Aug 3, 2023 | Blog, Express Entry, Immigration, In the News, Permanent Residency, Why you need an immigration specialist
Recent Canada Express Entry draw
In the most recent draw held on August 3, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) issued 1,500 invitations to apply to eligible candidates.
This targeted category-based Express Entry draw focused for the first time on trades occupations, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 388.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry is an innovative application management system that oversees the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates in the Express Entry pool are assessed based on various factors like work experience, language ability, education, and age. They are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System score, and those with the highest scores are most likely to receive an ITA.
New Category-Based Selection Criteria
Since May 31, IRCC introduced new category-based selection criteria, focusing on specific attributes rather than just a high CRS score. The six new categories for Express Entry candidates are:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Strong French-language proficiency
Benefits of Express Entry
Moreover, Express Entry has revolutionized how Canada selects its immigrants, prioritizing those who bring valuable skills and experience to the country. With unparalleled efficiency, this program processes applications at lightning speed, providing applicants with the opportunity to settle in Canada quickly and effectively.
Eligibility and Requirements
To succeed in Express Entry, meeting certain requirements is paramount. Your work experience, education, language proficiency, and other factors will determine your score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Keep your documents in order and strive to reach the minimum required score to receive an invitation.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
Want to enhance your chances of receiving an ITA in future draws? Here are some tips to boost your Express Entry profile:
- Improve Language Skills: Dedicate time to enhancing your language proficiency in English or French. Higher language scores can significantly improve your CRS score.
- Job Offer Advantage: Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can increase your CRS score and chances of receiving an ITA.
- Maximize Education: Pursue higher education to gain additional points in the CRS system and stand out in future draws.
- Stay Informed: Stay updated with the latest Express Entry draws and changes to the selection criteria.
- Professional Guidance: Furthermore seek assistance from experienced immigration consultants to navigate the Express Entry process smoothly and optimize your profile.
How can we help you?
When you receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply), a new series of steps begins for you to obtain your permanent residency in Canada.
Get in touch with us as soon as possible to get access to our Post-ITA (post invitation to apply) services.
Do you want to do it yourself? Find out more about how to get an ITA and what to do next – Quick Guide.
Our expert immigration consultants are here to guide you through the Express Entry process and ensure a seamless and successful journey to permanent residency in Canada! You can speak with one of our consultants by clicking the button below.
Jul 31, 2023 | Blog, Immigration, In the News, Permanent Residency, Why you need an immigration specialist
Significant Policy Change in Canadian Immigration: Termination of Biometrics Exemptions
The temporary policy exempting certain applicants from providing biometrics during the permanent resident application process has been discontinued. Therefore, biometrics are now mandatory for all Canadian PR applicants.
Understanding Biometrics and Its Importance
Biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photograph, are vital in establishing one’s identity. The Canadian government aims to enhance the safety and security of its immigrants by implementing this powerful tool to combat identity theft and avoid potential mix-ups between individuals.
Removal of Exemptions and Clarification on Requirements
Previously, if you had submitted your biometrics in the past ten years while applying for any other immigration or visa program, you were exempt. But from now on, all foreign nationals seeking permanent residency must provide their biometrics, regardless of previous submissions.
What are biometrics?
For the purposes of Canadian immigration, biometrics identification is the collection of an applicant’s fingerprints and photo for facial recognition.
Who Needs to Provide Biometrics and Why
You might be wondering whether your past biometrics are still valid. Unfortunately, if you are between 14 and 79 years old and applying for PR after June 14, 2023, you’ll have to resubmit. No exceptions.
The Significance of Biometrics
Biometrics are unique physical characteristics that help identify individuals accurately. They play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and safeguarding your identity.
Preparing for the New Requirement
Whether you’re applying through the family class, economic class, or refugee program, biometrics are now a mandatory part of your PR application. Be prepared for this crucial step!
Q: I am on a work permit in Canada. Do I need to give biometrics if I am applying for PR after June 14, even though I gave my biometrics 4 years ago?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Regardless of whether you have previously submitted your biometrics, the new policy requires all foreign nationals applying for permanent residency after June 14, 2023, to provide their biometrics again. So, you will need to resubmit your biometric information as part of your PR application.
Our expert immigration consultants are here to assist you through the process and ensure a smooth and successful journey to permanent residency in the Great White North! You can talk to one by clicking the button below.
Mar 25, 2020 | Blog, Featured, In the News, Where to seek help, Why you need an immigration specialist
You may be asking yourself what are the benefits of hiring an immigration authorized representative? Can’t I just prepare my own application? Why should I pay someone else to do it? These are all valid questions and, of course, you are not required to hire an authorized immigration representative. However, the process of preparing and submitting an immigration application can be time consuming and often complex. Making even what may seem as a minor error on an application or failing to submit a required document could result in delays in the processing of your application or even a refusal.
Many of our clients are those who tried to submit their application themselves and either received a refusal, or had their applications returned for different reasons. A refusal doesn’t just mean more time and money, it could also result in subsequent attempts to apply being more complicated and difficult each time.
With over 80 different immigration programs available, finding the right program or path to accomplish or achieve your goal can be complex and applying to a program for which you don’t meet the requirements will only lead to a refusal. Our team of authorized representatives have prepared hundreds of successful applications and assisted countless individuals and families to immigrate to Canada. We are well versed in immigration law, regulations and policies and can help you determine the best program for which to apply. Our authorized representatives will learn about your specific situation, your goals and We will communicate with you to assess your situation, learn about your work and education history and provide you with professional advice and recommendations. Our representatives stay with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and timely process from that very first consultation until you successfully land and integrate in Canada.
What is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)?
As of 2004, Canada requires that all consultants complete an accredited program in immigration law and ongoing education to keep consultants informed on any new developments. Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) are legally authorized representatives in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). Before you hire anyone to work on your application or provide you with immigration related advice, it is very important that you verify that they are members of the ICCRC. Ask your consultant for his/her RCIC number and you can look them up to ensure you’re working with someone who meets the rigorous standards of the ICCRC. You can do this by going to the regulatory website www.iccrc-crcic.ca. You should be aware that there are many people who are not licensed but appear to be. Many scams exist, so be sure that you do not become a victim.
Mar 30, 2017 | Immigrate to Canada, In the News, Investor Immigration, Permanent Residency, Why you need an immigration specialist
International business people interested in investing and settling in the province of Quebec will be delighted to know that the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is set to reopen this year on the 29th of May. Foreign investors who meet the requirements of the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program will be granted permanent resident status for themselves and their family. This allows foreign investors to live, work, and do business anywhere in the country and allows your children to study in Canada as residents. The reopening of the program will allow 1,900 applications between May 29, 2017 to February 23, 2018. Foreign investors who are interested in the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program should get started on preparing your application right away so that it is ready to submit when the program reopens.
Foreign investors interested in applying must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Have a legally obtained minimum net worth of $1.6 million CAD;
- Be prepared to invest $800,000 CAD in Quebec through an authorized financial intermediary;
- Have at least two (2) years of legitimate, full-time business management experience in the five (5) years preceding your application; and
- Intend to settle in the province of Quebec.
In addition to these minimum requirements, Quebec investor applicants will also be assessed on several other factors including age, education, work experience, language, and adaptability. Our immigration consultants can aid you in determining whether you meet all of the requirements of the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program. We will assist you in properly preparing your complete application and guide you in collecting all the necessary documentation. Due to the limited number of applications being accepted this year, it is very likely that the program will reach capacity soon after opening. Thus, it is crucial that you begin preparing your application as soon as possible. Errors on your application could cause you to miss the window. With our help, you can prevent this from happening. Give us a call today to discuss your eligibility and find out how we can help you.
Mar 29, 2017 | In the News, Policies and Problems, Tourist Visas, Why you need an immigration specialist
Many people were concerned about being turned down at the U.S./Canada border, as a result of U.S. president Donald Trump’s immigration policy. However, new information now shows that less people are being refused entry to the United States from Canada since last year. U.S. government statistics now show that the total number of Canadians refused entry between October 2016 to the end of February 2017 has dropped from the same time period last year (Oct 2015 – Feb. 2016). The number of Canadians refused entry is 8.5 percent lower than last year – down from 7,619 to 6,875. We also note that the number of Canadians attempting to cross the border decreased by about 180,000 people since last year.
It is possible that these numbers do not accurately explain the situation. Perhaps people are simply preparing better before they attempt to cross the border. Many people are hiring immigration attorneys and consultants to prepare their applications for them. Instead of just going to the border unprepared, people are now more cautious about the possibility of being denied entry. Additionally, the fact that much fewer attempts have been made to cross the border might suggest that people are just deciding to stay home rather than risk being refused entry. Several groups, including Toronto District Schoolboard – have decided to cancel all future trips to the U.S. to avoid problems at the border. Being refused entry is not the only concern among these groups as some people are being detained and having to undergo invasive searches when attempting to cross the border.
Canadians looking to cross the border into the U.S. may want to be prepared for possible issues and prevent these by communicating with a knowledgeable immigration consultant. We can verify that you meet all the requirements to enter the United States and help you prepare all the necessary documentation in order to avoid refusal or detainment at the border.
Jun 19, 2015 | Why you need an immigration specialist
On June 18, 2015, Citizenship & Immigration Canada announced that the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) now regulates consultants who providing advice on Canadian citizenship services. Prior to this, the ICCRC regulated only immigration consultants providing services for immigration matters only. There was no regulation on those providing advice on Canadian citizenship applications or citizenship matters.
As of June 18, 2015 it is an offence for anyone other than an authorized representative to provide advice or representation regarding Canadian citizenship application – or offer to do so – for a fee or other consideration, at any stage of a Canadian citizenship application or proceeding, including the period before an application is submitted.
Anyone offering paid advice or services to applicants for Canadian citizenship must now be a member in good standing with the ICCRC or members in good standing of a provincial or territorial law society, or the Chambre des notaires du Quebec.
If you require advice, assistance, or representation on your citizenship matter, please contact our office to speak with an authorized representative.
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