Many US workers are considering migrating to Canada due to its welcoming immigration measures, which aim to address labour shortages.
In July, Canada launched a pilot program allowing 10,000 H-1B visa holders to apply for a three-year open work permit.
The program reached its cap within 48 hours, and 6,000 US foreign workers have migrated since then. The move can be attributed to restrictions faced by H-1B holders and their families in the US. Many skilled workers, particularly in tech, were laid off during the "US Tech Wreck," leading them to seek opportunities in Canada.
Canada's former Immigration Minister Sean Fraser saw this as an opportunity to fill Canada's STEM shortage, leading to the launch of the Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023.
#US, #H1B, #H_1B, #skilled_workers, #foreign_workers, #Immigration_to_Canada
January 6, 2024
Manitoba's Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino is working to ease accreditation for internationally-educated nurses in the province.
Marcelino, who took over the immigration portfolio a month ago, is responding to calls from these nurses across Canada.
The Manitoba government successfully welcomed hundreds of foreign healthcare professionals after a Philippines mission, with over 300 now working as nurses or health aides across the province.
Manitoba Health Minister Audrey Gordon reiterated their commitment to health system improvement and patient care access. Over 300 candidates who passed interviews during a recruitment mission to the Philippines accepted job offers and have started arriving in Manitoba.
#Manitoba, #healthcare_workers, #nurses, #internationally_trained_nurses
January 6, 2024
Canada saw a 27.2% increase in new arrivals under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in October, bouncing back from an eight-month low in August, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
There were 2,525 new permanent residents in October, up from 1,975 in September and the August low of 1,515.
Despite a drop from 3,760 in May to 1,515 in August, current trends suggest the PGP could welcome 29,910 new residents by year's end, a 9.7% increase from last year. So far this year, the PGP has admitted 24,925 new residents, a three percent increase from the same period the previous year.
Ontario saw the highest number of PGP arrivals, with 11,805 parents and grandparents settling there.
#PGP, #parents_and_grandparents, #sponsorship, #family_unification
January 6, 2024
The mandatory income for international students in Canada is set to increase, a move that could potentially reduce the number of students but also provide more transparency.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has declared that students must show they have access to $20,635, a significant increase from the previous $10,000. Jawad Chowdhury from the Memorial University's student union has voiced concerns that the total cost exceeding $80,000 for a four-year program may be too steep for many.
He points out that rental and tuition costs have seen a marked rise in recent years. From next year, international students will be limited to working 20 hours per week during their studies.
Chowdhury calls for more full-time work opportunities for these students to ensure Canada retains them.
#International_students, #Study_in_Canada, #Study_permits
January 6, 2024
