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Proof of Funds requirement

Canada revised the Proof of Funds requirement for study permits

Study in Canada / By

On December 7, 2023, Canada revised the Proof of Funds requirement for study permit applicants. Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced an increase in the financial requirement for study permit applicants. Based on the annual update of the low-income cut-off (LICO), this adjustment ensures students are financially prepared for life in Canada.  The requirement, unchanged since the early 2000s, has become inadequate. For 2024, a single applicant must show they have $20,635, plus first-year tuition and travel costs. The change applies to new study permit applications from January 1, 2024. Furthermore, the exemption from working hour restrictions that were previously scheduled to end on December 31 for international students has been extended until April 30, 2024. This makes it possible for students to work more than 20 hours a week during the winter semester off campus. Additionally, Minister Miller gave updates on a few short-term measures related to work permits after graduation.  About the Study Permits The study permit is a document that we issue to foreign nationals that allows them to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. To study in Canada, most foreign nationals require a study permit. Before you apply, make sure you have all of the necessary documents. You must apply before traveling to Canada. Your study permit does not serve as a visa. A visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) may also be required. If your study permit is approved, you’ll get one along with it. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Ottawa held a new Express Entry draw for Francophone 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

Express Entry draw for Francophone

Ottawa held a new Express Entry draw for Francophone candidates

Express Entry / By

On December 7, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for Francophone candidates. In round #273, IRCC issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to francophone candidates.  The cut-off score of this draw was 470 points, 16 points fewer than the previous draw for this category.  The tie-breaking rule for this round was October 3, 2023, at 04:45:27 UTC.  As of December 5, 2023, there were 217,370 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 100,971 ITAs through the 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 Draw #273 was limited to candidates fluent in French, highlighting Canada’s growing interest in attracting people with linguistic skills. The initiative aimed to support the country’s being bilingual and promote diversity among its citizens. Which Express Entry candidates are the most likely to be invited to apply? Candidate Composition in the Current Express Entry Pool As of December 5, 2023, the Express Entry pool includes candidates from the following CRS score ranges: CRS Score Range Candidates Invited 501-600 5,457 Candidates 451-500 60,014 Candidates 491-500 6,634 Candidates 481-490 10,335 Candidates 471-480 17,312 Candidates 461-470 14,165 Candidates 451-460 11,568 Candidates 401-450 53,502 Candidates 441-450 10,885 Candidates 431-440 11,111 Candidates 421-430 9,973 Candidates 411-420 10,608 Candidates 401-410 10,925 Candidates 351-400 58,457 Candidates 301-350 30,148 candidates 0-300 5,267 Candidates Total 217,370 Candidates Francophone candidates’ Eligibility criteria You must be fluent in French to be qualified for the French-Language Proficiency category. Have a minimum score of 7 on the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) in all four language abilities such as writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Complete all of the conditions outlined in the invitation round’s instructions. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Ottawa held a new Express Entry draw for Francophone 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

skilled workers and tech professionals

British Columbia continues inviting skilled workers and tech professionals

British Columbia / By

British Columbia (BC) is a beacon for skilled workers and tech professionals, attracting them to contribute to the province’s thriving economy. On December 5, 2023, 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 healthcare, childcare, construction, and tech occupations. In the Tech draw, the province invited 92 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 94 points.  BC issued 46 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202). In the Healthcare-targeted draw, BC British Columbia invited 24 candidates who scored 60 points.  In addition, the province invited 31 candidates working in the construction sector with a minimum score of 75. In total, British Columbia issued 193 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited 9,723 candidates. Priority healthcare occupations in the BC PNP The occupations listed below are not the only ones eligible for the BC PNP.  Priority occupations may receive a targeted invitation after registering. Priority occupations in the BC PNP are: 30010 Managers in health care 31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine 31101 Specialists in surgery 31102 General practitioners and family physicians 31110 Dentists 31112 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists 31120 Pharmacists 31121 Dietitians and nutritionists 31200 Psychologists 31201 Chiropractors 31202 Physiotherapists 31203 Occupational therapists 31204 Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment 31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating 31300 Nursing coordinators and supervisors 31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 31302 Nurse practitioners 31303 Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals 32101 Licensed practical nurses 32102 Paramedical occupations 32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment 32110 Denturists 32111 Dental hygienists and dental therapists 32112 Dental technologists and technicians 32120 Medical laboratory technologists 32121 Medical radiation technologists 32122 Medical sonographers 32123 Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists 32124 Pharmacy technicians 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians 32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists 33100 Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants 33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates 33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants 41300 Social workers 41301 Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies 42201 Social and community service workers Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “British Columbia continues inviting skilled workers and tech 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

Express Entry draw 272

Canada held a new Express Entry draw 272 and issued 4,750 ITAs

Express Entry / By

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,750 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under the Express Entry draw 272 on December 6, 2023. In this draw, IRCC invited candidates under all immigration programs.  In the latest round of invitations, the cut-off score was 561 points, 61 points more than in the previous all-program draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was November 8, 2023, at 06:00:13 UTC.  As of December 5, 2023, there are 217,370 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. In 2023, Canada issued 99,971 ITAs through the Express Entry draws. This year, Canada has held the following Express entry draws: There are 18 all-program draws. There are five PNP draws. Five draws are aimed specifically at French speakers. Three draws are aimed specifically at healthcare occupations. One draw is aimed specifically at STEM occupations. One draw is aimed at skilled tradespeople. One draw was specifically for Federal Skilled Worker candidates. One draw focuses on transportation jobs. One draw was aimed specifically at agriculture and agri-food occupations. Important Factors Considered for the Express Entry Candidates 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 “Canada held a new Express Entry draw and issued 4,750 ITAs” 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

streams of the OINP

Ontario invited 2,437 candidates under two streams of the OINP

Ontario / By

On December 5, 2023, the Government of Ontario held new draws under two streams of the OINP in the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream (EJO IDS) and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW) of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).  The province held three draws in the EJO FW Stream and issued 2,437 invitations to apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates working in healthcare, tech, and skilled trades occupations and those applying under the Economic Mobility Pathways.  In addition, Ontario held another draw for the EJO IDS stream and issued 262 invitations to apply in a general draw to candidates with a minimum score of 30. In total, OINP issued invitations to 39,564 candidates in 2023. Tech Occupations invited under two streams of the OINP Candidates received an invitation only if they had a score of 43 or higher and a job offer in one of the national occupational codes (NOC) listed below: NOC 20012 – Computer and information systems managers NOC 21211 – Data Scientists NOC 21220 – Cybersecurity specialists NOC 21221 – Business system analysts NOC 21222 – Information systems specialists NOC 21223 – Database analysts and data administrators NOC 21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers NOC 21231 – Software engineers and designers NOC 21232 – Software developers and programmers NOC 21233 – Web designers NOC 21234 – Web developers and programmers NOC 21311 – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) NOC 22220 – Computer network technicians NOC 22221 – User support technicians NOC 22222 – Information systems testing technicians You may apply to this stream if you receive an invitation to apply by December 5, 2023.  Overview of the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream The Employer Job Offer: The in-demand Skills stream allows foreign workers with job offers in specific in-demand occupations such as agriculture, construction, and other select occupations to permanently apply to live and work in Ontario. This stream is open to both inside Canada and outside workers. Before you can apply online to be nominated for permanent residence by the Ontario government, you must first receive an invitation to apply. About the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) selects individuals who may meet the criteria for one of the immigration streams listed below through an expression of interest system. If Ontario selects you from the candidate pool, you will be invited to apply. Receiving an invitation to apply does not guarantee that you will be accepted into one of our streams. If you receive an invitation to apply, you may apply online if you meet the requirements for the stream specified in your invitation to apply. You must apply within 14 calendar days of receiving the invitation to apply. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Ontario invited 2,437 candidates under two streams of the OINP” 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 best 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

BC invited business candidates

BC invited business candidates under the Base Category of the Entrepreneur Stream

British Columbia / By

On December 5, 2023, BC invited business candidates to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). The BCPNP invited 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.  The maximum points in the Entrepreneur Stream grid are 200. Candidates can get 120 points for self-declared factors such as Experience and ownership, Net Worth, Investment, etc. Another 80 points are given for the business concept. British Columbia issued 9,723 invitations this year, including up to 89 ITAs for entrepreneurs. Invitations to apply to the EI Base stream may be targeted based on one or more of the following criteria: The registration score of the candidate The location in which a candidate intends to establish a business The population of the community in which the candidate intends to open a business Whether the proposed business is a new venture or a purchase of an existing one The business proposal’s alignment with identified priority business sectors. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a type of economic immigration program in British Columbia. It allows the Province to choose economic immigrants who will live in British Columbia and fill job openings or run businesses. If you are nominated, you and your family can apply for permanent residence in Canada through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration and Skilled Immigration The BC PNP is made up of two major components: Skilled Workers and recent graduates with the skills, experience, and qualifications required by British Columbia employers are eligible for Skills Immigration. Entrepreneur Immigration is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who want to start and run a business in the province. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “BC invited business candidates under the Base Category of the Entrepreneur 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 best 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 held the largest draw

Manitoba held the largest draw for Ukrainian candidates

Manitoba / By

On December 4, 2023, the Government of Manitoba held the largest draw for Ukrainian candidates. The province invited 117 candidates through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) in this draw.  To be eligible, applicants must:  be Ukrainian citizens,  have a minimum of CLB 4 in each language band,  have connections to the province (close relatives, community ties, previous employment, or studies in Manitoba),  score at least 60 points in the EOI registration points grid, and  possess a valid language test in one of the official languages.  In total, the province invited 14,567 candidates in 2023, including 412 Ukrainian nationals. About the Expression of Interest (EOI) 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 submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates answer a series of questions and are assigned EOI ranking points based on their responses. Your profile is then added to a pool of all qualified candidates. Regularly, the MPNP invites the highest-scoring candidates in the pool to submit a full application to the MPNP. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Manitoba held the largest draw for Ukrainian 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 best 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

Canadian business

Canadian businesses expect a positive economy this year

Entrepreneur / By

Canadian business owners are optimistic about the future as inflation slows, with many planning to hire. Eight in ten business leaders report their businesses are growing, and 76% are hopeful about their performance over the next five years. Despite a slowdown in job growth and the housing crisis, 65.9% of businesses remain optimistic about the next 12 months.  Foreign investors with similar optimism can gain permanent residence via the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program. This program, which has launched 200 start-ups since 2013, considers angel investors, venture capital funds, and business incubators. Investment requirements are $75,000 from angel investors, $200,000 from venture capital funds, or acceptance into a business incubator program. You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program: You must have a qualifying business A letter of support from a designated organization is required meet the language requirements, and Before you start your business, you should have enough money to settle and live in Canada. Start-up Visa Program is projected to increase by roughly 80% According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program saw a slight dip in September compared to August. Still, overall numbers are significantly higher than last year. In September 2023, Canada welcomed 145 new permanent residents through the SUV, down 17.1% from 175 in August.  However, this follows a record month in August, up 30% from July. IRCC plans to increase admissions substantially for Start-Up Visa applicants. Current annual admissions of 1,000 will rise to 3,500, 5,000, 6,000, and 6,000 in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. As of September, Canada had welcomed 770 new permanent residents through the SUV, potentially reaching 1,027 by year-end. This would signify a 78.6% increase over the previous year. The popularity of the Start-Up Visa (SUV) increased in August as 175 new permanent residents settled in Canada through the program, a 29.6% increase from July.  Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Canadian businesses expect a positive economy this year” 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 best 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

Foreign skilled worker

Foreign skilled worker demand has risen this year for Canadian employers

Work in Canada / By

Western Canadian employers seeking Foreign skilled workers have seen a significant rise this year, with a 39% increase in LMIA applications nationwide and 83% in Western Canada.  Yukon is the sole exception, with a slight decrease. Nunavut had the highest application growth, followed by Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. LMIA processing times are slow, with Alberta having the longest. This is because fewer applications are in priority processing streams.  Efforts have been made to modernize the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including distributing files across the national network, moving away from paper applications, and simplifying applications for compliant employers through the Recognized Employer Pilot. The Recognized Employer Pilot The Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) is a two-phase, three-year pilot project. Applications for positions on the Phase 1 REP occupations list will be accepted starting September 12, 2023. Phase 2 applications will be accepted beginning in January 2024. The phase you apply for will be determined by the position you are attempting to fill. The REP provides a streamlined process for employers who: Access the TFWP regularly to fill positions in high-demand fields from the REP occupations list, and  meet the highest standards for working and living conditions and worker protection. Phase 1 REP occupations are: NOC 85100 Livestock laborers NOC 85101 Harvesting labourers NOC 84120 Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators NOC 85103 Nursery and greenhouse labourers These occupations have been determined to be in high demand and to have a shortage of domestic labor. Labor Market Assessment (LMIA) A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer may require before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA will demonstrate the need for a foreign worker to fill the position. It will also demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position. A positive LMIA is also known as a confirmation letter. Once the LMIA is obtained by the employer, the worker can apply for a work permit. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Foreign skilled worker demand has risen this year for Canadian employers” 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 best 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

PEI conducted a new invitation round

PEI conducted a new invitation round and issued 69 new invitations

Prince Edward Island / By

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.  According to the schedule, the next PEI PNP draw will occur on December 21, 2023. The PEI EOI system collects important information about you to rank and select those who are most likely to meet the economic and labor market needs of Prince Edward Island, based on one or more of the following characteristics: Language options include English and French. Education: level and field of study, as well as location of completion; Skill and work experience level; Strategic priorities: characteristics that address immediate labor market needs in PEI. Other employment-related factors include but are not limited to, having a job offer in PEI and/or previous Canadian work experience. The PEI PNP streams The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), is a collection of immigration streams intended for immigrants with business acumen, skilled workers, and recent graduates. PEI PNP streams are: PEI Express Entry Skilled Worker outside Canada stream International Graduate Stream Critical worker stream Skilled Worker in the PEI stream Occupations in demand stream PEI Business Impact Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “PEI conducted a new invitation round and issued 69 new invitations” 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 best 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