Call for a Consultation       +1.416.665.3939

Call for a Consultation +1.416.665.3939

Select Page

Categories

 


More Jobs Opportunities in Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program

More Jobs Opportunities in Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has broadened its Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream, opening doors for more newcomers to gain provincial nomination. Announced on July 4th by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the update includes an additional 35 National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes to the list of eligible occupations:

NOC 14400 – Shippers and Receivers

NOC 14402 – Production logistics workers

NOC 65320 – Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations

NOC 74200 – Railway yard and track maintenance workers

NOC 74203 – Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers

NOC 74204 – Utility maintenance workers

NOC 74205 – Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
NOC 75101 – Material handlers

NOC 75119 – Other trades helpers and labourers

NOC 75211 – Railway and motor transport labourers

NOC 75212 – Public works and maintenance labourers

NOC 85102 – Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers

NOC 94101 – Foundry workers

NOC 94102 – Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters

NOC 94103 – Concrete, clay and stone forming operators

NOC 94104 – Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing

NOC 94112 – Rubber processing machine operators and related workers

NOC 94120 – Sawmill machine operators

NOC 94121 – Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators

NOC 94123 – Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders

NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers

NOC 94143 – Testers and graders, food and beverage processing

NOC 94200 – Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers

NOC 94202 – Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing

NOC 94203 – Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers

NOC 94205 – Machine operators and inspectors, electrical apparatus manufacturing

NOC 94211 – Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products

NOC 94212 – Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors

NOC 95100 – Labourers in mineral and metal processing

NOC 95101 – Labourers in metal fabrication

NOC 95103 – Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing

NOC 95104 – Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing

NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing

NOC 95107 – Labourers in fish and seafood processing

This expansion strengthens the program’s ability to address critical labor shortages in the province.

Eligibility Requirements for the Employer Job Offer Stream

In-Demand Skills Stream is a targeted pathway within Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed to address pressing labor needs across the province. This stream prioritizes occupations in key sectors like agriculture, construction, skilled trades, and manufacturing.

To qualify for this stream, several criteria must be met. First, the job offer must be full-time (minimum 1,560 hours annually or 30 hours weekly) and permanent (no end date) from a legitimate Ontario employer. Contract positions are not eligible.

Secondly, candidates need demonstrable experience in Ontario. At least nine months of cumulative, full-time, paid work experience in the same field (matching NOC code) as the offered position is required. This experience can be accumulated within three years before submitting an application.

Language proficiency is also essential. A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of four in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in either English or French is mandatory.

Educational qualifications are another factor. A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential is preferred. If lacking Canadian education, an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) will be necessary.

Lastly, for professions requiring licensing, candidates must possess the relevant license from the appropriate provincial regulatory body before applying for nomination under this stream.

Canada’s Weekly Earnings Climb to $1,240: StatsCan Report

Canada’s Weekly Earnings Climb to $1,240: StatsCan Report

A new report by Statistics Canada reveals that Canada’s average weekly earnings for employees rose to $1,240 in April 2024. This represents a 3.7% increase compared to the same period last year. The previous month (March 2024) saw a growth of 4.1%.

Several factors contributed to this rise in earnings, including adjustments in wages, employment composition, hours worked, and the impact of the baseline year used for comparison. In June 2023, the average weekly earnings sat at $1,204.

Employee Numbers and Job Vacancies

The report also highlights a trend of declining employee numbers and job vacancies. This is the third consecutive month where the number of payroll employees receiving pay and benefits has dipped, with a decrease of 22,700 (-0.1%) in April.Job vacancies also fell by 32,000 (-5.3%) to 575,400 during the same period.

Sectors April 2024 March 2024 Month-on-Month Change Year-on-Year change
Average for all sectors 1240.18 1234.94 0.42% 3.69%
Wholesale trade 1545.50 1472.87 4.93% 8.38%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 2397.01 2320.93 3.28% 3.15%
Other services (excluding public administration) 1080.29 1064.72 1.46% 6.41%
Utilities 2145.11 2117.98 1.28% 0.81%
Manufacturing 1325.82 1313.10 0.97% 0.89%
Health care and social assistance 1121.61 1112.10 0.86% 8.28%
Transportation and warehousing 1298.87 1290.29 0.66% 3.81%
Public administration 1587.31 1577.51 0.62% 3.28%
Construction 1495.64 1486.59 0.61% -0.24%
Real estate, rental and leasing 1261.81 1255.47 0.50% 1.28%
Forestry, logging and support 1368.20 1367.84 0.03% -3.90%
Professional, scientific and technical services 1744.37 1746.75 -0.14% 2.31%
Information and cultural industries 1702.69 1706.17 -0.20% 4.52%
Arts, entertainment and recreation 756.64 758.53 -0.25% 9.31%
Accommodations and food services 494.79 497.39 -0.52% 3.98%
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services 1051.45 1059.64 -0.77% 3.81%
Finance and insurance 1600.95 1614.09 -0.81% 0.40%
Educational services 1212.61 1223.11 -0.86% 1.45%
Retail trade 741.99 750.52 -1.14% 5.97%
Management of companies and enterprises 1775.27 1810.81 -1.96% 6.85%

Average weekly earnings in Canada

Breakdown by Sector

The report provides a detailed breakdown of average weekly earnings and payroll employment across various sectors.Some sectors that witnessed a rise in earnings include wholesale trade (up 4.93% to $1,545.50), mining and oil extraction (up 3.28% to $2,397.01), and healthcare and social assistance (up 0.86% to $1,121.61).

Conversely, sectors like retail trade (-1.14% to $741.99) and administrative and support services (-0.77% to $1,051.45) experienced a decline in average weekly earnings.

Provincial Analysis

The report further explores average weekly earnings across Canadian provinces. While some provinces like Ontario (-0.29% to $1,271.04) and Quebec (-0.16% to $1,181.70) saw minimal month-to-month changes, others like Yukon (1.55% to $1,441.64) and Alberta (1.53% to $1,317.98) reported a significant increase.

Job Vacancies on the Decline

Job vacancies witnessed a substantial decrease of 223,400 (-28.0%) in April 2024 compared to the same month in 2023.This decline primarily resulted in an increase in the unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio, reaching 2.3 in April.

The retail trade sector was particularly affected, with a decrease of 5,200 vacancies (-8.6%) in April 2024 compared to the previous month. This represents the lowest number of vacancies in the sector since November 2019.

National Unemployment Rate

While this report focuses on job vacancies and earnings, it’s important to note that the unemployment rate in Canada has risen to 6.2% as of May 2024, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.

Job Vacancy Rate

The report doesn’t explicitly state the job vacancy rate, but it can be calculated by dividing the number of vacant positions by the total labor demand (filled jobs + vacant jobs). This ratio would provide the vacancy rate as a percentage.

B.C.’s International Credential Recognition Act Benefits 29 Professions

B.C.’s International Credential Recognition Act Benefits 29 Professions

A new act, the International Credentials Recognition Act, will come into effect in British Columbia (B.C.) on July 1,2024, aiming to significantly ease the licensing process for qualified professionals in 29 occupations. This initiative targets 18 regulatory authorities, requiring them to remove unnecessary barriers for internationally trained individuals.With this act, experienced professionals with certifications obtained outside of Canada will have a smoother path to pursuing and gaining recognition for their qualifications.

One of the key changes addresses the long-standing challenge faced by many newcomers – the catch-22 of Canadian work experience requirements. Previously, individuals needed Canadian work experience to obtain a license, but were unable to gain that experience without a license in the first place. The new act eliminates this requirement for qualified professionals, opening doors for them to contribute their skills.

The act also promotes fairness by mandating regulatory bodies to charge the same fees to both international and domestic applicants. Additionally, unnecessary English language testing requirements will be eliminated, reducing unnecessary hurdles for qualified individuals.

To ensure public accountability and transparency, the act introduces additional data collection and reporting obligations for regulatory authorities. This will be accompanied by enforcement mechanisms to guarantee compliance with the legislation.

Details and Timeline

Regulations implementing the act will be rolled out in stages. A significant step will occur on July 1, 2025, with the removal of Canadian work experience requirements for licensing by 18 regulatory bodies that currently have this as a prerequisite.

While some regulations take effect later, the core aspects of the act will be in place on July 1, 2024. These include:

  • Establishing clear guidelines for the superintendent of international credential recognition to issue exemptions to regulatory bodies with a well-founded justification for requiring Canadian work experience in specific cases.
  • Setting a maximum administrative penalty of $100,000 for non-compliance.

Key Features of the International Credentials Recognition Act

The act introduces several key features to improve the overall experience for internationally trained professionals:

  • Reduced need for re-submitting English language tests: Applicants who have previously submitted valid English language test results will not be required to provide new ones.
  • Standardized fees: Regulatory bodies will be mandated to charge the same fees to both international and domestic applicants.
  • Improved efficiency: The act aims to ensure that candidates receive the information they need to obtain professional certification swiftly and without unnecessary delays.
  • Reduced wait times: The province will require regulatory bodies to make licensing decisions within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Increased transparency: Regulators will be required to make all information about their certification assessment processes readily available online.
  • Enhanced accountability: The act introduces new reporting requirements and grants enforcement authority to ensure regulatory bodies are held accountable.
  • Establishment of a dedicated superintendent role: A new superintendent of international credential recognition will be appointed. This individual will be responsible for promoting fair credential recognition practices, reviewing the performance of regulatory bodies, and overseeing compliance with the new legislation.

New International Credentials Recognition Act: Full List of 18 Regulatory Authorities

  • Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC
  • Architectural Institute of BC
  • Association of BC Forest Professionals
  • Association of BC Land Surveyors
  • Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
  • BC College of Social Workers
  • BC Institute of Agrologists
  • BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association
  • BC Society of Landscape Architects
  • College of Applied Biologists
  • College of Veterinarians of BC
  • Director of Teacher Certification (and BC Teachers’ Council)
  • Director of the Early Childhood Educator Registry
  • Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board
  • Law Society of BC
  • Organization of Chartered Professional Accountants of BC
  • Society of Notaries Public of BC
  • Superintendent of Real Estate (and BC Financial Services Authority)

New International Credential Recognition Act: Full List of 29 Occupations

  • registered music teacher
  • professional engineer
  • professional teaching certificate holder
  • land surveyor
  • early childhood educator
  • landscape architect
  • early childhood educator assistant
  • applied science technologist
  • conditional teaching certificate holder
  • certified technician
  • social worker
  • veterinarian
  • registered clinical social worker
  • lawyer
  • professional biologist
  • architect
  • applied biology technician
  • notary public
  • registered biology technologist
  • emergency medical assistant, including paramedics
  • professional geoscientist
  • chartered professional accountant
  • registered professional forester
  • associate real estate broker
  • registered forest technologist
  • managing real estate broker
  • professional agrologist
  • real estate representative
  • technical agrologist
https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation

https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation

How Category-Based Selection Draws Can Benefit Certain Express Entry Candidates

How Category-Based Selection Draws Can Benefit Certain Express Entry Candidates

Recent trends suggest that Express Entry candidates meeting the eligibility requirements for category-based draws are more likely to receive an ITA even with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score below 500. CRS scores represent a point value assigned to each candidate based on human capital factors. These scores are crucial for Express Entry draws, as the cut-off score determines the minimum CRS score required for an ITA invitation in a particular draw.

Challenges of High CRS Cut-Off Scores in General Draws

Many immigration candidates have expressed concerns regarding high CRS cut-off scores in general Express Entry draws. In 2024, none of these draws have had a cut-off score under 524. For comparison, in 2023, 17 out of 25 non-category-based draws had cut-off scores lower than 518.

Benefits of Category-Based Draws

IRCC has conducted eight category-based draws so far in 2024. Every single one of these draws has had a significantly lower CRS cut-off score compared to general draws this year, with a minimum reduction of 33 points. The specific cut-off scores for these category-based draws have ranged from 336 to 491.

Eligibility for Category-Based Selection Draws

To be eligible for an ITA through a category-based draw, candidates must meet specific criteria that vary depending on the category. These categories include French language proficiency, healthcare professions, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions, trades occupations, transport occupations, and agriculture and agri-food occupations. More details on these categories and their eligibility requirements can be found on the dedicated IRCC webpage.

Focus on French Language Proficiency

In 2024, IRCC has prioritized French language proficiency, anticipating it to be the leading category for ITAs issued through category-based draws this year (approximately 30% of total ITAs). To qualify under this category, candidates must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of 7 in all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) test.

Focus on Specific Occupations

This year, IRCC has targeted immigration candidates with work experience in five key industries: healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture and agri-food. For all these categories, a minimum of six months of continuous, full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in the past three years is required, obtained in either Canada or abroad. The specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes eligible for each category may vary.

Who Can Benefit Most?

Assuming they meet the eligibility requirements, foreign nationals with CRS scores below 500 (based on the lowest general draw cut-off score in 2024, which was 524) are most likely to benefit from category-based draws. This includes both candidates whose scores fall near 500 and those who wouldn’t qualify for an ITA otherwise, even with a CRS score increase.

Alternatives for Ineligible Candidates

For candidates aiming to improve their CRS scores for general draws without changing occupations, there are a few strategies:

  • Language Skills: Maximizing language proficiency can significantly increase CRS points (up to 310 points when combined with other factors like education). Scoring above the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements can be beneficial. Additionally, proficiency in Canada’s second official language (French) can grant further points.
  • Education: Depending on where your educational credentials were obtained (inside or outside Canada), education can contribute up to 250 CRS points. Having Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) completed for foreign credentials or pursuing further education can improve your score.
  • Work Experience: The level of your NOC and the duration of your work experience can influence your CRS score. Assessing your current work experience to see if it aligns with a skilled NOC and the total time spent working can help you gain more points. Gaining additional work experience can also be a strategy.
  • Changing the Principal Applicant: In some cases, couples applying through Express Entry might benefit from reviewing their CRS scores. If a spouse or common-law partner has a higher CRS score than the initially selected principal applicant, switching the principal applicant on the Express Entry profile can improve the overall score and increase the chance of receiving an ITA. Alternatively, each spouse could submit a separate Express Entry profile.

Important Considerations for Category-Based Draws

While category-based draws offer an opportunity for some candidates with lower CRS scores, there are some crucial aspects to consider:

  • Limited Number of ITAs per Draw: Compared to general Express Entry draws, category-based draws typically offer a smaller number of ITAs. This can increase competition within each specific category.
  • Specificity of Categories: The categories for these draws target specific professions or language skills. Candidates who don’t perfectly align with these categories won’t be eligible, even with a lower CRS score.
  • Fast-Moving Process: Express Entry draws, including category-based ones, happen regularly. Staying informed about upcoming draws and their requirements is essential to ensure you can submit an application when eligible.

Category-based selection draws present a valuable opportunity for specific Express Entry candidates with lower CRS scores, particularly those in high-demand professions or with strong French language skills. However, careful consideration of eligibility requirements, competition levels, and the fast-paced nature of Express Entry draws is crucial for maximizing your chances of success.

https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation

https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation

Canada May Link PGWPs to Specific Occupations

Canada May Link PGWPs to Specific Occupations

Canada’s immigration system is brewing significant changes for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, according to discussions between federal and provincial officials. Currently, the PGWP grants international students who graduate from designated learning institutions (DLIs) an open work permit.

Linking PGWPs to Labor Market Needs

Internal documents from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Deputy Minister’s office (2024) shed light on a potential overhaul too link PGWP issuance directly to labor market needs. This translates to potentially smoother access to work permits for graduates with in-demand skills, while potentially restricting access for graduates from other programs.

Aligning Education with In-Demand Skills

The driving force behind this potential shift appears to be aligning educational programs with the skills most sought-after in the Canadian job market. Internal IRCC survey documents reveal efforts to map job titles to specific programs of study.This mapping exercise involved synchronizing Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system with the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. Essentially, these systems categorize occupations (NOC) and educational programs (CIP) by field. The documents use the example of the “carpenter” NOC being linked to programs like “construction trades,” “carpentry,” and “woodworking/general.”

Why the Shift? Realigning with Labor Market Needs

IRCC reiterates its goal of “re-aligning with labor market needs” to facilitate work permits for graduates entering high-demand fields, while potentially limiting access for others. Notably, Canada’s last major PGWP update came in 2008,introducing open work permits based on study length. IRCC data highlights a 214% increase in PGWP issuance between 2018 and 2023.

Potential Downstream Effects on Immigration Pathways

These proposed PGWP changes might be part of a larger picture concerning temporary residency levels in Canada. Recent sweeping changes announced by IRCC regarding temporary residents (work/study permits, visitor visas, electronic travel authorizations) hint at further motivations. Following the 2024 international student cap announcement, IRCC took the historic step of including temporary resident levels in the annual Immigration Levels Plan for the first time. This move,beyond prioritizing permanent resident and citizen hiring, might also be a strategy to address pressure on social services (healthcare, housing) by potentially reducing the annual influx of temporary residents.

The potential PGWP revamp could have significant downstream effects on immigration pathways for international graduates in Canada. Gaining Canadian work experience through the PGWP is a key factor for eligibility in many permanent residence (PR) programs, particularly federal and provincial economic programs that often target graduates. If implemented, these changes could significantly impact future immigration opportunities, even for those currently studying in Canada.

https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation

https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation

Canadian Government Launches Innovation Stream Pilot to Attract Global Talent

Canadian Government Launches Innovation Stream Pilot to Attract Global Talent

The Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is offering a new pathway for highly skilled foreign workers to contribute to the country’s innovative businesses. Launched on April 15, 2024, the Innovation Stream Pilot is a two-year initiative designed to streamline the work permit process for select Canadian companies participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP).

Fast-Track Work Permits for High-Demand Skills

This pilot program exempts eligible employers from the requirement to conduct a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for specific positions. LMIA is a process that verifies if hiring a foreign worker will negatively affect Canadian employment opportunities. The Innovation Stream Pilot prioritizes filling high-skill roles (as defined by National Occupational Classification or NOC levels 0, 1, 2, or 3) with qualified foreign talent.

Benefits for Workers and Families

This new Innovation Stream Pilot will allow certain Canadian companies to bring in highly skilled foreign workers on work permits without needing an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). Jobs in National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3(Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) are considered high-skilled jobs. Furthermore, family members of these foreign workers will be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada. The Innovation Stream is scheduled to continue for two years, ending on March 22, 2026, unless there are any changes.

Program Duration and Eligibility

The Innovation Stream Pilot is currently scheduled to run until March 22, 2026. To be eligible, foreign workers (whether inside or outside Canada) must possess a valid job offer from a company participating in the GHP. The offered position must fall under an NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3 category and meet the prevailing wage standards for the specific region. Additionally, immigration officials will assess the applicant’s qualifications to ensure they align with the job requirements.

  • Employers: Companies participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project are eligible to hire through the Innovation Stream.
  • Workers: Foreign nationals with job offers in high-skilled occupations (National Occupational Classification categories 0, 1, 2, or 3) can apply from within or outside Canada. These categories typically require extensive education, training, or experience.
  • Family Members: Spouses and dependents of approved workers will be eligible for open work permits, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.

Companies Participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project

As of today, eight Canadian companies are authorized to hire foreign talent under the Innovation Stream Pilot without the LMIA requirement. These companies include:

  • Ada Support Inc.
  • AlayaCare
  • CellCarta
  • Clarius Mobile Health
  • Clio
  • Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG)
  • Lightspeed Commerce
  • Vive Crop Protection

The Global Hypergrowth Project: Fostering Innovation

The GHP is a government initiative designed to accelerate the growth of Canadian businesses. It provides participating companies with customized support and resources tailored to their specific needs. This not only empowers these companies to thrive but also creates a dynamic environment that attracts top international talent.

Employer-Specific Work Permits Explained

An employer-specific work permit restricts the holder’s employment to the terms outlined in the permit document. These terms typically specify the employer’s name, duration of employment, and authorized work location.

The Innovation Stream Pilot represents a significant step by the Canadian government to attract skilled foreign talent and bolster the nation’s innovation ecosystem. This program offers promising opportunities for both Canadian businesses and qualified foreign workers seeking to contribute their expertise to Canada’s economic growth.

https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation

https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation