April 3, 2024
April 3, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that, as of 9:00:00 AM Eastern Time on April 30, 2024, the department will be increasing certain permanent residence (PR) fees.

IRCC notes that this fee increase is being introduced according to Canada’s Immigrant and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), calculated “in accordance with the cumulative percentage increase to the Consumer Price Index for Canada, published by Statistics Canada.”

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Changes to PR fees

The following fee increases, which are marked as applicable to the period between April 2024 and March 2026, apply as follows:

ProgramApplicantsCurrent fees (April 2022– March 2024)New fees
(April 2024–March 2026)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee3Principal
applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner
 $515$575
 Federal
Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic
Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)
Accompanying
spouse or common-law partner
$850$950
Federal
Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic
Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)
Principal
applicant
$850$950
 Federal
Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic
Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)
 Accompanying
dependent child
 $230 $260
Live-in
Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home
Support Worker Pilot)
Accompanying
dependent child
$155$175
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)Principal
applicant
$570 $635
Live-in
Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home
Support Worker Pilot)
Accompanying
spouse or common-law partner
$570$635
Business
(federal and Quebec)
Accompanying
dependent child
$230$260
Business
(federal and Quebec)
Principal
applicant
$1,625$1,810
Business
(federal and Quebec)
Accompanying
spouse or common-law partner
$850$950
Family
reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and
other relatives)
Sponsorship
fee
$75$85
Notes from IRCC

IRCC notes that, in addition to dependent children and protected persons (including principal applicants and all accompanying family members), the following groups of applicants are exempt from paying the department’s Right of Permanent Residence (RPR) Fee:

·         Sponsored child (of a principal applicant under the family reunification class) – the child must be under 22 years old and not have a spouse/partner

·         Principal applicants under the humanitarian and compassionate consideration and public policy classes

Note: This fee is normally paid by all permanent residence applicants (except for dependent children and protected persons). Principal applicants in the “humanitarian and compassionate consideration” and “public policy” categories are only exempt from the RPR fee under certain circumstances.

 

Additionally, IRCC clarifies that “permit holder” class permanent residence applicants are not eligible to include accompanying family members as part of their PR applications. Instead, all individuals eligible for PR through this class must submit their own applications for Canadian PR as a principal applicant.

March 20, 2024
March 20, 2024

The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for economic immigration to the country—this year set to welcome 110,770 new immigrants to the country.

This number is also slated to increase to 117,500 in 2025 and 2026 (each). In light of this reality, newcomers and those considering immigration to Canada may find it important to review eligibility for the programs within the Express Entry system—to not just determine their current eligibility, but how to build it throughout the coming years.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an application management system that oversees three federal Canadian economic immigration programs. These are:

  • The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP);
  • The Canadian Experience Class (CEC); and
  • The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

All three programs have differing eligibility criteria, which applicants must meet to be eligible.

Once candidates are eligible for one of the Express Entry programs, they can enter the Express Entry candidate pool. At this point, they will be assigned a point score, under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), based on human capital factors (such as work, language ability, education, and work experience) and impacted by their marital status. Interested people can calculate their CRS score using our interactive calculator.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds draws for Express Entry candidates regularly throughout the year. The department invites candidates who meet the minimum cut-off score to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence (PR). The department also recently introduced category-based draws, for those with specific professional experience or language ability that are in demand in Canada. Candidates under any three of the Express Entry programs may be found eligible under these draws.

After receiving an invitation to apply (ITA), and submitting an application, a candidate (now an applicant) must pass all necessary checks and meet the criteria, as presented in their application. If this is successful, they will be granted PR status, and are free to reside in Canada permanently, and to live, work, and study in the country as they please.

What are eligibility requirements for the FSWP?

The FSWP is one of Canada’s main pathways for skilled economic immigrants.

To be eligible under the FSWP, candidates must meet minimum requirements for the program and score at least 67 points based on their human capital factors, under a specific scoring grid for the FSWP. Note that this is a separate score from the CRS score assigned to candidates of all three Express Entry programs, upon entering the Express Entry pool.

In addition to scoring at least 67 points under the FSWP selection factors scoring grid, candidates must:

  • Have at least one year of full-time or equivalent work experience in the last 10 years, in a skilled occupation as classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) Training Education Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) level 0,1,2, or 3*.
  • Have validated language ability in either English or French equivalent to a level 7, under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English, or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French. A level 7 must be scored in all 4 language abilities (writing, reading, listening, and speaking); and
  • Meet settlement funds criteria, based on the number of direct family members (spouse, common-law partner and/or dependent children) even if they are Canadian permanent residents, and are not accompanying you to Canada. This requirement can be waived if the individual applying is currently authorised to work in Canada and has arranged employment in the country.

*Canada uses the NOC system to classify all jobs, while the TEER system (used in conjugation) helps grade the level to which that job is, based on the training, experience, and education required to be eligible, as well as the responsibilities of the job itself.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CEC?

The CEC is a pathway for skilled workers and international students within Canada (or who have worked in Canada) to pursue PR and remain within Canada. These individuals tend to score highly under the CRS for their past Canadian experience and education; as well as higher official language ability, which is usually built up over time in Canada.

To be eligible for the CEC, candidates must:

  • Have obtained at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada, within 36 months (three years) of the date of the application;
  • Have a minimum CLB or NCLC level of 5 for NOC TEER category 2 or 3 level jobs, or a CLB/NCLC level of 7 for NOC TEER 0, or 1 level jobs; and
  • Plan to live and work outside of Quebec.

CEC candidates are not required to show proof of settlement funds as part of their application.

What are eligibility requirements for the FSTP?

The FSTP is an economic pathway available to newcomers who have experience in an eligible skilled trade.

To be eligible under the FSTP, candidates must:

  • Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years before the date of the application;
  • Meet the job requirements for that skilled trade under the NOC;
  • Have a valid job offer of continuous paid, full-time employment (at least 30 hours a week) from up to two employers in Canada, for at least one year OR a certificate of qualification* from a provincial or territorial body in Canada;
  • Provide proof of basic language proficiency constituting at least a level 5 CLB/NCLC for speaking and listening, at least a CLB/NCLC level 4 for reading and writing;
  • Be able to demonstrate the skills and experience, and that they have performed essential duties of their occupation; and
  • Show proof of funds for settlement in Canada, unless currently authorized to work in and employed in the country.
March 19, 2024

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released more details surrounding changes to eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP).

On January 22, 2024, the department introduced several changes to Canada’s international student program. Among them, IRCC said that the spouses of international students in undergraduate and college programs will no longer be eligible for SOWPs.

As of March 19, partners and spouses of international students are eligible for a SOWP only if their sponsor is enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program at a university or polytechnic institution in Canada.

There are some exceptions for the spouses or partners of undergraduate students. Spouses of undergraduate students in one of the following professional degree programs at a university are also eligible to apply for a SOWP:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
  • Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  • Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
  • Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

Spouses and partners applying for an SOWP must provide documents that prove a relationship to the student and one document showing proof of their partner’s enrolment in a degree-granting program of study. IRCC accepts:

  • a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • a proof of enrolment letter from their spouse or partner’s DLI
  • transcripts from their spouse or partner’s current program
If you already applied

IRCC says that those who applied for a SOWP before March 19 are still eligible if their partner:

  • Has a valid study permit.
  • Is eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
  • Is a full-time student at one of these types of schools:
  • a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
  • a private college-level school in Quebec
  • a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree)

These requirements are the same for current SOWP holders who apply to extend their existing permit.

What if you’re not eligible?

Spouses and partners of international students who find themselves no longer eligible for a SOWP can apply for another type of work permit or a visitor visa (TRV). However, those who arrive in Canada as a visitor are not permitted to work.

A SOWP allows holders to work for almost any employer in Canada. It is also a means to support IRCC’s mandate to promote family reunification.

However, in a comment to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) on February 28, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that he was limiting SOWPs to the partners and spouses of master’s and PhD students to “attack a volume challenge but also integrity challenges with what we believe was an area that was being exploited and not necessarily legitimate.”

March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

Often noted for both its cultural diversity and its ethic of multiculturalism, Canada today represents one of the world’s most diverse populations, with Canadian citizens and permanent residents, hailing from all around the world.

One of the strongest communities in Canada is the South Asian community, which has seen substantial growth in the last 20 years. As of the latest census (2021), there are 2.3 million people in Canada of South Asian heritage. Considering that South Asian countries are huge sources of newcomers every year (projected by Statistics Canada to exceed 5 million people in Canada by 2041), South Asian newcomers may want to know where to find people of similar backgrounds throughout the country.

How does Statistics Canada define South Asian?

According to Statistics Canada, the term “South Asian” can be ascribed to individuals from a variety of national backgrounds, including Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Bhutanese people, Nepalis, and Sri Lankans. 

Of these groups, Indians were the most populous at 1.3 million people, followed by Pakistanis (303,000 people), Sri Lankans, (132,000), Bangladeshis (75,425), and Nepalis (22,000).

Where do most South Asians live in Canada?

Breaking down the question by province, here are the respective populations of South Asian communities in Canada:

  1. Alberta: 267,375 people;
  2. British Columbia: 428,910 people;
  3. Manitoba: 63,235 people;
  4. New Brunswick: 8,400;
  5. Newfoundland and Labrador: 4,600;
  6. Nova Scotia: 21,345;
  7. Ontario: 1,484,185;
  8. Prince Edward Island: 3,485;
  9. Quebec: 129,000; and
  10. Saskatchewan: 40,760.
Where do most South Asians live in these provinces?

To break down further where members of the South Asian community reside in Canada, we will consider the Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) and Census Agglomerations (CAs) in each province where South Asians are the most prevalent.

A CMA or CA are groupings of municipalities around a population center (or core). For example, the CMA of Toronto (with the city of Toronto as its core) includes a multitude of municipalities (cities) that might themselves be confused for CMAs or CAs—such as Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Caledon, Oakville, Milton, Vaughan, and other cities in the Greater Toronto Area. The diagram below illustrates this:

To see which CMA or CA your city fits into, a quick web search with the following phrase: “(city name) + CMA/CA, Canada” will likely yield results.

Note: All data presented is from Canada’s 2021 National Census, conducted by Statistics Canada.

Ontario

Ontario is the most populous province for South Asians in Canada, with more than a million people calling the province home.

The five CMAs or CAs in Ontario with the most South Asians were:

  1. Toronto—1.1 million people;
  2. Ottawa—62,095 people;
  3. Kitchener—52,110 people;
  4. Hamilton—47,570 people; and
  5. Oshawa—39,810 people.
British Columbia (B.C.)

B.C. is the second most populous province in Canada for people of South Asian origin. Within the province, the CMAs or CAs with the greatest South Asian populations were:

  1. Vancouver—333,385 people;
  2. Abbotsford—43,855 people;
  3. Victoria—13,405 people;
  4. Kelowna—6,925 people; and
  5. Kamloops—3,885 people.
Alberta

Alberta was the third most populous province of South Asians in Canada. Across the province, the CMAs and CAs with the biggest South Asian populations were:

  1. Calgary—138,280 people;
  2. Edmonton—109,615 people;
  3. Wood Buffalo—4,310 people;
  4. Lethbridge—2,790 people; and
  5. Red Deer—2,240 people.

In addition to the CMAs and CAs listed above, other CMAs in Canada with the largest South Asian populations include:

  1. Montréal, Quebec: 128,280 people;
  2. Winnipeg, Manitoba: 56,180 people;
  3. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: 14,560 people;
  4. Regina, Saskatchewan: 14,285 people; and
  5. Halifax, Nova Scotia: 12,925 people;
March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

Are you a newcomer to Canada, looking to start your job hunt on a strong note?

 

As you navigate the exciting path of job hunting, one of the important tools you will need is a well-crafted resume. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of building a strong resume tailored to the Canadian job market.

Understanding the Types of Resumes
Understanding the Types of Resumes

Before diving into the details, let’s go through the different types of resumes commonly used in Canada. The two primary formats are:

  • Chronological Resume: This format highlights your work history, listing your most recent job first and going backward. It’s ideal for those with a strong and continuous work history.
  • Functional Resume: This format emphasizes your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. It’s suitable for those with employment gaps or a diverse skill set.
Useful Tips to Build a Strong Resume
1. Style and Personal Details

Ensure your resume is well-organized and visually appealing for prospective Canadian employers. To do this, be sure to use a clean and professional font, and include essential personal details, front and centre including your name, contact information, and LinkedIn® profile (if applicable).

2. Adapt Your Resume for Each Role
In Canada, one resume does not fit all job applications. Canadian employers give preference to resumes that are tailored to align with specific requirements of the job posting. To do this, take care to highlight the skills, experiences, and accomplishments you have that directly relate to the position to which you are applying
3. Mind the Length

Keep your resume concise and focused. Ideally, limit it to one or two pages. Highlight the most relevant and timely information that highlights your qualifications for the position advertised.

4. Include Volunteer Work

Highlighting your volunteer experiences can demonstrate valuable skills and a commitment to your community. This is particularly beneficial for newcomers with limited Canadian work experience.

5. Use Social Media

Canadian employers widely use LinkedIn to assess candidates. Ensure your profile is complete, professional, and aligned with your resume. Consider including a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume.

6. Format Carefully

Pay attention to the overall formatting of your resume. Be sure to use some bullet points (but not too many) for easy readability and to maintain a consistent format throughout. Be mindful of the use of fonts, spacing, and section headings.

7. Use Keywords

It’s also recommended to identify keywords and phrases used by the employer in the job posting and incorporate them into your resume. This will enhance your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many companies – and making it to the next stage of the hiring process.

8. Proofread Your Resume

Before submitting your resume, be sure to carefully proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well, as a fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.

March 14, 2024

As an international student pursuing post-secondary education in Canada, there are multiple ways Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows you to prove you have enough money to come to Canada.

As part of the Canadian study permit process, applicants must prove they have enough money to support themselves, as well as any family members who come to Canada with them.

 

Note: As of January 1 this year, the cost-of-living requirement has increased for students in all provinces and territories other than Quebec (see more below).

Providing IRCC with proof of financial support/sufficiency

According to IRCC, the department’s cost-of-living requirement is expressed in “base amounts” that include “all requirements related to transportation and other expenses, including the cost of books, equipment, and supplies.” These amounts prove that Canadian study permit applicants have sufficient funds to cover the following costs:

  • The first year of tuition fees, as indicated on the Letter of Acceptance(LOA) issued by their Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Travel expenses to get to and from Canada
  • The minimum cost of living in Canada for one year

IRCC lists the following eight ways for study permit applicants to prove they can meet the cost-of-living financial requirement:

  • Proof of a Canadian bank account in the applicant’s name, if they have transferred money to Canada
  • A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
  • Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
  • The applicant’s bank statements for the past four months
  • A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
  • Proof that the applicant has already paid tuition and housing fees
  • A letter from the person or school giving the applicant money for their living expenses and education
  • Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if the applicant has a scholarship or is enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program

Note: IRCC clarifies that, in cases where an applicant’s home country uses foreign exchange controls, the applicant must prove that they will be allowed to export funds for all expenses.

IRCC’s new cost-of-living financial requirement

Since the start of this year*, IRCC has increased the cost-of-living financial requirement – the amount of money study permit applicants outside of Quebec must prove they possess – to $20,635 for 2024.

It should be noted that this new amount is in addition to tuition fees for the first year and travel costs and that IRCC has already indicated that its cost-of-living requirement will be adjusted annually based on Statistics Canada’s newest low-income cut-off (LICO) release.

*This new cost-of-living financial requirement does not apply to any study permit applications submitted to IRCC on or before December 31, 2023.

Note: All funds presented below are expressed in Canadian dollars.

All provinces/territories except Quebec

On and before December 31, 2023: The following are the minimum funds (not including tuition) required per year by study permit applicants to prove they can support themselves as a student as well as any family members who accompanied them to Canada.

The applicant/student: $10,000

The applicant’s first accompanying family member: $4,000

Every additional accompanying family member: $3,000

As of January 1, 2024: The following are the minimum funds (not including tuition) required per year by a study permit applicant to prove they can support themselves and any accompanying family members in Canada.

It is worth noting again that the information below will likely change in 2025 and every year beyond that because IRCC has indicated that this requirement will be adjusted based on Statistics Canada’s annual low-income cut-off (LICO) release.

Study permit applicants (by themselves): $20,635

Number of family members (including the applicant):

  • Two people:$25,690
  • Three people:$31,583
  • Four people:$38,346
  • Five people:$43,492
  • Six people:$49,051
  • Seven people:$54,611
  • Each additional family member (if more than seven people):$5,559
    Quebec

    Quebec-bound international students must prove they meet a different set of financial requirements than students in the rest of Canada. The requirements for these students are set out by Quebec’s ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

March 12, 2024

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to candidates in the second  Express Entry draw this week.

The department issued 975  invitations to apply (ITAs) in a category-based draw for transport occupations.

Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 430.

IRCC also issued ITAs on March 12. It was a general draw inviting 2,850 candidates. A general draw considers candidates from all three Express Entry managed programs and uses the CRS as the main eligibility criteria.  

Candidates required a minimum CRS of 525, a decrease of nine CRS points from the previous general draw on February 28 and the lowest minimum CRS for a general draw so far this year.  

There were six draws throughout February inviting 16,110 candidates. The month opened and closed with category-based selection draws for individuals with strong French language proficiency. The first was on February 1 and invited 7,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 365. The other took place on February 29 and invited 2,500 candidates with a minimum score of 336, the lowest CRS score in any draw so far this year.

The remaining four draws saw two additional category-based draws. One took place on February 14 and invited 3,500 candidates in healthcare occupations with a minimum CRS of 422. The other was on February 16 and invited 150 candidates in agriculture and agri-food occupations. They required a minimum score of 437.

Finally, IRCC held two general Express Entry draws in February. On February 13, the department invited 1,490 candidates with a minimum score of 535 and 1,470 candidates on February 28. These candidates had a minimum CRS score of 534.

Date

Draw Type

Number of ITAs

Minimum CRS

March 13

Transport occupations

975

430

March 12

General

2,850

525

February 29

French language proficiency

2,500

336

February 28

General

1,470

534

February 16

Agriculture and agri-food occupations

150

437

February 14

Healthcare occupations

3,500

422

February 13

General

1,490

535

February 1

French language proficiency

7,000

365

January 31

General

730

541

January 23

General

1,040

543

January 10

General

1,510

546

What is category-based selection?

Unlike a general draw, in which candidates are considered from all Express Entry managed programs based solely on their CRS score, category-based selection draws target Express Entry candidates who have specific in-demand attributes.

This type of draw was introduced in May 2023 to help with labour shortages within critical sectors of Canada’s workforce. There are six categories through which eligible Express Entry candidates may receive an ITA:

  • Healthcare occupations
  • Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
  • Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
  • Transport occupations
  • Agriculture and agri-food occupations
  • Strong French proficiency

These draws may act as an advantage for candidates who are already in the Express Entry application pool. So far this year, the average CRS score in category-based draws has been lower than it is for general draws.

For example, of the four category-based selection draws, the highest minimum CRS score was 437, and the lowest was 336.

In contrast, no general draw so far in 2024 has had a minimum CRS lower than 534.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an application management system for three of Canada’s most prominent economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Candidates who self-evaluate that they are eligible for one of these programs can then upload a profile to the IRCC website and receive their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS assigns scores for human capital attributes such as work experience, education, occupation, language ability and age.

Candidates in the Express Entry application pool are ranked against each other according to CRS scores. Those with the highest scores are the most likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent resident status.

Once a candidate receives an ITA, they have 60 days to submit their final application to IRCC.

March 9, 2024

This week three provinces—British ColumbiaOntario, and Saskatchewan—issued invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR) under their respective immigration streams.

Candidates were invited under a combination of demographic and labour market streams, with differing criteria for each. In addition, different Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) utilise varying scoring systems, which result in great variance between cut-off scores for candidates from different provinces.

PNP Results March 2nd – March 8th

Ontario

On March 7th the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 2,104 invitations to healthcare professionals under the Human Capital Priorities stream. Candidates needed a CRS score between 352 and 421 to be invited.

To be invited, candidates needed professional experience under any of the following healthcare professions.

The Human Capital Priorities stream is an Express Entry aligned (or enhanced PNP) stream meaning that candidates within the Express Entry pool may be invited through this pathway. To be eligible candidates must have:

  • a valid Express Entry profile;
  • at least one year of full-time work experience;
  • a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree; and
  • Language proficiency of at least Canadian Language Benchmark(CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) level 7 (for English or French respectively).
British Columbia (B.C.)

On March 5th B.C. held both targeted and general draws under the BCPNP, resulting in at least 156 total ITAs.

The province held general draws under five of its different streams, resulting in 54 ITAs. Candidates in the Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker-Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) option, International Graduate, and International Graduate EEBC option needed a minimum score of 126 to receive invitations. Meanwhile candidates under the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream needed a score of 99.

The province also held targeted draws under the Skilled Worker International Graduate (includes EEBC option) stream. These draws targeted candidates with experience in professions that are in-demand within B.C.’s labour market. These were:

  • Childcare—inviting 32 candidates with a minimum score of 70;
  • Construction—inviting 30 candidates with a minimum score of 80;
  • Healthcare—inviting 39 candidates with a minimum score of 70; and
  • Veterinary care—inviting less than 5 candidates with a minimum score of 70.

 

Saskatchewan

On March 7th the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) held draws under two of its streams. This was the first SINP draw in more than two months, since December 27th, 2023.

Under the Occupations In-Demand stream, 14 candidates with professional experience in targeted occupations, and a minimum score of 89, were invited.

Under the Express Entry stream, 21 candidates with a minimum score of 89 were invited.

Both streams required candidates to have an education credential assessment (ECA) or be educated in Canada. Under both, candidates needed professional experience in the following professions (given as National Occupation Codes (NOC)).

February 27, 2024

All Canadian permanent residents (PRs) may leave the country, and return, after mailing their citizenship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

However, IRCC clarifies that there are certain steps PRs must take to ensure they remain eligible for citizenship while outside Canada.

Specifically, to ensure that they remain eligible for Canadian citizenship, IRCC indicates that PRs must:.

Be a Canadian PR at the time they apply for citizenship

Only Canadian PRs can apply for citizenship. In other words, temporary residents of Canada, including foreign workers and international students, are not eligible to become Canadian citizens.

Continue to meet the residency requirement to maintain PR status

As part of being a Canadian PR, foreign nationals must reside in Canada for a minimum of 730 days over the past five years to maintain their status.

This is what IRCC refers to as the residency requirement for Canadian PRs. Note that the 730 days needed to meet this requirement do not need to be continuous and some time spent outside of Canada may count towards this total.

Maintain PR status until they take the Oath of Citizenship

Further to the residency requirement described above, to remain eligible for Canadian citizenship, Canadian PRs must “not lose PR status before [taking] the Oath of Citizenship.”

Click here to learn about your obligations as a Canadian permanent resident, including additional information about what PRs can and cannot do while residing in Canada.

Travel outside of Canada with their PR card for simple re-entry

Travelling outside of Canada with your PR card will make it much easier to re-enter the country. This is because IRCC requires that Canadian PRs have a valid PR card when returning to Canada by plane, train, bus or boat.

Therefore, Canada’s immigration department advises all PRs to renew their card before leaving Canada if they know it will expire during their travels.

IRCC notes that PR cards can only be renewed in Canada and that the department will not “send PR cards to non-Canadian addresses [or] allow third parties to retrieve them” for an applicant.

Travellers without a valid PR card must apply for and obtain a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada. Unlike PR cards, IRCC only allows PRTDs to be applied for from outside of Canada.

IRCC also indicates that Canadian PRs who attempt to return without either of these documents may be denied entry onto their flight, train, bus or boat travelling to Canada.

Important notes from IRCC regarding the citizenship process for Canadian PRs

IRCC notes that there are certain things Canadian PRs should keep in mind about how the department handles communication with applicants and organizing appointments/events.

For instance, IRCC notes that they “usually only [mail] letters, notices and other documents to addresses in Canada.”

IRCC may also email Canadian immigration applicants. The department emphasizes that recipients of any IRCC “letters or emails [must reply to these communications] within a specified amount of time.”

Failure to do so without providing “an acceptable reason for not being able to keep your appointment [with us] or providing requested information” may result in IRCC deciding to “stop processing [an individual’s] application.”

IRCC also notes that immigration applicants must attend their appointments and events – including their citizenship test, ceremony, interview or hearing – at IRCC offices across Canada.

Applicants who are unable to attend such appointments or events are required to “either email or write to the local office that sent [them] the event notice” and IRCC indicates that applicants can contact the immigration department using this online web form.

February 24, 2024

Today Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new immigration pathway for families impacted by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The department confirmed that starting February 27th, 2024, it would accept up to 3,250 applications from single applicants or families. This is a new family sponsorship pathway that will grant successful applicants permanent residence (PR). IRCC has confirmed it will waive the right of permanent residence fee and provide free settlement services to individuals who successfully receive PR through this pathway.

Who can apply under this new pathway?

To be eligible for this pathway applicants must:

  1. Have been living in Sudan on April 15th, 2023;
  2. Not have another country to return to other than Sudan or Canada;
  3. Be the child (of any age), grandchild, sibling, parent or grandparent of an eligible anchor*
  4. Provide a statutory declaration from their anchor stating that:
  5. They plan to support you and any family members accompanying you for one year; and
  6. They have not and will not accept any money from you or your family members.
  7. Plan to live in a province or territory other than Quebec; and
  8. Not be admissible for reasons other than financial ones.
  9. In addition to the above criteria, individuals may apply if:
  10. Their spouse or common-law partner is missing, presumed dead, deceased, or can’t leave Sudan;
  11. Their spouse or common-law partner is the child (of any age), grandchild, sibling, parent or grandparent of an eligible anchor willing to support you; and
  12. They meet all other eligibility criteria.

*An anchor is an extended family member who agrees to support you and/or your family during the first year in Canada. They will provide financial assistance, and help you get your basic needs, including housing, food, clothing and other necessities.

Who can be an anchor?

An anchor must:

  1. Be 18 years or older;
  2. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
  3. Live in Canada (but not in the province of Quebec);
  4. Prove they have enough income/funds to meet the financial requirement.
  5. An anchor cannot be:
  6. In the process or applying to renounce their Canadian citizenship or PR status;
  7. In jail or prison;
  8. Subject to a removal order in Canada;
  9. In default of making a payment on an immigration loan, performance bond or any other amount they are legally bound to pay to the Government of Canada (including deferring payments);
  10. In default of a sponsorship undertaking, support payments or repaying any debt owed to the Government of Canada;
  11. Bankrupt;
  12. Receiving social assistance for any reason other than a disability; and/or
  13. Convicted of a criminal offence listed in the public policy.
How can eligible people apply for this pathway?

Individuals must apply through the PR portal. All necessary documents and forms must be submitted here, including necessary declarations and forms from the anchor.

If an application is found incomplete, it will be returned. In these cases, applicants will have the option to re-apply if the pathway is still open. More information on how to apply can be found here.

Sudanese in Canada

According to data from Census 2021, 17,485 people in Canada claimed Sudan as their country of ethnic or cultural origin. 4,690 of these individuals are recent immigrants to Canada who report Sudan as their country of birth.

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