Admin

the Start-Up Visa program

Immigrant entrepreneurs increased by 6.3% under the Start-Up Visa program in the first half of 2023

the Start-Up Visa program (SUV) has seen a 6.3% increase in new permanent residents arriving as entrepreneurs during the first half of this year compared to last year. Although the number of new permanent residents coming under the SUV slipped slightly in June, the trend is still upward.  The government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2023 to 2025 allows for a significant increase, with 3,500 newcomers in the federal business category in 2023, rising to 6,000 by 2025.  The SUV program is expected to account for most of this allocation. British Columbia and Ontario have been the most popular destinations for immigrant entrepreneurs arriving under the SUV this year. Canada’s Start-Up Visa program Guide 2023 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 How can I qualify for the Start-Up Visa Program? You must fulfill all 4 eligibility requirements for the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program in addition to the requirements for entry into Canada in order to be eligible. You must: have a qualifying business have a letter of support from a designated organization meet the language requirements, and have enough money to settle and live in Canada   What is 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan? On November 1, 2022, the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan was introduced, defining the path for raising immigration levels to support Canada’s economic growth and meet labor market needs. The 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan will help Canada maintain its position as one of the top talent destinations in the world while reuniting families and fulfilling Canada’s humanitarian obligations, including the resettlement of Afghans who are in need of assistance. With a stronger emphasis on regional immigration to spread the advantages of immigration across Canada, the Levels Plan gives economic immigration priority in order to support the development of a strong economy. More than half of all expected admissions are for the economic class. On November 1, 2022, the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan (Levels Plan) was introduced in Parliament. It included the following targets for admitting new permanent residents: 465,000 in 2023 (range: 410,000-505,000) 485,000 in 2024 (range: 430,000-542,500) 500,000 in 2025 (range: 442,500-550,000) Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Immigrant entrepreneurs increased by 6.3% under the Start-Up Visa program in the first half of 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

Immigrant entrepreneurs increased by 6.3% under the Start-Up Visa program in the first half of 2023 Read More »

Immigration in 2023

Immigration in 2023 is expected to surpass record targets for this year

Immigration in 2023 is expected to surpass record targets for this year, Canada’s immigration rate is set to exceed the targets outlined in the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, with 232,120 new permanent residents alone in the first half of 2023. If this trend continues, there could be a total of 526,360 new permanent residents by the end of 2023, which is 5.7% more than the target of 465,000 for this year and almost 5.3% above the 500,000, the target for 2025.  Despite a slight decrease in June, immigration to Canada has been steadily increasing.  Overview of Ontario Immigration in 2023 Ontario is the most popular destination for newcomers, attracting about 38.5% of the total new permanent residents in the first half of 2023 Economic programs such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Caregiver Programs, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Programs, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) and Self-Employed Persons (SEP) Programs, and the Temporary Resident to Permanent In the first half of the year, 19,600 individuals who were eligible for Canada’s refugee and protected person programs as well as another 31,910 new permanent residents who were sponsored by families also moved to Ontario. For the Latest Canada Immigration news Click here! Other provinces and territories During that time, the following numbers of new permanent residents were attracted to each of the other provinces and territories: 3,150 in Newfoundland and Labrador 1,970 on Prince Edward Island 6,000 Nova Scotia 5,345 New Brunswick Canada: 27,670 Ontario – 14,735 14,000 in Saskatchewan 31,680 in Alberta 41,770 in British Columbia Yukon – 530 195 in the Northwest Territories 30 Nunavut Newfoundland and Labrador in Atlantic Canada have by far the highest rate of immigrant growth in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2022.    What is the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan? On November 1, 2022, the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan was introduced, defining the path for raising immigration levels to support Canada’s economic growth and meet labor market needs. The 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan will help Canada maintain its position as one of the top talent destinations in the world while reuniting families and fulfilling Canada’s humanitarian obligations, including the resettlement of Afghans who are in need of assistance. With a stronger emphasis on regional immigration to spread the advantages of immigration across Canada, the Levels Plan gives economic immigration priority in order to support the development of a strong economy. More than half of all expected admissions are for the economic class. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Canada accepted over 405,000 permanent residents in 2021, setting a record. The 2023–2025 Levels Plan continues this trend. As the population continues to age rapidly immigration is crucial for Canada’s long-term economic growth; but, Canada has to maintain its capacity to welcome and integrate an increasing number of immigrants. To sustain and enhance the high standard of living that Canadians already enjoy and to create the framework for effective integration into our communities, the country must make a collective effort as its population increases. On November 1, 2022, the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan (Levels Plan) was introduced in Parliament. It included the following targets for admitting new permanent residents: 465,000 in 2023 (range: 410,000-505,000) 485,000 in 2024 (range: 430,000-542,500) 500,000 in 2025 (range: 442,500-550,000) Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Immigration in 2023 is expected to surpass record targets for this year” 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

Immigration in 2023 is expected to surpass record targets for this year Read More »

Alberta updated the AAIP inventory and invited 201 candidates

Alberta updated the AAIP inventory and invited 201 candidates

On August 9, 2023, Alberta updated the AAIP inventory. According to the new update, there were around:  1,176 Alberta Opportunity Stream applications,  405 Rural Renewal Stream applications,  295 Accelerated Tech Pathway applications,  196 Family Connection Stream applications, 147 applications from priority sectors, and  less than ten applications under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway.  In addition, on August 3, 3023, the AAIP invited 201 candidates who scored 315 points under the Family Connection Stream.  This year, Alberta invited 2,270 candidates and issued 6,527 nomination certificates. Overview of the updated AAIP inventory and 2023 Allocations Alberta published the update considering updated AAIP inventory, Nomination certificate limits, and 2023 allocations by AAIP stream on August 9, 2023. The maximum number of nomination certificates that the AAIP may issue each year is determined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  9750 nomination certificates will be issued through AAIP in 2023, allocated across Express Entry and non-Express Entry pathways (subject to change throughout the year). In 2024 and 2025, it is anticipated that there will be modest increases to more than 10,000 nomination allocations annually. These AAIP programs may change at any time without notice. They are determined in part by factor application volumes as well as how nomination allocations are predicted to be used in 2023. To know about Alberta AAIP Draws for 2023 Click here!   Alberta 2023 Allocations by AAIP stream 2023 summary of allocations Expected allocation Non-Express Entry Streams – Allocations  4,875 Alberta Opportunity Stream 4,240 Rural Renewal Stream 630 All (4) Entrepreneur streams 5 Express Entry Stream and Pathways – Allocations  4,875 Family Connection and Occupation in Demand 1,219 Accelerated Tech Pathway 1,219 Dedicated Healthcare Pathway 1,462 Sector Priorities (that is, construction, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism) 975 Total allocations: 9,750 In 2023, Alberta invited 2,270 candidates and issued 6,527 nomination certificates.   What are Alberta Applications 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. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Alberta updated the AAIP inventory and invited new 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 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

Alberta updated the AAIP inventory and invited 201 candidates Read More »

MPNP round 189

Manitoba issued over 600 invitations under the MPNP round 189

On August 10, 2023, Manitoba held a new MPNP round 189 of invitations in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. Manitoba has issued LAAs to 615 candidates, including 43 Express Entry candidates for this round. For this MPNP round #189, applicants needed to have minimum CRS scores between 605 and 708. Details of the MPNP Round 189 In MPNP round #189, the MPNP issued invitations under 3 different streams such as under occupation-specific candidate selection, regular Skilled Workers in Manitoba, Skilled Workers Overseas stream, and the International Education Stream.   Skilled Workers in Manitoba (occupation-specific) The MPNP held a new occupation-specific candidate selection draw under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM) stream and invited 249 applicants who scored 605 points and above.  Skilled Workers in Manitoba (regular SWM draw) Manitoba also issued 279 LAAs in the regular SWM draw. The minimum score for the LAA in this category was 647 points, two points fewer than the previous draw.  Skilled Workers Overseas stream In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, MPNP issued 40 LAAs to candidates invited under the Strategic Recruitment Initiative. The lowest score in the SWO category was 708 points, nine points fewer than in the previous draw.  International Education Stream In addition, 47 invitations were issued in the International Education Stream.  In 2023, MPNP invited 9,678 candidates, and 2,509 of them received invitations in the Express Entry.   About the Skilled Workers Program Manitoba The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Programme for Skilled Workers is mostly a locally driven program that is managed with Manitoba employers’ requirements in mind. The workers selected by MPNP are all highly skilled, internationally trained, and experienced workers who have a specific skill set required by the local labor market.  All of the selected applicants are then nominated for and/or invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Resident visas, which will enable them to work and settle in Manitoba, Canada. All qualified candidates with the skills required to contribute significantly to the expanding economy are encouraged to apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Programme.  The Manitoba PNP enables all nominated candidates to become Canadian citizens and to remain and work in the province of Manitoba. Manitoba PNP Draws 2023   Who is eligible for Manitoba’s skilled worker program? You must provide proof of your ongoing work in Manitoba as your established link to Manitoba in order to apply for the Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) program. If you have a valid work permit and have been employed full-time for at least six months (consecutively) by a Manitoba business as a temporary foreign worker or international student working graduate, you are considered to be in ongoing Manitoba employment. You might be able to submit an application to the MPNP as a temporary foreign worker (TFW) if you are successful in getting an IRCC temporary work permit.  Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Manitoba issued over 600 invitations under the MPNP round #189” 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

Manitoba issued over 600 invitations under the MPNP round 189 Read More »

BC PNP draw on August 09

195 candidates invited under the BC PNP draw on August 09

195 candidates were invited under the BC PNP draw on August 09, 2023, the Government of British Columbia issued new invitations under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and invited qualified Skills and Immigration candidates.  In the general draw, the province invited 139 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 88-110 points.  The province issued 34 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, BC invited 22 candidates who scored 60 points.  Latest BC PNP draw on August 09 Overview The overview of the stream, minimum score, and targeted draws descriptions of the latest BC PNP Draw on August 09 are listed in the table below: Date Invitations Stream Score Description August 9, 2023 139 Skilled Worker 107 General draw (includes tech occupations) Skilled Worker – EEBC option 107 International Graduate 110 International Graduate – EEBC option 110 Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 88 34 Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) 60 Targeted draw: Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) 22 60 Targeted draw: Healthcare In total, British Columbia issued 195 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited 6,460 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    BC PNP Draws 2023 You can find out details on the most recent BC PNP draw 2023 their dates, the number of invitations to apply (ITAs) issued to submit nomination applications, the draw streams that were held, and any specific factors targeted. To know details of the complete BC PNP draws of 2023 Click here BC PNP’s Skills Immigration Stream  British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) run 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, and/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 the “195 candidates invited under the BC PNP draw on August 09” 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

195 candidates invited under the BC PNP draw on August 09 Read More »

Authentication mandatory for GCKey accounts

IRCC made Multi-Factor Authentication mandatory for GCKey accounts

Starting July 31, 2023, IRCC made multi-factor authentication mandatory for all GCKey accounts and representatives to prevent unauthorized access to personal information.  The new authentication must be set up for new accounts or for signing into existing accounts. It must be used each time GCKey is used to access the IRCC account but is not required if the Sign-In Partner option is selected.  The following accounts require the new IRCC multi-factor authentication:  IRCC Secure Account,  Authorized Paid Representatives Portal,  Employer Portal,  Provincial and Territorial Partner Portal,  Designated Learning Institutions Portal,  Provincial and Territorial Public Health Authority Portal, and  the Partner Portal.   What is meant by authentication for GCkey accounts? When using government websites, it is a safe way to identify a user. The authentication procedure only verifies that the credential is legitimate and in the possession of its owner while maintaining the user’s identity. The government website does not learn or validate your identity through credential authentication. It just receives a message stating that the government or your bank successfully verified your credentials (username and password). What is a GCKey? The Government of Canada has created a special electronic credential called a GCKey that can be used with online government services. You can choose a username and password for it. You must also come up with security questions. This protects your data and enables account recovery. To use online services, anyone from any country can register and generate a GCKey login and password. It is not an account. You must still register for each online account after creating a GCKey username and password in order to link them to your account profile. What can I do if I forget my username or password for GCKey? You can make a new GCKey password if you forgot your old one. Visit the GCKey sign-in page. After answering the password recovery questions you previously set up while registering for a GCKey, create a new password. You can get your GCKey username back if you forget it. Visit the GCKey sign-in page. Click on”Forgot your username?”. Submit the email address linked to your account. You’ll receive your username at that email address. You must generate a new GCKey if you misplaced your email. You can access an application by connecting it to your new account if you create a new GCKey. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “IRCC made Multi-Factor Authentication mandatory for GCKey accounts” 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

IRCC made Multi-Factor Authentication mandatory for GCKey accounts Read More »

Canada announced the new Recognized Employer Pilot under the TFWP

Canada announced the new Recognized Employer Pilot under the TFWP

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.  Employers can apply for REP and LMIA at the same time through the LMIA Online Portal. What is the new Recognized Employer Pilot program? A program called the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) makes it simpler for businesses that frequently employ foreign workers to do so. These are workers who travel to Canada temporarily to find employment. These firms benefit from the REP program since it reduces paperwork and streamlines the hiring process. Businesses typically need to show that they truly need foreign workers and that there aren’t enough Canadian workers available before they may hire them. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) helps employers to do so.  Businesses that have demonstrated their need for foreign labor at least three times in the last five years are eligible for the REP program. There aren’t enough local workers since there aren’t enough of these jobs in Canada. How to apply for an LMIA and Recognized Employer Pilot (REP)? Employers who are anticipated to meet Recognized Employer Pilot REP eligibility requirements will be proactively urged to submit an application using a dual-purpose LMIA, which is different from the standard LMIA. Employers can request that the application be used to mutually submit applications for the LMIA and recognized status under REP. Using the employer’s prior experience with the TFW Program, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will decide if the applicant qualifies for the REP. In case an employer is not granted recognized status, they would still be able to participate in the TFW Program, and the Department would still assess their LMIA.  There are two ways to submit Recognized Employer Pilot REP or an LMIA application: Employers can submit online applications to ESDC using the LMIA Online Portal, an established and secure platform, or, if they have a valid exemption to the LMIA Online Portal, they can email a PDF application form to ESDC. An employer’s past compliance with the TFW Program and how frequently they use the Program to fill in-demand positions will be taken into account when evaluating a REP application. Applications will be accepted until September 2024 for both streams.   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 If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA and hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates What are the Update processing times for LMIA applications for 2023 Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for the Permanent residence Stream, In-home caregivers, and Low-wage Stream.  Global Talent Stream – 13 business days (-7 days) Agricultural stream – 11 business days (-3 days) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 7 business days (-1 day) Permanent residence Stream – 54 business days (+8 days) In-home caregivers – 23 business days (+2 days) High-wage Stream – 40 business days (-1 day) Low-wage Stream – 50 business days (+1 day) Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada announced the new Recognized Employer Pilot under the TFWP” 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

Canada announced the new Recognized Employer Pilot under the TFWP Read More »

Canada invited over 3,000 candidates through the IEC program

Canada invited over 3,000 candidates through the IEC program

Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws in the IEC program. From July 29 to August 4, Canada invited 3,273 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit.  Overview of candidates invited through the IEC Program As of August 4, 23,871 candidates registered in the pool, awaiting the invitation. In this round, under the IEC Program, there were 3000 ITAs 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 2 Switzerland 266  Australia 223  Japan 1 Belgium 3  Croatia 303  Costa Rica 51  Spain 41  Czech Republic 8 Denmark 3  Estonia 121  France 10  Greece 14  Hong Kong 139  Ireland 59  Italy 6  Slovakia 1,328 Korea 22  Poland 140  Germany 382  United Kingdom 1 Lithuania 2 Slovenia 24  Netherlands 71  New Zealand 5  Norway 6 Taiwan 31  Portugal 7 Sweden 3  Luxembourg 1 Latvia In 2023, Canada issued 105,065 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 “Canada invited over 3,000 candidates through the IEC 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

Canada invited over 3,000 candidates through the IEC program Read More »

PEI PNP Draw

Latest PEI PNP Draw invited 58 skilled candidates

On August 3, 2023, Prince Edward Island conducted a new invitation round under the PEI PNP Draw in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams and invited 58 candidates. This draw invited candidates working in: Healthcare  Manufacturing  Food Processing  Construction  Hotel/Accommodation   Agriculture  According to the schedule, the next PEI PNP draw will occur on August 17, 2023. PEI PNP Draw results of 2023 Under the PEI PNP, the province invited 1,697 candidates this year, including 1,653 candidates under the Labour Impact and Express Entry categories and 44 business candidates. In the table below the results of PEI PNP Draws for 2023 as of August 03, 2023, are listed:  Date Entrepreneur Invitations Minimum Point Threshold Labour & Express Entry Invitations Total invitations Aug 3, 2023 – – 58 58 July 20, 2023 9 80 97 106 June 29, 2023 – – 90 90 June 15, 2023 4 82 118 122 June 1, 2023 – – 97 97 May 18, 2023 3 65 156 159 May 4, 2023 – – 122 122 Apr 20, 2023 9 72 180 189 Mar 30, 2023 – – 113 113 Mar 16, 2023 6 52 138 144 Mar 2, 2023 – – 46 46 Feb 16, 2023 6 70 222 228 Jan 19, 2023 7 62 216 223 Total 44  – 1,653 1,697   What is the PEI Labour Impact category? The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nomination Program (PEI PNP) offers a number of Labour Impact programs for skilled workers and new graduates who want to reside permanently in PEI. Such programs provide potential immigrants who have received a job offer from a PEI employer the opportunity to benefit from an accelerated pathway to permanent residency. Three streams are included in the category of PEI labor impact:  PEI Skilled Workers PEI Critical Worker PEI International Graduate About the PEI PNP Express Entry The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nomination Program (PEI PNP) Express Entry stream does not require candidates to have a job offer from a PEI employer at the time of submitting their Expression of Interest, as compared to many other Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams associated with Express Entry. Candidates obtain provincial nominations depending on whether their qualifications and work history match PEI’s labor demands, and this nomination can greatly improve a candidate’s chances of being invited to submit an Express Entry application for permanent residency. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Prince Edward Island held a new draw and invited 58 skilled candidates” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to 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

Latest PEI PNP Draw invited 58 skilled candidates Read More »

youth mobility agreement

Canadian Government announced a new Youth Mobility Agreement with Iceland

On August 4, 2023, the Canadian Government announced a new Youth Mobility Agreement with Iceland, allowing Canadian and Icelandic youth aged 18 to 30 to work and travel in each other’s country for up to 12 months.  The governments of Canada and Iceland will implement the new arrangement in 2024 after meeting all requirements. The new arrangement strengthens the ties between the two countries while providing Canadian youth with more international travel and work options.  It also helps develop life skills, improves future job prospects, and invests in the potential of their youth, leading to a stronger, more interconnected global community. A large number of Icelandic immigrants and their descendants outside of Iceland reside in Canada. 101,990 people with Icelandic ancestry live in Canada, according to the 2021 Census.  Up to 120 youths per year from Canada and Iceland will be able to work and visit each other’s countries according to the agreement between the two nations.   Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated: “Youth mobility arrangements are all about assisting our youth—their goals, interests, and potential to impact the globe.” With this wonderful arrangement in place, we are opening the way for them to connect, develop, and grow alongside one another, forming friendships and creating lifelong memories. In addition to providing Canadian employers with a larger and more diversified talent pool, together we are creating a world where our youth can get essential life skills and experiences.” The Honourable Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Iceland stated: “We are signing a youth mobility agreement with Canada here in Manitoba, and Iceland is extremely happy to do so. Youth from Iceland and Canada will have the chance to work and travel in each other’s countries due to this arrangement, discovering different cultures while also advancing their life skills and professional chances.”   What is the youth mobility agreement? 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. A recognized organization (RO) is an option for young people who require assistance in arranging their IEC experience. Typically, ROs are youth service groups that provide funding for employment and travel. They may be educational, for-profit, or non-profit.    What is International Experience Canada (IEC)? 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. Benefits 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 these 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 “Canadian Government announced a new Youth Mobility Arrangement with Iceland” 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

Canadian Government announced a new Youth Mobility Agreement with Iceland Read More »