destination for immigrant entrepreneurs 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 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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IRCC invited 3,345 candidates in the new IEC draws

IRCC invited 3,345 candidates in the new IEC draws

International Experience Canada /

Over the last two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new IEC draws. From August 5 to August 18, Canada invited 3,273 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of August 18, 24,896 candidates registered in the pool, awaiting the invitation.  Overview of candidates invited to the new IEC draws As of August 18, 24,896 candidates registered in the pool, awaiting the invitation. In this round. In this round, in the new IEC Draws, 3,345 ITAs were sent out to candidates. The details of each country-wise invited candidate are in the table below: No of ITAs Country Name No of ITAs Country Name 4 Switzerland 485  Australia 438  Japan 5  Belgium 8 Croatia 341  Costa Rica 96  Spain 61  Czech Republic 21  Denmark 3  Estonia 191  France 20  Greece 12  Hong Kong 206  Ireland 118  Italy 10  Slovakia 7 Austria 32  Poland 167  Germany 749  United Kingdom 1 Lithuania 1 Slovenia 46  Netherlands 124  New Zealand 11  Norway 5 Taiwan 52  Portugal 26  Sweden 1 Luxembourg 3 Latvia 1 Chile In 2023, Canada issued 108,409 ITAs under the IEC Program.   What is the IEC Program? A program called International Experience Canada (IEC) enables young people to work and travel for up to two years in Canada due to reciprocal agreements with other countries. More than 38 countries and territories have bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada. Foreign youth between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for a temporary work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which enables them to travel and work in Canada. IEC can support you in achieving your goals, whether you wish to take a gap year before beginning postsecondary education, complete a co-op or internship abroad, or get international job experience after graduation. Since 2008, almost 240,000 Canadians have taken part in the IEC Program, and many of them have returned to their home country with life-changing experiences that have enriched both their personal and professional lives. Benefits of the IEC Program include: You can work for any Canadian employer with an open work permit. There is no need for an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). a random draw system for the approval of IEC work permits. For IEC Draws in 2023: Click here!   International Experience Canada (IEC) offers three categories Working Holiday: This program, which enables people to work for any employer in Canada, is a great option for those who want to make money while traveling the country. Young professionals: This program is intended for those who want to advance their professional development. It provides the chance to obtain priceless experience working abroad in your profession or area of study. International Co-op (Internship): This program, which is specifically intended for students, enables applicants to get useful experience working abroad in an area that is connected to their field of study. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “IRCC invited 3,345 candidates in the new IEC 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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LMIA application processing times for 2023

ESDC updated LMIA application processing times for 2023

Work in Canada /

On August 16, 2023, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the LMIA application processing times for 2023 under various streams. Service Canada is dedicated to giving all Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP) applicants excellent client service and recognizes the importance of the program in addressing Canada’s labor shortages and serving the needs of Canadian businesses. Depending on how many applications the TFWP receives, processing times for LMIA applications can change. Service Canada is committed to processing all LMIA applications as quickly as possible. What are the updated LMIA application processing times for 2023? Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for the Permanent residence Stream, Agricultural stream, and In-home caregivers.  Global Talent Stream – 10 business days (-3 days) Agricultural stream – 16 business days (+5 days) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 6 business days (-1 day) Permanent residence Stream – 60 business days (+6 days) In-home caregivers – 24 business days (+1 day) High-wage Stream – 37 business days (-3 days) Low-wage Stream – 44 business days (-6 days) If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA or hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates   What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment? Before hiring a foreign worker, a Canadian business may require to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA will demonstrate that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. Additionally, it will demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified for the position. A confirmation letter is another name for a positive LMIA. The worker can submit a work permit application after the employer receives the LMIA. Applicants for work permits must meet the following requirements: a job offer letter,  a contract,  a copy of the LMIA, and  the LMIA number Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “ESDC updated LMIA applications processing times for 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 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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Agri-Food Pilot Program

The Canadian Government implemented new changes in Agri-Food Pilot Program

Work in Canada /

On August 18, 2023, the Government of Canada implemented two changes to the Agri-Food Pilot Program(AFP), providing more opportunities for workers and their families to apply for permanent residency.  First, family members of all AFP participants can now apply for open work permits.  Second, Canada started accepting union reference letters instead of employer reference letters to confirm an applicant’s work experience.  How to qualify for Agri-Food Pilot? The AFP launched as a 3-year pilot in 2020, was extended until May 14, 2025. To qualify for permanent residency, applicants need Canadian work experience in eligible industries and occupations, a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible sector and occupation (outside Quebec), language and educational requirements, and settlement funds (if applicable).   What is the Agri-Food Pilot Program? The Agri-Food Pilot assists in meeting the labor requirements of the Canadian agri-food sector. The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program intends to help the agricultural industry fill labor shortages. The pilot program offers experienced, non-seasonal workers in particular industries and occupations a path to permanent residence. What are the Eligible occupations under the Agri-Food Pilot? The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is used to classify occupations. Each eligible industry’s eligible occupations are: NOC 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators NOC 85100 – Livestock laborers NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators NOC 85100 – Livestock laborers NOC 85101 – Harvesting laborers NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators NOC 85100 – Livestock laborers NOC 85101 – Harvesting laborers Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “The Canadian Government implemented new changes in Agri-Food Pilot” 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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