Paper-based PNP applications with a job offer can be put on hold

On September 17, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) posted an update regarding the processing of the paper-based permanent residence applications in the job offer streams of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Responding to the heavy impact of the COVID-19, IRCC allows provincial and territorial governments to request the applications to be put on hold in the cases of job loss as a result of the pandemic. These temporary measures will take place from September 17, 2020, to November 17, 2020. The introduction of this policy may help foreign workers to find new employment.

#IRCC, #PR, #PNP, #Job_offer, #COVID_19

IRCC resumes some in-person services in a limited mode

On September 17, 2020, the Immigration Department (IRCC) announced the gradual resumption of some in-person services. Beginning September 21, several services will be again available to the public: Citizenship knowledge re-testing and citizenship hearings will be available at Vancouver Expo. The appointments to be scheduled by email. PR-related services such as PR card pick-ups or interviews to determine the client’s status will be available in the IRCC's offices in Etobicoke and Montreal. IRCC will contact clients to appoint the meeting. IRCC offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls will provide limited services for asylum seekers. In addition, Service Canada will contact permanent residence applicants via the phone to schedule a biometrics submission in the coming months.

#IRCC, #PR, #Citizenship, #Asylum, #Service_Canada, #biometrics

Ontario issued 741 nominations to foreign nationals in the OINP

On September 17, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) posted new statistics on the issuance of the nomination certificates. Since the last update on August 13, 2020, the provincial government nominated 741 foreign nationals in the OINP in 2020. Ontario can nominate 7,600 candidates this year, including 250 individuals under the federal NOC C initiative. Up to date, Ontario nominated 5,555 candidates in all streams of the OINP. Last year, OINP nominated 7,350 candidates and 44 NOC C candidates.

#Ontario, #OINP, #provincial_nomination, #PNP

COVID-19 pandemic is preventing newcomers from becoming Canadian citizens

 
The Canadian government's immigration department suspended the citizenship test after the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread this spring. Many immigrants waiting to complete the citizenship test are worried that the backlog will delay their dream to become Canadian citizens. Before COVID-19, the process for new immigrants who met the conditions to apply for Canadian citizenship generally took one year. But now, due to the pandemic, Canadian immigrants waiting to enter do not know when they will be able to complete the process. IRCC is considering safe ways to facilitate the citizenship test during the pandemic but did not provide a timeline for the reopening of the citizenship test. The Canadian citizenship test consists of two parts: a written test and an oral test. Although IRCC allows the use of virtual online methods to hold the citizenship oath ceremonies, the use of an online test to replace the on-site test faces issues of safety and reliability.

#Citizenship, #IRCC, #COVID_19

IRCC invited 4,200 candidates in the Express Entry draw #163
On September 16, 2020,

 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new all-programs draw in the Express Entry. In round #163, the government again issued 4,200 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence to candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers programs, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry aligned provincial programs. The cut-off score in this round was 472 points, three points lower than in draw #162. The tie-breaking rule for this round was March 09, 2020 at 13:03:40 UTC. As of September 14, 2020, there are 144,018 profiles registered in the system, 1,826 more compared to the previous update. This is the first significant increase in the number of registered candidates since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Canada issued 74,150 ITAs in 30 rounds of Express Entry.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA, #FSW, #FST, #CEC, #PNP, #PR

BCPNP invited 407 foreigners to apply for a nomination

On September 16, 2020, British Columbia released the results of the September 15 draw in the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). The province invited 409 candidates to apply for a nomination. The lowest scores in this round somewhat dropped for International Graduate candidates in SI and EEBC streams, as well as for Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Workers:
•    Skills Immigration - Skilled Worker 94
•    Skills Immigration - International Graduate 95 (-3 points)
•    Skills Immigration - Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 75 (-1 point)
•    Express Entry British Columbia - Skilled Worker 94
•    Express Entry British Columbia - International Graduate 98 (-3 points)
As was announced earlier, BC keeps excluding the following 31 NOCs from participation in the BCPNP draws (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, BC issued 6,476 invitations in 2020 under all streams of BCPNP.

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

Alberta updated the AINP inventory

On September 16, 2020, Alberta released a new update of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) inventory. As of September 15, the province received 1,450 applications that are waiting for the eligibility assessment under the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS). All applications were received before April 22, 2020. In the pool of the Alberta Express Entry Stream, currently, there are 150 Expressions of Interest. AINP invited 1,933 Express Entry candidates in this stream to apply for a provincial nomination. However, since June 17, there were no new invitation rounds.

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

IRCC updated the page about non-priority temporary resident visa (TRV) applications

On September 16, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the page about non-priority temporary resident visa (TRV) applications. The new instructions clarify temporary regulations regarding travel itinerary changes and transit while en route to Canada. Beginning July 1, IRCC resumed the processing of the TRV applications. Nevertheless, only online TRV applications are being processed with a few exceptions. IRCC also notified it prioritizes the applications of those who are exempt from travel restrictions.

#TRV, #IRCC, #visitor_visas, #COVID_19, #travel_restrictions

Saskatchewan invited 621 candidates in the SINP

On September 15, 2020, Saskatchewan held a new round of invitations in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). In the Express Entry category, SINP issued 455 invitations to apply. In the Occupations In-Demand category, Saskatchewan invited 166 candidates. The lowest score in both categories was 68 points, similar to the previous round. All invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments. In this draw, Saskatchewan invited candidates in 3 following NOCs: 2173 Software engineers and designers, 2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers, and 2175 Web designers and developers. Additionally, SINP noted that candidates who scored 68 points in this round had connections to Saskatchewan or had 10 years of work experience and a language level of CLB 8 or higher. In total, Saskatchewan invited 4,562 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination in 2020.

#Saskatchewan, #SINP, #Occupations_in_demand, #PNP

Thunder Bay held a new invitation round

On September 15, 2020, Thunder Bay, ON, conducted a new invitation round in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and issued community recommendations to three applicants. The community approved applications of 1 candidate in the NOC B skills level, 1 candidate in the NOC C, and 1 candidate in the NOC D. Those candidates now can apply for permanent residence in Canada to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After approval in-principle of their PR applications, they can also apply for a work permit. Thunder Bay can still recommend 9 NOC A candidates, 16 NOC B candidates, 32 NOC C candidates, and 8 NOC D candidates. In total, the community issued recommendations to 35 candidates and still has 65 spots available.

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

The border with the United States to remain closed for one more month

According to a report by CBC, the governments of the United States and Canada will keep the border closed to non-essential travels for one more months. The travel restrictions will be extended until at least October 21, 2020. With the cold months ahead, chances for an increase of infected are very likely, therefore the border closure may last even longer. At the same time, Ottawa has not yet officially announced the extension of restrictive measures. The official notice may be released by the end of the week.

#USA, #travel_restrictions, #COVID_19

Alberta is the most ideal Canadian province in helping refugees resettle in Canada

During his provincial election campaign in 2019, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney promised that his government would strive to attract immigrants to reside in rural areas of the province. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted an internal assessment of each province's settlement environment for new immigrants. Based on the assessment, IRCC believes that Alberta is the most ideal Canadian province in receiving Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) because the number of GARs resettled in Alberta is higher than the national average of all Canadian provinces. Furthermore, the median employment income of GARs in Alberta is the highest in all Canadian provinces.

#refugees, #Alberta, #GAR, #IRCC

Canada may gradually resume biometrics submissions from within Canada

According to the automated message on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) phone lines, and several unofficial reports from the interested public, Service Canada started to contact foreign nationals who currently reside in Canada and applied for permanent residence in Canada in order to schedule personal appointments to submit the biometrics. Canada cancelled all biometrics appointments in March 2020. Starting July 15, IRCC exempt in-Canada applicants for a work and study permit, work and study permit extensions, temporary resident visas, temporary resident visas extensions and restorations from submitting biometrics until further notice. At the same, the biometrics requirement for PR applicants was not cancelled. Instead, IRCC automatically extends the deadlines to submit biometrics for In-Canada candidates.

#biometrics, #IRCC, #Service_Canada, #PR

Registration to New Brunswick online recruitment events has been closed

On September 14, 2020, New Brunswick informed that the registration to two sessions of the “Living and Working in New Brunswick” for Skilled Workers planning to immigrate to Canada planned on September 29 and October 1 has been closed. These sessions targeted residents of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile. At the same time, New Brunswick announced a new event entitled National "Virtual" Immigration Fair in New Brunswick to be held in Fall 2020. This event is aimed at attracting international students and foreign workers from across Canada to find a job in the province in the following NOCs:
•    NOC 0211 - Director of Engineering
•    NOC 2253 - Drafting technologists and technicians
•    NOC 3233 - License Practical Nurse
•    NOC 4412 - Personal Support Worker
•    NOC 6332 - Baker
•    NOC 6552 - Customer and Information Services Representative
•    NOC 7271 - Carpenters
•    NOC 7321 - General Mechanic
•    NOC 7445 - Net Cleaning Technician
•    NOC 7452 - Material Handlers
•    NOC 7511 - Truck Driver
•    NOC 8441 - Maintenance Vessel Deckhand
•    NOC 8613 - Aquaculture Site Worker
•    NOC 9227 - Shop Foreman
•    NOC 9461 - Donut Operator
•    NOC 9461 - Machine Operator
•    NOC 9461 - Process Operator
•    NOC 9462 - Industrial Butcher
•    NOC 9463 - Fish Plant Processing Worker
•    NOC 9531 - Boat assemblers and inspectors
•    NOC 9533 - Wood Assembly Worker
•    NOC 9617 - Factory Labourer
•    NOC 9617 - Food Processing Labourer
#New_Brunswick, #NBPNP, #Job_fair, #information_session

International students call the government to make post-graduate work permits renewable

 
The Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC) with the support of various international student groups announced about organizing demonstrations in Toronto and Mississauga. The activists are calling the Federal government to make post-graduate work permits (PGWP) renewable so students can complete requirements for permanent residency (PR) in the COVID-19 job market and provide real access to PR by lowering points requirements to become a permanent resident. The current high unemployment caused by the COVID-19 creates a desperate situation for international students who may be unable to meet the requirements for various immigration programs.

#International_students, #Study_in_Canada, #PGWP, #work_permits, #International_graduates, #PR

Most of the refugee claimants arriving in Canada were victims of political and religious persecution

According to some reports in media with the reference to a document dated December 2019 from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that most of the refugees entering Canada in 2019 claimed they were victims of political or religious persecution and most of them entered Canada irregularly. The document shows that the countries from where irregular refugee claimants entered Canada in 2019 included Sudan, Ethiopia, Iran, India and Turkey. The document predicted that in 2020, refugees entering Canada from Bangladesh and Pakistan and the above-mentioned five countries will still be the largest group of refugees who claim to be victims of political persecution. China is one of the countries whose citizens have filed the most refugee claims due to religious persecution. Political persecution is the top reason for irregular migration, while religious persecution is the second top reason for irregular migration to Canada.

#refugees, #asylum_claims, #irregular_migrants, #political_refugees, #religious_refugees

New Brunswick will host several online recruitment events

On September 11, 2020, New Brunswick published the information on three new online events entitled “Living and Working in New Brunswick”. On September 22, the province will host a French only web conference. A representative of the government will answer questions regarding temporary and permanent immigration procedures. On September 29 and October 1, New Brunswick will have two sessions for Skilled Workers planning to immigrate to Canada. The September 29 session will be held in French, while the October 1 – in English. The registration is available only for residents of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile.

#New_Brunswick, #NBPNP, #Job_fair, #information_session

Licensed Chinese Canadian immigration consultants lobbied the reform of the OINP

On September 8, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced amendments to the "Ontario Immigration Law", specifically to the Employer Job Offer, Master's, and Ph.D. streams. The program is to adopt a new expression of interest (EOI) system. The All Canada Association of Chinese Immigration Consultants (ACACIC) welcomes and supports this important and wise decision. At the beginning of 2020, ACACIC submitted a joint letter, proposing to abolish the selection of applicants through the method of rushing for spots and have the opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting with the special working group of the Ontario government on February 28. It is believed that this initiative launched by the Ontario Nomination Office can be attributed at least in part to the petition and initiative in February. The services of ACACIC are authorized by the Canadian Immigration Act. The association works with the Canadian government and regulatory agencies to educate and encourage the public to make wise choices when considering immigration issues, hiring consultants, and to stay away from unlicensed immigration advisors.

#Ontario, #OINP, #ACACIC, #immigration_policy

IRCC has updated Work Permit instructions

  
On September 11, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated work permits-related instructions. The government has included guidance on persons determined by Health Canada to be providing an essential service while in Canada and who may be exempt from work permit. IRCC also added instructions temporarily allowing visitors in Canada to apply for an employer-specific work permit. Other minor updates have been added throughout the instructions to provide further clarity.

#IRCC, #work_in_Canada, #work_permits, #foreign_workers, #COVID_19

Canada issued 25,575 work permits for Humanitarian and Compassionate purposes in 2020

 
In six months of 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 25,575 work permits for Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) purposes. These work permits allow several categories of foreign nationals to legally work in Canada. These categories include foreign nationals who have applied for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds and whose application has been approved in principle, holders of the Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), and some categories refugees whose claims are being processed and who got permission to work to support themselves by the Immigration and Refugee Board. Last year, Canada issued 63,100 worker permits under H&C.

#TFWP, #IRCC, #work_in_Canada, #work_permits, #foreign_workers, #H&C, #humanitarian_and_compassionate, #TRP

MPNP Draw #98: Manitoba invited 213 candidates

On September 10, 2020, the government Manitoba held the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) draw #98. In this round, Manitoba issued 168 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) in the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream. The score required to get an LAA in this category was 475 points, as in the previous round. In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, Manitoba issued only 9 invitations. The score required to get an LAA in the SWO category was 824, equal to draw #97. In addition, MPNP invited 35 candidates in the International Education Category. Manitoba issued 211 LAAs in this round and 22 of them were sent to the Express Entry candidates. In total, Manitoba invited 3,511 LAAs in 2020.

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

Canada's strategy of bringing in international students could be affected by the crisis

The number of incoming international students registered at Canada's postsecondary colleges and universities has experienced a drastic drop. The situation is not only significantly reducing the income of these colleges and universities in the short term, but it will also affect Canada's strategy of bringing in international talent. The hard fact is that international students at the University of Toronto and Dalhousie University in Halifax make up one-fourth of the student population at the two universities. Figures from the federal immigration department show that the department issued 47,970 and 64,785 study permits in the first and second quarters respectively this year. However, in the first and second quarters of 2019, IRCC issued 64,305 and 83,395 study permits. The long-term implications of the COVID-19 crisis yet to be determined.

#international_students, #study_in_Canada, #study_permit, #IRCC

Immigrants and refugees in Ontario are the most impacted by COVID-19

According to a new report by ICES, a research institute focusing on health issues in Ontario, immigrants and refugees accounted for about 43.5% of COVID-19 cases in the province in the first half of 2020. These groups comprise only a quarter of the total Ontario population. Immigrants and refugees who worked in healthcare, especially women, accounted for a disproportionate number of cases.  In Toronto specifically, 4,027 immigrants and refugees have tested positive for COVID-19 (9.8% of those tested) compared to 3,788 Canadian-born patients (4.9% of those tested). The authors also recommend the creation of mobile testing units that can target at-risk communities.

#COVID-19, #newcomers, #immigrants, #refugees, #healthcare, #Ontario

Canada issued 51,385 work permits in the TFWP in 2020

 
In the first half of 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 51,385 work permits in the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP). All TFWP work permits must be supported by positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Agricultural workers were issued 35,760 work permits. 470 work permits were issued to caregivers. Another 1,005 work permits were granted to live-in caregivers. Finally, 14,140 work permits were given to all other foreign workers with LMIA-based job offers.

#TFWP, #IRCC, #work_in_Canada, #work_permits, #foreign_workers, #LMIA, #caregivers, #live_in_caregivers, #agricultural_workers
 

In 2020, Canada issued 104,485 work permits in the International Mobility Program

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Work permits issued under the IMP may be open or closed, depending on the specific program and stream. Such work permits can be issued for individuals who fall into regulations of free trade agreements signed by Canada, several categories of Entrepreneurs or Self-Employed Persons, Exchange Academics, Spouses of skilled workers and international students, intra-company transfers and some other categories. In 2019, Canada issued 306,590 IMP work permits. This year, we can face the effect of COVID-19 that is the main reason for a drastic drop in numbers. In the first half of 2020, IRCC issued work permits to only 104,485 foreign workers under the International Mobility Program

#IMP, #International_Mobility, #Skilled_workers, #work_permits, #work_ in_Canada

Ukraine will not get a visa-free regime with Canada this year

Ukraine may not receive a visa-free regime with Canada this year, according to the statement made by Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko. "There will be no visa-free regime this year. Anyone who is familiar with how Canada works on this issue understands that it will take years, but probably many years, to solve it, because the country is conservative on this issue. But we are working on it, and it will definitely happen. It will happen in the foreseeable future because both Ukraine and Canada need it," Andriy Shevchenko said. Shevchenko added that it is possible to reach an agreement on youth mobility, which will allow students to come to Canada for the academic year. The Youth Mobility Agreement will provide for simplified work permits under the Working Holiday category of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program.

#Ukraine, #IEC, #working_holiday, #work_permit, #work_in_Canada #TRV

Richmond Hospital is preparing to 500 possible ‘birth tourists’ a year

According to the latest preliminary data, the number of non-resident foreign births in Richmond Hospital and Vancouver’s St. Paul’s Hospital increased significantly in 2019. Both hospitals will significantly surpass their previous annual reports on non-resident foreigners giving birth. According to available data, most of them are likely to be Chinese nationals involved in organized birth tourism. The epicentre of the birth tourism industry is in Richmond with 502 non-resident births per year, an increase from 458 in 2019 and from 474 in 2018. Those 502 newborns represent 24% of the 2,094 children, the total number of newborns at Richmond General Hospital. This is the highest overall rate and the highest non-resident birth rate in Canadian hospitals. St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver ranks second in the country with 14.1% of all non-resident births - 203 babies were born to foreigners.

#Birth_tourism, #citizenship, #Vancouver, #British_Columbia

Ontario to introduce Expression of Interest system for OINP

On September 8, 2020, the government of Ontario announced the plans to introduce the Expression of Interest system for several streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The EOI system will serve the Employer Job Offer Category (Foreign Worker; International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams); Masters Graduate Category; and Ph.D. Graduate Category. All these streams are usually opened for a short time, but all the spots are taken within minutes, causing chaos and criticism towards the OINP. The EOI system may eliminate those problems and help organize the intake process based on the points system and ITA issuance for each stream. These amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act are now posted on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry for public consultation until October 23, 2020. Ontario plans to determine suitable points grid and factors to be considered (education, language, work experience etc.).

#Ontario, #OINP, #PNP, #Employer_Job_Offer, #international_students, #Occupations_in_demand, #skilled_workers, #Masters_graduates, #PhD_graduates

British Columbia invited another 67 Tech Pilot candidates

On September 8, 2020, British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held a new Tech Pilot draw. In this round, BC issued 72 invitations to apply for the nomination of British Columbia in four categories: Skills Immigration - Skilled Worker, Skills Immigration - International Graduate, Express Entry British Columbia - Skilled Worker, and Express Entry British Columbia - International Graduate. All candidates scored 80 points of higher in the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). In 2020, British Columbia invited 1,572 Tech Pilot candidates. In total, BC distributed 6,069 ITAs this year.

#British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #Tech_Pilot, #PNP

Canada's post-secondary institutions can have a loss of several billion dollars

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the number of international students registered at Canada's universities and post-secondary colleges this year has dropped drastically, causing a loss of several billion dollars to these institutions. According to federal figures, foreign students contribute nearly $22 billion a year to Canada's economy. Colleges and Institutes Canada President Denise Amyot said initial estimates show that the above-mentioned situation could cost Canadian universities and colleges a loss of between $1.8 billion and $3.5 billion as of now. The Canadian government recently made some changes, such as allowing international students to take remote classes. Universities said it helps little and urged the federal government to provide funds to help Canadian universities.

#international_students, #study_in_Canada, #COVID_19

Many people have misunderstood the “job offer”

Recently, the Canadian government announced a new policy that allows visitors who came to Canada before August 24, 2020, and have a qualifying job offer to apply for a work permit. However, many people have misunderstood the “job offer”. Some visitors think if a Canadian employer has extended a job offer on a simple piece of paper, it will make them qualify to apply for a work permit. They must note that they are required to have an LMIA based job offer, not just a simple job offer. They must also have valid status in Canada as a visitor on August 24, 2020, to apply for a work permit without leaving Canada.

#TRV, #work_permit, #visitor_visa, #work_in_Canada, #LMIA
 

Ontario removed the application guides for OINP

On September 4, 2020, the website of the Ontario government informed that the province has removed the application guides for Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) streams except the Entrepreneur stream. Along with that, OINP has updated all stream webpages as well as the document checklist page. The reason for such a step is to ensure consistency and accuracy of program information in order to avoid misinformation and mistakes caused by outdated information. As of now, Ontario issued 10,436 invitations in the OINP in 2020.

#Ontario, #OINP, #PNP

Number of newcomers overqualified for their jobs three times more than local Canadians

Statistics Canada conducted a survey on the "over qualification" of newcomers at workplaces. The survey found out that the number of newcomers who are overqualified for the jobs they are hired for is three times more than local Canadians. Statistics Canada pointed out that in the past few decades, the situation has not improved in Canada. The survey found out that newcomers who possess high qualifications in professions such as law, sociology, visual and performing arts, and communications technology are seriously hit by tough accreditation of their foreign credentials in Canada, but newcomers with high credentials in professions such in mathematics, science and computer science, rarely encounter the "over qualification" problem.

#newcomers, #employment, #immigrant_adaptation

Canada updated the instructions on citizenship delivery abroad

On September 2, 2020, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) released new instructions for citizenship delivery abroad. The Citizenship Program Delivery regulates the aspects of providing Canadian citizenship based on Citizenship and Passport Program Guidance (CPPG). The new instructions include the citizenship program directives from the GAC intranet and will now be available on the IRCC intranet. These directives regulate the proof of citizenship, citizenship renunciations, and search of records.

#IRCC, #GAC, #Citizenship

What provinces benefited the most from Express Entry in 2020?

The main beneficiary of Express Entry in 2020 is Ontario. In the first half of 2020, it welcomed almost 60% of all Express Entry immigrants. The only two other provinces which may be regarded as the beneficiaries of Express Entry are British Columbia and Alberta, which attracted 21.6% and 10%, respectively. All other provinces combined accepted less than 9% of Express Entry immigrants. Nunavut is the only Canadian territory with no new Express Entry immigrants.
•    Alberta - 4,490 (10.38%)
•    British Columbia - 9,345 (21.61%)
•    Manitoba - 965 (2.23%)
•    New Brunswick - 440 (1.02%)
•    Newfoundland and Labrador - 115 (0.27%)
•    Northwest Territories - 25 (0.06%)
•    Nova Scotia - 1,020 (2.36%)
•    Ontario - 25,765 (59.59%)
•    Prince Edward Island - 360 (0.83%)
•    Saskatchewan - 700 (1.62%)
•    Yukon - 20 (0.05%)
Canada welcomed 43,240 foreign nationals who immigrated to Canada via Express Entry between January 1 and June 30, 2020.

#Express_Entry, #PR, #PR_admissions

IRCC announced the plan to help Lebanese

On September 3, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published a notice about immigration and consular assistance for people affected by the Beirut tragedy. The government will help Canadians to return to Canada from Lebanon and implement special measures to process visitor visas for immediate family members affected by the Beirut explosion. Lebanese citizens will also be able to stay longer in Canada if they cannot return home because of the explosion. IRCC will waive the application fees for their visa extensions.

#IRCC, #Lebanon, #visitor_visas, #TRV

Canada to announce its Immigration Plan in the fall

In November, Canada is set to announce its new Immigration Plan for future years. The Canadian general public is still optimistic about new immigrants. Foreigners still want to come to Canada; they believe the Canadian economy is not as bad as that in their home countries during the pandemic. Fees for immigrating to Canada are expected to increase due to the worldwide economic depression. In the previous plan released in March, Canada wanted to accept 341,000 new immigrants in 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 outbreak affected immigration levels. In the first half of 2020, the country admitted 103,420 immigrants.

#immigration_levels, #IRCC

43% of Canadians' income goes to taxes

A new study by the Fraser Institute found that the average Canadian family currently spends more money on taxes than on food, housing and clothing combined. Jake Fass, an economist at the Fraser Institute and co-compiler of the 2020 Canadian Consumer Tax Index, believes that "taxes remain the largest single expense item in Canada." In 2019, the average Canadian household earned an income of $91,535. At the same time, it paid $38,963 in taxes, almost 5,000 more compared with $33,178 spent on basic necessities such as housing (including rent and mortgage payments), food and clothing combined. In other words, the average Canadian family spends 42.6% of their income on taxes, compared with 36.2% on basic necessities.

#taxes, #newcomers

Ottawa was criticized for not taking any real measures to help Hong Kong people

Ever since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the suspension of the Canada-Hong Kong extradition agreement and shipment of sensitive military goods to Hong Kong in early July, the Canadian government has not taken any actual measures to help the people of Hong Kong as China continues to suppress Hong Kong democratic protestors. This has raised great concern and discontent at Alliance Canada Hong Kong. Mathieu Genest, the spokesperson for Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, stated that just as Trudeau said, the Canadian government will continue to support the people of Hong Kong and the many links between Canada and Hong Kong. Genest added that the Canadian government is reviewing other measures such as immigration options for Hong Kong people, the outcome of which will be announced in due course. 

#Hong_Kong, #immigration, #refugees
 

Almost 70,000 invitations to Express Entry

On September 2, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the third all-programs round of invitations in the Express Entry since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In round #162, Canada issued 4,200 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence to candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers programs, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry aligned provincial programs. The lowest score in this round was 475 points, one point less compared to the August 5 all-program draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was August 16, 2020 at 01:22:18 UTC. As of August 31, 2020, there are 142,192 profiles registered in the system, 180 more compared to the previous update. In 2020, Canada distributed 69,950 ITAs in 29 rounds.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA, #FSW, #FST, #CEC, #PNP

British Columbia issued 428 invitations to BCPNP

On September 1, 2020, British Columbia conducted a new big draw in the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). This time, BCPNP invited 428 candidates to apply for a nomination of the province. The lowest scores in this round dropped by two points for Skilled Worker streams of SI and EEBC:
•    Skills Immigration - Skilled Worker 94 (-2 points)
•    Skills Immigration - International Graduate 98
•    Skills Immigration - Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 76
•    Express Entry British Columbia - Skilled Worker 94 (-2 points)
•    Express Entry British Columbia - International Graduate 98
As was announced earlier, BC keeps excluding the following 31 NOCs from participation in the BCPNP draws (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, BC invited 6,002 candidates in 2020 under all streams.

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

Alberta considers 1,525 candidates in the AINP

On September 2, 2020, Alberta released a new update of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) inventory. As of September 1, the province received 1,300 applications that are waiting for the eligibility assessment under the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS). All applications were received before April 22, 2020. In the pool of the Alberta Express Entry Stream, currently, there are 225 Expressions of Interest. So far, AINP invited 1,933 Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination in the Alberta Express Entry.

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

British Columbia held a new round of ITAs for entrepreneurs

On September 1, 2020, British Columbia issued a new batch of invitations to business-candidates under the two provincial streams of business immigration. In the Base Category of the Entrepreneur Stream, BC invited 6 candidates with the lowest score of 126 points, one point higher than in the draw of June 2. As for the Entrepreneur Regional Pilot, BC invited under 5 candidates with the lowest score of 128 points, five points more than in the previous round. The province has already invited 123 entrepreneurs in 2020 and approximately 49 of them received invitations in the Regional Pilot.

#British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #Entrepreneurs, #Business_immigration, #Regional_Pilot, #Rural_immigration, #PNP

IRCC updated the requirements for translation of supporting documents

On September 2, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a new program delivery update regarding the translation of supporting documents for applications. The new instructions apply to online and paper applications submitted through consular missions and visa application centres (VACs) outside Canada. The instructions are applicable to the immigration and citizenship programs.

#IRCC, #procedures, #translations, #citizenship, #PR

Entry permission for Working Holiday applicants extended for a year

As Canada extends travel restrictions on incoming foreign travelers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement special measures for Working Holiday visa holders under the International Experience Canada. IRCC announced that the Port of Entry Letter (POE) of the Working Holiday applicants who got approved for the program would be valid for one more year at maximum. IRCC earlier extended POE in April and June for 90 days in case the visa holders apply for the extension. The final decision whether to approve it or not will depend on the border officer. The IEC had suffered the most from the COVID-19. The last invitation round occurred on March 13, 2020. Since then, Canada postponed further invitations.

#IEC, #IRCC, #Working_holiday, #COVID_19, #International_Experience_Canada

Express Entry PR admissions in the first half of 2020

According to the recent figures by IRCC, for the first time in the history of Express Entry, the number of permanent residents in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) overcame the number of immigrants in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW). In the first half of 2020, Canada welcomed 43,240 immigrants through the Express Entry. 41.3% of them or 17,840 were CEC immigrants while 37.1% or 16,030 – FSW immigrants. Another 20.5% or 8,875 newcomers got their PR through the Express Entry-aligned streams of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Finally, 1.1% or 495 immigrants were processed through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). Having in mind the trends of invitations rounds caused by the COVID-19, we can assume that CEC immigrants will outnumber by far all other programs this year.

#Express_Entry, #PR, #FSW, #FST, #PNP, #CEC, #skilled_workers, #skilled_trades, #Canadian_experience, #PR_admission

International students are concerned about fee increases and future in Canada

The fall term in Canadian colleges and universities will start in a few away. Many international students voice concerns about the influence of the COVID-19 on their tuition. For instance, a group of international students from the University of Toronto established the International Student Advocacy Network (ISAN) to advocate their rights in communication with university officials. ISAN representatives stated the toll COVID-19 is taking on them, as their fees, is disproportionately higher than on domestic students. For instance, Sheridan College reduced tuition fees by 10% for domestic students, but increased fees for international students by 3%. The disproportionally high fees for international students in the long term may damage the attractiveness of study in Canada for foreign students.

#international_students, #study_in_Canada, #COVID_19

British Columbia will keep excluding 31 NOCs from BCPNP draws

On August 31, 2020, the government of the province announced that it will keep the temporary policy of exclusion of 31 NOCs from participation in the BCPNP draws. Beginning March 30, the following 31 NOCs were banned from BCPNP: 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. According to the officials, all those NOCs are in tourism, hospitality, retail and personal services occupations, the spheres where BC anticipates higher unemployment caused by the COVID-19. In the long term, BC expects shortages in these professional areas, however, in 2020, it is expected almost a 70% drop in jobs in these sectors. So far, BC invited 5,491 candidates to apply for a nomination in 2020.

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

Why do Canadian farms need thousands of temporary foreign workers?

Farms across Canada recruit a large number of temporary workers from foreign countries every year. Year after year, these foreign workers fly from Latin America and the Caribbean at the beginning of spring and return home after the autumn harvest. There is no doubt that Canadian agricultural production is heavily dependent on foreign workers. Their failure to arrive on time due to the pandemic this spring caused trouble for farms and the Canadian food supply. The Canadian government has established foreign labour projects since the 1970s. The COVID-19 outbreak hit many farms in Ontario and Quebec. almost 1,000 temporary farmworkers have been infected, and three have died. The shortage of agricultural workers is more than 50,000. The government is looking for additional ways to help farmers.

#Agriculture, #SAWP, #Ontario, #Quebec #work_in_Canada, #COVID_19

Significant decrease in the number of new immigrants and international students softens the rental prices in Toronto and Vancouver

Royal Bank of Canada senior economist Andrew Agopsowicz stated that due to continued travel control at the Canadian border, concerns about travel-related health, and the downturn in the global economy, the number of new immigrants coming to Canada is expected to drop to approximately 240,000 this year, which will slow housing demand by new immigrants. The number of international students coming to study in Canada in the second quarter of this year fell by 40% compared to the same period last year, which has also significantly affected rental prices in Toronto and Vancouver.

#immigration_levels, #international_students, #Toronto, #Vancouver

Refugee hearing procedures will resume in mid-September

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada will fully resume court hearing procedures for refugee applications starting September 14. According to a report by the Star, after months of consultations, the IRB said on Thursday that it will return to the pre-pandemic model to facilitate refugee application hearings starting September 14. Prior to this, the 1,200 members of the Canadian Bar Association Immigration Law Section had requested that virtual hearings be the default choice for health reasons. As of March 31, this year, the IRB had a backlog of 90,267 refugee applications. The IRB suspended all hearings in March but has gradually resumed hearing procedures since July, initially in Vancouver, and then resumed hearings in other offices across the country in early August. The IRB stated that since August 3, 880 refugee application hearings have been scheduled, 62 of which were conducted through videoconferencing.

#Refugees, #IRCC, #CBSA, #IRB

The border will remain closed until September 30

On August 28, 2020, the government extended travel restrictions to Canada until September 30, 2020. This was announced by Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair on Tweeter. Canada has imposed travel restrictions on March 18. Initially, it was expected that the restrictions would be in effect until June 30, but then, Canada extended them three more times. Border closures and quarantine measures have helped Canada flatten its infection curve, according to government statements. The land border with the United States also remains closed. The opening of the border has been postponed until at least September 21. The decision to extend or remove restrictions will be made in mid-September.

#IRCC, #CBSA, #COVID_19, #TRV, #visitor_visas, #study_permits, #travel_restrictions

The Owner/Operator LMIA category may be changed

The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) plans to change the procedures for the Owner/Operator category of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The major change is that business owners/operators will no longer be exempt from recruitment efforts. This may become a challenging obstacle to obtaining a positive LMIA as business owners/operators will have to win the competition with Canadian candidates. Additionally, business owners/operators will be required to advertise and pay the wage in accordance with the ESDC requirement.

#ESDC, #LMIA, #buisness_immigration, #entrepreneurs, #buisness_owner_operator

In-Canada work permit applications may end the 'flag poling' practice

Since foreign nationals are now allowed to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada, this also may lead to the end of the practice of 'flag poling'. At least until the end of March 2021. The 'flag poling' is the practice of going to the US for a few hours to get the work permit, study permit, renew the status or validate the permanent residence. It has always created problems for some applicants. CBSA officers have been hesitant to issue permits at the border and it has created administrative difficulties. These measures are taken in the context of the pandemic, but they might become permanent to eliminate 'flag poling' once and for all. Earlier, in November 2019, IRCC prohibited flag poling to obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) for international graduates, requesting them to apply for it online.

#IRCC, #PGWP, #Port_of_entry, #Flag_poling, #Work_permit, #international_graduates, #international_students, #foreign_workers

Non-resident births in Canada on the rise

According to data by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the non-resident births in Canada are on the rise. The overall increase across Canada is 7%. The highest increase is recorded in British Columbia - 20% more compared to the previous year. In 2019, there were about 4,400 babies born to non-residents in Canada, while in 2015 this number was only 2,889. Most birth tourists gave birth in Ontario - 3,109; BC was second - 868 births, Alberta was third - 225. The other 198 births occurred in the other provinces. Unfortunately, Quebec does not release this information to the public, so it is hard to estimate the level of birth tourism in Quebec.

#Birth_tourism, #citizenship

Ontario invited 21 candidates in the Entrepreneur Stream

On August 27, 2020, the government of Ontario conducted a new invitations round in the Entrepreneur Stream of the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP). In this draw, the provincial government issued 21 Invitations to Apply. This was the fourth round of Ontario’s only business immigration stream in 2020. The lowest score for this round was 144, ten points higher compared to the June 24 draw. In this round, Ontario considered Expressions of Interest received by the OINP between November 22, 2019, and August 21, 2020. In 2020, Ontario invited 91 Entrepreneurs to apply for the nomination of Ontario.

#Ontario, #OINP, #Entrepreneurs, #business_immigration, #PNP

Manitoba invited 213 candidates in the MPNP draw #97

On August 27, 2020, Manitoba conducted a new round of invitations in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In draw #97, Manitoba issued 171 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) in the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream. The lowest score in this category was 475 points, 10 fewer compared to the previous round. In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, Manitoba issued only 8 invitations. The lowest score in the SWO category was 824, 152 points more than in the draw #96. Additionally, MPNP invited 34 candidates in the International Education Category. In total, Manitoba issued 213 LAAs in this round and 23 of them were issued directly to the Express Entry profiles of candidates. In total, Manitoba distributed 3,299 LAAs in 2020.

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

What will be the CPC immigration policy if elected?

A newly elected leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Erin O'Toole shared his views on immigration, he plans to implement if elected as a Prime Minister. O'Toole stated his government will return the confidence of Canadians in our immigration system and fix the mismanagement caused by the Liberals. He promised to keep steady levels of immigration, however, noted that it would be more dependable on the situation in the economy. We can also expect more emphasis on skills-based immigration, concentrated on closing gaps and attracting foreign workers with the skills in demand on the labour market. Worth noting that O'Toole declared the plans to delegate more authority to provincial governments in immigration management to be able to address skills shortages and attract immigrants based on those factors. Finally, in regard to COVID-19, O'Toole may temporarily reduce skilled immigration to combat unemployment and if it remains high to shift to Family immigration.

#immigration_policy, #CPC, #Conservatives, #Erin_O'Toole
 

ESDC updated the processing time for LMIA applications

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the governmental body responsible for the assessment of Labour Market Impact Assessment applications (LMIA) updated the processing times for applications under various streams. Current average LMIA processing times are:
•    Global Talent Stream - 14 business days
•    Agricultural stream - 14 business days
•    Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - 7 business days
•    Permanent residence stream - 52 business days
•    In-home caregivers - 13 business days
•    High-wage stream - 52 business days
•    Low-wage stream - 50 business days
#ESDC, #LMIA #TFWP, #Work_permit, #Agricultural_workers, #caregivers

OINP held a new round in the Human Capital Priorities Stream

On August 26, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held a new round of invitations in the Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream. In this draw, OINP distributed 703 targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates who possess one year or more of foreign work experience in one of the in-demand occupations. The score range of those candidates was 466-475 points. All invited candidates work in one of the nine following occupations:
•    NOC 0111 – Financial managers
•    NOC 0124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
•    NOC 0601 – Corporate sales managers
•    NOC 1111 – Financial auditors and accountants        
•    NOC 1114 – Other financial officers         
•    NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting        
•    NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 
•    NOC 3124 – Allied primary health practitioners
•    NOC 3132 – Dietitians and nutritionists
In total, Ontario invited 10,415 candidates in the OINP in 2020. Among them, 4,833 have been invited under the Human Capital Priorities Stream.

#Ontario, #OINP, #Human_capital, #Occupations_in_demand

Saskatchewan invited 570 Occupations In-Demand candidates
On August 26, 2020,

 Saskatchewan conducted a new round of invitations in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). In this round, SINP issued invitations to apply (ITA) for the provincial nomination only to candidates in the Occupations In-Demand category. In total, SINP invited 570 candidates. The lowest score dropped by one point compared to the previous draw and was 68 points. All invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments. In this draw, Saskatchewan invited candidates in 50 different NOCs. Additionally, SINP noted that candidates who scored 68 points in this round had connections to Saskatchewan or had 10 years of work experience and a language level of CLB 8 or higher. In total, Saskatchewan issued 3,941 ITAs in 2020.

#Saskatchewan, #SINP, #Occupations_in_demand, #PNP

Sudbury has invited 12 candidates in the RNIP

On August 22, 2020, the City of Greater Sudbury conducted the fourth invitation round in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). In this draw, Sudbury invited 12 candidates and the lowest score to receive the invitation was 225 points, 10 points less than in the May 22 draw. The tie-breaking rule was July 10, 2020. All invited candidates can now submit an application for a community recommendation. In total, Sudbury invited 30 candidates since the launch of the program.

#Sudbury, #RNIP, #Ontario, #community_recommendation, #rural_immigration

IRCC introduced further temporary measures for PGWP eligibility
 
On August 26, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced three new measures on Post-Graduate Work Permit eligibility for international students. Those foreign students whose programs starts from May to September 2020 with the duration of 8-12 month can complete their study online without losing eligibility for PGWP. Students whose program starts from May to September 2020 and will study remotely by April 30, 2021, and who studied in an eligible program before are allowed to combine the length of their study for PGWP eligibility but not more than 50% of the total studies online. Study permit applications must be submitted before the program start (including programs that begin in Winter 2021 term) to be eligible for those temporary measures.

#international_students, #study_in_Canada, #PGWP, #work_permit, #stay_after_graduation

IRCC extended Ministerial Instructions for temporary residence processing

On August 26, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published an update that Minister of Immigration has extended the current COVID-19 instructions for TRV applications until September 30, 2020. These ministerial instructions regulate travel restriction measures, non-optional and non-discretionary travels, processing of the temporary resident visas (TRV), electronic travel authorizations (eTA), study permits, work permits, employer compliance inspections procedures, withdrawal of temporary residence applications, policy towards temporary residents who are unable to depart Canada and public policy exempting certain out-of-status foreign nationals from immigration requirements.

#IRCC #study_permits, #work_permits, #visitor_visas, #TRV, #COVID_19

Prince Edward Island invited a record high 321 candidates between July 31 and August 20

On August 25, 2020, Prince Edward Island published the results of the invitation rounds in the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) that were held on July 31, August 11, and August 20. On July 31 and August 11, the PEI PNP invited 8 candidates in each round. All 16 candidates have been invited to the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams. On August 20, the provincial government invited a record high 305 candidates, the largest number of candidates in one draw in the program’s history. In this round, the government of the province issued invitations to 277 skilled workers via the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams and 28 candidates in the Business Work Permit Entrepreneurs stream. The lowest score for business-candidates was 112 points, five points fewer than in July draw. All candidates invited in these three draws have submitted their applications from May to June and they all currently reside in Prince Edward Island. In total, PEI invited 923 candidates in 2020. In the last twelve months, PEI PNP issued 1,529 invitations, and 10% of them were issued to business candidates.

#Prince_Edward_Island, #PEIPNP, #Business_immigration, #Skilled_workers

BC issued ITAs to 72 Tech Pilot candidates

On August 25, 2020, British Columbia conducted a new draw in the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot. In this round, the government distributed 72 invitations to apply for the nomination of British Columbia in four categories: Skills Immigration - Skilled Worker, Skills Immigration - International Graduate, Express Entry British Columbia - Skilled Worker, and Express Entry British Columbia - International Graduate. All candidates at least 80 points in the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). In total, British Columbia invited 5,563 candidates in 2020 and 1,505 of them were invited Tech Pilot candidates.

#British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #Tech_Pilot, #PNP

Nation-wide protests demanding immigration status for temporary foreign workers

The Migrant Rights Network simultaneously held protests in ten cities including Toronto and Vancouver across the country to demand that the federal government take immediate action to expand the scope of immigration to resolve the immigration status of temporary foreign workers who have been stranded in Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Syed Hussan, the organizer of the protests, said that at present, there are 1.6 million temporary foreign workers in Canada who do not have Canadian permanent residency status. These temporary foreign workers, on the one hand, have been making contributions to Canada's development and society, but on the other hand, they have been excluded from Canada's health insurance programs and COVID-19 related emergency response benefits, so they are living in poverty and are facing the risk of being deported.

#foreign_workers, #PR, #COVID_19

Canada may need more immigrants in the post-COVID scenario

Canada's economic growth relies on immigrants. It is difficult for Canadian businesses to survive without immigrants and skilled workers. In post-COVID time, the need for immigrants could be even higher. It is possible that Canada may not achieve its immigration targets as they were planned for 2020. However, in the next two years, those targets will be definitely achieved. Nearly 9 million Canadians are going to retire in the next 8-10 years. Immigrants are required to fill those spaces. Almost 25% of jobs have been created by new immigrants in recent years.

#immigration_levels, #labour_market

Pandemic-related immigration slowdown threatens Canadian economy

A new report by the Royal Bank of Canada Economics shows that the immigration slowdown could threaten the Canadian economy. According to the report, in the best-case scenario, this year Canada will admit only 70% of the target number of 341,000 immigrants. Canada added 34,000 permanent residents in the second quarter of 2020, down 67% from the same period in 2019. In the second quarter of the year, Canada welcomed 34,260 permanent residents, which only one-third of 94,275 immigrants admitted in the second quarter of 2019. The number of work permits was also down around 50% in the quarter. As for the study permits, the decline is even more significant - 10,000 new study permits processed, down from 107,000 in 2019. In general, TRV applications were down 80%.

#IRCC, #RBC, #immigration_levels, #work_permits, #study_permits, #TRV

No need to leave Canada to apply for a work permit

On August 24, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published a news release regarding the new temporary policy for work permit applications. IRCC has temporarily allowed foreign nationals with a valid job offer supported by the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada. This step is aimed to help Canadian employers to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. The policy also applies to eligible applicants who had a valid work permit in the past 12 months to begin working for their new employer before their work permit application has been fully approved.

#IRCC, #work_in_Canada, #work_permit, #LMIA

Ottawa to appeal the decision on the Safe Third Country Agreement

The Federal Government confirmed it is appealing a court ruling that declared the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) unconstitutional. This was said by Public Safety Minister Bill Blair. Under the STCA, which took effect in 2004, Canada and the United States recognize each other as safe places for potential asylum seekers. In turn, STCA allows both governments to turn back refuge claimants who arrive at the border, stating that the asylum claim must be done in the first safe country entered. Regardless of the appeal, the STCA is set to remain in place until mid-January. 

#refugees, #STCA, #CBSA, #USA

The pandemic did not affect the plans to immigrate to Canada

The recent survey by the World Education Service (WES) demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic did not change the interest of foreign nationals to immigrate to Canada. The survey showed that 45% of respondents in June 2020 stated their interest in coming to Canada has increased. This is 7% up from April's rate. Almost one-third of respondents or 32% claimed they are considering postponing their application, while 11% are thinking of immigrating to a different country.
 
#IRCC, #immigration_levels, #WES

Ontario Premier is worried about Chinese entrepreneurs in the OINP

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on August 18 that immigration applicants can submit applications directly to his office. According to the Ontario government, 80% of applications for the entrepreneur category for the provincial nomination program in Canada are from mainland China, and the refusal rate of the entrepreneur category in 2019 was 100%. Seven Chinese applicants in this category are preparing to start businesses in Ontario after obtaining Canadian work permits in 2019. They plan to hire 136 Ontario residents, with a proposed investment amount exceeding $30 million. As a result, no one was nominated by the provincial government. The entrepreneur stream also has the longest approval time in Ontario, which depends on the complexity of the investment project and may take up to several months. Ford criticized the situation and stated that entrepreneurs can submit an application "directly to his office" to improve the statistics." According to the official website of the Canadian Department of Immigration, the Ontario Immigration Nomination Program (OINP) has 7,350 spots this year, plus 250 spots for temporary foreign workers. As of August 13, 4,814 people have been nominated.

#Ontario, #OINP, #Entrepreneurs, #business_immigration, #PNP

IRCC has confirmed the processing of the paper-based PR applications

On August 23, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the department keeps processing paper-based permanent residence applications to the extent possible on its official Twitter account. IRCC also tweeted that applicants couldn't re-submit a paper-based PR application online. IRCC also stated they are unable to provide accurate processing timelines for various applications. It is worth noting, that many provincial governments postponed the processing of paper-based application as a part of measures to reduce the risks of the COVID-19 infection. At the same time, the federal government will not process paper applications for visitor visas, study and work permits until further notice.

#IRCC, #PR, #visitor_visas, #study_permits, #work_permits, #COVID_19

IRCC updated the Entry/Exit instructions

On August 21, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published an updated instruction on the Entry/Exit program. The updated instructions will now focus more on delivery, procedures and policy. The immigration department has added sections that clarify what information is being retained, who can access the information and for what purpose, data protection and privacy aspects, and the disclosure conditions. The travellers' data will be used by IRCC and CBSA for temporary residence, permanent residence, inland refugee claims, and citizenship policy enforcement, as well as related investigations.

#IRCC, #CBSA, #public_safety, #immigration_policy, #entry/exit

Canada issued permanent residence to 2,065 caregivers in 2020

According to official data by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in the first half of 2020, Canada admitted 2,065 caregivers as permanent residents to the country. The number of immigrant caregivers has significantly dropped this year due to the pandemic of the COVID-19. For instance, last year Canada welcomed 9,800 caregivers through, while in 2018, the IRCC granted permanent residence to 17,815 caregivers. Foreign nationals working as caregivers in Canada can obtain a PR status via the Home Support Worker and Home Child Care Provider pilots. Those pilots also allow caregivers to bring their family members to Canada.

#caregivers, #PR, #IRCC

Canada issued 3,300 ITAs in the Express Entry for CEC candidates

On August 20, 2020, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw. In the program-specific draw #161, Canada issued 3,343 Invitations to Apply for permanent residence in Canada in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program. The lowest score was 454 points, nine points higher than in the previous CEC-specific round. The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 27, 2020 at 17:05:11 UTC. In 2020, Canada issued 65,750 invitations to apply in twenty-eight draws of Express Entry. In the ten CEC-specific rounds, IRCC invited 34,215 candidates this year. The majority of CEC candidates temporarily reside in Canada international graduates and foreign workers.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA, #CEC

Alberta updated the information on the AINP inventory

On August 20, 2020, Alberta published a new update of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) inventory. As of August 18, Alberta received 1,250 applications that are waiting for the eligibility assessment under the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS). All applications were received before April 20, 2020. In the pool of the Alberta Express Entry Stream, currently, there are 250 Expressions of Interest. AINP issued 1,933 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination in the Alberta Express Entry in 2020. In 2020, Alberta already admitted 12,795 immigrants and 4,475 of them were nominated by the AINP. Last year, the province welcomed 43,690 immigrants including 11,235 provincial nominees.

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

Labour rights organization: Federal government should establish independent oversight agency to protect foreign workers

A foreign worker labour rights organization is calling on the federal government to establish an independent agency to protect foreign workers' rights. The independent agency will be responsible to probe complaints, with the guarantee that employees won’t be punished for raising concerns regarding the employment. Temporary foreign workers in Canada have become a high-risk group after the pandemic due to the conditions of the environment they live in. Some of them were forcibly isolated by their employers who limited their mobility, and some were fired because of breaking the rules.

#foreign_workers, #work_in_Canada

The number of Start-Up immigrants to Canada has seriously dropped

According to data by IRCC, the number of immigrants through the Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) has seriously dropped in 2020. For instance, in the first half of the year, Canada admitted only 140 SUV permanent residents. Last year Canada welcomed 515 start-uppers. Such a significant reduction in numbers is caused mainly by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, many business incubators have postponed their programs or switched to online mode. Venture capital funds and angel-investors became more cautious in assessing risks regarding investments. Experts assume that Canada may restore the volume of applications next year, once the economy will recover from the crisis.

#business_immigration, #Start_up_visa, #SUV, #entrepreneurs

 

Canada invited 600 candidates in a new PNP-specific Express Entry draw

On August 19, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 600 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in the new PNP-specific draw. In round #160, the lowest score to get an ITA was 771 points, 84 points more compared to the previous PNP-specific draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 24, 2020 at 11:39:23 UTC. As of August 18, 2020, there are 142,012 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool, 149 profiles less compared to the previous update. In twenty-seven Express Entry draws in 2020, IRCC invited 62,450 candidates.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA, #PNP

Ontario registered 1250 candidates in the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

On August 19, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) reopened the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream. OINP accepted 1250 registration in this intake. The processing time for International Students now takes 90-120 days. In 2019, OINP nominated 1,347 candidates in the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream. In 2018, Ontario issued 1,254 nominations in this stream. This means that this year we may not see another reopening of this stream.

 #Ontario, #OINP, #PNP, #Employer_Job_Offer, #international_students

Immigration applicants may encounter delays

Those looking to immigrate to Canada should be prepared to face extensive delays due to pandemic-related hurdles causing a backlog of applications. The government’s immigration and citizenship website says it is still accepting most permanent resident applications but its ability to "review and process them" is being impacted by COVID-19. While the government says it cannot estimate processing times, it is prioritizing Canadians returning to the country, vulnerable groups, and people who perform or support essential services. A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said that while delays are inevitable, the department is working to modernize the system to minimize disruption.

#IRCC, #processing_times, #COVID_19

The birth rate in Canada dropping due to COVID-19, immigration levels might have to be increased

As a side effect of COVID-19, there has been a sharp decline in birth rates in Canada. This was reported in the Science magazine editorial. According to the publication, many couples have postponed or reduced planning for more children due to declining incomes. The immediate effect of this can be forecasted as following. We may face a drop in childcare demand by 2023-2024, then a drop in kindergarten in 2025 and a reduction in teenagers willing to work at summer jobs and part-time positions in the 2030s. This may require immigration levels to be raised further in order to meet Canada's labour force requirements. 

#immigration_levels, #COVID_19, #birth_rate, #demography

British Columbia invited 302 candidates 

On August 18, 2020, the government of British Columbia held a new draw in the Skills Immigration (SI) and Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC) categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). In this invitation round, BCPNP invited 302 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination. The lowest scores in this draw dropped by one point for Skilled Worker streams of SI and EEBC:
•    Skills Immigration - Skilled Worker 96 (-1 point)
•    Skills Immigration - International Graduate 98
•    Skills Immigration - Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 76
•    Express Entry British Columbia - Skilled Worker 96 (-1 point)
•    Express Entry British Columbia - International Graduate 98
British Columbia continues to exclude 31 NOCs from participation in the BCPNP draws (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, BC invited 5,491 candidates in 2020 under all streams.

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

Ontario to reopen the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

On August 18, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced the reopening of the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream on Wednesday, August 19. Ontario will accept applications in the stream between 9 AM and 5 PM EST, however, it doesn’t announce the exact time. Since it is expecting a high volume of users, the OINP will automatically close the registration once the intake limit is met. Also, the OINP requests the most recent version of the Employer Form. It must be completed on or after August 19, 2020. Registered candidates will have 14 days to complete and submit the full application.

#Ontario, #OINP, #PNP, #Employer_Job_Offer, #Skilled_workers

Canada to speed up the processing of immigration applications for victims of the Beirut explosion

Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne recently stated that at the request of the Lebanese immigrant community, the Canadian government will facilitate the immigration of Beirut victims to Canada. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Immigration have established a joint working group for this purpose. Champagne said that the members of the working group include officials from the Department of Immigration and Canadian diplomats from the embassy in Lebanon. Although the current task of the team is only to expedite the immigration applications of victims of the explosion, it does not rule out accepting immigration applications from other Lebanese applicants in the future. In addition, the Canadian government is also considering longer-term assistance plans for Lebanon. Officials are currently discussing with grain exporters in western Canada how to help Lebanon improve food security.
 
#IRCC, #Lebanon, #application_processing

The public calls the government to waive the citizenship fee 

New immigrants are still waiting on the Trudeau government to deliver on its promise to wipe out the fee to become a citizen as soon as possible. The Liberal Party had promised to waive the $630 fee during the fall 2019 election campaign. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) will lose almost $400 million over four years if the fee is eliminated. In the meantime, the backlogs and waiting time for new citizenship ceremonies are growing as the traditional in-person group oath-taking has been cancelled since March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. IRCC has since moved the citizenship ceremonies online. Some citizenship applicants who have passed their exams and are in line to swear their citizenship oath have been told they can’t take their oath because their criminal record check expired while they were waiting for their turn.

#IRCC, #citizenship, #oath_ceremony, #processing_fees

IRCC may automatize residence period calculation for PR status renewals and citizenship applications

 
Immigration applicants applying for Canadian citizenship and replacement of permanent residency cards may no longer need to fill in the period of residence in Canada. According to the latest update, the Canadian government will now be able to obtain immigration information for all foreigners within five years. This means that when permanent residents apply for citizenship after five years or extend their permanent residency status, they will no longer need to fill out the period of stay in Canada. In 2018, the Canadian government passed Bill C-21 and revised the Customs Act, allowing the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to start collecting entry and exit border information of travellers. CBSA has begun documenting travellers coming into and leaving Canada by ground since June 2019. The same applied to travellers coming and departing from Canada through air travel in June 2020. For the longest time, the CBSA only collected data on travellers entering the country. But now Bill C-21 requires the CBSA to collect information on travellers entering and exiting Canada.

#PR, #citizenship, #residence_obligation, #IRCC, #CBSA

Work Permits under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot to be submitted online

On August 17, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a new program delivery update regarding work permits under Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). Effective August 17, IRCC will accept applications for AIPP work permits online. IRCC also clarified that it will accept paper applications until September 1, 2020. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot was launched on March 6, 2017, and will remain in place until December 31, 2021. Last year the Liberal government voiced plans to make the AIPP permanent, however, this was not announced yet. Since the launch of the program, Canada welcomed about 6,695 immigrants through the AIPP.

#AIPP, #Atlantic_pilot, #work_permit, #work_in_Canada

The decline of tourists and international students is devastating businesses 

Many consumers in Ontario noticed that the prices of fruits and vegetables in supermarkets has seriously increased. The main reason for this increase is due to the lack of labourers on the farms in Ontario, making it difficult to harvest crops, which increased the price of fruits and vegetables by about 50%. The pandemic has prevented temporary foreign workers from Mexico to work on Ontario farms this year. Due to a lack of labourers, the crops that should be harvested could not be completed. As a result, some crops were rotten in the ground. The lack of labour force has greatly affected farm operations, increased losses, and led to inflation in prices. At the same time, Ontario had to import fruits and vegetables from Mexico. The prices of produce from Mexico for 2020 are also higher than usual. The operators understand that this is due to a shortage of labour and transportation costs have also increased.

#Agriculture, #SAWP, #Ontario, #work_in_Canada, #COVID_19

Saskatchewan conducted a new draw in the SINP

On August 14, 2020, Saskatchewan conducted a new draw in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The province issued invitations to apply for the provincial nomination to 533 candidates. In the Express Entry category, SINP issued 286 invitations to apply. In the Occupations In-Demand category, Saskatchewan invited 247 candidates. The lowest score in both categories was 69 points, one point fewer compared to the July 29 draw. All invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments. In this invitation round, Saskatchewan invited candidates in 46 different NOCs. In total, Saskatchewan issued ITAs to 3,371 candidates in 2020. In the first half of the year, Saskatchewan admitted 4,290 immigrants, and 3,165 of them through the Provincial Nominee Program.

#Saskatchewan, #SINP, #Express_Entry, #Occupations_in_demand

Thunder Bay invited another four candidates 

On August 14, 2020, Thunder Bay, ON, held a new round of invitations in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and issued community recommendations to four foreigners. The city approved applications of 3 candidates in the NOC B skills level and 1 candidate in the NOC C skills level. After receiving a community recommendation, candidates can submit an application for permanent residence in Canada to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of today, the community can still recommend 9 NOC A candidates, 17 NOC B candidates, 33 NOC C candidates, and 9 NOC D candidates. In total, Thunder Bay already recommended 32 candidates and still has 68 spots available for recommendation.

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

Ottawa introduced a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants working in healthcare

On August 14, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the Federal government has approved an initiative to provide a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants who were working in the healthcare sector amidst the pandemic of the COVID-19. IRCC allowed Quebec to select those candidates who wish to reside in the province. This temporary policy is aimed to recognize the special contribution the asylum claimants made to Canadian society. Eligible candidates will also be able to include their family members in their applications. In order to meet the IRCC criteria, applicants must have filed asylum claims before March 13, 2020, posses a work permit and worked in the health-care sector at least 120 hours between March 13 and August 14, 2020. The eligible work experience includes orderlies, nurses, nurses’ aides and patient service associates, assistant orderlies and certain home support workers.

#healthcare, #PR, #IRCC, #refugees, #asylum_claims, #work_in_Canada, #work_permit

Canada and the US extended the border closure until September 21

The government of the USA and Canada decided to extend leave the border closure for another month. This was announced by the Minister of Public Safety of Canada Bill Blair on Tweeter on Friday, August 14, 2020. This means the US-Canada border will be closed for non-essential travellers until September 21, 2020. Both governments applied the travel restrictions in March and then have been extending them every month. As for other international travel restrictions, they will remain in place until at least August 31, 2020. The new update on travel restrictions to Canada is expected in the last week of the month.

#USA, #travel_restrictions, #COVID_19

In July, Ontario nominated 882 foreign nationals

On August 13, 2020, the Ontario provincial government released a new update of the number of nominations certificates issued by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Since the last update on July 9, the OINP issued 882 new certificates of the provincial nomination. In total, Ontario issued 4,814 nominations in 2020. The provincial quota this year is 7,600 nominations. This means, the provincial government still can nominate 2,786 foreign nationals, including 250 nominations under the federal NOC C initiative. So far, Ontario welcomed 48,460 permanent residents in 2020, and 3,670 of them were nominated by the province.

#Ontario, #OINP, #provincial_nomination, #PNP

Manitoba held the MPNP draw #96

On August 13, 2020, Manitoba held a new invitation round in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In round #96, Manitoba issued 197 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) in the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream. The lowest score in this category was 485 points, 10 higher compared to draw #95. In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, Manitoba issued 33 LAAs. The lowest score in the SWO category was 672, 92 points less than in the previous round. MPNP also invited 23 candidates in the International Education Category. In total, Manitoba issued 253 LAAs in this draw and 23 of them were issued to the Express Entry candidates. Manitoba sent LAAs to 3,086 candidates in 2020. In total, in the first half of the year, Manitoba admitted 4,485 immigrants and 2,990 of them passed through the MPNP.

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

5,816 Americans gave up their citizenship in the first half of 2020

One-third of them went to Canada. Bambridge Accountants New York partner Alistair Bambridge said there has been a huge turnaround during the Coronavirus in terms of U.S. ex-pats renouncing citizenship. The figures had been in steep decline since 2017. According to a survey, nearly one-third of these ex-pats chose Canada as their new beginning. They believe that Canada is more "humane" and more inclusive of ex-pats. Our country admitted 3870 Americans as permanent residents in 2020. Last year, 10,780 citizens of the USA moved to Canada permanently.

#USA, #immigration, #PR

Canada admitted only 180 self-employed immigrants in 2020

The Self-Employed Persons Program (SEPP) is aimed solely at talented foreign artists and athletes. Prior to March 2018, there was also the farm management stream in the Self-Employed Persons Program, but IRCC decided to cancel it. Currently, this immigration stream is a great pathway for world-class level sportsmen and self-employed persons whose main work is such cultural activities as music, art, writing, etc. The processing time for SEPP is now 23 months. As of June 30, 2020, Canada granted PR to 180 self-employed persons. Last year, Canada welcomed 870 immigrants in this program.

#business_immigration, #self_employed, #SEPP
 

Top-10 countries of the total PR admissions in the first half of 2020

IRCC has released new official data on the permanent resident admissions in 2020. In the first half of the year, Canada admitted 103,420 newcomers. A quarter of them originated from India – 26,610 (25.7% of the total). China is the second-largest country of origin of immigrants – 10,150 (9.8%). The third place is taken by the Philippines – 6,930 (6.7%). The other top ten countries of origin are: the USA – 3,870 immigrants (3.7%), Nigeria – 3,350 (3.2%), Pakistan – 3,305 (3.2%), Brazil – 2,255 (2.2%), France – 2,240 (2.2%), Syria – 2,145 (2.1%), and United Kingdom – 2,140 (2.1%).

#PR_admission, #IRCC, #PR

Court supports immigration detention rules

The detention rules for those who cannot be deported immediately from Canada are in line with the Constitution. This was found by the Federal Court of Appeal that rejected an argument that there should be time limits for detention in immigration cases similar to criminal trials, reported by Globe and Mail. The Federal Court of Appeal supported lower court ruling to dismiss the constitutional challenge filed by Alvin Brown, a Jamaican national detained for five years before deportation. Canadian immigration detention regulations have "all of the protections mandated" to ensure extended periods of detention don't contravene the charter, the judge wrote. Detention reviews are "timely and frequent," the onus is on the public safety minister to establish both grounds for detention and that detention is warranted based on case-specific factors, and detention may only be ordered when there are no appropriate alternatives, he wrote.

#public_safety, #detention_review, #deportation

There are almost a quarter-million "Dreamers" in Canada

Although the population of "Dreamers" in Canada is much less compared to the US, we do effectively have youths and children who were brought to Canada by their parents and who have grown up here. It's estimated that in Canada there are around a million people without immigration status and that 25% of them are children or youths who can be given the label of Canadian "Dreamers". The main difference is that in the US the "Dreamers" can study, work, and live in peace since their deportation is suspended, at least for the moment. However, that doesn't happen in Canada. Here, the children of undocumented immigrants don't have any type of benefit in terms of health or authorization to work. The biggest problem for these youths begins when they want to attend post-secondary education. One of the essential problems is that as soon as colleges and universities find out these students don't have status in Canada, they are charging them international tuition fees. Most undocumented students cannot manage to study and pay these exorbitant rates. However, in 2017, York University started a program specifically created for students with precarious immigration status, whereby they can access studies at the university. The University of Toronto is starting a study to see how it can help students without status who want to access post-secondary education at the university.

#Dreamers, #illegal_migrants

Canada welcomed 103,420 newcomers in the first half of 2020

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released the new figures about immigration to Canada. In the first half of the year, the country admitted 103,420 immigrants. According to the 2020-2022 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada was supposed to admit about 170,500 by June 30. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic ruined those plans. Almost 63.7% of all immigrants were admitted through economic immigration programs. Among them, about 21,8% were nominated by the provinces. Business immigrants were less than 1% in 2020. As for the family class, 24% of immigrants were sponsored by their relatives: 17.6% were spouses of Canadians and 5% were parents or grandparents. Finally, 10.8% of the newcomers were refugees and protected persons.
•    Skilled Workers – 42,360 (40.96%)
•    PNP – 22,505 (21.76%)
•    Business - 955 (0.92%)
•    Sponsored spouses – 18,155 (17.55%)
•    Sponsored parents and grandparents - 5310 (5.13%)
•    Sponsored children 1,200 - (1.16%)
•    Refugees and protected persons – 11,170 (10.80%)
•    Total - 103,420
#PR_admissions, #IRCC, #economic_immigrants, #family_sponsorship, #refugees, #business_immigration

Protests held across Canada urging politicians to help with the family reunification process 

On Saturday, August 8, 2020, protesters gathered in cities across Canada called on the government to do more to help reunite families kept apart by slow immigration procedures and COVID-19 pandemic-related travel bans. In Montreal, demonstrators assembled in front of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offices. Other protests were held in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Edmonton. According to the protestors, over 40,000 letters to the offices of Justin Trudeau and Minister of Immigration Marco Mendicino and have been received with no response. The immigration department stated it continues to accept and process sponsorship applications and is looking at ways to help more families.

#IRCC, family_immigration, #spousal_sponsorship, #parents_sponsorship, #PGP

Canadian travel visa processing resumes, is this a sign the travel ban will be lifted?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada implemented a travel ban in March this year, prohibiting most foreigners from entering the country and suspending various visa processing. Since the IRCC announced the resumption of online visa processing last month, Canada has relaxed restrictions on American students on entry. In addition, immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents were also allowed to enter the country. According to the information released last week, applications for visitor visas to Canada and electronic travel authorizations (eTA) submitted by foreign travellers have been reopened for review. However, due to the backlog of cases during the pandemic, the processing speed has been slower than usual. With the easing of the pandemic, IRCC promised to give priority to study permits to ensure that eligible students are approved as soon as possible.

#IRCC, #COVID_19, #TRV, #visitor_visas, #study_permits, #travel_restrictions

Express Entry Draw #159 – 250 ITAs for the Federal Skilled Trades Candidates

On August 6, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) surprisingly held a new Express Entry invitation round, just one day after the previous draw. In this round, IRCC issued Invitations to Apply (ITA) only for candidates in the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) category. This time Canada invited 250 FST candidates. The precious round in this program happened almost a year ago in October 2019. This was the seventh invitation round aimed only at FST candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score for this round was the highest recorded for Skilled Trades candidates - 415 points. The tie-breaking rule for this round is June 2, 2020 at 09:35:31 UTC. In total, Canada has already invited 61,850 candidates via Express Entry.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #Federal_Skilled_Trades, #FST

BC PNP has increased processing fees

On August 6, 2020, the government of British Columbia announced the increase of the processing fees in the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) for candidates in the Skills Immigration (SI) category. Foreign nationals wishing to apply for the provincial nomination will have to pay $1,150. The fee has increased by $450 from the previous $700. BC has also increased the cost of a request for review from $200 to $500. The officials emphasized that they prefer to cover the operations costs from the candidates rather than from taxpayers, so it is an additional reason for the fees increase. The quota of BC has increased from 3,000 nominations in 2009 to 6,750 in 2019. At the moment, over 9,500 BC PNP nominees are waiting for their PR statuses.

#BCPNP, #British_Columbia, #Skills_Immigration, #PNP, #provincial_nomination

Thunder Bay released new recommendations of the community 

On August 6, 2020, Thunder Bay, ON, issued new community recommendations in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). The city approved applications of 6 candidates in the NOC B skills level and one candidate in the NOC D skills level. Those candidates can who have received a community recommendation can now submit an application for Canadian permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Thunder Bay can still recommend 9 NOC A candidates, 20 NOC B candidates, 34 NOC C candidates, and 9 NOC D candidates. In total, the community already recommended 28 candidates since the launch of the program and still has 72 spots available.

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

Immigration via the programs for caregivers 

Under the new caregiver program, foreign nationals who have passed grade 12 and completed one year of post-secondary education can be eligible to apply as a caregiver. However, they would be required to have at least 5 bands in IELTS and meet other eligibility criteria. The spouse and children of the applicant can be eligible to get work and study permits respectively. Canadian employers can hire a nanny/caregiver from abroad if they have small children or elderly people or people with special needs. However, they need to meet the income eligibility criteria. Foreign caregivers can apply for permanent residency after working for two years for their employer. In the first five months of 2020, 1,865 foreign nationals were granted PR status in Canada. Last year, their number was about 9,800.

#Caregiver, #IRCC, #work_permit, #PR

 

IRCC held a new all-program Express Entry draw

On August 5, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second all-programs draw in the Express Entry in the last four months. In round #158, Canada issued 3,900 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence to candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers programs, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry aligned provincial programs. The Comprehensive Ranking System cut-off score in this draw was 476 points, two points fewer compared to previous all-program draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 27, 2020 at 01:02:47 UTC. As of August 4, 2020, there are 142,161 profiles registered in the system, only 91 less compared to the previous round. In total, Canada issued 61,600 ITAs in 25 draws in 2020.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA

Canadian universities will not provide discounts on tuition fees for online study

Most Canadian universities already announced they will deliver classes online in the fall semester. Given the continuation of the COVID-19 crisis, education institutions will continue remote learning until the authorities declare it safe to return to campus. Therefore, students at popular universities can expect most of their courses to remain online. Some students will still be able to gather in smaller groups or attend lab sessions. In this case, international students who are already in Canada will attend online classes. So, the student unions are calling for tuition fees to be reduced in the fall because they do not have access to the type of learning and resources they were being charged for. International students at McGill pay anywhere between $18,000 to $48,000 in tuition every year, depending on their program. Unfortunately, McGill principal Suzanne Fortier has cleared the air about this issue, saying that tuition fees will remain the same.

#international_students, #study_in_Canada, #COVID-19, #distance_learning

The issue of Hong Kong refugees

Whenever there has been political and social unrest in Hong Kong, such as the situations prompted by the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, the 2019 Hong Kong Extradition Bill, and the 2020 Hong Kong National Security Law, Hong Kong residents have sought ways to immigrate to or seek refuge/political asylum in other countries, especially Canada. Unrest in Hong Kong this year and last year has made "Hong Kong refugees" an issue of public concern in Canada. Canada accepts a large volume of refugees every year. However, the issue of "Hong Kong refugees" is a completely new topic for the Chinese-Canadian community because these "Hong Kong refugees" are very different from the usual Hong Kong immigrants of past years. On July 3, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ottawa is reviewing more measures to help Hong Kong residents, including immigration policies. Reporters asked Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada whether the department has any plans to provide Hong Kong refugee seekers and immigration applicants with additional assistance. IRCC did not answer the question but confirmed that a total of 46 Hong Kong residents filed asylum claims in Canada.

#refugees, #Hong_Kong, #China

IRCC released new instructions for the Post-Graduate Work Permits

On August 4, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released the new program delivery update for the issuance and eligibility for Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) to international students. The length of the PGWPs is determined based on the duration of the academic program. IRCC recalled that officers will include regularly scheduled breaks in the time accumulated toward the length of the PGWP. At the same time, If the study was completed faster than the regular duration of the program, the officer may issue PGWP based on the actual length of the study. As for Quebec students, vocational programs, vocational programs with a diploma of vocational studies (DVS) must be at least 900 hours in length to be eligible for PGWP.

#PGWP, #international_students, international_graduates, #work_in_Canada, #IRCC

Canada's language schools struggling for survival amid COVID-19 pandemic 

International students have long been a major financial source for Canada's language schools. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic has put those language schools in difficult financial situations. In order to survive through the pandemic, language schools in Canada proposed to the federal government the Study Safe Corridor program. The program aims to bring in 40,000 students over the next few months from countries including Turkey, Japan, South Korea and Brazil to study English or French in Canada. The program will arrange charter flights provided by Air Canada to bring in these international students who have tested negative for COVID-19 and will be quarantined for 14 days upon their arrival in Canada. Several hotels and insurance companies have agreed to provide the necessary services to the program.

#International_students, #ESL, #FSL, #COVID_19

Hong Kong bank executives are giving up million-dollar annual salaries in order to immigrate to Canada 

Bloomberg News reported that Beijing's implementation of the national security legislation in Hong Kong has set off a new immigration wave, many of them are local bankers with high salaries. They've all stated that they would rather give up everything they have in Hong Kong in order to immigrate to another country, many of them are doing so for the sake of the future of their children. Bloomberg interviewed Ms. Li, a Hong Kong banker. Li said that she will immigrate to Canada in October this year and already purchased a property in Toronto. She gave up her job with an annual salary of one million HKD. She doesn't have a new job in Canada yet, she will have to pay heavy taxes and also endure the winter cold. She admitted that she's worried about job prospects, especially since many companies have put a freeze on hiring amid economic downturn - it's probably the worse time to immigrate. But Li and her husband insisted on immigrating because they're not optimistic about the future of Hong Kong.

#Hong_Kong, #business_immigration

The federal government allocates $59 million to protect foreign workers

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the federal government will allocate $59 million to protect foreign workers working on Canadian farms. He said the funds will enhance the farm’s quarantine work and help improve the overall living conditions of foreign workers. Trudeau said that Ottawa is studying ways to improve the temporary foreign workers' plan, such as mandatory requirements to improve the living conditions of foreign workers. In addition, Trudeau said that Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program will continue until the end of August, with the purpose of hoping that everyone can overcome the difficulties, and the federal government will also formulate welfare plans for casual workers and contract workers.

#foreign_workers, #work_in_Canada, #seasonal_workers, #agricultural_workers

 

Canada extended travel restrictions until August 31

On July 31, 2020, Canada extended travel restrictions until August 31. Thus, the restrictive measures were extended for one more month. The terms of the new extension were published in a new federal government Order in Council that regulates the entry of foreign nationals into Canada from the US and overseas. The new document also states that all travel ban exceptions remain in effect 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 be able to come to Canada. Canada imposed travel restrictions on March 18. Initially, the restrictions were in effect until June 30, but then the government extended them until July 31. According to the government, border closures and general quarantines have allowed Canada to flatten the curve, thus the travel restrictions are justified. Recall that the land border with the United States will remain closed until August 21. The decision to extend or remove restrictions will be made in mid-August.

#travel_restrictions, #COVID_19, #IRCC

Nova Scotia updated the lists of Designated Employers

Nova Scotia has updated the list of provincial employers designated to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). During June and July 2020, Nova Scotia added seventeen employers. Since the last update, the total number of its designated employers reached is 1,274. In total, there are 2,584 employers in all four Atlantic provinces who can hire foreign workers in the framework of the Atlantic Pilot.

#AIPP, #Atlantic_Canada, #Designated_employers, #Nova_Scotia

Canada gradually resumes passport services

On July 31, 2020, the federal government announced the gradual resumption of passport services within Canada. During the COVID-19 quarantine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) paused the issuance of passports which also created backlogs for many Canadians who ordered passports but could not receive it. Beginning July 31, it is again possible to apply for a passport by mail. In the case of the urgent need for passports (travelling in less than 30 days), it is possible to request in-person appointments.

#Citizenship, #passports, #IRCC

Newfoundland and Labrador released a new immigration-related report

On July 30, 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) released the Report on the Settlement Outcomes Survey. The goal of this document is to present the observations of the government in assessing its immigration policies and especially in understanding the settlement experiences of newcomers to the province. The OIM plans to use the findings to adjust settlement programs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Following ‘The Way Forward’ strategic plan, Newfoundland and Labrador plans to admit 1,700 immigrants annually by 2022 through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) which has been operated for almost twenty years.

#Newfoundland_and_Labrador, #NLPNP, #PNP

Canada’s municipal nomination program is coming

In view of the successful experience of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on regional pilot projects, immigration departments at all levels will accelerate the promotion of the Municipal Nomination Program (MNP) in the near future. The Canadian Minister of Immigration Marco Mendicino said that the MNP project will bring in at least 5,000 new immigrants each year. More specifically, IRCC expects to accept 2,750 applicants each year, and the remaining 2,250 spots will be provided to the applicant's spouse and family members. Since there are only 5,000 spots, this means that the immigration department needs to consider which city to choose to implement the MNP. Considering the number of cities in Canada, this will be a challenging task. Mendicino stated that in the long run, whether the applicant can settle in the area is the core value of the MNP. Some immigration experts also said that the MNP will give priority to candidates with local job opportunities. Even if applicants have not yet obtained a local job opportunity, as long as they show a strong connection to the community, they will have the opportunity to be selected. One of the blueprints for MNP can serve the Morden's Community Driven Immigration Initiative in Manitoba.

#MNP, #IRCC, #immigration_policy, #immigration_pilots, #Morden, #Manitoba
 

Ontario held a new OINP Tech Draw 

On July 29, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) distributed 1,288 targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates under the Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream. This is the fifth OINP tech draw since the launch of this sub-stream. In those tech draws, OINP invites only candidates in six following technical occupations: NOC 2173 Software engineers and designers, NOC 2174 Computer programmer and interactive media developers, NOC 2147 Computer engineers, NOC 2175 Web designers and developers, NOC 2172 Database analysts and data administrators, and NOC 0213 Computer and information systems managers. The CRS score range of this round was 463-477. This year, OINP invited 2,945 foreigners to apply for the provincial nomination in the tech draws. In total, Ontario issued 7,162 NOIs in 2020.

#Ontario, #OINP, #Human_capital, #OINP_tech_draw, #Express_Entry

Saskatchewan invited 502 candidates in the new invitation round

On July 29, 2020, Saskatchewan held a new draw in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The provinces stated that it will hold invitations round every two months. This time, SINP issued invitations to apply for the provincial nomination to 502 candidates. In the Express Entry category, Saskatchewan issued 254 invitations to apply. Another 248 invitations have been sent to the Occupations In-Demand category candidates. The lowest score in both categories has dropped by 8 points compared to the May 28 draw and reached 78 points. All invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments. In this draw, the Saskatchewan government invited candidates in 43 different NOCs. In total, Saskatchewan issued ITAs to 2,838 candidates in 2020.

#Saskatchewan, #SINP, #Express_Entry, #Occupations_in_demand

PR applicants to submit the copies of the language test and educational credentials

On July 29, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the instructions for permanent residence applications for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Agri-Food Pilot Program (AFIP), the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP) and the Start-Up Visa Program. Applicants will now be allowed to submit copies of their language tests and educational credential assessment (ECA) results. Earlier, the original documents were mandatory.

#ECA, #language_tests, #AIPP, #RNIP, #Start_Up_Visa, #AFIP, #PNP, #PR

Canada again updated instructions for PR applications finalization

On July 29, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a new program delivery instruction for permanent residence application finalization from outside Canada. IRCC has clarified the procedural differenced for various applicants. For instance, it has divided all applicants with approved Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) into four groups, depending on if they are travelling from the US or from the other countries, as well as the validity of their CoPR or PRV

#IRCC, #PR, #COPR, #PRV, #landing

British Columbia sent invitations to 34 Tech Pilot candidates

On July 28, 2020, British Columbia invited 34 candidates in a new draw of the Tech Pilot of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The province issued invitations to apply for the provincial 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. All invited candidates got a score of 80 points or higher. As of today, British Columbia sent invitations to 1,381 Tech Pilot candidates in 2020. This is almost 29.3% of the total 4,700 foreign nationals invited by the BCPNP this year. 

#British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #Tech_Pilot, #PNP

Ministers responsible for immigration met to discuss immigration in Canada amid COVID-19. 

The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration held a virtual meeting on July 24, in order to discuss the role of immigration amid COVID-19. Canada relies on Immigration since its establishment and the flow of skilled immigrants is vital for Canada’s economic development and recovery after the COVID-19 crisis. The federal, provincial and territorial ministers endorsed the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Strategic Plan for Immigration 2020-2023, which sets out a blueprint for immigration to Canada. For instance, the ministers again emphasized the importance of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIPP), the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) to address targeted regional gaps in the labour force. Worth noting that the Forum also discussed further development of the Municipal Nominee Program (MNP). The provinces agreed to continue collaboration on this program.

#PNP, #RNIP, #AIPP, #MNP, #immigration_policy, #COVID_19

British Columbia invited 12 entrepreneurs in the new draw

On July 28, 2020, British Columbia issued 12 invitations to business-candidates under the two provincial streams of business immigration. In the Base Category of the Entrepreneur Stream, BC invited 7 candidates with the lowest score of 125, four points higher than in the draw of June 2. As for the Entrepreneur Regional Pilot, BC invited 5 candidates with the lowest score of 123 points, five points more than in the previous round. The province has already invited 112 entrepreneurs in 2020 and 44 of them received invitations in the Regional Pilot.

#British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #Entrepreneurs, #Business_immigration, #Regional_Pilot, #Rural_immigration, #PNP

It's time to regularize undocumented workers in Canada

A few years ago, a group of organizations released a study about undocumented people who live in Canada. The study, which was financed by the Labour International Union of North America, LIUNA Local 183, and published in 2005, reached the conclusion that there were between 300,000 and 500,000 undocumented workers in Canada. Today, various sources consider that this number could be well above 1 million people. Over recent years, and particularly during electoral campaigns, one of the things that has been clear is that there will be no amnesty for undocumented workers. The explanation from the government of the day has always been that providing amnesty would cause the very problem they are trying to prevent. However, no organization is asking for a general amnesty, but rather a regularization program based on merit. The governments' position is also contradictory given the need to attract new immigrants to maintain the required level of the Canadian population. It's also absurd to deport undocumented workers since they help keep industries afloat.

#undocumented_workers, #foreign_workers

Effective July 24, the federal government has added international students coming from the USA to the exemption list.

This means that those international students will be able to come to Canada for the fall term and obtain a study permit. Nevertheless, American students will have to demonstrate that their visit to Canada is non-optional and non-discretionary. At the same time, students will have to go the mandatory 14-day quarantine and will be able to begin their studies only after that.

#international_students, #USA, #COVID_19, #study_in_Canada, #study_permits

International Applicants for the National Assessment Collaboration exam urge for the help

International medical students are now scared about flying into Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) is scheduled for Sep 12-13, 2020. It is a mandatory in-person exam for international medics and it is a requirement for those who plan to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Even though the physical part of the examination to assess clinical skills has been cancelled, candidates must attend in-person to describe verbally what they would do in various clinical situations. More than 900 people have signed a petition asking that the exam be moved to a future date, changed to an online format, or cancelled altogether. There are 10 testing centres in major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg for NAC tests.

#medics, #immigration_of_medics

Canadian international study visa approvals drop by 40%

On July 23, the latest data from IRCC showed that in the second quarter of 2020, the number of study permits issued by Canada was only 49,595, a year-over-year decrease of 40.54%. Canadian media worried that the declining number of international students will lead to a lower Canadian GDP, reduced employment opportunities and a reduced volume of real estate transactions. IRCC confirmed that the current situation of the sharp decline in the number of study permits will continue at least until the end of the third quarter. If the pandemic cannot be controlled, the status quo will be maintained throughout 2020. Following the sharp drop in the number of new Canadian immigrants by two-thirds, the number of Canadian international students will also see a drop. Among the major immigration countries in the world, Canada is a country where it is easier for international students to become permanent residents after graduation. Therefore, international students who choose to study in Canada have a high probability of becoming Canadian permanent residents.

#international_students, #study_permits, #study_in_Canada, #student_immigration

The number of refugee claims keeps rising

The number of refugee claims submitted in Canada continues to slightly increase despite the travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19. According to the recent data by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were about 1,500 cases submitted in June compared to about 1,400 filed in the previous month. Since April most refugee claims were filed at marine ports. However, it is reported about asylum claims filed in airports, for the first time since the comprehensive travel restrictions were applied by the government. In addition, the RCMP reported about stopping 32 border violators in June, a slight increase compared to May, when there were 21 such cases. Currently, Canada is turning back those who show up at unmarked border crossings, one of several measures being taken at the border in response to the pandemic.

#refugees, #asylum_claims, #IRCC 

Canadian judge overturned the Safe Third Country Agreement

On July 22, 2020, Judge Ann Marie McDonald said Canada and the United States’ Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) is in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and asked the Canadian government to respond within six months. Originally under this agreement, Canada and the United States recognized each other as a safe place for refugees to seek protection. This means that refugees must seek asylum in the first country they arrive in. If refugees try to cross the border into Canada after arriving in the United States, the Canadian government can send these refugees back to the United States. In this regard, Canadian refugee rights activists have been actively opposing this agreement, saying that the United States is not always a safe country for those who are fleeing persecution. The appeal was filed by the Canadian Council of Refugees, Amnesty International, the Canadian Council of Churches and some individual litigants. They believe that the Canadian government’s deportation of unqualified refugees back to the United States puts refugees at risk of detention and eventually being deported back to more dangerous countries.

#STCA, #IRCC, #refugees

Alberta updated the AINP inventory

On July 23, 2020, Alberta published a new update of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) inventory. According to data accurate on July 21, the province has 1,150 applications waiting for the eligibility assessment under the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS). Those applications were received before April 16, 2020. Additionally, there are about 300 Expressions of Interest in the Alberta Express Entry pool. So far, Alberta invited 1,933 candidates to apply for a nomination of the province in the Alberta Express Entry in 2020. According to IRCC, in total, 10,605 foreigners immigrated to Alberta this year and 3,435 of them were nominated by the province.

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

New rules for LMIA in Quebec

On July 24, 2020, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) announced the new rules for the processing of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Quebec employers who possess a valid LMIA may request the replacement of a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) with another TFW, without a need to apply for a new LMIA if the original TFW cannot obtain a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) or a work permit. Quebec employers are also allowed to request the replacement of a TFW if no work permit was issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under this LMIA.

#Quebec, #IRCC, #MIFI, #LMIA, #work_permit, #work_in_Canada

Canada wins, U.S. loses in the global fight for high-tech workers

According to the study by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University, Canada is winning a competition for global tech talent with the United States. The authors discovered that Toronto experienced the biggest growth in technology jobs than any other city in North America over the past five years, including San Francisco, New York and Seattle. Moreover, Vancouver is also in the top five. The tech industry across Canada is booming. Within the last five years, Canada has adopted major immigration reforms to attract talent in AI and other technical fields. The USA always attracted innovative foreign entrepreneurs but at the moment it does not offer an entrepreneur visa while Canada developed several entrepreneur programs at a national and regional level.

#high_tech, #USA, #CSET, #AI, #Entrepreneuers

Express Entry invited to apply for PR 3,343 CEC candidates

On July 23, 2020, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw. This was the ninth Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program-specific draw. In the invitation round #157, Canada issued 3,343 Invitations to Apply for permanent residence in Canada. The lowest score was 445 points, fourteen points higher than in the previous CEC-specific round. The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 12, 2020, at 15:16:55 UTC. In 2020, Canada issued 57,700 invitations to apply in twenty-four draws of Express Entry. In the nine CEC-specific rounds, IRCC invited 30,915 candidates. Most of those candidates temporarily reside in Canada.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA, #CEC

IRCC slightly updated travel restriction measures processing instructions

On July 23, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), released a new program delivery update for travel restriction measures processing instructions. IRCC has clarified the national interest exemption from the travel restriction measures. For instance, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness are allowed to exempt foreign nationals from travel restrictions.

#travel_restrictions, #COVID_19, #IRCC

Biometric exemption of temporary residence applicants

On July 23, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published the full updated instructions on biometrics exemption for applicants applying from within Canada. Under the new public policy, effective July 15, 2020, in-Canada applicants for a study permit, study permit extension, work permit, work permit extension, temporary resident visa, visitor status extension, temporary resident status restoration, and temporary resident permit are exempt from submitting biometrics until the further notice. This policy also applies to foreign nationals with pending applications.

#IRCC, #biometrics, #study_permit, #work_permit, #temporary_resident_visa, #TRV, #TRP

OINP accepted 1,300 registrations in the Foreign Worker Stream

On July 23, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) informed the public that the program accepted 1,300 registrations from the candidates in Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream during the session held on July 21. Ontario has now closed the stream and does not accept further registrations. All registered candidates have 14 days to complete and submit the full application and provide all supporting documents, including the up-to-date Employer Form. The estimated processing time for the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream applications is 90-120 days. Once the application is approved, successful nominees will be able to submit an application for permanent residence in Canada to the IRCC.

#Ontario, #OINP, #PNP, #provincial_nomination, #IRCC, #PR

IRCC again held a PNP-targeted Express Entry draw

On July 22, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 557 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in the new PNP-targeted draw. In round #156, the cut-off score was 687 points, 9 points fewer compared to previous PNP draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was November 11, 2019, at 08:51:21 UTC. As of July 19, 2020, there are 142,252 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool, 384 profiles less compared to the previous update. After holding the all-programs draw two weeks ago, IRCC returned to the COVID-19 practice of program-specific rounds of invitations. In twenty-three Express Entry draws in 2020, Canada issued 54,357 ITAs.

#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA, #PNP

 

IRCC updated instructions of finalization of PR applications

On July 22, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a new program delivery instruction on for finalization of permanent residence applications from inside and outside Canada. IRCC confirmed it continues the intake of applications. All incomplete applications with missing documents will be retained in the system for 90 days. After 90 days, IRCC will request the missing documents with another 90-days deadline. Applicants with approved Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) must inform the IRCC if they are unable to travel before the expiry date. Expired COPR and PRV may be reopened for review in 90 days. Approved applications can be re-opened in GCMS by cancelling the COPR and PRV and removing the final decision. Once the travel limitations ended, applicants can inform the IRCC and the re-opened application may be re-approved.

#IRCC, #PR, #COPR, #PRV, #landing

Number of newcomers in Vancouver drops by 63%

On July 17, the immigration data released by the Canadian government showed that in May 2020, the number of new immigrants landing in Toronto was 3,630, a decrease of 69% compared to May 2019. On the other hand, in the same period, the number of new immigrants landing in Vancouver was 1,430 and in Montreal was 1,215, a decrease of 63% compared to May 2019. Although the numbers are very horrifying, the IRCC stated that the data for May 2020 was much better than in April. For example, the number of new immigrants landing in Vancouver in April 2020 dropped by 91.1% compared to April 2019. About half of Vancouver’s population was born outside of Canada, and people who do not speak English at home account for about 30% of the total population. Therefore, Vancouver itself is an economy highly dependent on new immigrants to import capital and labour. As of May 2020, Canada welcomed only 84,000 newcomers.

#immigration_levels, #Vancouver, #Toronto, #Montreal, #IRCC

Quebec introduced new selection conditions for PEQ

On July 22, 2020, Quebec introduced new selection conditions for Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). For instance, international students will have to take into consideration the new requirements for work experience in Quebec. Foreign workers will be assessed based on new criteria for occupational categories and work experience. Additionally, the new language requirements for accompanying spouses were also taken into effect. The processing time for PEQ applications has been extended to six months.

#Quebec, #PEQ, #PR

BC invited 62 candidates in the new Tech Pilot draw

On July 21, 2020, British Columbia held a new draw for the Tech Pilot candidates in the framework of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The province issued 62 invitations to apply for the provincial 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 again was 80 points. As of now, British Columbia invited 1,347 Tech Pilot candidates in 2020. In total, BC invited 4,654 foreign nationals in the BCPNP. 

#British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #Tech_Pilot, #PNP

Canada introduced a two-step process for TRP applications

On July 21, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the new program delivery updates for processing applications for the temporary resident permits (TRPs). The new updates are related to victims of trafficking. Effective now, IRCC introduced a two-step decision-making process. The new instructions clarify the aspects of application processing, the issuance of short-term and long-term temporary resident permits (TRPs), the collection of biometrics, and other details.

#TRP, #IRCC, #biometrics

The OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream has been closed within hours

On July 21, 2020, Ontario held a registration session for candidates in the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The registration was closed in less than two hours once the system has reached its intake limit. Many candidates complained online about the problems with the registration. At the moment, OINP has not published the results of this session. In the previous round on March 4, OINP received 1322 registrations in the Employer Job Offer streams, including the Foreign Worker Stream. In 2019, Ontario nominated 1,195 foreigners through this immigration stream.

#OINP, #Ontario, #Employer_Job_Offer, #foreign_workers

People are moving out of the City of Montreal

 
Statistics show that the number of people who moved out of the Montreal metropolitan area in 2018-2019 exceeded the number of newcomers in the area for the first time in more than ten years. But since there were more births than deaths, the population size has increased. The City of Montreal said in a recent report that during this period, the number of people who settled in the area was less than the number of people who moved out of the area by 5,932 people, the highest level in 20 years. The number of international immigrants who settled in the metropolitan area has decreased. Nearly 29,000 immigrants arrived in 2018-2019, 3,600 fewer people than the previous year.

#Montreal, #immigration_levels, #demography, #Quebec

Ontario to reopen the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

On July 20, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced that the next day it will begin accepting applications to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. The province also notified it is expecting a high volume of users trying to register, thus technical issues may occur. The OINP will automatically close the registration once the intake limit is met. In addition, the OINP requests the most recent version of the Employer Form. It must be completed on or after July 21, 2020. Registered candidates will have 14 days to complete and submit the full application. Unfortunately, Ontario did not publish the exact time of the registration opening and the intake limit for this round.

#Ontario, #OINP, #PNP, #Employer_Job_Offer, #Skilled_workers

Application processing times in the SINP have been updated

On July 20, 2020, Saskatchewan updated the processing time of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) based on average times from April 1 to June 30, 2020. In the International Skilled Worker category, the processing time in the Employment Offer stream is 5 weeks, in the Occupation In-Demand stream - 31 weeks, and in the Express Entry stream - 28 weeks. In the Saskatchewan Experience category, the processing time in the Existing Work Permit Stream, the International Students stream, and the Health Professionals stream is 4 weeks. As for the Hospitality Workers stream, the processing time is 2 weeks and the Truck Drivers are processed in 5 weeks. In the Entrepreneur and Farm category, the processing time for the Entrepreneurs Nominations is 9 weeks, and 23 weeks for farmers. As for Entrepreneur Applications, there were too few applications processed to calculate the average processing time. The Job Approval Process, the authorization for an employer to hire a foreign worker through the SINP, takes 8 weeks. The processing times show the average time for 80% of applications to be processed.

#Saskatchewan, #SINP, #processing_times

IRCC updated the COVID-19 Study permits regulations 

On July 20, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the regulations for study permits applications and travel restrictions for international students. For instance, IRCC updated definitions of non-optional and non-discretionary purposes of travel for students. If the student is applying for a study permit extension and his/her passport will expire within the next 6 months, IRCC will request a new passport from the applicant. However, if the extension is required for a duration of fewer than 6 months, it can be processed as normal. The department also explained the regulations on distance learning and study permit issuance, as well as eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

#international_students, #study_in_Canada, #study_permit, #PGWP, #IRCC

Foreign accredited officials to be exempt from the travel restrictions

On July 20, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a new program delivery update regarding incoming accredited officials. Effective immediately, foreign representatives and their accompanying family members destined to Canada to become accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) are now exempt from the travel restrictions. Diplomats and the families must hold a passport that contains a diplomatic acceptance, a consular acceptance or an official acceptance issued by the Chief of Protocol for GAC on behalf of the Government of Canada. These foreign representatives and their accompanying family members are required to apply for and obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) prior to their arrival in Canada under the current travel restrictions.

#GAC, #IRCC, #travel_restriction
 

Two draws were held in Prince Edward Island in July

On July 17, 2020, Prince Edward Island published the results of the invitations rounds in the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) held in July. On July 10, the province invited 8 candidates working in essential service industries such as Healthcare and Trucking under the Labour Impact Category. On July 16, PEI conducted a regular draw and issued invitations to 158 skilled workers via the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams and 29 candidates in the Business Work Permit Entrepreneurs stream to apply for a provincial nomination. The lowest score for entrepreneurs was 117 points, equal to the June’s draw. In this draw, PEI invited only candidates whose profiles were submitted in March and April 2020 from the candidates currently living and working in the province. In total, PEI invited 195 candidates in these draws. Since January, the province issued 610 invitations, while in the last twelve months, PEI PNP invited 1,351 candidates, and 10% of them were in the business category.

#Prince_Edward_Island, #PEIPNP, #Business_immigration, #Skilled_workers

Immigrant professionals are almost invisible in Toronto's job market.

Immigrants between the ages of 35 and 44 in the GTA earn about 25% less than those born in Canada. By the age of 45 to 54, their income is at least 40% lower than that of their Canadian counterparts. Although the unemployment rate among newcomers in the GTA is at an all-time low (before the COVID-19 outbreak), many immigrant professionals cannot run for executive and chief executive positions. The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council's (TRIEC) report, entitled "Building a Corporate Ladder for All," states that immigrants make up about 50% of the population in GTA. However, among the leading employers in the public, private and non-profit sectors in GTA, only 6% of executives are immigrants. The recently published report analyzed the profiles of 659 executives of 69 GTA companies. The report provides observations on how the situation has progressed to the current level. In a statement, Margaret Eaton, executive director of TRIEC, said, "There is certainly an invisible maximum line drawn here for immigrant professionals. And, unfortunately, we are not making full use of their skills and talents."

#Newcomers, #Toronto, #GTA, #immigrant_adaptation

Immigration is the only way to overcome the low fertility rate

Canada provides the most open immigration policy in the world and it will have to maintain it in order to remain one of the world's largest economies. According to a new study published by The Lancet, the global population will reach 9.73 billion people by 2064, however, by 2100 the low global fertility rate will cause the reduction on the Earth population to 8.7 billion. This means many nations will literally be competing over the human capital and the labour force to ensure economic growth. The study forecasts that by 2078, the Canadian population will reach about 45.2 million, but will decline to 44.1 million by 2100. The research also expects Canada to become a prominent immigration hub over the next 80 years and that immigration would help Canada replacing Russia as the world's 10th largest economy by 2030, remaining there for the rest of the century.

#immigration_levels, #immigration_policy, #global_fertility, #labour_force

Canadian universities consider the use of chartered flights to get students to Canada

Canadian universities scramble to maintain the flow of international students and the revenue they bring by considering a variety of services, from chauffeur service to a quarantined room, catered meals, daily health check, and the possibility of having chartered flights to get students to Canada. As a result of the travel restrictions, quarantine rules and the move to online learning due to the pandemic this year, many international students still haven't decided whether to continue their programs in the fall. Many schools have been speaking to federal and provincial governments about securing additional funding proposing they could share the added costs of quarantine for incoming students.

#international_students, #study_in_Canada

174 candidates got invitations in the MPNP’s draw #94

On July 16, 2020, the government of Manitoba held the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) draw #94. In this round, the province distributed 134 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) in the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream. The minimum score in this category was 430 points, 45 fewer than in the previous draw. In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, Manitoba issued 11 LAAs. The minimum score in the SWO category was 811, five points less than in round #93. Finally, in the International Education Category, MPNP invited 29 candidates. In total, Manitoba issued 174 invitations in this draw and 18 of them to the candidates from the Express Entry pool. In total, Manitoba issued 2,634 LAAs in the MPNP in 2020.

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

New Brunswick published the File Processing update

On July 16, 2020, the government of New Brunswick published a document outlining the COVID-19 File Processing update adopted in the province and effective July 7. The province continues processing NBPNP and AIPP applications of international graduates and temporary foreign workers currently residing in New Brunswick. The government will accept and process applications of candidates in healthcare occupations from around the world. As for the truckers, New Brunswick will consider only applications in the AIPP from employers participated in the program in the last 18 months, while the rest applications from truckers to be processed through the NBPNP. Similar requirements are applied to Occupations in Manufacturing. IT candidates will be processed in both AIPP and NBPNP.

#New_Brunswick, #NBPNP, #AIPP, #COVID_19

Thousands of passports are finally sent to Canadians

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many citizens who ordered their passports could not receive them. The most frustrating was that neither the Immigration Department nor Service Canada did not provide clear updates until recently. First, the people were told that the passport office was closed, then that Canada Post wasn't delivering passports. Service Canada said Canada Post was partly responsible for the backlog. Service Canada said that it suspended general passport services on March 19 but offered critical passport services for urgent travel. Service appears to have at least partly resumed and, according to a Service Canada spokesperson, 11,000 passports that had accumulated since March 19 were mailed out on July 2.

#Citizenship, #Canadian_passport, #Service_Canada, #IRCC

Immigrants experience improvements in the Canadian labour market

According to a report titled “The Improved Labour Market Performance of New Immigrants to Canada, 2006-2019,” recent immigrants saw significant improvement in labour market outcomes between 2006 and 2019. Economist Kimberly Wong compared the participation rate, employment rate, unemployment rate and hourly wages among immigrants with less than five years in Canada, immigrants in the country between five and ten years, and Canadian-born citizens. Although immigrants had higher participation and employment rates, the wage gap and higher unemployment rates persisted. The report suggests some of the reasons for the general improvement in new immigrants’ performance in the Canadian labour market, such as the greater number of immigrants with university degrees and programs directed to immigrant workers like the Provincial Nominee Program.

#immigrant_adaptation, #newcomers, #employment

New Brunswick announced a new recruitment event in September

On July 15, 2020, New Brunswick announced the Employer Specific - Virtual Recruitment Event in Mexico in the framework of New Brunswick's Provincial Immigration Programs. The event is aimed at three following occupations: NOC 9461 - Machine Operator, NOC 9461 - Process Operator, and NOC 9617 - Factory Labourer. To be eligible, candidates must have relevant work experience in the last five years. The registration for the event is available online.

#New_Brunswick, #NBPNP, #Job_fair, #information_session

Quebec invited 7 persons in the second round of Arrima in 2020

On July 15, 2020, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation et Intégration (MIFI), published the results of the second invitation round in the Quebec’s online system Arrima conducted in 2020. On June 18, 2020, MIFI invited 7 candidates to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. All invited candidates in this round submitted their applications before December 17, 2019, and were staying in Quebec on June 16, 2019, while having a valid study or work permit. In total, since the launch of Arrima, the government of Quebec invited 2,092 persons.

#MIFI, #Quebec, #Arrima, #QSW

More international students would choose Canada over the US

In the last few days, the Trump administration first adopted a controversial law preventing international students from entering the country if their program is online, and then was forced to cancel it. Nevertheless, the signal was clear and more international students are expected to come to Canada instead of the USA. According to IRCC, Canada welcomed 30,785 international students in May, 40% more compared to 27,810 in the same month last year. The number of international students entering Canada has been rising for five years in a row.

Internatonal_students, #USA, #study_in_Canada

Canada and the US plan to extend border closure until August 21

The authorities of the USA and Canada intend to leave the border closed until the end of August. This was reported by Politico, citing representatives from the US administration. The corresponding official announcement will be made before July 21, after which the restrictions will be extended for another 30 days. The travel restrictions were implied in March and then extended in April, May, and June. The current ban expires on July 21. The ban does not apply to the transport of goods and people crossing it in connection with their work. Authorities in most provinces of Canada told the federal government that they did not want to resume minor travels of citizens to the United States.

#USA, #travel_restrictions, #COVID_19

Express Entry PR admissions in 2020

According to the official data by IRCC, 31,010 immigrants received permanent residence via Express Entry in from January to May 2020. The highest number of PR admissions in the EE happened in February (9,185 immigrants), while during the COVID-19, their number had fallen to the lowest in April (2,075 immigrants). In May 2020, there were 4,420 PR admissions. 13,840 Express Entry immigrants were processed in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), 10,995 immigrated via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), 5,690 got their status in the Express Entry-aligned streams of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and, finally, only 480 under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). Last year, 109,595 applications for permanent residence were issued through Express Entry and 53,1% of them in the FSW, 27.6% in the CEC, 18.2% in the PNP, and finally 1.1% in the FST.

#Express_Entry, #PR, #FSW, #FST, #PNP, #CEC, #skilled_workers, #skilled_trades, #Canadian_experience, #PR_admission

 

Canada favoured by international talents

In a recent survey by Blind, a social network for tech professionals, 39% of more than 1,000 workers on H-1B visas in the US said they are willing to come to Canada for job opportunities. Canada has been popular among international talents, not only because of its multiculturalism and tolerance but also because of the efforts made by the federal government in recent years. In addition, tightened immigration policies in the US have made Canada a better option for international talents. However, in order to maintain its competitiveness for international talents, Canada will need to continue to improve the physical and soft environment for the technology industry and to establish and enhance trade and technological partnerships with other countries.

#foreign_workers, #USA, #IT, #work_in_Canada

Deterioration of Canada-China relations leads to a decline in the number of Chinese international students

The economic contributions made by international students to Canada's economy cannot be ignored. A recent Statistics Canada report pointed out that the number of international students studying at Canadian universities has doubled in the past 10 years, reaching nearly 500,000 by 2019, among whom 141,000 came from China. Ontario made up 48% of the population of international students in Canada, according to the report. It is now about two months away from the commencement of the fall semester, but many Canadian universities are still facing many issues regarding the registration of international students, especially that these universities are not certain how many international students will be allowed to enter Canada. As of now, only international students whose study permits were issued before March 18 are allowed to enter Canada, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many years, China has been the largest source country of international students for Canada, but there is a rumour that the detention of Meng Wanzhou has been deteriorating Canada-China relations, which in turn could reduce the number of Chinese international students coming to study in Canada

#international_students, #study_in_Canada, #China, #Ontario, #COVID_19

Canadian economy adds almost a million jobs in June

According to Statistics Canada, about 953,000 more Canadians had jobs in June. Many employers had been forced to close their businesses as the pandemic began, now finally reopen and the national economy continues to recoup steep losses over previous months. Statistics Canada announced the unemployment rate would have reached 16.3% had it included those who wanted to work but decided not to look for a job. The Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough stated the plan of the federal government is working. Feds are now reshaping programs to motivate fewer workers to stay on the $80-billion CERB program by promoting the $82-billion wage subsidy program for employers.

#Statistics_Canada, #CERB, #unemployment

 

New Brunswick launched pre-travel registration service 

On July 9, 2020, New Brunswick launched the Travel Registration Program website intended for travellers who wish to enter the province. The new online service allows pre-travel registration to speed up the trip. Travellers will be able to verify if they meet the health screening requirements. Every traveller, including domestic and foreign travellers, entering New Brunswick by air, land or sea must register in the system. Those who travel regularly, such as truckers, can apply for a multiple-use registration. This measure complements the previous travel regulations adopted by the province to combat the COVID-19.

#New_Brunswick, #COVID_19, #travel_restrictions

ESDC issued 39,901 positive LMIAs in the first quarter of 2020

According to the official data by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the number of temporary foreign worker (TFW) positions on positive Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the first quarter of 2020 was 39,901. This figure is somewhat lower than 40,929 positive LMIAs issued by ESDC in the fourth quarter of 2019. Last year, Canada issued 129,558 positive LMIAs. At the moment, it is hard to predict the exact impact of the COVID-19 on the LMIA issuance, but the total number might be much lower than expected.

#LMIA, #TFW, #Work_in_Canada, #ESDC

Federal government to change the interpretation of ‘parent’ in passing the citizenship

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have announced a change in the interpretation of the ‘parent’ section under the Citizenship Act. The new definition will allow non-biological parents who are Canadian citizens to pass down citizenship to their foreign-born children in the first generation. This change eases the acquirement of citizenship for babies born from surrogate mothers. Earlier Canadian families who experienced fertility issues, including the LGBT couples had to adopt and sponsor their kids first.

#Citizenship, #IRCC, #children_sponsorship, #surrogate_mothers

International Experience Canada visa holders can have more time

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows a second extension of an additional 90 days for International Experience Canada (IEC) applicants who already received a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction (LOI). If the current Letter of Introduction expires within 30 days, and the applicants are not able to travel to Canada due to travel restrictions caused by COVID-19, they can contact IRCC to apply for a second extension of 90 days.

#IEC, #IRCC, #Working_holiday, #COVID_19, #International_Experience_Canada

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