Immigration Update

Here are some possible Immigration program employment opportunities for individuals who qualify. Click on opportunity and email for more information.

IRCC sets new wage rules for employers recruiting temporary foreign workers

From January 1, 2024, employers recruiting through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must adjust foreign workers' wages to match updated prevailing rates, as per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Although some employers are exempt, this usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Job Bank updates provincial wage differences annually.

Canada is inviting foreign workers to boost its economy amid labour shortages, with potential losses of $38 billion due to shortages, as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reported.

Foreign workers in Canada are legally entitled to the same rights as Canadians, with employers required to ensure a fair work environment and access to healthcare.

#IRCC, #LMIA, #TFWP, #foreign_workers, #CFIB, #Work_in_Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2022/09/government-of-canada-strengthens-protections-for-temporary-foreign-workers-as-new-regulations-come-into-force.html

IRCC started implementing measures to enhance the integrity of Canada’s international student program

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began implementing steps to improve the credibility of Canada's international student program.

The government verifies international students' acceptance letters through an online portal for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Schools have ten days for verification, the failure of which will cause the student visa application to be cancelled.

This change was prompted by past abuses of Canada's international student systems. A proposed "Trusted Institutions Framework" will introduce a two-tiered system for issuing study permits and may limit the number of student visas for better academic support.

Other 2024 changes include increasing the cost-of-living requirement, reconsidering the work cap, ending the measure allowing time spent abroad towards the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and aligning international student enrolment and PGWP issuance with labour market and demographic needs.

#IRCC, #DLI, #PGWP, #international_students, #Study_in_Canada, #study_permit

Reviewing Canada’s Express Entry system for 2023

In 2023, Canada's Express Entry application management system underwent significant transformations.

Throughout the year's first half, Express Entry maintained several patterns established in 2022, resuming draws after an 18-month hiatus.

These draws encompassed various formats, including all-program draws, Provincial Nominee Program-only draws, and, on one occasion, the draw exclusively for Federal Skilled Workers.

May marked the introduction of six new categories for Express Entry draws by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This change allowed targeted draws for specific occupations like healthcare, STEM, transport, etc., to address labour market needs.

Its success is yet to be determined, but the variety of draws significantly increased, with the first targeting 500 healthcare workers.

The Canadian Government invited candidates under a total of 82 NOC codes in five categories (healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture and food) through occupation-specific draws and introduced targeted draws for French-speaking candidates.

#Express_Entry, #occupation_specific_draws, #immigration_to_Canada

Canada provides undocumented individuals with a new route to permanent residency

Canada's Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a comprehensive program allowing undocumented people to apply for permanent residence.

This aligns with Canada's immigration targets, aiming to admit up to 500,000 immigrants by 2025.

An estimated 300,000 to 600,000 individuals currently live in Canada without valid documents, facing potential deportation.

The program will also cover those who overstayed their visas.

However, not all will be eligible to apply.

Undocumented migrants typically fall out of status due to failing eligibility criteria or overstaying their authorized period.

A small portion unlawfully entered or was trafficked into Canada.

#Immigration_to_Canada, #undocumented_migrants