In June, Ontario nominated 914 foreign nationals

On July 9, 2020, the government of Ontario released a new update of the number of nominations certificates issued by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Since the last update on June 4, the OINP issued 914 new nominations. In total, Ontario issued 3,932 certificates of provincial nomination in 2020. The quota of Ontario is 7,600 spots. This means, the provincial government still can issue 3,668 nominations, including 250 nominations under the federal NOC C initiative.

#Ontario, #OINP, #provincial_nomination, #PNP

Quebec once again changes the criteria for PEQ

On July 9, 2020, the government of Quebec published new conditions for the selection of the candidates for Quebec Immigration under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Earlier this year, the Ministry of Immigration of the province radically changed the program, which made it very complicated for applicants to meet all the requirements, especially regarding the work experience. Following the heavy criticism, starting July 22 Quebec will slightly ease the eligibility criteria. Applicants under the PEQ stream for workers must obtain two years of work experience in Quebec. Applicants under the PEQ stream for students will now be able to use the internship experience of up to three months to accumulate required 18 months of experience.

#Quebec, #MIFI, #PEQ

Ontario opened the Regional Immigration Pilot 

On July 9, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program has opened the intake of the applications under the new OINP Regional Immigration Pilot (OINP RIP). This provincial immigration pathway enables local employers from the designated communities to hire foreign workers to cover the labour shortages. Currently, three communities of Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, and Quinte West/Belleville participate in the pilot. The application to the OINP RIP is available by email. So far, Ontario allocated 150 spots for the pilot.

#Ontario, #OINP, #Regional_pilot, #OINPRIP

CBSA did not know whereabouts of most of the deportees

The Auditor-General report reveals CBSA lost track of 34,700 people due to be deported. Auditor-General Karen Hogan criticized the low efficiency of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in enforcing removals of deportees. The report revealed that the CBSA failed to remove the majority of foreigners who were subject to enforceable removal orders to protect the integrity of the immigration system and maintain public safety. The audit also found that many cases of foreign nationals who have criminal records who were issued removal orders have been missing from the CBSA removal inventories.

#CBSA, #removal_orders, #deportation
 

IRCC finally invited FSW candidates in the Express Entry!

On July 4, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) finally held the full Express Entry invitation round. In round #155, Canada issued 3,900 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence to candidates in all three federal programs and nominees of the Express Entry aligned provincial programs. As predicted, the Comprehensive Ranking System cut-off score in this draw has significantly increased to 478 points, 57 points more than in round #154. The tie-breaking rule for this round was February 11, 2020 at 03:17:13 UTC. As of July 6, 2020, there are 143,268 profiles registered in the pool, 632 more compared to the previous round. The number of candidates in the pool started to grow after three months of reduction. In total, Canada issued ITAs to 53,800 candidates in 22 Express Entry draws in 2020.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA

Alberta invited 187 candidates in the AINP

On July 8, 2020, Alberta published an update of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) inventory. As of July 7, the province has 1,175 applications waiting for the eligibility assessment under the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS). In addition, AINP has about 325 Expression of Interest applications in the Alberta Express Entry pool. Applications in the Alberta Opportunity Stream were received before April 7, 2020. The AINP also announced the results of the new Alberta Express Entry Stream draw. On June 17, 2020, the province issued 187 Notifications of Interest (NOI) and the lowest score of the round was 303 points. In total, Alberta already invited 1,933 Express Entry candidates to apply for a nomination in 2020.

#Alberta, #AINP, #PNP, #ITA, #Nomination_certificate

Canada needs more healthcare workers and farmworkers

Canada is in urgent need of healthcare workers and farmworkers. The need for healthcare workers has surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are about 1.6 million healthcare workers in Canada. About 500,000 of these workers are older than 55 years of age. The majority of new immigrants are in the healthcare and pharmaceutical professions. Canadian farms require about 60,000 farmworkers. Most farmworkers come to Canada from Mexico and South America. However, farmworkers also come from the Philippines, Ukraine and Vietnam.

#healthcare, #farmworkers, #foreign_workers, #work_in_Canada

British Columbia issued ITA to 57 candidates in the Tech Pilot

On July 7, 2020, British Columbia conducted a new invitation round in the Tech Pilot of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The province distributed 57 invitations to apply for a nomination in four categories: Skills Immigration - Skilled Worker, Skills Immigration - International Graduate, Express Entry British Columbia - Skilled Worker, and Express Entry British Columbia - International Graduate. The lowest score in all categories did not change and was 80 points. So far, British Columbia invited 1,285 Tech Pilot candidates in 2020, which is almost one-third of the total 4,272 invitations issued by the province this year. 

#British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #Tech_Pilot, #PNP

The international students from the US may flee to Canada

On July 6, 2020, the United States government announced new regulations for international students studying online due to COVID-19. Under the new rules, international students may be requested to leave the USA if their program will be taught remotely. The same applies to new foreign students. Such students may be prohibited from entering the country if the courses will be delivered online in the fall term. Immigration experts predict that majority of such students will turn face to Canada, especially given the fact, that Canada allows international students to study for up to 50% of their programs remotely and maintain their eligibility for the Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP).

#international_students, #USA, #Study_in_Canada, #PGWP

15,350 asylum seekers claims were processed in 2020

According to the recent data by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the total number of asylum claimants processed from January 1 to May 31 is 15,350. This number could increase when the current border restrictions are relaxed. The CBSA officials confirmed they turned back 21 individuals who tried to enter the country from the South in May to make a refugee claim. The data from the Immigration and Refugee Board states that from February 2017 and March 2020, about 58,255 irregular migrants crossed the US-Canada border. Only 28,644 cases having been heard so far. Among them, 14,420 cases have been approved, 11,948 have been rejected, and the others were withdrawn or abandoned.

#refugees, #USA, #IRCC, #IRB, #CBSA

BC allows putting applications on hold for up to 24 weeks

On July 7, 2020, the government of British Columbia announced new temporary measures in the BC PNP caused by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to help prospective candidates applying for the provincial nomination, the officials enable the opportunity to put the applications on hold for up to 24 weeks. Nevertheless, the latest date for the hold is August 30, 2020. The main reason for the above updates is to align with changes to the temporary layoff provisions pursuant to the Employment Standards Act. Skilled Immigration Stream candidates may also refer to the Addendum to the BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC Program Guide for additional information.

#BCPNP, #BCPNP, #Skills_Immigration, #EEBC, #PNP, #COVID_19
 

Canada released new instructions for electronic applications for temporary residence

On July 6, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a new program delivery update regarding applications for temporary residence. New instructions state that the status extensions such as Temporary Resident Visas, Study Permits, and Work Permits must be submitted online. IRCC has also clarified the exemptions for e-applications. In addition, authorized paid representatives are also required to submit those applications electronically.

#IRCC, #TRV, #study_permits, #work_permits

Thunder Bay held a new round of recommendations in the RNIP

On July 6, 2020, Thunder Bay, ON, issued new community recommendations in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). The city approved applications of 9 candidates – one candidate in the NOC A skills level, six candidates in the NOC B skills level, and two candidates in the NOC C skills level. Candidates who received a community recommendation can submit their applications for permanent residence in Canada to Immigration Canada (IRCC). Thunder Bay can still recommend 9 NOC A candidates, 26 NOC B candidates, 34 NOC C candidates, and 10 NOC D candidates. In total, the community already recommended 21 candidates since the launch of the program and still has 79 spots available.

#Thunder_Bay, #RNIP, #Ontario, #community_recommendation, #rural_immigration

International travellers keep coming to Canada

According to the recent figures by the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), international travellers keep coming to Canada in great numbers. In the second half of June, the number of foreigners coming to Canada by air has reached 30,000 weekly, while in April this figure was only 15,000 per week. In total, since May 25, 2020, 135,000 travellers arrived in Canada and 66,000 of them were foreign nationals. As for the land travellers, on average 170,000 people entered Canada every week compared to 115,000 in two previous months. In response to the increased traffic, Health Canada is placing its employees to screen arrivals for not being infected with the COVID-19.

#travel_restrictions, #CBSA, #Health_Canada, #COVID_19

 

Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick updated the lists of Designated Employers

Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick have updated their lists of provincial employers designated to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). On June 23, 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador added one new employer. Since the last update, the total number of its designated employers reached is 306. As for New Brunswick, in June it added 16 new employers and the updated list now includes 697 employers. As of today, there are 2,570 employers in all four Atlantic provinces who can hire foreign workers in the framework of the Atlantic Pilot.

#AIPP, #Atlantic_Canada, #Designated_employers, Newfoundland_and_Labrador, #New_Brunswick

Will Ottawa modify immigration law to help Hong Kongers?

As reported by Globe and Mail, human rights activists and groups are urging the Canadian government to change immigration and refugee rules in order to accommodate a possible exodus of Hong Kongers following the law restrictions imposed by China. A Hong Kong Watch watchdog group called for Canada and the West to provide a safe haven people fleeing from Hong Kong. Separately, Alliance Canada Hong Kong, a Canadian umbrella group for Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates, is asking Ottawa to reduce barriers to Hong Kongers seeking a new life here. One of the requests they made to the government is to ignore any charges or convictions Hong Kongers may get from the Chinese government as a result of the protests.

#Hong_Kong, #immigration, #refugees

 

Can digital work permits help the Canadian economy?

A group of researchers who manage a public discussion on immigration suggested an interesting alternative that can help Canadian employers to recover from the pandemic crisis. Introduction of the security-proof digital work permits, as well as temporary electronic social insurance numbers (SIN) for the foreign workers and new immigrants, can help many industries. Thousands of workers and 'virtual' immigrants cannot begin their work prior to obtaining a SIN. Such digital work permits can be issued for a period of 90 days with an option to extend it until the worker or newcomer can enter Canada. Such a revolutionary reform can be favoured by many industries struggling with the impacts of the COVID-19.

#work_permits, #work_in_Canada, #COVID_19, #SIN
 

The mandatory self-isolation measures for those who enter Canada have been extended

On June 30, 2020, the Federal government has extended the mandatory 14 days self-isolation requirement and quarantine for all travellers entering the country by land, sea or air until August 31, 2020. This complex of measures has been introduced in Match with the implementation of the Emergency Order to combat the spread of the COVID-19. Canada also clarifies the regulation for wearing the face mask in public and maintain physical distancing. To recall, the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) has the right to refuse entry to Canada to those who have no isolation plan.

#Health_Canada, #CBSA, #travel_restrictions, #COVID_19

Ontario has added 13 NOCs to Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

On July 2, 2020, the government of Ontario has announced that the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will reopen on July 6, 2020. The officials have added the following 13 NOCs to the stream:
•    9411 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
•    9416 – Metalworking and forging machine operators
•    9417 – Machining tool operators
•    9418 – Other metal products machine operators
•    9421 – Chemical plant machine operators
•    9422 – Plastics processing machine operators
•    9437 – Woodworking machine operators
•    9446 – Industrial sewing machine operators
•    9461 – Process control and machine operators, food, beverage and associated products processing
•    9523 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
•    9526 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
•    9536 – Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators
•    9537 – Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
In addition, OINP has removed the settlement funds requirement for the applicants of the streams. Ontario also accumulated all employers’ requirements in one online guide.

#OINP, #Ontario, #Employer_Job_Offer, #PNP, #provincial_nomination

Manitoba held the MPNP draw #93

On July 2, 2020, Manitoba conducted a new draw in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In round #93, the province issued 101 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) in the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream. The lowest score in this category was 475 points. In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, Manitoba issued only 6 LAAs. The lowest score in the SWO stream was 816. Finally, in the International Education Category, MPNP invited 18 candidates in. In total, Manitoba issued 125 invitations in this draw, including 10 invitations to the candidates from the Express Entry pool. In total, Manitoba issued 2,460 LAAs in the MPNP in 2020.

#Manitoba, #MPNP, #International_students, #PNP, #SWO, #SWM

CUSMA has officially replaced NAFTA

On July 1, 2020, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been superseded by the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Following that, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have updated the instructions of the new agreement. The regulations for the free entry of citizens of the three countries remain almost unchanged from the original NAFTA agreement. This means the business people can continue to enter, live and work in Canada under the same rules.

#CUSMA, #NAFTA

Manitoba nominated 1,192 foreign nationals in May and June

On July 2, 2020, the government of Manitoba published new statistics on the issuance of the provincial nominations in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In May, the provincial government nominated 616 Skilled Workers, 4 business candidates, and approved 5 business concepts. It refused 60 applications of Skilled Workers and 1 business application. It also invited 222 Skilled Workers, 5 business candidates and approved 4 business concepts. In June, Manitoba nominated 572 Skilled Workers and approved 2 business concepts. MPNP refused 22 applications. It also invited 305 Skilled Workers and 3 business candidates. In total, MPNP received 2,137 applications from Skilled Workers and 21 business applications in the first half of 2020. In addition, Manitoba nominated 55 and 56 candidates from the Express Entry pool in May and June, respectively. In total, MPNP nominated 386 Express Entry candidates in 2020.

#Manitoba, #MPNP, #Skilled_workers, Business_immigration, #PNP, #nomination_certificates
 

Canada resumes processing of the visitor visas and eTAs

On June 30, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it finally resumes processing the applications for visitor visas and electronic travel authorizations beginning July 1. At the same time, travel restrictions implemented to combat the spread of the COVID-19 remain in place. Immigration Canada will also continue processing online applications for work and study permits as well as applications for permanent residence. All paper applications will not be processed until the end of the pandemic.

#IRCC, #visitor_visa, #TRV, #eTA, #COVID_19, #PR, #study_permits, #work_permits

The borders will remain closed until July 31

On June 29, 2020, the Government of Canada published a new Order in Council that regulates the entry of foreign nationals to Canada from abroad. The new document extends the travel ban until July 31, 2020. The Order also specifies that all travel ban exemptions remain in place until further notice. This allows immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents as well as some new immigrants, foreign workers, and international students to able to come to Canada if meeting the exemptions.

#IRCC, #travel_restrictions, #COVID_19

Alberta to reduce the quota of the AINP

On June 30, 2020, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced some important things in his public speech. Kenney said the province remains in crisis since 2015 and is experiencing high unemployment due to the COVID-19. The government is implementing measures to improve the situation. Alberta is going to ask the Federal government to expand the list of LMIA-prohibited NOCs for employers in Alberta which will make it impossible to get a positive LMIA for certain occupations in the province. In addition, Kenney wants to reduce the provincial quota for the AINP from 6,000 to 4,000 in 2020. So far, there was no reaction from IRCC on those issues.

#Alberta, #AINP, #PNP, #immigration_levels

 

British Columbia invited 314 candidates in the new draw

On June 30, 2020, British Columbia invited 314 candidates in the new draw in the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). The lowest scores in four categories have reduced:
•    Skills Immigration - Skilled Worker 98 (-2 points)
•    Skills Immigration - International Graduate 100
•    Skills Immigration - Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 79 (-1 point)
•    Express Entry British Columbia - Skilled Worker 98 (-2 points)
•    Express Entry British Columbia - International Graduate 100 (-3 points)
The province again excluded 31 NOCs from participation in the draw (0621, 0631, 0632, 0651, 3236, 6211, 6311, 6313, 6321, 6322, 6341, 6421, 6511, 6512, 6513, 6521, 6522, 6523, 6524, 6525, 6531, 6532, 6533, 6562, 6564, 6611, 6621, 6711, 6721, 6722, and 6731.). In total, British Columbia invited 4,215 foreigners to apply for the provincial nomination in the first half of 2020.

#British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #EEBC, #Skills_Immigration, #PNP