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The International Student Program

IRCC amended the International Student Program to protect international students

On October 27, 2023, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced plans to strengthen the International Student Program. From December 1, 2023, learning institutions must confirm each applicant’s acceptance directly with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), preventing acceptance letter fraud and ensuring study permits are issued based on genuine acceptance letters.  For fall 2024, a “recognized institution” framework will be implemented, offering priority study permit processing to institutions providing superior services for international students.  Additionally, IRCC will reform the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to better align with Canadian labor market needs and immigration goals. Check your eligibility to Study in Canada    Details of the Changes in the International Student Program The Most Honourable Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, announced plans to implement a number of measures aimed at strengthening Canada’s International Student Program and better protecting genuine students from fraud. Among these measures are the following: Postsecondary designated learning institutions (DLI) will be required to confirm every applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with IRCC beginning December 1, 2023. This new, enhanced verification process is intended to protect prospective students from letter of acceptance fraud and to assist them in avoiding problems similar to those faced by some students earlier this year as a result of fraud investigations. It will also ensure that only genuine letters of acceptance are used to issue study permits. IRCC is going to establish a “recognized institution” framework in time for the fall 2024 semester to benefit post-secondary DLIs that set a higher standard for services, support, and outcomes for international students. These DLIs, for example, will benefit from priority processing of study permits for applicants who intend to attend their school. In the coming months, IRCC will complete a review of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program criteria and begin implementing reforms that will better match it with the needs of the Canadian labor market, as well as regional and Francophone immigration goals.  The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated: “International students are talented, bright, and deserving of a positive experience while studying in Canada.” We will continue to improve Canada’s International Student Program by protecting students and weeding out those who exploit them. We want an international student’s time in Canada to have been beneficial to their growth and aspirations, whether they stay and work after graduation or return home.” Canada updated the eligibility requirements for  Student Direct Stream applications On August 30, 2023, the Canadian Government updated the eligibility requirements for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) language test results. The new requirements align with the Ministerial Instructions effective August 10, 2023.  The Government will accept additional academic tests from designated organizations and another test from a non-designated organization. Read Complete updated eligibility requirements. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “IRCC amended the International Student Program to protect international students” 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

International Experience Canada program season 2023

Canada closed the International Experience Canada program season 2023

On October 27, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that IRCC closed the International Experience Canada program season 2023. Those who received an invitation to apply (ITA) will be able to complete and submit their work permit applications. Profiles of those who have not received an ITA for the 2023 IEC season will be removed from the IEC pool. Those applicants can create a new profile when the pools reopen for the 2024 season. If you have not yet received an ITA for the 2023 season, Your profile will be removed from consideration. When the pools reopen for the 2024 season, you can create a new profile. Your account and GCkey remain active. You do not need to set up a new account or obtain a new GC key. How do the IEC Pools work? In most cases, your profile will remain in the pool until: you are invited to apply for a work permit IRCC needs to remove all profiles from the pool(s) at the end of the season or you will not be eligible for IEC. You can only have one IEC profile active at any given time. You may, however, be eligible for more than one IEC pool. When you finish your profile, IRCC will notify you of the pools that are available to you. You can send your information to any of the available pools. You might be able to submit your profile to the Working Holiday and Young Professionals pools, for example. Overview of the International Experience Canada program  season 2023 90,000 newcomers from over 30 eligible countries were allowed to enter the IEC 2023 season at the beginning of this IEC season 2023, with additional quotas being added as needed. In all three categories, over 130,000 individuals from qualified countries received invitations to the IEC 2023 season. With 118,733 open work permit invitations issued this year, the IEC Working Holiday visa category has been issued the most. With a quota of 61,770 youngsters from more than 33 eligible countries for 2023, this is the largest category in the IEC. This year, 8,235 closed work permit invitations were sent out under the Young Professionals category, compared to just 4,573 under the International Co-op (Internship), the least common category. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada closed the International Experience Canada program for season 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 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

More foreign workers came to Canada under the IEC

More foreign workers came to Canada under the IEC

Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws and More foreign workers came to Canada under the pools of International Experience Canada (IEC). From October 14 to October 20, Canada invited 3,965 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of September 29, 32,256 candidates registered in the pool, awaiting the invitation.  In 2023, Canada issued 131,551 ITAs under the IEC Program. In this round, the following ITAs were issued: No of ITAs Country Name No of ITAs Country Name 5 Switzerland 218  Australia 6 Japan 126  Korea 7 Croatia 12 Costa Rica 45  Spain 32  Czech Republic 7 Denmark 5 Estonia 197  France 7 Greece 4 Hong Kong 175  Ireland 123  Italy 2 Slovakia 2,235 Chile 15  Poland 166  Germany 262  United Kingdom 3 Luxembourg 16 Belgium 27  Netherlands 42  New Zealand 1 Norway 177  Taiwan 32  Portugal 8 Sweden 3 Slovenia 3 Austria 2 Latvia 2 Lithuania International Experience Canada 2023  Use International Experience Canada to work and travel in Canada If you’re between the ages of 18 and 35 (or 30 in some countries), come work and travel in Canada with International Experience Canada (IEC)! It is a government program intended to assist you. Collect valuable international work experience. Improve your English and French language skills. Work in Canada to fund your ideal trip. International Experience Canada (IEC) has three categories: Working Holiday: This program, which enables people to work for any employer in Canada, is a great option for those who want to make money while traveling the country. Young professionals: This program is intended for those who want to advance their professional development. It provides the chance to obtain priceless experience working abroad in your profession or area of study. International Co-op (Internship): This program, which is specifically intended for students, enables applicants to get useful experience working abroad in an area that is connected to their field of study. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “More foreign workers came to Canada under the IEC” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to 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

new measures to support Moroccan nationals

IRCC announces new measures to support Moroccan nationals

On October 26, 2023, the Government of Canada announced new measures to support Moroccan nationals so that Moroccan nationals in Canada can extend their study, work, or family visit status without charge, effective October 19, 2023.  These special measures apply to those in Canada as of September 8, when the earthquake occurred, and are designed to facilitate the extension of temporary status or transitioning between temporary streams. The measures will remain in effect until March 12, 2024.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has prioritized processing temporary and permanent residence applications received on or before September 8, 2023, from people affected by the earthquake. Details of the new measures to support Moroccan nationals As part of Canada’s response to the situation in Morocco, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has prioritized temporary and permanent residence applications from people affected by the devastating earthquake received on or before September 8, 2023. This includes visitor visa applications for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as existing refugee resettlement applications. The Canadian government is now taking steps to make it easier for Moroccan nationals who are already in Canada to extend their stay. Canada updates the instructions for biometrics collection Recognizing that some people may have lost their travel documents as a result of the earthquake, IRCC will waive the requirement that applicants hold a passport or travel document in order to be approved for a permanent resident visa to enter Canada. We are also making it easier for Moroccan Canadian citizens and permanent residents to return to Canada by waiving fees for temporary passports, limited-validity passports, and emergency travel documents, as well as Canadian citizenship certificates and permanent resident travel documents. These measures will be in effect from October 19, 2023, to March 12, 2024. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “IRCC announces new measures to support Moroccan nationals” 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

healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw

Ottawa held the largest healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw of 2023

On October 26, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw and issued 3,600 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates working in healthcare occupations.  In round #271, the cut-off score was 431 points, 32 points fewer than in the previous healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw.  The tie-breaking rule for this round was May 24, 2023, at 19:47:51 UTC.  As of October 23, 2023, there were 214,873 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool.  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. This year, Canada issued 95,221 ITAs in 35 Express Entry draws. Eligible Occupations For Healthcare-targeted Express Entry Draw The following list has the 35 occupations that are eligible for invitations to the Express Entry round of the 2023 category-based rounds of invitations: 31112 – Audiologists and speech-language pathologists 31201 – Chiropractors 31110 – Dentists 31121 – Dieticians and nutritionists 41320 – Education counselors 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians 42203 – Instructors of persons with disabilities 31204 – Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment 32101 – Licensed practical nurses 32201 – Massage therapists 33101 – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations 32120 – Medical laboratory technologists 32121 – Medical radiation technologists 32122 – Medical sonographers 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates 31302 – Nurse practitioners 31300 – Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors 31203 – Occupational therapists 31111 – Optometrists 33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services 32209 – Other practitioners of natural healing 31209 – Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment 32102 – Paramedical occupations 33103 – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals 31202 – Physiotherapists 31200 – Psychologists 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 32103 – Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine 31101 – Specialists in surgery 41301 – Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies 32200 – Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists 31103 – Veterinarians Latest Express Entry Draws updates About Category-based Draws of the Express Entry It indicates that Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) requirements for category-based draws are fewer than those for all-program draws. This pattern is supported by the recent hiring of healthcare professionals. On May 31, 2023, the Government of Canada launched a category-based selection for Express Entry, allowing IRCC to invite prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training, or language ability.  This year, invitations will focus on candidates with strong French language proficiency or experience in:  healthcare,  STEM professions,  trades,  transport,  agriculture, and  agri-food.  Category-based selection supports Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers into communities nationwide.  Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Ottawa held the largest healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw of 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 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

French

IRCC held a new Express Entry draw for French Speaking candidates

On October 25, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for French language proficiency candidates. In round #270, IRCC issued 300 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to francophone candidates.  The cut-off score of this draw was 486 points, 14 points more than the previous draw for this category.  The tie-breaking rule for this round was September 30, 2023, at 04:22:17 UTC.  As of October 23, 2023, there were 214,873 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 91,621 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. French-Language Proficiency Category 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. About the Express Entry system The Canadian government uses Express Entry, an online system, to organize and process applications for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada and get Canadian permanent residence status. Express Entry will result in processing times of six months or less for potential skilled foreign workers. Express Entry manages permanent residency applications under three federal economic immigration programs. Federal Skilled Worker Program Federal Skilled Trades Program Canadian Experience Class Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “IRCC 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 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

instructions for biometrics

Canada updates the instructions for biometrics collection

On October 25, 2023, the Government of Canada updated instructions for biometrics collection. The Government collects the following biometrics from applicants:  biographic data,  ten fingerprints, and  a photograph.  This information is taken at a service point chosen by the applicant on behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It enhances identity management and security by checking against Canadian criminal and immigration records. People aged 14-79 must provide biometrics when applying for:  temporary or permanent residence,  work or study permits,  restoration of status, or  refugee protection claims. What biometrics are obtained? information is collected from the applicant at a biometrics collection service point of their choice: Biographic data: An applicant’s name, date of birth, and other personal information as listed on the biographic data page of his or her passport or travel document.  fingerprints: The applicant’s fingerprints are captured electronically during the biometrics collection session with an electronic fingerprint-capture device. Photograph: A digital photograph of the applicant is needed. Biometric information improves identity management by anchoring a client’s identity at the time of application, and it enhances security by cross-referencing the client’s identity with Canadian criminal and immigration records. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Canada updates the instructions for biometrics collection” 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

through the BC PNP

More entrepreneurs immigrate to British Columbia through the BC PNP

On October 24, 2023, British Columbia held new draws for business candidates in the British Columbia through the 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, two points fewer than it was 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 112.  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 8,557 invitations this year, including up to 84 entrepreneurs. BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Stream Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) is a program that allows international entrepreneurs who want to immigrate to British Columbia (B.C.) to establish businesses that support innovation and economic growth in the province. Entrepreneur immigration is a type of “temporary to permanent” immigration. That is, if you are approved, you will come to British Columbia(BC) as a temporary resident and then apply to stay permanently once you have successfully launched a business. These are the streams for entrepreneurs’ immigration: Base stream Regional Pilot Strategic Projects Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “More entrepreneurs immigrate to British Columbia through 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 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

New PNP-targeted Express Entry draw

IRCC held a new PNP-targeted Express Entry draw

On October 24, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new PNP-targeted Express Entry draw and issued 1,548 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in the fifth PNP-targeted Express Entry draw of the year.  Details of the new PNP-targeted Express Entry draw In round #269, IRCC issued 1,548 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates, the cut-off score was 776 points, 85 points more than in the previous PNP-targeted Express Entry draw.  The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 7, 2023, at 07:28:57 UTC.  As of October 23, 2023, there were 214,873 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. In 2023, Canada issued 91,321 invitations through the regular 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. Canada has held the following Express Entry draws this year: 17 all-program draws. Five PNP draws. Four draws targeted at French speakers. Two draws targeted at healthcare occupations. One draw targeted at STEM occupations One draw targeted at skilled trades. One draw targeted at Federal Skilled Worker candidates. One draw targeted transport jobs. One draw targeted agriculture and agri-food occupations. About the Comprehensive Ranking System  (CRS) Most Express Entry profile submissions in 2022 were made by people with CRS scores between 301 and 500. The CRS serves as a basis for the Express Entry application management system. A CRS score is made up of two parts: core points and bonus points.  These criteria help in assessing an applicant’s probability of success in the Canadian employment market. A candidate’s maximum CRS score is 1,200 points – 600 points for the core component and 600 points for the bonus points component. All information submitted at the profile submission stage to generate a CRS score is self-reported and must be backed with sufficient proof from the candidate at the application stage, or the application may be declined.  The person’s human capital is assessed under the core points by the attributes such as:  age,  education,  official language proficiency, and  work experience. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “IRCC held a new PNP-targeted 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 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

applications for permanent residence

The immigration minister is positive about the progress in processing applications for permanent residence

On October 19, 2023, Marc Miller, the Minister of IRCC, issued a statement in response to the Auditor General’s report on processing applications for permanent residence. The report examined how IRCC handles applications and deals with backlogs.  In August 2022, IRCC started publishing monthly data to inform the public about their efforts to reduce application backlogs. Since then, IRCC has made significant progress in reducing backlogs through the digitalization of applications, staff recruitment and training, and implementing automation technologies.  The immigration minister expressed optimism as many areas of operation now meet service standards. Despite the challenges faced, IRCC has shown progress and remains dedicated to fulfilling its commitments and ensuring Canada continues to be a welcoming and inclusive destination. Statement of the Honourable immigration minister Marc Miller about the progress in processing applications for permanent residence: “On behalf of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), I welcome the Auditor General’s report on the processing of permanent residence applications.” The audit, which took place in 2022, looked at how IRCC processes applications as well as methods for dealing with backlogs, highlighting critical aspects of our nation’s immigration policies and procedures. “Immigration is critical to Canada’s long-term success, and we understand the importance of keeping our systems operating smoothly.” To build a stronger immigration system, IRCC has prioritized improving processing times and client service in recent years. Our goal is to process 80% of all applications in line with service standards, and we are making constant progress toward that goal. IRCC also began publishing monthly data in August 2022 to inform the public about ongoing efforts to reduce application backlogs. “As of August 31, Canada had already welcomed 339,000 permanent residents, up from 310,000 during the same period in 2022.” Since the audit, IRCC has worked to reduce backlogs by digitizing applications, hiring and training new employees, and using automation technologies to increase processing capacity and efficiency. “Many lines of business are now back to or nearly service standards.” As of September 2023, the department had processed over 80% of federal high-skilled applications received since July 2022 within service standards. In addition, since April 2022, more than 80% of applications for spouses, partners, and children (except in Quebec) have been processed within service standards. We are also committed to monitoring and evaluating how we use technology to assist with application processing.  “IRCC is on track to open the online Permanent Residence Portal later this fall to private refugee sponsor groups and some of our government-assisted refugee referral partners.” The portal will provide a safe and convenient way for these organizations to submit applications and referrals. These actions immediately tackle some of the issues raised in the report. “I am optimistic, considering the progress made by IRCC despite all of the challenges it has faced over the past years.” I’d like to acknowledge the diligent work of IRCC employees, whose efforts are a vital component of the application processing process. The Office of the Auditor General’s report serves as a timely reminder that we have to fulfill our promises and continue to make Canada a welcoming and inclusive destination for people seeking a better life.” Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “The immigration minister is positive about the progress in processing applications for permanent residence” 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