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construction sector labor

New Brunswick to tackle construction sector labor shortages

New Brunswick / By

The provincial and federal governments are investing in a Labour Force Adjustment Committee to tackle New Brunswick’s construction sector labor shortages. Spearheaded by the Construction Association of New Brunswick, the committee concentrates on filling job openings through immigration. Their goal is to cater to the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, with a special focus on residential construction.  Present labor force data reveals that roughly 4.2% of construction jobs are currently vacant. Based on labor force projections, we anticipate 8,400 retirements and thousands of new jobs by 2032. The committee’s initiatives will bolster ongoing efforts to encourage apprenticeships and skilled trades. The provincial government has pledged $250,000 to the project, and the federal government is contributing $190,612. With this financial assistance, the CANB will establish a Labour Force Adjustment Committee to develop short and long-term solutions to labor shortages in New Brunswick’s construction sector. The committee, which is composed of federal and provincial governments as well as industry stakeholders, will look at the sector’s challenges and opportunities. The committee will kick off its efforts with a 100-day challenge to solve critical roadblocks like credential recognition, recruitment, and workplace readiness. This announcement demonstrates how the Government of Canada is supporting Atlantic Canada’s momentum by strengthening communities, creating new opportunities, and laying the foundation for a strong, sustainable future.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “New Brunswick to tackle construction sector labor shortages” 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

health professionals to work in Canada

Canada assists 6,600 internationally trained health professionals to work in Canada

Work in Canada / By

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. This announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment, made with provinces and territories at the October 2023 Health Ministers’ Meeting, to take concrete actions to address challenges facing Canada’s health workforce, including reducing the time it takes for IEHPs to enter the health workforce. The funding will go directly to key occupations such as nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, laboratory technicians, and respiratory therapy. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program collaborates with provinces, territories, regulatory bodies, and other organizations by funding projects to support faster and more efficient credential recognition systems to grow Canada’s economy, create quality jobs, and promote more sustainable healing. Minister of Health, Mark Holland, stated: “Health workers provide the care that Canadians require. We can help alleviate labor shortages in our healthcare system by hiring new workers and retaining existing ones. This federal funding supports our government’s collaboration with provinces, territories, and stakeholders to increase and streamline the entry of healthcare workers into the Canadian workforce. Together, we will improve our healthcare system, allowing Canadians to receive the care they require and deserve.” Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada assists 6,600 internationally trained health professionals to work in Canada” 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

Manitoba PNP Draw 208

275 skilled workers and international graduates invited to the Manitoba PNP Draw 208

Manitoba / By

On January 25, 2024, Manitoba held a new invitation round in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In the Manitoba PNP Draw 208, the MPNP invited 156 applicants under the Completed post-secondary study in Manitoba selection with a minimum score of 772.  In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, MPNP issued 41 LAAs to candidates invited under the Strategic Recruitment Initiative. The lowest score in the SWO category was 713 points, 74 points more than in the previous draw.  In addition, 78 invitations were issued in the International Education Stream. In this round, Manitoba has issued LAAs to 275 candidates, including 29 express-entry candidates. In 2024, MPNP invited 698 candidates, and 102 of them received invitations in the Express Entry. Manitoba Expression of Interest System The Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system applies to the Skilled Worker and International Education Stream pathways. The Business Investor Stream pathways each have their process for submitting an EOI. Submitting an EOI is the first step toward obtaining permanent residency in Manitoba through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). An EOI is not a formal application, but rather a profile. Anyone interested in applying to the MPNP must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates answer a series of questions and are assigned EOI ranking points based on their responses. The candidate is then added to a pool of all qualified candidates. On a regular basis, the MPNP invites the highest-scoring candidates in the pool to submit a full application to the MPNP. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Manitoba invited 275 skilled workers and international graduates in the Manitoba PNP Draw 208″ 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

International students became permanent

355,000 International students became permanent residents, within the last 3 years

Permanent Residence, Study in Canada / By

According to IRCC, over 355,000 International students became permanent residents in Canada between 2021 and 2023. Over 627,000 temporary residents gained permanent residency (PR) in the same period. In 2020, Canada admitted less than half the current number of immigrants, at 184,370.  However, immigration quotas for 2024 and 2025 are set at 485,000 and 500,000, respectively, despite housing concerns among Canadians. Many are questioning the feasibility of accommodating half a million immigrants yearly amidst a housing crisis.  International student intake for 2024-2025 On January 22, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, announced a two-year cap on international student permit applications to stabilize growth. For 2024, the cap will result in around 360,000 approved permits, a 35% decrease from 2023. These measures do not apply to master’s, doctoral, elementary, and secondary education students and current permit holders.  Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will start from September 1, 2024, affecting students’ curriculum licensing arrangements. Graduates of master’s and other short graduate programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit. Open work permits will only be available to spouses of master’s and doctoral students. We have a track record of helping international students get legal assistance from Gunness & Associates. International students can work more than 20 hours off-campus On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that more international students are eligible to work off campus for more than 20 hours during academic sessions. Effective from January 1 to April 30, 2024, a new policy will allow certain students to work off-campus for over 20 hours weekly during regular academic sessions if IRCC receives their study permit application between October 8, 2022, and January 1, 2024.  The previous policy allowed international students to work off-campus for over 20 hours weekly during an academic session if IRCC received their study permit application before or on October 7, 2022. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Within the last three years, 355,000 international students became permanent residents” 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

3 OINP streams

Under the 3 OINP streams Ontario issued over 1480 invitations

Ontario / By

On January 24, 2024, the Government of Ontario invited candidates via the 3 OINP streams. The province issued 1,344 invitations to apply (ITAs) for the Masters Graduate stream and 125 ITAs for the PhD Graduate Stream. The minimum scores for these draws were 50 points and 45 points, respectively.  In addition, the province invited 12 candidates in the targeted draw for the federal Economic Mobility Pathways Project under the OINP’s Foreign Worker stream. So far, Ontario has issued invitations to 8,122 candidates under all streams in 2024. Ontario-OINP application processing times for 2024 On January 11, 2024, Ontario updated the average processing time in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Currently, the OINP application processing times for 2024  for the different immigration streams are given below:  PhD Graduate and Masters Graduate streams are 30-60 days, and Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream is 60-90 days.  Processing time for Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream and Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream is 90-120.  The average processing time for Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream, and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream is 120-150 days.  The processing time for Ontario’s Expression of Interest (EOI) Assessment in the Entrepreneur Stream still requires less than 30 days, and  the application processing depends on the complexity of the business nomination application. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Ontario issued over 1480 invitations under the three OINP streams” 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

Start-Up Visa program SUV

Immigration via Canada’s Start-Up Visa program SUV has more than doubled

Entrepreneur, Permanent Residence / By

In November, a 32.5% drop was observed in Start-Up Visa Program SUV entrepreneur immigration, following a rebound in October, as per data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC has set goals to welcome 5,000, 6,000, and 6,000 new residents via the SUV in 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively.  Despite a slowdown in November, the program is expected to achieve record permanent resident admissions by the end of 2023. Until November, the SUV had facilitated the arrival of 1,145 new residents, marking a 104.5% increase from the previous year. Most SUV immigrants choose Ontario and British Columbia as their destinations, with Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia also seeing some arrivals. Before their application for permanent residence is processed, candidates under the SUV program may initially enter Canada with a work permit supported by their designated Canadian investor. Canada’s Start-up Visa Program Entrepreneurs eyeing Canada’s Start-Up Visa program can anticipate a wealth of opportunities, with Canada’s commitment to innovation and economic development creating an environment ripe for success. The program not only facilitates permanent residency but also provides a launching pad for individuals to turn their groundbreaking ideas into thriving businesses.  Canada’s Start-Up Visa program stands as a beacon for immigrant entrepreneurs, offering a pathway to permanent residency and the chance to contribute to one of the world’s most dynamic and inclusive economies The start-up visa program may make it possible for entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada. Canada is on a search for bright entrepreneurs who are eager to start businesses that will boost its economy and offer job opportunities to its citizens. The Start-up Visa Program in Canada encourages immigrant business owners who have the skills and ability to start successful businesses in Canada: Who are Innovative Can create jobs for Canadians Can compete on a global scale Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Immigration through Canada’s Start-Up Visa program has more than doubled“ 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

studied in Canada

Over 1 million international students studied in Canada in 2023

Study in Canada / By

Over 1 million international students studied in Canada in 2023. 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. In a written parliamentary answer, the Immigration Department told Conservative MP Garnett Genuis in October 2023 that as of September, 1,015,744 people had valid study permits that allowed them to enter Canada. In a written parliamentary response, the department stated that slightly over a third of them were enrolled in programs at universities recognized by Universities Canada, which is made up of almost 100 universities. The Globe and Mail was able to obtain an August 2023 IRCC document that was distributed to universities last year, which predicted that 949,000 international student applications would be received in 2023 as well as just over one million in 2024. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Over 1 million international students studied in Canada in 2023″ 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

permanent residence route

Canada unveils permanent residence route for former protective care minors

Permanent Residence / By

Canada unveils permanent residence route for former Protective Care minors On January 23, 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a policy to address individuals who came to Canada as minors under protective care but never obtained permanent residence or citizenship. As these individuals may face deportation and have little connection to their birth country, the policy provides a pathway to permanent residence.  This protection extends until January 21, 2027, building on measures from fall 2023 that allowed eligible individuals to apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP) and a work or study permit, thus reducing the risk of removal. Those eligible for the TRP can now apply for permanent residence and stay in Canada. This new permanent residence pathway expands on previous measures implemented in fall 2023. As of September 29, 2023, eligible individuals who previously worked in child protection services can apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP) as well as a work or study permit under new ministerial instructions. The TRP grants temporary resident status and lowers the risk of removal from Canada. Those who were eligible for the TRP will now be able to apply for permanent residence via this path. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada Unveils Permanent Residence Route for Former Protective Care Minors” 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

International students in Canada

International students in Canada will be able to work more than 20 hours off-campus

Study in Canada / By

On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that more International students in Canada are eligible to work off campus for more than 20 hours during academic sessions. Effective from January 1 to April 30, 2024, a new policy will allow certain students to work off-campus for over 20 hours weekly during regular academic sessions if IRCC receives their study permit application between October 8, 2022, and January 1, 2024.  The previous policy allowed international students to work off-campus for over 20 hours weekly during an academic session if IRCC received their study permit application before or on October 7, 2022. Who can work off-campus? You can only start working in Canada once your study program has started. The conditions on your study permit will state whether or not you are permitted to work while studying.  If you are eligible for off-campus work, you do not require a work permit. You can work off campus without a work permit if you meet all of the following requirements: You are a full-time student attending a designated learning institution (DLI). You are currently enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or a secondary-level vocational training program (only in Quebec). Your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. You have started studying. You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). We have a track record of helping international students get legal assistance from Gunness & Associates. During the scheduled school break You can work full-time during a scheduled break, such as the winter and summer holidays, or a fall or spring reading week. You can work overtime or two part-time jobs that total a higher number of hours than usual. Working full-time requires you to be a full-time student both before and after the break. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “International students will be able to work more than 20 hours off-campus” 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

new invitation rounds

BC held new invitation rounds & Invited over 220 candidates

British Columbia / By

On January 23, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation rounds under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified candidates in healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations.  In the general draw, the province invited 79 candidates. The minimum score for candidates in this draw was 98 points. BC issued 66 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 36 candidates who scored 60 points. The province also issued 34 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector. Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in veterinary care occupations. Jobs in veterinary care with the most priority are:  31103 veterinarians and  32104 veterinary technicians and animal health technologists. British Columbia PNP Draws in 2023 to Date In total, British Columbia issued up to 220 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited up to 805 candidates. 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 Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “British Columbia held new invitation rounds and Invited over 220 candidates under the BC PNP” 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