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New Manitoba invitation round

In New Manitoba invitation round #205, MPNP invited 160 candidates

On December 28, 2023, New Manitoba invitation round #205 was held under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream, the MPNP invited 160 candidates under the Close relative in Manitoba selection with a minimum score of 612.  In the Skilled Workers Overseas stream, MPNP issued 27 LAAs to candidates invited under the Strategic Recruitment Initiative. The lowest score in the SWO category was 698 points.  In addition, 67 invitations were issued in the International Education Stream. In this round, Manitoba has issued LAAs to 254 candidates, including 53 express-entry candidates. In 2023, MPNP invited 16,217 candidates, and 4,456 of them received invitations in the Express Entry. Close relative in Manitoba candidates selection If a candidate indicated having a Manitoba Supporter who is a close relative, is a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, is an established resident of Manitoba, and has been residing in Manitoba for at least one year, they were issued a Letter of Advice to Apply under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba pathway’s Close Relative in Manitoba selection. Candidates selected in this draw must be able to provide documents proving their close relative relationship to their Manitoba Supporter and their Manitoba Supporter’s duration of residence in the province to be eligible to apply. Close relatives may support the application of more than one skilled worker at the same time if they can demonstrate their ability to do so satisfactorily.  A Manitoba Supporter must be related to the applicant (or the applicant’s spouse) through one of the following relationships to be considered a close relative: sister or brother  niece or nephew (i.e., your sister or brother’s child) aunt or uncle (your mother’s or father’s brother or sister) first cousin (child of an aunt or uncle) grandmother or grandfather  mother or father Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Manitoba held a new draw under the new invitation round 205″ 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 SINP Draw

Saskatchewan invited 63 candidates under the SINP Draw

On December 27, 2023, Saskatchewan conducted new rounds of invitations in the SINP Draw. In the Express Entry category, Saskatchewan issued 15 ITAs. Another 48 invitations were issued to the Occupations In-Demand category candidates.  The lowest score in both categories was 69, 15 points fewer than in the previous draws. All invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments or have studied in Canada.  In these draws, Saskatchewan invited 63 candidates under seven different NOCs. In 2023, Saskatchewan invited 5,573 skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs under the SINP. Eligible Occupations invited under the SINP Draw Invited Occupations: Learn about the wide range of healthcare occupations that were invited in SINP‘s most recent draw on December 27, 2023: 31200- Psychologists 31203- Occupational therapists 32102- Paramedical occupations 32120- Medical laboratory technologists 32121- Medical radiation technologists 32122- Medical sonographers 33101- Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Saskatchewan published a new schedule for the 2024 Entrepreneur program” 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

global immigration center

Canada launches global immigration center in Romania

On December 6, 2023, Immigration Minister Marc Miller launched a new global immigration center at the Canadian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania. This center, which employs 20 new staff members, is the second of its kind outside of Canada, following the first in the Philippines.  These centers are designed to extend the workday across various time zones, thus improving IRCC’s processing abilities. As migration trends evolve, IRCC remains dedicated to updating Canada’s immigration system to decrease waiting times and enhance service quality. This is due to the surge in applications, as Canada continues to be a popular destination for work, study, travel, and family life. The IRCC claims in a statement that migration trends are changing and the world is becoming more complex. As part of the IRCC’s efforts to build the next generation of Canada’s immigration system, Canadian immigration officials say they are increasing resources, embracing new technology, and streamlining processing. Immigration accounts for nearly all of Canada’s labor force growth and is expected to account for all of Canada’s population growth by 2032. Immigrants make up 36% of physicians, 33% of business owners with paid employees, and 41% of engineers in Canada. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship statement: “Immigration is crucial to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. Improving immigration processing capacity and client service is key to success in the global talent search. I am glad that we are expanding our worldwide presence by opening a second global operations center. This new center will help support our goal of bringing people to Canada—whether to visit, study, work or stay permanently—and doing it faster.” Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada launches a global immigration center in Romania” 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

2024 Entrepreneur program

Saskatchewan published a new schedule for the 2024 Entrepreneur program

On December 27, 2023, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Entrepreneur program updated the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool selection schedule for the 2024 entrepreneur program.  The province will conduct the EOI pool selections on January 11, April 11, July 11, and October 10, 2024. According to the new update, candidates cannot change their business plans after applying to the program. They also cannot change their Business Performance Agreement after the SINP approval. In 2023, Saskatchewan held six business draws and invited 209 entrepreneurs. Saskatchewan Entrepreneur EOI System The Saskatchewan economy provides long-term opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a new business or buy an existing one. Consider applying for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program – Entrepreneur and Farm Categories if you are an experienced business person who meets the program criteria. The EOI is not a formal application; rather, it expresses your interest in the SINP. By providing information on your experience, assets, and a Business Establishment Plan (BEP), you can indicate your interest in running a business and living in Saskatchewan. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will be added to the candidate pool for the EOI. EOIs are scored and ranked using the Points Grid after they are submitted. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Saskatchewan published a new schedule for the 2024 Entrepreneur program” 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 Start-Up Visa program

Canada Start-Up Visa program is accepting more and more entrepreneurs

October saw a resurgence in immigrant entrepreneurship via the Canada Start-Up Visa program, with data suggesting 1,200 new permanent residents by year’s end. In October, 200 new permanent residents arrived via SUV, a 37.9% increase from September’s 145. This rise followed a 17.1% drop from August to September.  The IRCC has significantly increased planned admissions for Start-Up Visa applicants, with numbers set to increase to 3,500, 5,000, 6,000, and 6,000 in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. As of October, 1,000 new permanent residents arrived via SUV in 2021, setting the pace for possibly 1,200 by year’s end. This would be a 108.7% increase from the 575 new residents in 2020. Ontario and British Columbia are the most popular destinations for these entrepreneurs. At the end of this year’s first ten months, the program welcomed 635 new permanent residents to Ontario, and 240 new immigrants had arrived in British Columbia. In the first ten months of this year, Manitoba welcomed 95 immigrant entrepreneurs through the SUV, while Alberta had added 20 new permanent residents through the program by the end of October, signifying no change from the previous month. Canada 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: 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 “Canada Start-Up Visa program is accepting more and more entrepreneurs” 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

citizenship ceremonies

IRCC will continue to hold virtual citizenship ceremonies

According to the Government of Canada’s response to the petition on citizenship ceremonies, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is considering an online tool for self-administered Oath of Citizenship. The analysis is underway, considering client experience, process integrity, and preserving the importance of citizenship ceremonies.  Video ceremonies introduced in 2020 due to COVID-19 have helped reduce processing times and increased monthly oath-taking. These allow participation from rural areas and accommodate larger groups. Between January and September 2023, 276,540 new citizens were made, exceeding pre-COVID levels. Ceremonies are scheduled considering operational demands, official availability, and venue suitability. IRCC is working towards a 12-month service standard for granting citizenship. If you are applying for citizenship, you must be a permanent resident (PR) in Canada, regardless of your age. This implies that you must not: be under investigation for immigration or fraud. be asked to leave Canada by Canadian officials (removal order). have unfulfilled conditions relating to your PR status, such as medical screening. Before applying for citizenship, review the documents you received when you became a permanent resident to ensure your eligibility. Canada strengthens its commitments and collaborations at the Global Refugee Forum On December 15, 2023, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), attended the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, endorsing pledges for global refugee solutions. He announced $21 million for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assist Afghan populations in Central Asia and Pakistan. This funding will assist these countries in assisting the refugees.  Over the next three years, Canada intends to resettle over 136,000 refugees, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQI+ communities, Rohingya refugees, and human rights defenders. Canada is committed to expanding refugee labor and education pathways and has co-sponsored the Securing Sustainable Futures mega-pledge for refugee education.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “IRCC will continue to hold virtual citizenship ceremonies” 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

population growth since 1957

Immigration drives Canada’s largest population growth since 1957

As of October 1, 2023, Canada’s population reached an estimated 40.5 million, marking a 1.1% increase since July 1, 2023 – the highest quarterly population growth since 1957. Canada added over a million people for the first nine months of 2023, breaking 2022’s record.  96% of the growth in the third quarter of 2023 was due to international migration, and the rest was from natural increase. Canada welcomed nearly 108,000 immigrants in the third quarter of 2023 and reached 80% of its annual immigration target by September. All provinces and territories except the Northwest Territories saw population growth, with Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario surpassing the national average. Except for Alberta, which continued to have the highest net gains (+17,094), and New Brunswick (+21), all provinces and territories recorded losses in interprovincial migration exchanges in the third quarter of 2023. For the first time since comparable data were made available (1971), Alberta has recorded interprovincial migration gains of 10,000 or more for five consecutive quarters. Alberta gained the majority of its population through interprovincial migration as a result of exchanges with Ontario and British Columbia. In contrast, for the first time since the first quarter of 2013, British Columbia experienced five consecutive quarters of interprovincial migration losses. In the third quarter, Canada welcomed 107,972 immigrants. From January to September 2023, immigration reached 79.8% (371,299) of the year’s target of 465,000 immigrants set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. From July 1 to October 1, the country saw an increase in the number of non-permanent residents, with the total non-permanent resident population rising from 2,198,679 to 2,511,437. This represents a net increase of 312,758 non-permanent residents in the third quarter, the largest quarterly increase since 1971. The increase in non-permanent residents was primarily due to an increase in the number of work and study permit holders, and to a lesser extent, an increase in refugee claimants. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Immigration drives Canada’s largest population growth since 1957″ 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 program

New changes announced to the International Experience Canada program

On December 12, 2023, the Canadian Government updated the International Experience Canada 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. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated: “Canada benefits when young people around the world participate in International Experience Canada. This program will help Canadian employers in their search for talented employees, but will also serve to stimulate the tourism sector across the country. We also hope that young Canadians will take advantage of the reciprocal aspect of this program to gain work and travel experience from around the world that will serve them throughout their lives.” New bilateral agreements under the International Experience Canada program On December 11, 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada announced updates to the International Experience Canada (IEC) bilateral agreements. The Government of Canada established new agreements with Iceland, while the youth mobility agreements with the UK and South Korea received updates for the 2024 season.  Crucial changes to note include UK applicants now having the opportunity to participate twice, amounting to a total of 36 months. South Korea has introduced the Young Professionals and International Co-op categories, allowing a repeat category. For Chilean applicants aiming for the International Co-op, it is mandatory to be registered at a Chilean school at the time of application. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “New changes announced to the International Experience Canada program” 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

last PEI PNP draw for 2023

PEI held the last PEI PNP draw for 2023

On December 21, 2023, Prince Edward Island held new draws under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). In the last PEI PNP draw for 2023 PEI invited 26 candidates working in the Healthcare, Construction, and Food Processing sectors via the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams.  Three more invitations were sent to Business Impact Category candidates. The lowest score for the business candidates was 92. In total, PEI issued 29 invitations in this round.  This was the last draw for 2023. Since the beginning of 2023, the PEI PNP issued 2,423 invitations. Among them, 64 invitations were under the Business Impact Category, and 2,359 were under the Labour Impact and Express Entry categories. Overview of the PEI PNP draws for 2023 On November 30, 2023, PEI conducted a new invitation round in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams and invited 69 candidates under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).  This draw invited candidates working in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Food Processing, and Construction sectors. The province invited 2,394 candidates this year, including 2,199 under the Labour Impact and Express Entry categories and 61 business candidates.  On November 16, 2023, Prince Edward Island held new draws for skilled professionals and business candidates under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). PEI PNP invited 134 Critical Workers and Express Entry candidates in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams. Seven more invitations were sent to Business Impact Category candidates.  The lowest score for the business candidates was 80. In total, PEI issued 141 invitations in this round. The next draw is scheduled for November 30, 2023.  Prince Edward Island recruited over 500 internationally trained nurses and care support workers to address staffing shortages and improve patient care. Collaborative efforts by Health PEI, the Recruitment and Retention Secretariat, and the Public Service Commission have streamlined hiring processes. Since January 2023, the province has hired 547 staff in various roles, with 147 of them being new graduates. A new online portal simplifies applications for registered nursing positions, attracting both local and international applicants. On November 2, 2023, Prince Edward Island conducted a new invitation round in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams and invited 41 candidates under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). This draw invited candidates working in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Food Processing, and Agriculture sectors. The province invited 2,183 candidates this year, including 2,129 candidates under the Labour Impact and Express Entry categories and 54 business candidates. Full details of the PEI PNP Draws can be found here Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “PEI held the last PEI PNP draw for 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

Express Entry draw 278

IRCC held the 2nd occupation-specific Express Entry draw 278

On December 21, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second occupation-specific Express Entry draw 278 and issued 400 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates working in Agriculture and agri-food occupations.  This was the fourth consecutive Express Entry draw this week. In round #278, the cut-off score was 386, 32 points more than in the previous draw for this category.  The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 6, 2023, at 05:44:14 UTC.  As of December 17, 2023, there were 208,638 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 110,266 ITAs through 42 Express Entry draws. As a candidate, you can work with an immigration specialist. Fill out the form to Get an assessment from an experienced and licensed immigration consultant. Express Entry Category-based selection IRCC invites candidates from the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category established by the Minister to meet an identified economic goal in category-based rounds of invitations. Candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence based on criteria such as: the ability to communicate in a specific official language. work experience in a specific occupation Education Category-based rounds supplement general and program-specific rounds by inviting top-tier candidates who can contribute to the achievement of these specific economic objectives. Important Factors for the Candidates of Express Entry Factors considered for express entry candidates included ITAs by program, province, score, age, and occupation. Most successful were Canadian Experience Class applicants in their 20s, often software engineers planning to live in Ontario. By program, 45% of ITAs went to the CEC, 30% to FSWP, and 26% to the PNP. Almost half of all ITA recipients planned to reside in Ontario, followed by British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. Click here to read the complete details. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “IRCC held the 2nd occupation-specific Canada Express Entry draw 278″ 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