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minimum wage

Most Canadian provinces plan to increase minimum wages in October 2023

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Canada’s federal minimum wage in early April increased from $15.55 to $16.65. In addition to this federal-level increase, minimum wage rates will also increase on a regional level in more than half of Canada’s provinces. These anticipated minimum wage increases will take effect on October 1, 2023, and will be as follows:   Ontario – from $15.50 to $16.55, In Ontario, the minimum wage is presently $15.50 per hour. The hourly minimum pay for students is $14.60. On October 1, 2023, both the regular minimum wage and the student minimum wage will increase to $16.55 per hour.  Manitoba – from $14.15 to $15.30, the hourly minimum wage is presently $14.15. On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will rise to $15.30. One and a half times the employee’s regular rate serves as the minimum overtime wage. After 8 hours in a single day or 40 hours in a single week, overtime is paid. Some exceptions may apply.  Nova Scotia – from $14.50 to $15.00, the hourly minimum wage is presently $14.50. On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour. For any hours beyond 48 worked in a week, the minimum overtime rate is half of the employee’s hourly wage. Some exceptions may apply. Newfoundland and Labrador – from $14.50 to $15.00, the hourly minimum wage is currently $14.50. On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will be raised to $15 per hour.  For any hours worked over 40 in a week, the minimum overtime wage rate is half of the minimum wage. Some exceptions may apply. Prince Edward Island (PEI) – from $14.50 to $15.00, the hourly minimum wage is currently $14.50. On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour. For hours worked beyond 48 in a week, the minimum overtime wage rate is half of the employee’s typical pay. Some exceptions may apply. Saskatchewan – from $13.00 to $14.00, For hours worked above 40 in a week, the minimum overtime rate is one and a half times the employee’s usual pay. When an employee works more than their allowed 8 hours in a day, they get paid overtime. If an employee who is scheduled to work 10 hours a day works more than that, they are paid overtime. Some exceptions may apply.  British Columbia: $16.75, For any hours above 8 in a day, up to 12 hours, the minimum daily overtime rate is one and a half times the employee’s usual salary. The overtime rate is double the employee’s regular wage above 12 hours. Even if the employee doesn’t put in over forty hours a week, this is still in effect. For any hours above 40 worked in a week, even if the employee did not work more than 8 hours per day, the minimum weekly overtime rate is one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay. Some exceptions may apply. Alberta: $15.00, For the first 28 hours of work a week, students under the age of 18 are paid the minimum wage of $13.00. The student must be paid $15 per hour beyond 28 hours. For all hours worked past 8 in a day or 44 in a week, the minimum overtime rate is 1.5 times the employee’s usual rate. Some exceptions may apply. Quebec: $15.25, In Quebec, the hourly minimum wage is now $14.25. On May 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase to $15.25 per hour. For hours worked in addition to 40 in a week, the minimum overtime rate is one and a half times the worker’s regular rate. Some exceptions may apply. New Brunswick: $14.75, For any hours worked above 44 in a week, the minimum overtime wage rate is 1.5 times the minimum wage. Some exceptions may apply. Yukon: $16.77, For hours worked above 8 in a day or 40 in a week, the minimum overtime rate is a time and a half of the employee’s regular rate. Some exceptions may apply. Northwest Territories: $15.20, For any hours worked past 8 in a day or past 40 in a week, the minimum overtime rate is equal to one and a half times the employee’s hourly rate. Some exceptions may apply. Nunavut: $16.00, For any hours, worked past 8 in a day or past 40 in a week, the minimum overtime rate is equal to one and a half times the employee’s hourly rate. Some exceptions may apply.   Must Read: 5 BEST CITIES TO LIVE AND WORK IN CANADA CANADA EXTENDS PGWPS OF INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES TO WORK IN CANADA FOR LONGER ESDC PUBLISHED NEW PROCESSING TIMES FOR LMIA APPLICATIONS   Want to know more details about “Most Canadian provinces plan to increase minimum wages in October 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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occupation-specific AAIP draws

Alberta held new occupation-specific AAIP draws

Alberta /

On April 24 and April 25, 2023, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held new occupation-specific AAIP draws and send out new invitation rounds in the Alberta Express Entry Stream. In the first draw, Alberta invited 124 candidates with a minimum score of 301 who work in a construction occupation with an Alberta job offer.  The province issued 8 Notifications of Interest (NOI) under the Designated Healthcare Pathway in the second draw. Qualified candidates had an Alberta job offer and a minimum score of 316.  As of April 26, 2023, the province invited 837 Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination in the Alberta Express Entry and issued 2,549 nomination certificates.  As of today, Alberta has opened 5 AAIP draws in April 2023, and 405 individuals have been invited as a result of these latest AAIP draws. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has held 10 draws so far this year, and 989 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) for submitting for provincial nomination have been issued. Alberta PNP Latest Draws 2023 Details for the Alberta PNP’s latest draw for 2023 as of Today, details for the Number of notifications of interest letters sent, and the CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidates who received an NOI letter are given in the table below; Date NOI Sent Lowest CRS Score April 25, 2023 8 316 April 24, 2023 124 301 April 20, 2023 152 302 April 18, 2023 68 307 April 05, 2023 53 351 March 30, 2023 150 372 March 09, 2023 134 301 February 16, 2023 100 357 January 23, 2023 154 385 January 19, 2023 46 324   Alberta Express Entry Stream A number of qualifying applicants may be selected 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 to select applicants are provided as a courtesy and are subject to change at any time.   Want to know more details about “Alberta held new occupation-specific AAIP 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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skilled and tech workers

British Columbia invited skilled and tech workers

British Columbia /

On April 25, 2023, British Columbia issued new invitations to the skilled and tech workers in the Skilled Worker – International Graduate categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).  In the Tech-targeted draw, BC issued 113 invitations with a minimum score of 90 points.  In the Childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202), the province invited 28 candidates who scored 60 points. In the Healthcare-targeted draw, the province issued 27 invitations to candidates who scored 60 points too.  In this draw, BC invited a total of 168 candidates. Including this draw, in 2023, British Columbia already issued 3,704 invitations.”   The previous PNP invitation rounds, which were held on April 4, April 11, and April 18, respectively, made this round’s invitations the fourth of the month of April. With certain limitations, the BC PNP issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to qualified candidates each week. The requirements of the BC PNP application inventory determine the frequency, size, and date of the next British Columbia PNP draw.   British Columbia Skills Immigration British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) administered by the province of British Columbia, includes a number of immigration streams designated as British Columbia Skills Immigration. Workers and foreign graduates who have the skills, education, and/or experience required to effectively contribute to the BC economy may be nominated for permanent residence in Canada through the BC Skills Immigration programs. The British Columbia Skills Immigration program includes the following streams: BC Skilled Worker BC Healthcare Professional BC International Graduate BC International Post-Graduate BC Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker   Also, Read; BRITISH COLUMBIA INVITED OVER 200 CANDIDATES THROUGH BS PNP ON APRIL, 19, 2023 THE LATEST BRITISH COLUMBIA PNP DRAW INVITES 132 CANDIDATES   Want to know more details about “British Columbia invited skilled candidates and tech 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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Skilled Workers Overseas stream

Manitoba invited candidates under the Skilled Workers Overseas stream in EOI draw #177

Manitoba /

On April 27, 2023, Manitoba held a new invitation round in the MPNP. In EOI draw #177, the MPNP under the Skilled Workers Overseas stream and issued 558 LAAs to eligible candidates (344 to Express Entry candidates). The lowest score in the SWO category was 616 points, 103 points fewer than in the previous draw.  In general, the MPNP invites candidates under three streams: Skilled workers in Manitoba, SWO, and the International Education Stream. In this round of invitations, Manitoba held an SWO-only draw. In 2023, MPNP invited 4,439 candidates, and 951 of them received invitations in the Express Entry.   Draws of Manitoba PNP Skilled Worker Overseas in 2023 The details for Manitoba PNP skilled worker overseas draws held in 2023 till April 27, 2023, are given in the table below; Date Cutoff Score April 27, 2023 616 April 20, 2023 719 April 6, 2023 708 March 23, 2023 708 March 9, 2023 666 February 23, 2023 721 February 9, 2023 709 January 26, 2023 713 January 12, 2023 713   Manitoba Skilled Workers Overseas stream The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) run by the province of Manitoba, is made up of a number of immigration streams and is known as Manitoba Skilled Workers Overseas (SWO). Three immigration streams under Manitoba Skilled Workers Overseas target at foreigners with the skills and experience necessary to contribute substantially to Manitoba’s workforce. The Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) pathway recommends candidates who can prove they have a solid connection to Manitoba by: the support of family members or friends; previous education or work experience in the province; or an Invitation to Apply received directly from the MPNP as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.   Manitoba Expression of Interest (EOI) The pathways under the Skilled Worker Stream and International Education Stream belong to the Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system. The first step in applying for immigration to Manitoba under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is to submit an EOI. Six criteria are taken into consideration when determining a candidate’s EOI ranking: language proficiency, age, work experience, education, adaptability, and risk.   Want to know more details about “British Columbia invited skilled candidates and tech 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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G7 countries

Canada to have the second highest real GDP growth in 2023 and 2024 among the G7 countries

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Canada to have the second highest real GDP growth in 2023 and 2024 among the G7 countries according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Canada is expected to have the second-highest growth in Real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) over the next two years. Indicators of a country’s economic health are often based on its real GDP.  In 2023, the United States is expected to experience a growth in its real GDP of 1.6%, while Canada is expected to grow by 1.5%. For Canada’s most recent immigrants, this could mean an increase in job opportunities across the country, potentially leading to economic stability as a new permanent resident (PR).   A country’s real GDP growth is frequently an indicator of how wealthy its economy is. Growth in the real GDP also frequently follows boosts in economic prosperity and employment. This is due to the fact that during times with high real GDP growth, companies typically hire more workers in order to meet the growing demand for goods and services. According to the IMF, People will frequently “have more money in their pockets” as a result of this increased productivity as real GDP rises in a country.   This is important for new immigrants to Canada as it indicates that more opportunities for employment may open available across the country. This will help them get a job that allows them to earn money and build a comfortable life in a new country. Additionally, having more money to spend is especially advantageous for immigrants to Canada because of the country’s volatile prices for everything from groceries to home utilities to transportation. The more disposable income newcomers have, the more likely it is that they will be able to build economic stability in the country.   Since they are more likely to participate in the labor force, Canadian immigrants significantly contribute to actual GDP growth. This is also true since more people participate in the manufacturing of goods and services as a result of these newcomers.  According to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2023–2025, the country intends to accept 500,000 new immigrants a year until 2025.    Overview of Canada and the G7 Countries The G7 is an informal alliance of the seven most developed economies in the world, the G7 countries include the European Union, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Leaders, ministers, and decision-makers can have frank and open discussions at the G7 meeting. Canada is able to pursue both its domestic and international priorities as a G7 member and takes an important role on the global stage.   The G7 provides leadership at the global level and acts as a strong catalyst for topics that are later taken up by other opportunities with greater global and regional involvement. The G7 brings together the world’s top economies to shape global trends and address enduring, multidisciplinary concerns as well as newly emerging international crises.  At the G7, Canada advanced its priorities for peace and security, climate change, gender equality, and the development of a sustainable global economy. Delivering goals that are important to Canadians has been enabled feasible by Canada’s transparent and inclusive relationship with domestic and international stakeholders.   Also, read; CANADA IS ACTIVELY RECRUITING INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED NURSES AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS   Want to know more details about “Canada to have the second highest real GDP growth in 2023 and 2024 among the G7 countries” 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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healthcare professionals

Canada is actively recruiting internationally trained nurses and other healthcare professionals

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Healthcare authorities recruited healthcare professionals overseas to address a severe labor shortage last year, resulting in increased immigration from internationally-trained nurses, orderlies, and other healthcare workers.  According to the latest data, 2,595 new permanent residents came to fill healthcare openings through the Express Entry system last year, up 28.1% from 2,025 the previous year.  Last year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made nurse aides and orderlies eligible for the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, as demand was very high for these highly-skilled workers.    The following job titles and occupational codes are included in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system of identifying occupations: nurse aide or orderly – (NOC) 33102 medical chemist – (NOC) 21101 medical archivist – (NOC) 12111 medical examiner – (NOC) 41310 medical secretary – (NOC) 13112 medical biochemist – (NOC) 21101 medical physicist – (NOC) 21100 health care assistant – (NOC) 33102 medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations – (NOC) 33101 other assisting occupations in support of health services – (NOC) 33109   On November 16, the IRCC introduced 16 more occupations to its list of qualifying occupations under that worker immigration program, changing the FSW in a way that made that possible. Due to this, 359 additional occupations became eligible for the FSW on the day the IRCC’s (NOC) 2021 came into effect.  Through the Canadian Experience Class program of the Express Entry system, healthcare workers can also immigrate to Canada. Provinces and territories can also nominate healthcare professionals for permanent residency through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) if they meet particular regional labor market requirements and intend to settle in that province or territory. Provinces may suggest individuals for their non-Express Entry paper-based streams or they can recruit applicants from the Express Entry pool.   The Honourable President of Canada, Sylvian Brousseau stated that: “The wait times for medical and surgical operations are getting longer and longer in Canada, and it’s getting harder for people to get the care they need. “We have seen many stories of emergency departments closing down or reducing their hours of operation in many parts of the country just over the past few weeks,” he continued. The cause of the emergency is simple: Canada is facing a serious nursing shortage and health workforce crisis.”   Immigration minister Sean Fraser said that: “We are addressing the labor crisis with every tool at our disposal, particularly in major sectors like healthcare, construction, and transportation.”   The nurses, physicians, and other hospital staff that depend on nurse aides and orderlies for basic patient care are the lifeblood of any hospital or nursing home. According to data from the federal Job Bank website for job searching and career planning, individuals earn a median annual income of $40,950 in Canada based on a typical 37.5-hour work week.   Also, Read; CANADA WILL REQUIRE 30,000 IMMIGRANTS TO REPLACE RETIRING FARMERS   Want to know more details about “Canada is actively recruiting internationally trained nurses and other healthcare professionals” 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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all-program Express Entry draw

IRCC issued 3,500 ITAs in the new all-program Express Entry draw

Express Entry /

On April 26, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under the all-program Express Entry draw. In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs.    In round #247, the cut-off score was 483 points, three points fewer than in the previous all-program draw.  The tie-breaking rule for this round was April 22, 2023, at 19:46:58 UTC.  As of April 26, 2023, there are 230,189 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool, 930 fewer than in the previous update.  In 2023, Canada issued 44,559 ITAs through Express Entry.   CRS Score distribution in the new all-program Express Entry draw of April 26, 2023 The new all-program invitation round follows the previous draw which was held on April 12, 3,500 candidates received invitations to apply (ITAs) and had a minimum CRS score of 486. CRS score range Number of profiles registered 601-1200 604 501-600 884 451-500 55,867 491-500 680 481-490 3,001 471-480 21,544 461-470 17,111 451-460 13,351 401-450 61,108 441-450 12,691 431–440 13,187 421-430 10,674 411-420 11,846 401-410 12,710 351-400 69,709 301-350 36,432 0-300 5,585 Total 230,189   How can you increase your CRS Score for Express Entry? Can you achieve a CRS score of 490 or higher for Express Entry?  how those the Express Entry works, the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score is a points-based system that the Canadian government uses to rank Express Entry Applicants based on factors such as: Age Education Language Ability Work Experience, and Adaptability   Express Entry Canada requirements The most popular way for foreign-trained professionals to permanently immigrate to Canada is via Canada Express Entry. It is a points-based system that awards points based on skills, professional experience, employment status, and province or territorial nomination. Your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency in Canada increase with your CRS score.  Different documents are required at different stages in the Express Entry application process such as: a passport or travel document language test results proof of Canadian education or an educational credential assessment report provincial nomination (if you have one) written job offer from an employer in Canada (if you have one),  police certificates medical exams proof of relationship to a relative in Canada digital photos to confirm your identity, and any other documents that you feel are relevant to your application   Also, read; IRCC ISSUED AN INCREASINGLY HIGH NUMBER OF ITAS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2023    Want to know more details about “IRCC issued 3,500 ITAs in the new all-program Express Entry draw” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to 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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ITAs in the first quarter of 2023

IRCC issued an increasingly high number of ITAs in the first quarter of 2023

Express Entry /

A record number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in the first quarter of 2023, making it the third-highest number to be issued in a three-month period since Express Entry was introduced.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 37,559 invitations, including the three largest all-program draws in history, each inviting approximately 7,000 applicants.  The number of invitations issued in 2023 was second only to the record year of 2021, contrasting starkly with 2022, which saw the least number of invitations issued for the first quarter on record. In order to meet its record goal of 465,000 new immigrants in 2023—82,880 of those will qualify in the category of Federal High Skilled Workers—IRCC needs to generate an important amount of ITAs in the first half of the year.   Number of ITAs issued in 2023 in Express Entry Draws In just three months in 2023, Canada issued 37,559 ITAs to applicants in a total of 10 Express Entry draws. The allocation of 2023 ITAs by date, starting in January, is given in the table below: Draw No Date of Draw Programs ITAs issued CRS cut-off #246 April 12, 2023, All Program Draw 3500 486 #245 March 29, 2023 All Program Draw 7000 481 #244 March 23, 2023 All Program Draw 7000 484 #243 March 15, 2023 All Program Draw 7000 491 #242 March 1, 2023 Provincial Nominee Program 667 784 #241 February 15, 2023 Provincial Nominee Program 699 791 #240 February 2, 2023 Federal Skilled Worker 3300 489 #239 February 1, 2023 Provincial Nominee Program 893 733 #238 January 18, 2023 No Program Specified 5500 490 #237 January 11, 2023 No Program Specified 5500 507   Read More; IRCC HELD THE LATEST ALL-PROGRAM EXPRESS ENTRY DRAW AND ISSUED 3,500 ITAS 5 BEST CITIES TO LIVE AND WORK IN CANADA   Overview of the Express Entry Express Entry is the system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage the intake of applications for economic immigration submitted on or after January 1, 2015, for the following classes: Federal skilled worker class (FSWC); Federal skilled trades class (FSTC); Canadian experience class (CEC);    Want to know more details about “IRCC issued an increasingly high number of ITAs in the first quarter 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

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Educational Credential Assessment

Saskatchewan claims to have the best educational credential assessment system

Saskatchewan /

According to Saskatchewan Immigration Minister Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan has the best Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) system in Canada. The province provides financial assistance of up to $6,000 to healthcare workers to upgrade or remediate their educational credentials, enabling them to work in their respective fields.  According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), immigration to Saskatchewan is rising. Last year, the number of new permanent residents in the province increased by 97.6%, reaching a record-breaking 21,635.    Saskatchewan is using its advanced educational credential system to assist foreign nationals who immigrate to the province. This recognition for their international training enables them to secure employment more rapidly than in other regions of the country. There are guaranteed time frames, according to the provincial minister of immigration. By law, if you submit an application to a regulator, you must receive a response within 20 days if you are in Canada and 50 days if you are outside of Canada. If the response is “no,” you will know exactly why and how to correct the situation: “This is the course you need to take to have that credential recognized.”   Educational Credential Assessment System (ECAs) To ensure that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other forms of credential verification) is valid and equal to a Canadian one, you can use an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). ECAs come in an array of types. You need an ECA in order to immigrate. Depending on the ECA’s type and/or issuing organization, you might be able to receive a different sort of ECA issued to you. ECAs can be used as part of an application to immigrate to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program of the Express Entry system to show that a foreign national’s degree or diploma is valid and equivalent to a Canadian one.  But ECAs can also be important to foreign nationals once they enter Canada, helping them in showing to employers that they have the education required to obtain jobs in their fields and demonstrating to licensing organizations that they are qualified to practice their professions.   Where to get an ECA? The immigration department of Canada demands that each ECA be carried out by a designated organization or professional body, which afterward generates a report confirming that international education is equivalent to that in Canada. Each organization and professional body has a different processing timeline and cost.  There are five designated organizations eligible for ECA: Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada. World Education Services. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS). International Credential Evaluation Service – British Columbia Institute of Technology.     Also, read the latest Canadian Immigration News: OTTAWA UPDATED IMMIGRATION INVENTORIES AND BACKLOGS THE RURAL AND NORTHERN IMMIGRATION PILOT MAY BECOME PERMANENT BRITISH COLUMBIA INVITED MORE CANDIDATES THROUGH THE BRITISH COLUMBIA PNP DRAWS   Want to know more details about “Saskatchewan claims to have the best educational credential assessment system” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to 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 & Associate

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AAIP inventory

Alberta updated the AAIP inventory

Alberta /

On April 19, 2023, Alberta published an update considering the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) inventory. According to the new update, there were around 1,170 Alberta Opportunity Stream applications, 135 Rural Renewal Stream applications, 140 Accelerated Tech Pathway applications, and 165 Expressions of Interest in the Alberta Express Entry pool.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allocated a quota of 9,750 nominations to Alberta for 2023 under the AAIP. This year, Alberta invited 584 candidates and issued 2,171 nomination certificates.   AAIP Inventory of Allocations 2023 Allocations for Non-Express Entry Streams total 4,875 Alberta Opportunity Stream: 4,240 Rural Renewal Stream: 630 All (4) Entrepreneur streams: 5 Allocations for the Express Entry Stream and Pathways total 4,875 Demand for Family Connection and Occupation: 1,219 Accelerated Tech Pathway: 1,219 Sector Priorities (that is, health care, construction, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism): 2,437 For 2023 total allocations are 9,750   AAIP Application processing and volume You can find out how long it takes AAIP to process a whole application for each AAIP stream or pathway by the usual processing times, dates, and application volumes. The following are the primary factors taken into consideration when processing AAIP applications: application quality (completeness, eligibility, outdated information or documents) the volume of applications received the date the application was received strategic priorities, informed by labor market and economic development information the number of nomination certificates remaining for the year   AAIP applications by volume The following occupations receive a lot of applications for the AAIP worker streams. It is possible for specific submissions to take longer to process or even to be excluded from Express Entry draws if the number of these applications exceeds the capacity to offer nominations. 62020 – Food service supervisors 62010 – Retail sales supervisors 63200 – Cooks 13110 – Administrative assistants 60020 – Retail and wholesale trade managers 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants 73300 – Transport truck drivers 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers 21222 – Information systems specialists 13100 – Administrative officers   Want to know more details about “Alberta updated the AAIP inventory” 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 & Associate

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