Admin, Author at AIRCS

October 16, 2024

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Canadian Immigration from Pakistan

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Canadian Immigration from Pakistan

Immigrating to a country like Canada is an option that this year’s Pakistani aspirants wish to achieve better employment opportunities, quality education, and a better quality of life. However, the process of immigration to Canada is, as was said earlier, relatively open; however, it is a complex process that implies several steps and demands compliance with a lot of actions. It aims to be a guide for immigrants from Pakistan to Canada; detailing the entire immigration process for persons seeking permanent residence in Canada based on different modes.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Choose the Right Program

Canada has many different programs for immigration, and first, everyone needs to figure out which of them fits their personal qualifications and further objectives. The most common programs are:

Express Entry: It includes occupation-restricted programs for applicants with job offers that have a point-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It includes three sub-categories:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Both provincial and territorial governments obtain skills, related education, and work experience to nominate candidates for the program with the aim of contributing to the local economy of the province or governments.
Family Sponsorship: Family members who are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada can sponsor a candidate.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): It is a selection program intended for Quebec only and it has almost no link with the federal express entry system.

Before applying, use Canada’s online tools like the CRS calculator or eligibility checker on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to determine which program you qualify for.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile (For Express Entry Applicants)

For those who have opted to apply within the framework of the Express Entry system, you should create an online profile. The details you give when making your expression of interest will help you get a CRS score that ranks you against other applicants. The score is given according to age, level of education, general and foreign language proficiency, work experience, and flexibility.

Requirements for Profile Creation:

Language Proficiency: Candidate must take a language test in either English (IELTS or CELPIP) or French (TEF or TCF). Your result should not be older than 2 years at the time of application.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Foreign degrees and diplomas need to be evaluated by an approved body, such as WES (World Education Services), to evaluate their equivalency to Canadian Standards.
Work Experience: Using the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code provide details of your work experience.

After completing the profile, you will enter into the pool of Express Entry. After which you will receive an Invitation to Apply if your score is above the cut-off score in subsequent draws.

Step 3: Applying for Provincial Nomination (PNP Applicants Only)

When you are targeting a specific province, at some stage during the application process you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the provincial immigration office. Provinces have their own set of criteria to examine the applicants according to the skills shortage and economic needs of that province. For instance, when one obtains a nomination from a province, one gets 600 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System that is used by Express Entry.

Important Considerations:

Refer to provincial guidelines for some general information before filing an EOI.
Some provinces permit application submission through their PNP without going through the Express Entry process through their PNP, bypassing the Express Entry system altogether.

Step 4: Arranging Required Documentation for PR Application

To be specific, as one gets an ITA from a province or territorial government, one has 60 days to make an application for permanent residency. Documentation is very crucial to an application and where one is most likely to get inaccurate or poorly completed documents, that is most likely where he will be terminated or rejected.

Key Documents Include:

Valid Passport: Make sure that you possess a valid passport at least for 6 months beyond your arrival date in Canada.
Proof of Funds: You must provide official proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family. Applicant can provide bank statements or financial documents as proof of funds availability.
Police Certificates: A police Character certificate is a must from all the countries you lived in for more than six months since the age of 18
Medical Examination: Medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician is a must to ensure that you meet Canada’s health requirements.
Offer of Employment (if applicable): If you have a valid job offer from any employer from Canada it can improve your chances significantly, especially for Express entry or PNP pathways.

Step 5: Submitting application and Payment of Dues

Once you possess all the above-mentioned documents it becomes easier to file your application through the IRCC’s online platform. Ensure that you pay all the relevant fees including the processing fee for yourself or any dependent on time. Remember to include all fees; application fees and processing fees for you and the rest of your dependents if any. Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) should also be paid as provided below.

Tentative Processing Fees (as of 2024):

Primary applicant: CAD 1,325 (including RPRF).
Spouse/partner: CAD 1,325.
Dependent child: CAD 225.

Payment of fees can be made via credit card, and failure to pay in full will result in application delays.

Step 6: Wait for Application Processing and Prepare for Next Steps

Appeal durations differ with the type of program and also with the volume of appeal filings. Express Entry profile processing time totals six months on average, while PNP and family sponsorship can take more time. When you apply, the application status can always be checked online via the IRCC account.

Post-Submission Considerations:

Biometrics: After submitting your application, you may be required to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). You will receive a request letter with instructions on how to complete this step.
Follow-Up Requests: IRCC may request additional documentation during the processing period. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR)

After approval of the application, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) and a permanent resident visa. Now you can travel to Canada as a new permanent resident.

Before traveling, make sure to:

Arrange proper accommodation in Canada.
Have sufficient funds to meet your expenses while settling.
Prepare important documents, such as educational and professional credentials, to facilitate integration into the Canadian workforce.

Final Thoughts

The immigration process is quite formalized and structured in Canada which means that there are general or main steps and concepts that need to be followed at every turn. As it is evident from the above-stated procedures, each candidate aspiring to apply to Pakistan should follow the procedures mentioned above to enhance his chances of success if applying through Express Entry, provincial nomination, or a family sponsorship program. To ensure a smooth process of application it is very important to avoid falling into pitfalls like missing deadlines, incomplete documents, and not following the SOPs.

For the latest updates and accurate information, always consult the official IRCC website and relevant provincial portals.

April 3, 2024

Canada’s Permanent Residence Fees

By Admin Immigration

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.”

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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:

Program	Applicants	Current fees (April 2022– March 2024)	New fees (April 2024–March 2026)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee3	Principal 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

Am I eligible for Express Entry?

By Admin Immigration

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.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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

IRCC updates eligibility requirements for Spousal Open Work Permits

By Admin Work Permit

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.

Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration

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

Where do most South Asians live in Canada?

By Admin Immigration

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.

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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:

Alberta: 267,375 people;
British Columbia: 428,910 people;
Manitoba: 63,235 people;
New Brunswick: 8,400;
Newfoundland and Labrador: 4,600;
Nova Scotia: 21,345;
Ontario: 1,484,185;
Prince Edward Island: 3,485;
Quebec: 129,000; and
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:

Toronto—1.1 million people;
Ottawa—62,095 people;
Kitchener—52,110 people;
Hamilton—47,570 people; and
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:

Vancouver—333,385 people;
Abbotsford—43,855 people;
Victoria—13,405 people;
Kelowna—6,925 people; and
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:

Calgary—138,280 people;
Edmonton—109,615 people;
Wood Buffalo—4,310 people;
Lethbridge—2,790 people; and
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:

Montréal, Quebec: 128,280 people;
Winnipeg, Manitoba: 56,180 people;
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: 14,560 people;
Regina, Saskatchewan: 14,285 people; and
Halifax, Nova Scotia: 12,925 people;

March 18, 2024

Building A Resume for Job Hunting in Canada

By Admin Canada Life

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

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

Eight ways to show proof of financial sufficiency as an international student in Canada

By Admin Student Visa

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

IRCC invites 975 Express Entry candidates in first transport occupation draw of 2024

By Admin Immigration

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.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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

Three provinces issue provincial nominations this week

By Admin Immigration

This week three provinces—British Columbia, Ontario, 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

Can I travel outside Canada after submitting my citizenship application? 

By Admin Canada Life

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.

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Three provinces issue provincial nominations this week

PNP Results March 2nd – March 8th

Ontario

British Columbia (B.C.)

Saskatchewan

Can I travel outside Canada after submitting my citizenship application?

Be a Canadian PR at the time they apply for citizenship

Continue to meet the residency requirement to maintain PR status

Maintain PR status until they take the Oath of Citizenship

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

Important notes from IRCC regarding the citizenship process for Canadian PRs