Mar 12, 2024 | Business Immigration, Canadian Experience Class, Citizenship, Complete Representation, Federal Skilled Trades, Humanitarian & Compassionate, Permanent Residency, Processing Times
Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence Canada (ITA)
If you are interested in becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada, you will need to be invited through an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This ITA is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After receiving an ITA, applicants will have the chance to apply for Canadian permanent residence and bring their accompanying family members, such as their spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children, along with them.
Step-by-step process of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to immigrate to Canada:
1. Create an Express Entry profile to enter the Express Entry pool.
The first step involves submitting information about your skills, language ability, education, and work experience. If you meet the criteria for immigration to Canada, you will be placed in the Express Entry pool.
2. Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score.
You will then be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on the information in your Express Entry profile. The CRS score is used to rank candidates based on their skills and other factors.
3. Boost Your CRS Score
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points based on your human capital factors like skills, education, age, language proficiency, and work experience. A higher score increases your chances of receiving an ITA. Consider these strategies:
- Improve Language Skills: Aim for high scores on English or French language tests like IELTS or CELPIP. Strong language abilities are essential for integrating into Canadian society and the workforce.
- Gain Work Experience: Relevant Canadian or international experience boosts your score. Look for opportunities in fields listed in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) for additional points.
- Pursue Higher Education: A Canadian degree, diploma, or relevant post-secondary qualification can be advantageous. Consider Canadian institutions or programs approved by Canadian education credential assessment services.
- Secure a Valid Job Offer: A job offer from a Canadian employer with LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) approval adds significant points and demonstrates your employability in Canada.
- Provincial Nomination: Receiving a nomination from a Canadian province/territory can significantly increase your CRS score. PNPs target skilled workers to address specific labor market needs. Research programs offered by provinces that align with your skills and experience.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your score is above the cut-off threshold score.
IRCC regularly conducts draws inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. The cut-off score for each draw varies depending on the number of applications received by IRCC.
If your CRS score is higher than the cut-off threshold score for that specific Express Entry draw, you will receive an ITA.
5. Submit a complete application for permanent residence (APR) in your online account.
Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence (APR) in your online account. This involves providing documents such as passport, language test scores, job offer letter, and more.
Read more about: GCKey: Apply Online For Canada Immigration and Visa
6. Receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and/or a Permanent Residence Visa.
After your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and/or a Permanent Residence Visa.
7. Live and work in Canada as a Permanent Resident.
Finally, once you have your permanent residence visa, you can travel to Canada and live and work as a Permanent Resident.
National Occupational Classification (NOC) and Express Entry
The NOC is a system used by the Canadian government to categorize jobs based on skill level, type of work performed, and educational requirements. When creating your Express Entry profile, you’ll need to identify the NOC code that best reflects your primary work experience. Occupations in higher NOC skill levels (typically NOC 0, A or B under NOC 2016 or TEER levels 3, 4 or 5 under NOC 2021) are generally eligible for Express Entry.
Here’s how the NOC can influence your Express Entry profile:
- Eligibility: Choosing the correct NOC code ensures your work experience aligns with eligible occupations for Express Entry.
- CRS Points: Certain NOC codes may award more points under the CRS compared to others. Jobs requiring higher skill levels or those in high demand by Canadian employers tend to receive more points.
Research the NOC carefully and choose the code that most accurately reflects your main work duties. A mismatch can affect your eligibility or CRS score. You can find the NOC list and descriptions on the Employment and Social Development Canada website: Find your National Occupation Classification (NOC).
What Should You Do After You Receive an ITA
If you have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have only 60 days to put together and submit all of your required supporting documents. To ensure that you’re ready to apply and make the most of the two-month period, it is important to begin collecting and organizing the necessary documents ahead of time.
In case you are unable to submit your application within the 60-day period, you will have the option to re-enter the Express Entry pool and start the process over.
How to Get an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence
To receive an ITA, you must first be eligible to immigrate by meeting the minimum requirements for the Express Entry pool. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is used to assess a candidate’s eligibility.
The CRS score ranks an individual based on:
- Skills
- Education
- Language ability
- Work experience,
- and other factors.
Invitations to apply (ITA) will be given to those with a minimum CRS score or higher of that specific Express Entry draw.
Read more about: Changes in Express Entry in 2023
Documents you will need to apply for Permanent Residency
You will need the following documents to apply for a Canadian Permanent Residence:
- Passport
- Language Test score results
- Birth Certificate
- Work experience documentation
- Police Verification report
- Upfront medical receipt
- Medical report
PNP programs may require additional documents, including:
- Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Proof of Funds
- Offer letter from a Canadian employer
- Provincial Nomination Certificate or territorial certificate of nomination
- Marriage certificates or divorce certificates (if applicable)
- Your Personal reference code
- Express Entry Profile Number
- Job seeker validation code
- Letter of recommendation from previous employers.
Not Getting an ITA?
If you don’t receive an ITA in this round, don’t be discouraged. Consider these options:
- Re-entering the Express Entry pool: Keep your profile updated and look for ways to improve your CRS score. Aim to gain more work experience, improve your language proficiency, or pursue further education.
- Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Research targeted provincial nominations that align with your skills and experience. These programs can boost your CRS score and provide a direct path to permanent residence in a specific Canadian province.
We Can Help You Determine Your Eligibility! Talk to an adviser today! (Click here)
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Mar 6, 2024 | Blog, Canadian Employers, Immigration, In the News, New Immigration Programs, New Laws, Skilled Workers, Temporary Foreign Workers, Working In Canada
Canada is taking steps to strengthen the economies and cultural fabric of rural and Francophone minority communities by launching two new immigration pilot programs. The announcement, made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on March 6, 2024, comes alongside the positive results of the existing Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot
The existing RNIP has been a game-changer for rural communities struggling with labor shortages. Since its launch in 2019, it’s connected thousands of skilled newcomers with remote areas, breathing new life into local economies. Recognizing this success, the IRCC is launching the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in the fall of 2024, and taking a two-pronged approach:
- Transitioning RNIP to a Permanent Program: This signifies a long-term commitment to supporting rural communities by ensuring a steady stream of skilled immigrants to address labor shortages.
- Introducing the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP): Launching in fall 2024, the RCIP will provide pathways to permanent residence for newcomers with skills aligned with critical needs in rural areas. This fosters long-term community development by encouraging newcomers to settle and build their lives there.
This new pilot goes a step further by aiming to create a permanent pathway to permanent residence for skilled immigrants willing to put down roots in rural Canada. This targeted approach directly addresses critical labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality, ensuring these communities have the workforce they need to thrive.
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
Running alongside the RCIP is the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, also launching in fall 2024. This program aligns perfectly with Canada’s Francophone Immigration Policy, aiming to significantly increase the number of French-speaking newcomers settling outside Quebec.
The benefits are twofold. The pilot will bolster the economic and demographic weight of Francophone minority communities, while simultaneously strengthening the presence of the French language across Canada. This is a significant step towards achieving the government’s ambitious targets for French-speaking immigration.
How Communities Can Get Involved
IRCC will open applications for communities to participate in these pilots this spring. The specific details and selection criteria will be unveiled in the coming months.
This focus on collaboration underscores the government’s dedication to regional immigration strategies. As Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted, working hand-in-hand with rural and Francophone communities is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled immigrants. This collaborative approach fosters economic growth and ensures the long-term vitality of these regions.
Key Facts
- As of December 31, 2023, over 4,500 newcomers have obtained permanent residence through the RNIP, filling crucial positions in healthcare, hospitality, and other key sectors.
- Recent changes to the existing RNIP program extended the application deadline and increased the number of candidates communities can recommend, allowing for continued participation and labor market support.
- The launch of the RCIP aligns with the recommendations outlined in IRCC’s report, “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future,” which highlights the importance of regional immigration strategies.
- The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot fulfills IRCC’s commitment to expand opportunities for French-speaking immigrants as outlined in the 2024-2028 Implementation Plan for the Policy on Francophone Immigration.
These new initiatives demonstrate Canada’s commitment to building a strong and inclusive immigration system that benefits both newcomers and the communities they choose to call home.
Mar 5, 2024 | Blog, Canadian Employers, Immigration, In the News, New Immigration Programs, New Laws, Skilled Workers, Temporary Foreign Workers, Working In Canada
Effective March 4, 2024, British Columbia implements the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) system for international students applying for study permits. This new process aligns with the recent cap on study permits introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What are Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs)?
PALs serve as verification documents issued by the B.C. government to designated learning institutions (DLIs). These institutions then forward the letters to accepted international student applicants. The PAL acts as proof that the student has been accepted by a DLI within its allocated quota for study permit applications.
IRCC’s Study Permit Cap and Allocation
On January 22, 2024, IRCC announced a nationwide cap of 360,000 new study permits for 2024, a significant decrease from 2023 levels. Each province receives an allocation based on population. B.C., as Canada’s third most populous province with approximately 5.6 million residents, has been granted a total allocation of 83,000 undergraduate study permit applications.
Impact on B.C.’s International Student Program
The cap is expected to have a greater impact on private institutions in B.C., which typically have a higher intake of international students. The provincial government anticipates approximately 50,000 approved study permits for 2024 based on historical acceptance rates. This reflects a decrease from the 60,000 permits issued in 2023 for undergraduate programs.
Furthermore, B.C. has implemented additional measures to address concerns about “unsustainable growth” within the provincial international student program. These measures include:
- A pause on approvals for new post-secondary institutions seeking to enroll international students until February 2026.
- Stricter approval standards for private degree programs, focusing on program quality, graduate employability, and adequate student support resources.
- Imposition of new minimum language proficiency requirements for students at private institutions.
Conclusion
The introduction of PALs and stricter provincial regulations aim to streamline the international student application process and ensure a more sustainable model for B.C.’s education system. This aligns with IRCC’s national cap and broader efforts to enhance the overall quality and value of the Canadian international student experience.
Feb 29, 2024 | Blog, Express Entry, Immigration, Permanent Residency, Why you need an immigration specialist
In the most recent draw held on February 29, 2024, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) issued 2,500 invitations to apply to eligible candidates.
This targeted French Proficiency Express Entry draw, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 336. The lowest minimum CRS score of the year so far.
Express Entry: Canada holds an All-Program draw on February 28, 2024
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Feb 29, 2024 | Blog, Canadian Employers, Immigration, In the News, New Immigration Programs, New Laws, Skilled Workers, Temporary Foreign Workers, Working In Canada
As of February 29, 2024, Mexican citizens can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada by air under certain circumstances. This streamlines the travel process for many Mexican visitors while maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Canada and Mexico have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership, collaborating for over 80 years. As part of their ongoing commitment to fostering strong ties and facilitating travel between the two nations, Canada has adjusted its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.
What is new?
Starting February 29th, 2024, at 11:30 PM Eastern Time, Mexican citizens can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when travelling to Canada by air, if holding a valid US non-immigrant visa or those who have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years. This simplifies the process for many Mexican citizens, as a significant portion already hold US visas, allowing them to continue visa-free travel to Canada.
This new eTA option applies to Mexican citizens:
- Travelling by air
- Holding a valid US non-immigrant visa
- OR having held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years
Who is still required to apply for a visa?
Individuals who do not meet the above criteria, such as those travelling by land or sea, will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.
Who can still travel visa-free?
- Most Mexican citizens, as the majority already hold US visas.
- Those who meet the criteria for visa-free travel will continue to enjoy seamless entry into Canada.
Why the change?
This adjustment comes in response to a rise in asylum claims from Mexican citizens which were eventually refused, withdrawn, or abandoned. It aims to strike a balance between facilitating travel and tourism while ensuring sound management of the immigration and asylum systems.
What about work and study permits?
The application process for Mexican citizens seeking work or study permits in Canada remains unchanged. Existing pathways like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program are still readily available.
What does this mean for the future?
Canada remains committed to fostering travel, tourism, and business with Mexico. They will continue to collaborate with the Mexican government to strengthen immigration pathways and support both managed migration and those genuinely seeking asylum. Additionally, Canada is expanding its network of visa application centers in Mexico for improved service.
This move aims to alleviate pressure on the Canadian border, immigration system, and social services while maintaining convenient travel options for Mexican citizens wishing to visit Canada.
Furthermore, Canada is actively looking to expand the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) by including year-round primary agriculture, seasonal fish and seafood, and primary food processing. This modernization will benefit both Canadian and Mexican workers and businesses, solidifying the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.
Quotes
“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities. We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.”
– Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Quick facts
- Asylum claims made by Mexican citizens reached a record high in 2023 at a time when Canada’s asylum system, housing and social services were already under significant pressure. The majority of these claims (approximately 60%) were either rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant.
- In 2023 alone, asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all claims made that year from all nationalities around the world. The country’s asylum claim rate has risen significantly since the visa was first lifted in 2016 (from 260 claims in 2016 to 23,995 claims in 2023).
- All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexican citizens travelling to Canada without a valid work or study permit will need to apply for a visitor visa or reapply for a new eTA—if they are eligible.
- Mexican citizens holding a valid work or study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study or work in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permit. Mexican visitors who are already in Canada on an eTA can stay for as long as they are authorized (up to six months from the date they arrive in Canada). However, if they plan to leave Canada and wish to return, they must have the proper travel documents (visa or new eTA).
- Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires.
- The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to eligible citizens from visa-required countries in 2017. Mexico will now be among 15 countries whose citizens can to fly to Canada on an eTA, instead of a visa, if they meet certain requirements.
