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Ontario Prioritizes Public Colleges and Universities for International Students in 2024

Mar 28, 2024 | Blog, Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, Immigration Reform, In the News, New Laws

Ontario Announces Revamp of International Student Allocation — The Ontario government unveiled a revamped plan for allocating international student study permits, placing a strong emphasis on public universities and colleges. This shift aims to align student programs with critical labor market needs within the province.

Public Institutions Take Center Stage

A significant portion, 96%, of international student study permits will be directed towards public universities and colleges. This allocation strategy marks a clear departure from the past and reflects the government’s desire to equip graduates with skills directly applicable to the current job market. The remaining 4% of permits will be distributed amongst language schools, private universities, and other institutions. Notably, career colleges, which are typically private institutions, will be excluded from receiving any allocations under this new system.

Focus on High-Demand Fields and French Language Skills

The Ontario government has identified several “high-demand areas” that will be prioritized for international student enrollment. These areas include skilled trades, healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), hospitality, and childcare. This focus aligns with the province’s strategic plan to address skill shortages in these crucial sectors. Additionally, the government will prioritize programs offered in French, recognizing the growing demand for French-language proficiency in the workforce.

Allocation Limits and Comparisons with Other Provinces

The plan outlines limitations on the number of permits individual institutions can issue. To ensure a balanced approach, institutions cannot exceed their 2023 study permit issuance numbers. Furthermore, the proportion of international students at a public university (excluding high-demand fields) cannot be greater than 55% of the institution’s first-year domestic enrollment in 2023.

This allocation strategy differs significantly from other provinces. For instance, British Columbia, the province with the second-highest number of designated learning institutions after Ontario, opted for a more balanced approach, splitting its allocation roughly equally between public (53%) and private institutions (47%).

Next Steps for International Students

While the total number of study permit allocations Ontario received from the federal government remains undisclosed, it is expected to be the largest in Canada due to the province’s population size. International students are advised to contact their chosen school directly to obtain details on the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) application process. The Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) clarifies that students won’t need to apply directly. Their designated learning institution (DLI) will submit the application on their behalf to the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Once approved, students will receive their PAL from the DLI.

The official launch of Ontario’s PAL issuance system is imminent, expected to roll out in the coming days. The federal deadline for provinces to implement a PAL system is March 31st. This new allocation system and the prioritization of public institutions mark a significant shift in Ontario’s approach to international student education, aiming to bridge the gap between educational programs and the province’s labor market needs.

British Columbia inviting skilled candidates and tech professionals

Mar 27, 2024 | Blog, Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, Immigration Reform, In the News, New Laws

The Canadian province of British Columbia is actively looking to attract skilled immigrants, with a new round of invitations issued on March 26, 2024, through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). This program allows individuals with the skills and experience British Columbia needs to obtain Canadian permanent residency.

Targeted Draws for In-Demand Fields

The latest draw focused on several key sectors experiencing labor shortages. Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to qualified candidates in:

• Technology: This draw saw the highest bar for entry, with only 47 candidates receiving invitations and a minimum score requirement of 114 points.
• Childcare: Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, British Columbia invited 28 Early Childhood Educators (National Occupation Classification 42202) with a more accessible minimum score.
• Healthcare: The province invited 30 healthcare workers with a minimum score of 85 points.
• Construction: Up to 21 invitations were issued to skilled construction workers.
• Veterinary Care: A pilot program targeting veterinary professionals saw a limited number of invitations issued (up to five).

What is the BCPNP?

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is a provincial immigration program designed to attract skilled workers to the province. By targeting specific occupations in high demand, the BCPNP helps address labor shortages and boost the provincial economy.

British Columbia Seeks Over 2,500 New Residents in 2024

This latest draw brings the total number of invitations issued in 2024 to up to 131 and over 2,500 for the year so far. These numbers highlight British Columbia’s commitment to attracting skilled immigrants to contribute to the province’s growth and prosperity.

How Does the BCPNP Work?

Individuals interested in immigrating to British Columbia through the BCPP can create an online profile and express their interest in the program. The BCPNP uses a points-based system, where candidates receive points for factors such as work experience, education, and language skills. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for a provincial nomination, which is a key step towards obtaining Canadian permanent residency.

General Eligibility

• Skilled Trades: You must have at least two years of continuous, full-time work experience (or equivalent) in your skilled occupation.
• Valid Job Offer: You need a full-time, permanent job offer from a B.C. employer in an eligible occupation classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/.
• Educational Background: Possess a valid post-secondary diploma, degree, or certificate from a recognized institution, typically within the last three years.
• Language Skills: Meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) requirements in English or French. The minimum score required can vary depending on the stream.
• Meet admissibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html.

Qualification for Specific Streams 

Skilled Worker: This is a broad category. Recent draws for this stream had varying minimum scores depending on the targeted professions:

• • Tech: 114 points
  • Healthcare: 85 points
  • Childcare: 85 points (Early Childhood Educators – NOC 42202)
  • Construction: 90 points

International Graduate: This stream is for recent graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions with a valid job offer in B.C. Minimum requirements typically involve meeting the educational background criteria and the language benchmarks.

Qualifying for the BCPNP

1. Check Your Eligibility: Review the BCPNP website https://www.welcomebc.ca/ to assess if you meet the general eligibility criteria and explore the specific requirements for your desired stream.
2. Create a Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) Profile: If eligible under the Skilled Worker category, you’ll need to create a SIRS profile to be considered for future draws.
3. Improve Your Score: The BCPNP uses a points-based system. Explore ways to enhance your score through factors like gaining more work experience, improving language proficiency, or obtaining additional education.

Additional Tips

• Consider seeking professional immigration advice to navigate the application process effectively.
• Ensure you have all the required documentation readily available before applying.
• Respond promptly to any invitations to apply (ITAs) as they typically have deadlines.

Is the BCPNP Right for You?

If you have the skills and experience British Columbia is seeking, the BCPNP could be a great pathway to immigrating to Canada. For more information on the program and eligibility requirements, you can visit the official BCPNP website or you can schedule a strategic call with one of our experienced consultants and assess your eligibility with a tailored immigration plan . Check our availability here.

Quebec Announces Biggest Arrima Draw of 2024, Inviting Over 1,300 Skilled Workers

Mar 27, 2024 | Blog, Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, Immigration Reform, In the News, New Laws

The Canadian province of Quebec has conducted its largest Arrima draw of 2024, inviting a significant number of skilled workers to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This is a crucial step for obtaining permanent residency in Canada.

What is Arrima?

Arrima, which stands for “Arrivée en continu pour l’immigration au Québec” (Continuous Arrival for Immigration to Quebec), is an online system used by Quebec to manage applications for immigration through its selection programs. Skilled workers interested in immigrating to Quebec can create an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile in Arrima. This profile outlines their skills, experience, and education. MIFI, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, then conducts regular draws from the pool of EOI profiles, inviting candidates who best meet Quebec’s immigration needs to apply for a CSQ.

Details of the Draw

The latest draw, conducted on March 21, 2024, saw MIFI inviting a record-breaking 1,357 candidates to apply for a CSQ. This surpasses the previous largest draw of 2024, which invited 1,136 candidates in March.

Selection Criteria

To be invited in this draw, candidates needed to meet specific criteria. They required:

• A minimum score of 596 points under the Quebec Experience Class (QEC) point system. This point system evaluates factors like education, work experience, language skills, and age.
• At least level 7 oral proficiency in French. Quebec prioritizes French-speaking immigrants to support the province’s French culture and language.
• A valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Community. Quebec aims to distribute skilled workers across the province and reduce pressure on major cities like Montreal.

Strong Demand for Skilled Workers

The high number of invitations in this draw reflects Quebec’s ongoing need for skilled workers. The province faces labor shortages in various sectors and actively seeks qualified immigrants to fill these gaps. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, with Quebec projecting to invite a significant number of skilled workers through Arrima draws.

What Happens Next?

The invited candidates now have 60 days to submit a complete application for a CSQ to MIFI. If successful, they will receive a CSQ, which allows them to apply for permanent residence with the federal government of Canada.

This news is encouraging for skilled workers seeking immigration opportunities in Quebec. The high number of invitations demonstrates the province’s openness to immigration and its commitment to attracting talented individuals to contribute to its economy.

Manitoba Invites Nearly 200 Ukrainians Through Provincial Nominee Program

Mar 27, 2024 | Blog, Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, Immigration Reform, In the News, New Laws

The Canadian province of Manitoba has continued its efforts to support Ukrainians seeking resettlement by holding a special draw through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) specifically for Ukrainian candidates. This 24th draw, held on March 26, 2*024, invited 179 Ukrainians to apply for provincial nomination, putting them on a path to Canadian permanent residency.

What is the MPNP?

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) is a pathway for immigration to Canada established by the Manitoba provincial government. Unlike federal immigration programs, the MPNP allows the province to nominate individuals who possess the skills and experience they are looking for in their workforce and communities.

Eligibility for Ukrainian Candidates

To be eligible for the special MPNP draw for Ukrainians, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Ukrainian Citizenship: This program is specifically designed to assist Ukrainian nationals.
• Language Skills: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of English or French language proficiency, with a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of 4 in each of the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Manitoba Connections: Having a close relative in Manitoba, prior work experience or education in the province, or established community ties can strengthen an application.
• Express of Interest (EOI) Points: The MPNP uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where candidates create a profile and receive points based on factors like their work experience, education, and language skills. A minimum score of 60 points is required to be considered for a nomination invitation.
• Language Test: Applicants must provide a valid language test result from an approved institution to demonstrate their English or French proficiency.

Manitoba’s Support for Ukrainians

This draw brings the total number of Ukrainians invited to apply through the MPNP in 2024 to 451. This targeted approach reflects Manitoba’s dedication to supporting Ukrainians seeking to rebuild their lives in Canada. The province offers a welcoming environment with established Ukrainian communities and a robust network of settlement services to assist newcomers in integrating successfully.

By expediting applications from Ukrainians, Manitoba streamlines the immigration process and offers a path to permanent residency for those fleeing the war.