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Express Entry draw of 2024

Canada invited over 1,000 candidates in the 2nd Express Entry draw of 2024

On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second Express Entry draw of 2024 and issued 1,040 Invitations to Apply (ITA). In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs.  In round #280, the cut-off score was 543 points, three points fewer than the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was January 21, 2024, at 07:43:47 UTC. As of January 23, 2024, there were 213,526 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 2,550 ITAs through Express Entry. It was the second draw of 2024 after the general draw on January 10th, which invited 1,510 candidates from all Express Entry-managed programs to apply. To be considered, candidates had to have a minimum CRS score of 546. 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.  Its success is yet to be determined, but the variety of draws significantly increased, with the first targeting 500 healthcare workers. The Canadian Government invited candidates under a total of 82 NOC codes in five categories (healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, and food) through occupation-specific draws and introduced targeted draws for French-speaking candidates. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “IRCC invited over 1,000 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

Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program is predicted to grow by 6.5%

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) saw a 32% drop in arrivals in November following a strong October, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Arrivals fell from 2,530 in October to 1,720 in November, coinciding with a 12.4% drop in overall monthly immigration.  Despite this, the PGP welcomed 26,600 new permanent residents in the first 11 months of the year, potentially reaching 29,018 by year-end, a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Ontario received the majority of PGP arrivals, with 12,660 parents and grandparents settling there. During that time, the following provinces and territories attracted the following number of new permanent residents under the PGP: 50 – Newfoundland and Labrador 10 – Prince Edward Island 175 – Nova Scotia 45 – New Brunswick 2,200 – Quebec has  1,020 – Manitoba  680 – Saskatchewan  4,820 – Alberta  4,080 – British Columbia  25 – Yukon  15 – Northwest Territories Super Visa for Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program A super visa allows you to visit your children or grandchildren for up to 5 years. It is a visa that allows multiple entries for a period of up to ten years. A super visa has specific requirements, including the need for health insurance. To be eligible, you must meet all of the requirements. Super Visa holders are allowed to stay in Canada for a maximum of two years during that time. On the other hand, a regular visa for visitors typically has a maximum validity of six months. Citizens of countries exempt from visa requirements may still find the Super Visa program beneficial. Normally, visitors from visa-exempt nations are allowed entry into Canada for six months without the need for a visitor’s visa. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program is predicted to grow by 6.5% compared to 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

intake for 2024-2025

Canada capped the 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 intake for 2024-2025 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. “International students bring significantly to Canada and enrich our communities. As a result, we have a responsibility to ensure that they have access to the resources they require for a fulfilling academic experience. This is not always the case in Canada today, according to Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. “Today, we are announcing additional safeguards to protect a system that has grown so profitable that it has created a path for abuse. Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada, ensuring the integrity of our immigration system, and preparing students for the success they look for,” Miller added. Updates to the International Student Program focus on enhancing student protection Canada cherishes the social, cultural, and economic contributions of international students. To maintain these benefits and ensure student success, the Government of Canada addresses issues challenging the International Student Program’s integrity. This involves managing international student numbers sustainably and penalizing any threats to the system.  On October 27, 2023, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller introduced measures to strengthen Canada’s International Student Program and fight fraud. From December 1, 2023, post-secondary DLIs must confirm acceptance letters with IRCC for study permit applications. IRCC will reward DLIs offering superior services, including priority permit processing. Additionally, IRCC will adjust the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to align with labor and immigration goals. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada capped the international student intake for 2024-2025″ 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

the International Experience Canada

Over 7,000 candidates invited in the International Experience Canada

Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws in the pools of International Experience Canada (IEC). From January 14 to January 21, Canada invited 7,474 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of January 21, there were 34,358 candidates registered in the pool, waiting for the invitation. In this round, these were invitations sent out: No of ITAs Country Name No of ITAs Country Name 16  Switzerland 478  Australia 700  Japan 1,989 Korea 2  Croatia 9 Costa Rica 220  Spain 90  Czech Republic 24  Denmark 6 Estonia 605  France 31  Greece 34  Hong Kong 457  Ireland 232  Italy 66  Slovakia 53  Chile 64  Poland 333  Germany 1,355 United Kingdom 1 Luxembourg 155  Belgium 143  Netherlands 163  New Zealand 8 Norway 74  Taiwan 45 Portugal 17  Sweden 2 Slovenia 1 Marino 33  Austria 3 Iceland 20  Latvia 45  Lithuania In 2024, Canada issued 19,396 ITAs under the IEC Program. New changes to the International Experience Canada 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.  Notable amendments include service adjustments, the omission of Memorial University of Newfoundland from the recognized organizations list, the inclusion of International Internship Network (IIN) and Languages Canada, updates to the designations and descriptions of AIESEC Canada, Go International, IAESTE, and International Rural Exchange/A-Way to Work, and clarifications on the IEC program’s participation counting methods. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “IRCC invited over 7,000 candidates under the International Experience 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

OINP Draw

The latest Ontario OINP Draw invited 1,654 candidates

On January 19, 2024, the Government of Ontario held the latest Ontario OINP draw in the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW) Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).  The province issued 1,654 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the General draw of the EJO FW stream. All invitees have their profiles created in the Express Entry system between January 19, 2023, and January 19, 2024. The minimum score for this draw was 50. In total, Ontario invited 6,641 candidates through the OINP streams in 2024. The January 9 targeted profiles for the previous OINP Foreign Worker stream had job offers in any of the 63 skilled trade occupations, 41 healthcare occupations, or 15 tech occupations. After receiving the invitation, candidates must submit their completed application within 14 calendar days. Ontario-OINP invitation draws of 2023 to date OINP nomination allocation for 2023 has reached The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has reached its nomination limit for 2023. In 2023, the program issued a total of 16,500 nominations to successful applicants from all streams. New applications, and applications already submitted to the OINP, will continue to be accepted and considered under the program’s 2024 nomination allocation. In 2023, invitations to apply were issued for Ontario-OINP draws under various streams: Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream – 6,456 Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream (2,963) Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream (1,069) Graduate streams: 5,734 for Masters, 486 for PhD, and 58 for Entrepreneur. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “The latest Ontario OINP Draw invited 1,654 candidates in the job offer Stream” 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 OINP draw

Ontario invited nearly a thousand French-speaking candidates to the new OINP draw

On January 18, 2024, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) invited candidates to the new OINP draw in the first round of invitations in Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream.  In this round, the OINP issued 984 Invitations to Apply for the Francophone candidates. The Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) range of candidates who received the Notification of Interest from the OINP was between 317 and 469 points.  The Express Entry profiles of the candidates were created between January 18, 2023, and January 18, 2024. So far, in 2024, Ontario has invited 4,987 candidates under the OINP. Canadian Immigration in 2024 Insights Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024. The Express Entry System will continue holding category-based draws, focusing on specific labor gaps. In the first year of category-based draws, the IRCC identified to give priority to the immigration candidates included: proficient in French recent work experience in any of the primary sectors, including trades, agri-food/agriculture, healthcare, STEM, and transportation In addition, this year, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Canada’s largest immigration pathway, will introduce new guidelines and multi-year plans. The provinces and territories will have advance notice of the 2025 allotment as the IRCC releases new multi-year plans for PNPs, which will enable them to better plan their immigration strategies. Furthermore, the International Student Program will improve its Letter of Acceptance verification system and review the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits – which has almost doubled in a year. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Ontario invited nearly a thousand French-speaking candidates in the new OINP 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

PNP candidates of 2024

Prince Edward Island invited the first PEI PNP candidates of 2024

On January 18, 2024, Prince Edward Island conducted a new invitation round and invited the first PEI PNP candidates of 2024 under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). In the first round of this year, the province issued 134 invitations to apply to skilled workers in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams.  PEI also invited two candidates to the Business Work Permit Entrepreneurs stream. The lowest score for business candidates was 80 points, 12 points lower than in the December draw. Last year, PEI invited 2,423 candidates. According to the schedule, the next PEI PNP draw will occur on February 1, 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).  PEI PNP Draws 2023 Prince Edward Island schedule for invitation rounds in 2024 The invitation rounds are scheduled for the following dates:  January 18, 2024 February 1, 2024 February 15, 2024 February 29, 2024 March 21, 2024 April 4, 2024 April 18, 2024 May 2, 2024 May 16, 2024 May 30, 2024 June 20, 2024 July 4, 2024 July 18, 2024 August 1, 2024 August 15, 2024 August 29, 2024 September 19, 2024 October 3, 2024 October 17, 2024 October 31, 2024 November 21, 2024 December 5, 2024 December 19, 2024 Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Prince Edward Island invited the first PEI PNP candidates 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

first entrepreneur draws

BC invited new business candidates under the first entrepreneur draws

On January 16, 2024, British Columbia held the first entrepreneur draws for business candidates of a year under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).  BC PNP invited up to five candidates in the Base Category of the Entrepreneur Stream. The lowest score of this round was 116 points, the same as in the previous draw.  In addition, the province invited fewer than five candidates in the Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot category with a minimum score of 135.  The maximum points in the Entrepreneur Stream grid are 200. Candidates can get 120 points for self-declared factors such as Experience & Ownership, Net Worth, Investment, etc. Another 80 points are given for the business concept. Last year, British Columbia invited up to 89 entrepreneurs under the BCPNP. Targeted invitations to apply for the EI Base stream may be based on one or more of the following: The qualified candidate’s registration score. The specific region in which a candidate plans to start a business. The population of the community in which the candidate intends to open a business. Whether the proposed business is a start-up or a purchase of an existing business. Whether the business proposal aligns with the identified priority business sectors. 2023 British Columbia Entrepreneur draws 32 invitations were sent out in the most recent BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration draw, which was held on December 17. 24 invites were sent to candidates who met the minimum score requirement of 118 points for the general category. Eight invitations were sent out to Regional Pilot candidates, who had to score at least 112 points. Complete details for BC PNP Draws can be found here. British Columbia Entrepreneur Category One of the streams of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) run by the British Columbian government, is the British Columbia Entrepreneur stream. The target group for this initiative is senior business managers or seasoned business owner-managers who wish to move to British Columbia. Those selected will need to start a new company or purchase an established one where they will handle day-to-day operations. The entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent resident status after running the business for at least 550 days. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “British Columbia invited new business candidates under the first entrepreneur draws“ 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

OINP application processing times

Ontario published the 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 for  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.  The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) works with the Canadian government through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Foreign workers, international students, and others with the necessary skills, experience, and education can apply to the OINP for a nomination. The OINP recognizes and nominates individuals for permanent residence who have the skills and experience that the Ontario economy requires.  What are the Streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)? The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has 9 streams you may qualify for: Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream PhD Graduate stream Masters Graduate stream Human Capital Priorities stream Skilled Trades stream French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream OINP Entrepreneur Stream Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Ontario published the OINP application processing times for 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

new invitation

The BC held new invitation draws and invited over 198 Candidates

On January 16, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified candidates in tech, healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations.  In the tech draw, the province invited 91 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 103 points.  BC issued 53 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 29 candidates who scored 60 points.  The province also issued 20 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector.  Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in other priority occupations (NOCs 31103, 32104).  In total, British Columbia issued up to 198 ITAs in the second draw of 2024. This year, British Columbia has already invited up to 585 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 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 the “The British Columbia PNP invited up to 198 tech professionals and 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