G&A

The MPNP Will conduct the Final Draw Using NOC 2016

The MPNP Will conduct the Final Draw Using NOC 2016 

Manitoba / By

On August 22, 2022, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) announced that on or after November 16, 2022, it will switch to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) following the change being made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  On September 15, 2022, the MPNP will hold the final Expression of Interest Draw to implement the necessary adjustments. The provincial government will conduct the first Expression of Interest Draw using NOC 2021 after November 16, 2022. Find out more about the permanent residents by clicking here. National Occupational Classification 2021 For the necessary changes, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program will conduct the final Expression of Interest Draw using NOC 2016 on September 15, 2022. The MPNP will announce when the Expression of Interest profile may be created using NOC 2021 following the Expression of Interest Draw on September 15, 2022.  Your application and nomination cannot be switched to NOC 2021. If your MPNP application has been made with NOC 2016, your MPNP nomination and subsequent permanent residence application will be assessed using NOC 2016.  Get a free Assessment What is an Expression of Interest? The short form of Expression of Interest is EOI which is your first step to immigration to Manitoba as a Provincial Nominee. An EOI is NOT an application, but an indication of your interest in being considered to apply. Who can submit an EOI? Every candidate who meets program eligibility for one of the MPNP’s application streams. Do not submit an Expression of Interest profile unless all eligibility criteria are met. Who is included in your application?   Spouse: (husband, wife, partner), legal marriage or documented common-law relationship Children: aged 18 and under (not married or in a common-law relationship)   Adult children: who are 19 years of age or older (dependent due to physical or mental condition) Read also: Manitoba PNP draw Manitoba EOI Draw To find out more details about the MPNP or EOI application, you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

Ottawa Clarified Instructions for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program Applications

PNP / By

On August 5, 2022, the Government of Canada updated instructions for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) regarding the application assessment against selection criteria. The new instructions clarify the sections of confirmation of community recommendation, education, qualifying work experience, and job offer requirements.  In addition, the Government has also added a new section on the RNIP’s website. The new section states that if a foreign national is in Canada at the time of their permanent residence visa application, he or she must possess a valid temporary resident status. Get a free Assessment New Instructions Updated The instructions have been updated on the following selection criteria: Confirmation of community recommendation Education Qualifying work experience Job offer requirements Official language proficiency Applicants must demonstrate that they have obtained work experience Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the relevant employment requirements of the job they are being offered. Settlement funds Intent to reside in the community Valid temporary status for applications within Canada   What are the Participating communities? North Bay, ON Sudbury, ON Timmins, ON Sault Ste. Marie, ON Thunder Bay, ON Brandon, MB Altona/Rhineland, MB Moose Jaw, SK West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC Claresholm, AB Vernon, BC Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here. A new section has also been updated about the requirement to have valid temporary status if any foreign national is in Canada at the time of their permanent residence visa application. To know more details about Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Applications, you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates  

Pathway for Permanent Residence

New Pathway for Permanent Residence for Two Air Disasters

Permanent Residence / By

Canada Opened a New Pathway for Permanent Residence for Families of Victims of Two Air Disasters on August 3, 2022, the Government of Canada announced a new pathway for permanent residence for family members of the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (ET302) and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752) who are outside of Canada and want to come to Canada to support their families who lost their spouse, common-law partner or parent.    To ensure that extended family members are connected to the surviving family member, the person who is residing in Canada must submit a statutory declaration identifying the extended family member. The public policy will be in effect until August 2, 2023.   Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here.   Date of the Application  The paper applications are considered to be made on the day that it is accepted at the  IRCC’s HM-V, as long as it meets the requirements of section 10 of the IRPR (Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations).    Requirements for Intake and File Creation in the GCMS The requirements for intake and file creation in the GCMS (Global Case Management System) are given below: Generic Application Form for Canada  Additional Dependants/Declaration Schedule A – Background/Declaration  Additional Family Information Use of a Representative Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual  Statutory Declaration  Photocopies of the principal applicant’s passport or travel documents as well as those of all accompanying family members Get a free Assessment   Applicants Fee Applicants must pay the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) which has to be paid before they become permanent residents. The applicants are required to pay fees following: application processing fee biometrics fee and including the maximum fee for a family To know more details about the Families of Victims, you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

Alberta Invited 120 More Candidates Under the AAIP

Alberta Invited 120 more Candidates Under the AAIP

Alberta / By

 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) determine the number of nominations the AAIP (Alberta Advantage Immigration Program) can issue each year. IRCC provided 6,500 nomination certificates to Alberta for 2022. This year, Alberta has issued only 3,877 nomination certificates so far. As of August 2, 2022, there are around 1,150 Alberta Opportunity Stream applications and 400 Expressions of Interest in the Alberta Express Entry pool.  In addition, on July 29, 2022, Alberta held a new round in the Alberta Express Entry Stream and issued 120 Notifications of Interest (NOI). The lowest score in this round was 473 points, 67 points more than in the previous draw. In 2022, AAIP already invited 2,320 Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination in the Alberta Express Entry. Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here.   Alberta Express Entry Stream The Alberta Express Entry Stream allows Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualified applicants from IRCC’s (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) Express Entry system. International graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions can also be asked to apply under this stream.   Streams for workers AAIP Stream Number of applications in the queue (approximate) The AAIP is assessing applications received before (approximately) Alberta Opportunity Stream Approximately 1,150 April 19, 2022Applications received after this date have not yet been assigned to an officer for assessment. Alberta Express Entry Stream Approximately 400 These applications are treated as an Expression of Interest and are not reviewed based on the date of submission. Accelerated Tech Pathway applications are priority processed. Rural Renewal Stream Not available due to low application volumes. Not available due to low application volumes. Alberta Invited 120 more Candidates Under the AAIP Application Volumes According to Occupation The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has a high volume of applications in worker-stream occupations are given. 6311 – Food service supervisors 6211 – Retail sales supervisor 1241 – Administrative assistants 6322 – Cooks 7511 – Transport truck drivers 1221 – Administrative officers 4214 – Early childhood educators and assistants 0621 – Retail and wholesale trade managers 1311 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers 0631 – Restaurant and food service managers Get a free Assessment   AAIP Application Processing The mandatory consideration in AAIP application processing include application quality (eligibility, completeness, outdated application information or documents) the volume of applications received the date the application was received strategic priorities, informed by the labor market, and economic development information the number of nomination certificates remaining for the year To know more details about the AAIP, you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

Ottawa will Implement a New TEER System to Express Entry

Ottawa will Implement a New TEER System to Express Entry

Express Entry / By

On July 27, 2022, the Government of Canada announced that it will switch to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) on November 16, 2022.  The Government will replace the current NOC 2016 skill type and skill level structure with a 6-category representing the training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER system) required to work in an occupation. 4-digit occupation codes will also be replaced with 5-digit codes.  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here. Most jobs will stay in the same TEER category, while some jobs may change to a different TEER category. According to the update, skill level B jobs may become TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs. For more information on the Express Entry Click here, this change means that occupations eligible under Express Entry will be included in TEERs 0 to 3. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are now preparing updates to the system to reflect the changes.   What are the New TEER Categories? Programs that used the National Occupational Classification skill type or levels will now use as a new TEER category following. Most of the jobs will stay in the TEER category which is equal to the skill level in the table below. Many jobs may change to a different TEER category. Skill level B jobs may become TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs. Find your occupation under the National Occupational Classification 2021 list to find out what TEER category it belongs to. Skill type or level TEER category Skill type 0 TEER 0 Skill level A TEER 1 Skill level B TEER 2 and TEER 3 Skill level C TEER 4 Skill level D TEER 5   Which Programs Will be Affected?  Those programs will have updated eligibility requirements because of this new change: Express Entry Atlantic Immigration Program Provincial Nominee Program caregivers programs Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Agri-Food Pilot out-of-status construction workers Temporary Foreign Worker Program International Mobility Program Get a free Assessment To know more details about the new TEER system to Express Entry you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

Ottawa updated the guidance for Super Visa Holders

Ottawa updated the guidance for Super Visa Holders

Spouse or Common-Law Partner / By

On July 28, 2022, the Government of Canada updated the guidance for the multiple entry temporary resident visa (TRV) for parents and grandparents. According to the update, super visa holders’ every entry to Canada should be for a duration of up to 5 years.  The super visa is a 10-year multiple-entry TRV that is open to eligible applicants for up to 10 years and has authorized stays of up to 5 years for each entry.  The changes to the program came into force on July 4, 2022, and were made in compliance with the authority granted in subsection 15(4) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here.   Eligibility Criteria for Super Visa Holders An applicant would be eligible for a super visa if they meet the requirements for temporary residence in Canada as a visitor and they provide the additional required documentation. To be eligible for a super visa, applicants have to prove the following: their relationship to the child or grandchild an immigration medical examination and of being admissible to Canada on health grounds private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company valid for a minimum period of 1 year from the date of entry a letter of invitation written and signed by the host child or grandchild financial support by the child or grandchild   Get a free Assessment   Decade after decade, the super visa has remained a popular and lucid option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada. Every year IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) annually issues approximately 17,000 super visas. To know more details about applying for TRV or updated guidance for the super visa holders you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

Canada's Immigration System

Immigration Ministers Discussed the Future of Canada’s Immigration System

Permanent Residence / By

Immigration Ministers Discussed the Future of Canada’s Immigration System on July 28, 2022, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) discussed ways to utilize the immigration system more effectively to satisfy economic and regional demands. Ministers discussed strategies for maximizing the efficiency of Canada’s immigration system. The FMRI also emphasized the importance of reducing immigration processing times and agreed that future short-term measures should be in line with longer-term objectives.    Additionally, the Ministers considered methods to meet regional demands and boost immigration to Canada’s smaller and rural or remote regions by mapping economic and settlement resources across the country.   Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here.   The FMRI investigated the necessity of improving federal immigration processing times. The Ministers reflected on the effect of federal special measures introduced during the pandemic. He also agreed that going forward, short-term immigration strategies have to be consistent with longer-term objectives.  It will be important to monitor and understand the impacts of current and emerging pressures on the immigration system, such as:  growing demand for housing and  social services, when planning for the future.   Get a free Assessment   The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., M.P., Minister of IRCC, and federal co-chair of the Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration says, “Immigration is key to addressing labor shortages across our country and I am excited about the productive discussions with the provinces and territories we’ve had here today. As Canada continues to see increased demand from those seeking to live and work in Canada, our governments will continue to work together to ensure our immigration system can withstand the demand and meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our collaborative efforts on immigration will help strengthen our post-COVID economic recovery in the short term while continuing to contribute to local economies and communities in the long term and bring the benefits of immigration from coast to coast.”   What is FMRI? FMRI means Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration. It is an FPT decision-making body with the goal of supporting a flexible, timely, and effective immigration system for Canada. In 2020, FPT Ministers introduced a vision for immigration to Canada and a mission for the FMRI.  The vision expresses a coordinated strategic plan for a system and strengthens the positive economic and social benefits of immigration in all provinces of Canada. The FMRI’s mission is to advance joint immigration priorities and improve Canada’s immigration programs and policies. To know more details about Canada’s Immigration System you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

Canada Needs a Large Number of Foreign Workers

Canada Needs a Large Number of Foreign Workers

Entrepreneur / By

Canada Needs a Large Number of Foreign Workers The Business Council of Canada (BCC) recently published a study that emphasizes the significance of immigration to businesses and the Canadian economy. The BCC’s 80-member firms were polled for this research, which focused on increasing the use of Canada’s immigration program.  These organizations have about 1,650,000 employees across 20 different sectors. According to the report, almost two-thirds of firms using the immigration system are actively hiring employees. The remaining businesses employ individuals who have already settled in Canada. Furthermore, two-thirds of companies that currently use the immigration system expect to do so for the next three years.   Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here.   Employees Across 20 Different Sectors These 80 companies hired nearly 1,650,000 Canadians in more than 20 industries, generating revenues of approximately $1.2 trillion in 2020.     Agriculture 1 Automotive 3 Chemicals/Fertilizer 3 Consultants/Accounting 2 Energy/Utilities 8 Engineering/ Construction/Offshore Services 7 Financial 13 Food and Beverage Manufacturing 2 Food and Drug Retailers 1 High Technology Manufacturing 5 Holding Companies/Diversified Financials 3 Industrial/ConsumerManufacturing 4 Information Technology 10 Insurance 2 Merchandisers 1 Metals/Mining 2 Paper/Forestry 1 Real Estate/Property/Land Development 3 Services 3 Telecom/Media 3 Transportation/Couriers 3 Canada Needs a Large Number of Foreign Workers Get a free foreign workers Assessment   The outcome of the largest survey Canada’s labor crunch Skills shortages are widespread Employers are struggling to fill technical roles Labor shortages are forcing most employers to cancel or delay projects Two out of three surveyed employers recruit workers through the immigration system Employers expect to make increased use of the immigration system Employers are most reliant on programs for highly skilled workers Employers are overwhelmingly satisfied with their international recruits   Supporting newcomers succeed Some immigrants face challenges adjusting to their new environment. Employers recognize these challenges and say they are committed to helping newcomers succeed. Every employer strongly believes that businesses have an important role in helping newcomers succeed. Support for employees who were recruited from abroad includes:  Training – Many employers offer newcomers training support which includes language and cultural training, professional development opportunities, mentoring, etc. Recognition of foreign credentials – Some employers assign recently hired employees to a related unlicensed position until the newcomer meets the license requirements of the job for which he/she applied.  Relocation services – Some employers help with moving expenses and provide newcomers with temporary accommodation. Community support – Many companies in the survey reported working with charities, non-profit groups, and other community organizations that assist newcomers to Canada.   To know more details about applying for Canadian foreign workers you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates  

Canada to face Increasing Job Vacancies

Work in Canada / By

Canada to face Increasing Job Vacancies on June 24, 2022, Statistics Canada published a new report reflecting the Canadian labor market. According to the study, employers in Canada were actively looking to fill roughly 1 million job openings at the beginning of April, which is up 2.4 percent from the previous months and almost 45% from April. According to Statistics Canada, the rise in April was largely due to seasonal factors, with more employment becoming vacant in the spring and summer. The report also reveals that employment in all provinces has either recovered or exceeded the preceding numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the economy started to reopen after the third Canadian wave of COVID-19, economists had hoped that momentum might continue into July. But the job gains came in far lower than the 165,000 that was expected.   The analysis report also showed that job vacancies are continuing on a high-placed trend in the manufacturing and retail trade sectors. These Vacancies in manufacturing peaked at 87,400 last quarter, and retail trade employers’ vacancies were as high as 114,600.    Check your eligibility for Immigration to Canada   Statistics Canada documented Friday that almost all of the new jobs came in Ontario, which added 72,000 jobs. Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island also added jobs, while everywhere else, job levels were either unchanged or down. The number of vacancies was also at a record high for scientific, professional, and technical services; transportation and warehousing; finance and insurance; arts, entertainment, real estate, rental, leasing, and recreation.   The social assistance sector and health care saw the number of job vacancies fall to 125,200 in April from a peak of 147,500 in March, nevertheless, they were still up 21.3 percent compared with a year earlier.   Do you need help to Immigrate to Canada? Contact a Canadian Immigration Specialist at Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669 Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates

Express Entry draws

Express Entry draws will resume on July 6

Express Entry / By

On June 21, 2022, Express Entry draws will resume on July 6 while participating at Collision in Toronto, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC announced that the Government of Canada will resume all-program Express Entry draws on Wednesday, July 6. When Express Entry draws resumes, IRCC stated it would restore the Express Entry service standard to six months.   As the Government decided to resume the Express entry draws, one may assume that IRCC has solved the issue with the long application processing times. Canada paused Express Entry invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residency applications (FSWP and FSTP) in December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same happened to CEC draws in September 2021 due to an increased processing backlog.   Will the CEC CRS and FSW cut-off increase in 2022? When the FSW and CEC drew a pause, the number of aspirants in the Express Entry pool grew significantly. That is why IRCC considers that the FSW and CEC CRS cut-off would likely rise above 500 and stay high for about 6 months.   Nevertheless, the Government of Canada is currently in the process of passing Bill Covid-19. It would give Canada’s immigration minister the authority to select candidates based on groupings rather than the CRS score.   Will Express Entry draws be welcome? The return to express Entry draws will be welcome for FSWP, FSTP, and CEC candidates alike. The FSWP was the main path for economic-class immigrants to come to Canada. Prior-pandemic, it accounted for some 45 percent of all those invited for permanent residence via Express Entry.   Research by WES (World Education Services) suggests that there remains strong demand for FSWP candidates to go ahead with the Canadian immigration process despite what has happened over the pandemic.   Meanwhile, the resumption of draws to CEC candidates will help those in Canada maintain their legal status to live in the country. When an Express Entry candidate in Canada gets an ITA and then submits their permanent residence application, they have an opportunity to also apply for a bridging open work permit.    Acknowledging this, IRCC also announced in April that it would be offering an open work permit extension to the main team of CEC candidates effective this summer. This team is those who have recently seen or are soon set to see their PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) expire. No comment is available yet on when IRCC will begin to accept open work permit applications for these individuals.   Do you need any help with immigrating to Canada? Contact our immigration specialist at Gunness & Associates. Don’t miss your chance to receive an ITA! Find out if you’re eligible to enter the Express Entry pool today by completing our free online assessment form.   Tel: (416) 604-2669   Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associates