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IRCC sent invitations to over 9,000 IEC candidates

Apr 10, 2024 | Blog, Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, Immigration Reform, In the News, New Laws

Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws in the pools of International Experience Canada (IEC).

What is the International Experience Canada?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a fantastic opportunity designed for young adults from participating countries to broaden their horizons by living and working in Canada for up to two years. It caters specifically to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 (though the upper limit may vary slightly depending on your home country).

What IEC has to offer?

• Work Experience: Gain valuable hands-on experience in a foreign workplace. This can significantly boost your resume, giving you a competitive edge when you return home or pursue opportunities elsewhere.
• Language Immersion: Canada is a bilingual country with English and French as its official languages. Living and working in Canada allows you to immerse yourself in your chosen language, significantly improving your fluency and communication skills.
• Travel and Exploration: The IEC program is not just about work. It’s a chance to explore the stunning landscapes of Canada, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vibrant cities of Toronto and Vancouver. With the income you earn, you can fund your travels and experience all that Canada has to offer.
• Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in Canadian culture. You’ll meet new people, experience local customs and traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of Canadian life.

The selection process for IEC is competitive, but if you’re chosen, it can be a life-changing experience. It’s a chance to develop both professionally and personally, while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Latest Invitations

From April 1 to April 7, Canada invited 9,043 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of April 5, 33,881candidates were registered in the pool and waiting for the invitation.

In this round, there were:

• 982 ITAs for Australia
• 31 ITAs for Austria
• 149 ITAs for Belgium
• 96 ITAs for Chile
• 33 ITAs for Costa Rica
• 2 ITAs for Croatia
• 14 ITAs for the Czech Republic
• 17 ITAs for Denmark
• 8 ITAs for Estonia
• 3 ITAs for Finland
• 1,426 ITAs for France
• 588 ITAs for Germany
• 34 ITAs for Greece
• 49 ITAs for Hong Kong
• 707 ITAs for Ireland
• 254 ITAs for Italy
• 1,019 ITAs for Japan
• 913 ITAs for Korea
• 8 ITAs for Latvia
• 15 ITAs for Lithuania
• 1 ITA for Luxembourg
• 67 ITAs for the Netherlands
• 273 ITAs for New Zealand
• 3 ITAs for Norway
• 80 ITAs for Poland,
• 34 ITAs for Portugal
• 17 ITAs for Slovakia
• 232 for Spain
• 14 ITAs for Sweden
• 5 ITAs for Switzerland
• 133 ITAs for Taiwan
• 1,836 ITAs for the United Kingdom.

In 2024, Canada issued 62,576 ITAs under the IEC Program.

If you want to know how to successfully immigrate to Canada but are unsure where to start download our free E-book “The Ultimate Canadian Immigration Guide” here.

PEI PNP held a new draw under the Labour Impact and Express Entry stream

Apr 5, 2024 | Blog, Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, Immigration Reform, In the News, New Laws

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is actively seeking skilled immigrants to address labor shortages in key sectors. On April 4, 2024, they conducted a draw through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams inviting 66 candidates to apply for provincial nomination.

This draw targeted specific professions in high demand: healthcare, manufacturing, and early childhood education. These sectors are crucial for the province’s economic growth and social well-being.

The PEI PNP offers an immigration pathway for skilled workers and recent graduates seeking permanent residency in Canada. With a clear focus on labor market needs, the program prioritizes candidates with experience in areas facing shortages. This targeted approach helps PEI attract qualified individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the province’s development.

https://bit.ly/TheUltimateCanadianImmigrationGuide

So far in 2024, PEI has invited a total of 511 candidates, with the vast majority (506) coming through the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams. These categories cater to skilled workers and international graduates with the potential to establish themselves in the province.

The PEI PNP is a fast-track option for obtaining Canadian permanent residency. With the next draw scheduled for April 18, 2024, interested candidates with relevant skills and experience are encouraged to explore this pathway to living and working in beautiful Prince Edward Island.

Considering immigrating to Prince Edward Island? The process can be complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. Schedule a strategic call with an immigration expert today to discuss your eligibility and explore your options for a successful PEI PNP application.

Alberta to double the Tourism and Hospitality Stream

Apr 2, 2024 | Blog, Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, Immigration Reform, In the News, New Laws

In a bid to revitalize its tourism sector and reach its ambitious goal of doubling the industry’s economic contribution by 2035, Alberta has launched a dedicated immigration stream. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program’s Tourism and Hospitality Stream aims to attract foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Canada by offering a faster pathway to citizenship.

High Demand, Mixed Results

Since its launch on March 1st, the program has seen significant interest. However, Tracy Douglas-Blowers, CEO of the Alberta Hospitality and Lodging Association, has noted a surprising decrease in job vacancy postings despite the program’s introduction.

Eligibility and Concerns

The program offers a streamlined path to permanent residency for eligible workers with at least six months of full-time experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, coupled with a confirmed permanent job offer from an Alberta employer.

Proponents believe the program will revitalize the tourism industry, fostering economic growth and enriching Alberta’s cultural landscape. Opponents urge careful consideration of potential drawbacks, emphasizing the need for robust safeguards to prevent exploitation.

What do you think? Will the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program effectively address the labor shortage in the province’s tourism industry? Could it lead to unintended consequences for worker rights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs)

For those unfamiliar, Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) are immigration programs administered by individual Canadian provinces and territories. These programs allow provinces to nominate candidates who meet their specific economic needs for permanent residency in Canada, providing a valuable tool for attracting skilled labor to address regional gaps.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is a Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) specific to Alberta.

AAIP offers several program streams beyond the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, catering to different immigration goals and skillsets. Here’s a brief breakdown of some other streams:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: This stream targets skilled workers with job offers in Alberta, aiming to fill labor shortages across various industries.
• Alberta Express Entry Stream: This stream leverages the federal Express Entry system, allowing candidates with profiles in the pool to be nominated by Alberta if they meet specific criteria. It includes the:
  • Accelerated Tech Pathway: A fast-track option for tech professionals in the Express Entry pool.
• Rural Renewal Stream: This stream focuses on attracting skilled workers to smaller communities in Alberta, aiming to revitalize rural economies.
• Business Streams: AAIP also offers programs for entrepreneurs seeking to establish or purchase businesses in Alberta, including:
  • Farm Stream: Supporting the establishment of agricultural businesses.
  • Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For international graduates who want to start businesses in Alberta.
  • Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Similar to the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, but for international graduates who studied outside Canada.
  • Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Encouraging business ownership in rural Alberta.

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.