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International Student Program Changes

Additional information about the International Student Program Changes

Study in Canada / By

On February 5, 2024, IRCC provided further details on the recent announcement of the International Student Program Changes; Canada aims to address the unsustainable growth in recent years while ensuring a positive experience for international students. As of January 22, 2024, post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application.  Secondary, effective February 15, 2024, graduates from master’s degree programs less than two years in length are eligible for an extended 3-year PGWP. This change supports their transition to Canada’s labor market and potential permanent residence. Other PGWP lengths remain aligned with the study program’s duration. IRCC has restricted PGWPs for public-private partnership college programs.  Finally, open work permit eligibility for spouses and common-law partners of international students will be updated. These reforms aim to promote sustainable population growth in Canada, improve system integrity, and ensure a positive experience for international students. Over a million International students studied at Canadian universities Active study permits for international students in Canada grew by 27% to 1,028,850 in 2023, exceeding the government’s projection of 950,000. Ontario hosted 51% of these students, followed by British Columbia (19.5%) and Quebec (11.5%).  However, this rapid growth has created challenges like housing shortages and strain on the healthcare system. This has led to a planned 35% decrease in approved study permits for 2024. The cap will be based on each province’s population, leading to significant changes in student recruitment across provinces. This move is supported by a Nanos Research poll indicating that 55% of Canadians favor accepting fewer international students. International student numbers have increased dramatically, from 637,855 in 2019 to 807,260 in 2022, prompting concerns that many students, including those from India, are being exploited by agents who recruit them to attend private colleges in Canada with subpar standards, support, and facilities.  More than 60,000 international students became permanent residents of Canada in 2023, a 9,670 increase over the 52,740 international graduates who became international students in 2022, according to IRCC data. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “IRCC clarified additional information about International Student Program reforms” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

immigration of medical professionals

Canada is increasing the immigration of medical professionals

Work in Canada / By

Canada is increasing the immigration of medical professionals. Despite being a significant part of the healthcare workforce, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) encounter barriers, such as limited residency spots and preferences for graduates from domestic medical schools. The struggle for IMGs to secure medical residencies contributes to the country’s need for more primary care doctors. Government data reveals that immigrants comprise a substantial portion of healthcare workers in various professions, including 36% of physicians.  However, the challenge lies in integrating foreign-trained doctors into the Canadian healthcare system. Canada is addressing this issue by investing in foreign credential recognition. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have committed up to $86 million in funding to 15 nationwide organizations. This initiative aims to increase the recognition of international credentials for approximately 6,600 highly skilled health professionals, ensuring their proper integration into the Canadian healthcare landscape. Statistics from the Government of Canada from December 2022 state that “one out of every four healthcare sector workers” in Canada are immigrants. When considering healthcare workers in Canada by profession, the percentage of immigrants is as follows: 23% of registered nurses. 35% of aides to nurses and people working in similar fields. 37% of pharmacists. 36% of physicians. 39% of dentists work. 54% of dental technologists and people employed in related fields In spite of this, International Medical Graduates (IMGs), or foreign nationals trained as doctors abroad, often have difficulties getting a medical residency in Canada due to “quotas on how many (IMGs) can get a spot,” according to CBC News. In addition, because the residency program in Canada is “run by medical schools that favor their own graduates,” international medical graduates find it difficult to start professions in healthcare. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada is increasing the immigration of medical professionals” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

IEC new draws

IRCC invited over 12,000 new candidates under the IEC new draws 2024

International Experience Canada / By

Over the last week, the IEC new draws for 2024 invited 12,000 new candidates. The pools of International Experience Canada (IEC) from January 22 to February 4, Canada invited 12,501 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of February 4, 31,828 candidates have registered in the pool and are awaiting the invitation. In this round, the ITAs sent out candidates from the countries given in the table below: No of ITAs Country Name No of ITAs Country Name 18  Switzerland 656  Australia 728  Japan 4,766 Korea 22  Croatia 28  Costa Rica 176  Spain 99  Czech Republic 28  Denmark 17  Estonia 1,610 France 30  Greece 38  Hong Kong 606  Ireland 271  Italy 44  Slovakia 158  Chile 42  Poland 403  Germany 1,864 United Kingdom 1 Luxembourg 123  Belgium 133  Netherlands 202  New Zealand 23  Norway 195  Taiwan 85  Portugal 31  Sweden 44  Slovenia 3 Andorra 33  Austria 1 Iceland 27  Latvia 42  Lithuania In 2024, Canada issued 31,896 ITAs under the IEC Program. New changes to the International Experience Canada program On December 12, 2023, the Canadian Government updated the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This program fosters travel and work collaboration between Canada and other nations, assisting in arranging transportation, job hunting, and accommodation procurement. The refreshed instructions from December 18 mirror the roster of organizations acknowledged by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada in 2018.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “IRCC invited over 12,000 new candidates under the IEC” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Express Entry draw 282

IRCC invited 7,000 candidates in the new Express Entry draw 282

Express Entry / By

On February 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw 282 for French language proficiency candidates. In round #282, IRCC issued 7,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to francophone candidates.  The cut-off score of this draw was 365 points, 105 points fewer than the previous draw for this category. The tie-breaking rule for this round was September 8, 2023, at 09:47:27 UTC. As of January 30, 2023, there were 215,726 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 10,280 ITAs through the Express Entry draws. Express Entry in 2023 In 2023, Canada’s Express Entry application management system underwent significant transformations. Throughout the year’s first half, Express Entry maintained several patterns established in 2022, resuming draws after an 18-month hiatus. These draws encompassed various formats, including all-program draws, Provincial Nominee Program-only draws, and, on one occasion, the draw exclusively for Federal Skilled Workers.  May marked the introduction of six new categories for Express Entry draws by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This change allowed targeted draws for specific occupations like healthcare, STEM, transport, etc., to address labor market needs.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “IRCC invited 7,000 candidates in the new Express Entry draw” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Express Entry stream

PEI invited Labour Impact and Express Entry stream candidates

Prince Edward Island / By

On February 1, 2024, Prince Edward Island conducted a new invitation round in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams and invited 78 candidates under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).  This draw invited candidates working in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Food Processing, Construction, Agriculture, and Early Childhood Education sectors. This year, the province invited 214 candidates, including 212 under the Labour Impact and Express Entry categories and two business candidates. According to the schedule, the next PEI PNP draw will occur on February 15, 2024. PEI PNP schedule for invitation rounds in 2024 On January 4, 2024, the Office of Immigration of Prince Edward Island published a schedule for invitation rounds via the Expression of Interest system for individuals to apply for the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). Click here to get complete details of the invitation rounds Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program One way to obtain permanent residency in Prince Edward Island is to be nominated to the federal government through the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Individuals are nominated based on their desire to live and work in Prince Edward Island, as well as their financial ability to establish themselves here. At this time, priority will be given to entrepreneurs and individuals qualified to work in areas where there are skill shortages in the PEI labor market. PEI Express Entry You can apply for a PEI Express Entry nomination for Permanent Residency through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).  Your nomination through PEI PNP increases your chances of receiving an invitation from the Federal Government. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “PEI invited Labour Impact and Express Entry stream candidates” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

PTE for Canadian immigration

Ottawa now accepts the PTE for Canadian immigration

Study in Canada, Work in Canada / By

From January 30, 2024, Canada now accepts the PTE for Canadian immigration for all immigration pathways, aside from the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which will accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core test. This includes Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, those in Express Entry managed programs, and individuals needing a language test for Canadian immigration or citizenship (excluding SDS).  What is the PTE for Canadian immigration? The PTE Core is a two-hour computer-based language test assessing everyday English skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. The PTE Core replaces the PTE Essential test, and candidates should ensure they take the correct test for their program. Get a Free Canada Immigration assessment To reduce the risk of bias, the PTE for Canadian immigration tests is scored by both humans and AI. Test results can be obtained within two days. The PTE Core is divided into three parts. Speaking and writing (50 minutes); Reading (30 minutes); and Listening (30 minutes). The PTE Core replaced the previous PTE Essential test, which was approved for Canadian immigration last year. Pearson, like other approved language testing organizations, provides a variety of tests (for example, PTE Academic). Immigration candidates are advised to take the appropriate test for their chosen program. Other accepted Tests for Canadian immigration With the addition of the PTE Core, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now accepts five different language tests for immigration purposes. They are: CELPIP General Test (English); IELTS General Training (English) PTE Core (English); TEF Canada; and TCF Canada (french). All five of these tests assess language proficiency in four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Depending on the program for which they apply, candidates may be required to meet different criteria within these four skills. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Ottawa now accepts the PTE for Canadian immigration” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

NB healthcare system

International nurses are welcome to work in NB healthcare system

New Brunswick, Work in Canada / By

International nurses are welcome to work in the NB healthcare system. At Loch Lomond Villa in Saint John on January 30, 2024, Health Minister Bruce Fitch of New Brunswick celebrated the contributions of nurses with international education. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the workforce in the healthcare sector and highlighted the importance of nursing recruitment. Over 180 job offers have been accepted from a recruitment mission in the Philippines, and since 2021, over 500 internationally educated nurses, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and healthcare aides, have been recruited.  Over 200 are already employed in the province, with others undergoing the immigration process. The process to become licensed in New Brunswick has been expedited for nurses from 14 countries. These nurses can work in support positions before becoming licensed. Canada supports 6,600 foreign-trained health professionals to work there Canada accelerates accreditation for foreign health professionals. The Canadian Government assists 6,600 internationally trained health professionals to work in Canada by providing $86 million for credential recognition. The funding will be allocated to 15 different organizations to improve foreign credential recognition in key health professions. The 15 funded projects that span the country will: Reduce barriers to foreign credential recognition for IEHPs by improving recognition processes, simplifying credential recognition steps, and providing increased field practice opportunities. Provide IEHPs with relevant Canadian work experience in their chosen fields, as well as wrap-around services such as childcare and transportation, mentoring, and coaching. Facilitate labor mobility between Canadian jurisdictions for health professionals and IEHPs, decreasing systemic and administrative barriers for health professionals who want to work in another jurisdiction. This investment will help highly educated and skilled immigrants gain proper recognition for their international credentials. This investment, for example, will allow internationally trained midwives to take their exams virtually, even before arriving in Canada.  The move is in response to Canada’s labor shortages and increasing demand for health workers. The new investment will simplify the credential recognition process and provide Canadian work experience for internationally trained health professionals. The funding is part of Canada’s long-term plan to improve healthcare, with a total investment of over $200 billion planned over the next decade. Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals IEHPs The Province of New Brunswick has made it a top priority to attract, support, and retain qualified healthcare professionals. With employment opportunities available in both official languages (English and French), various provincial departments and employers in a variety of healthcare settings collaborate closely to ensure a well-trained and experienced workforce. For applicants who received their education outside of Canada, the steps to becoming licensed to practice in their chosen healthcare field can take a significant amount of time and resources.  Recognizing that many applicants may require assistance in achieving this, the provincial Department of Health provides a range of navigation services to internationally trained healthcare professionals. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “New Brunswick welcomes international nurses into the healthcare system” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Canada held a new Express Entry draw

Canada held a new Express Entry draw and invited 730 skilled candidates

Express Entry / By

On January 31, 2024, Canada held a new Express Entry draw of 2024 and issued 730 Invitations to Apply (ITA). In this draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs. In round #281, the cut-off score was 541 points, two points fewer than the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 15, 2023, at 10:52:08 UTC.  As of January 30, 2024, there were 215,726 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 3,280 ITAs through Express Entry. Express Entry 2024 IRCC had initially targeted 82,880 Express Entry candidates in 2023 in the previous year’s Immigration Levels Plan. However, between the first draw on January 11 and the final draw on December 21, the department issued 110,266 ITAs, exceeding the targets.  Express Entry, the backbone of economic immigration to Canada, is also expected to see significant increases in admission targets in 2024. IRCC will seek to admit over 345,770 Express Entry candidates between 2024 and 2026, according to the current Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada held a new Express Entry draw and invited 730 skilled candidates” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Atlantic Canadian provinces

Minimum wage increased in two Atlantic Canadian provinces

New Brunswick, Work in Canada / By

As of January 29, 2024, two Atlantic Canadian provinces – Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick – have raised their minimum wages. Newfoundland and Labrador have announced a $0.60 increase effective April 1, 2024, per the Labour Standards Regulations.  This means their minimum wage will be $15.60 per hour from April 1 onwards. Meanwhile, New Brunswick has increased its minimum wage to $15.30 per hour, up from the current $14.75 per hour, effective April 1. This 55-cent increase means the minimum wage has risen by 36% since 2019. “Our government’s attention to the province’s minimum wage over the past five years has ensured New Brunswick wages are competitive within Atlantic Canada,” said New Brunswick’s Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour Minister, Arlene Dunn, in a statement. “Predictable minimum wage increases, which we established in 2019, protect earners from increases in inflation and help businesses to be better prepared for increases when they occur.” The provincial minimum wage rate is indexed to the consumer price index and rounded to the nearest five cents. The CPI increased by 3.6% in 2023. According to the release, the minimum wage has increased by 36% since 2019. According to the report, those “seeking assistance with reaching their career goals or seeking higher-paying work” should visit one of the 19 WorkingNB offices located all through the province. New wage rules for employers hiring temporary foreign workers Employers recruiting through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must adjust foreign workers’ wages to match updated prevailing rates starting on January 1, 2024, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Although some employers are exempt, most require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The Job Bank publishes annual updates on provincial wage differences.  Canada is inviting foreign workers to help boost its economy in the face of labor shortages, which could result in $38 billion in losses, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). Foreign workers in Canada are legally entitled to the same rights as Canadians, and employers must offer a fair work environment and access to healthcare. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Minimum wage increased in two Atlantic Canada provinces” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

fourth BC PNP draw of 2024

British Columbia issued up to 199 ITAs in the fourth BC PNP draw of 2024

British Columbia / By

British Columbia issued up to 199 ITAs in the fourth BC PNP draw of 2024 On January 30, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified candidates in tech, healthcare, and childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations.  Details of the fourth BC PNP draw of 2024 In the tech draw, the province invited 89 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 103 points.  BC issued 49 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 27 candidates who scored 60 points.  The province also issued 29 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector.  Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in veterinary care occupations.  British Columbia issued up to 199 ITAs in the fourth draw of 2024. This year, the province has already invited up to 1,004 candidates. Find out! If you are eligible for the British Columbia PNP Targeted invitations to apply to the Skills Immigration streams may be based on one or more of the following factors: Education – level, and field of education and where it was completed Eligible professional designations in B.C. Language skills Occupation Duration and skill level of work experience Wage and/or skill level of job offer Intent to live, work, and settle in a specific region Strategic priorities – factors that address specific labor market needs in B.C. or support government pilot projects and initiatives Priority Construction Occupations 22114 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists  72102 Sheet metal workers 72103 Boilermakers 72104 Structural metal and plate work fabricators and fitters 72105 Ironworkers 72106 Welders and related machine operators 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system) 72201 Industrial electricians 72300 Plumbers 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters, and sprinkler system installers 72302 Gas fitters 72310 Carpenters 72311 Cabinetmakers 72320 Bricklayers 72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 72401 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics 72402 Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics 72500 Crane operators 73100 Concrete finishers 73101 Tilesetters 73102 Plasterers, drywall installers finishers and lathers 73110 Roofers and Shinglers 73111 Glaziers 73112 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) 73113 Floor covering installers Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “British Columbia issued up to 199 ITAs in the fourth BC PNP draw of 2024″ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates