NEWS - GS Immigration Advisors

9765 45 Ave NW Edmonton, AB – T6E 5V8

Call: +1-587-400-3335

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Request Appointment

NEWS

NEWS

“Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Renting in Canada”

/

Navigating the rental market in Canada can be challenging, especially for newcomers. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is crucial for making informed decisions. Here’s a concise guide to help you get started.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Rent Control Regulations  Some provinces in Canada have rent control laws designed to protect tenants from excessive rent increases. These regulations dictate:  When and how much landlords can raise rent.  The potential for significant savings if you choose a property under rent control.  If your property isn’t covered by rent control, be prepared for possible substantial rent hikes upon lease renewal.  The following table provides some detail on rent control in the applicable provinces:  Province Rent increase caps (2024, 2025) Additional restrictions Exemptions to rent control British Columbia 2024 rent increase limit: 3.5% 2025 rent increase limit: 3% Rent can be increased once every 12 months Landlords must provide 3 months’ notice Utilities and other fees can only be increased with tenant’s agreement   Manitoba 2024 rent increase guideline: 3% 2025 rent increase guideline: 1.1% economic adjustment factor Rent increase guideline applies to most rental units  Units exempt from the guideline include high-rent units and government-owned properties Ontario 2024 rent increase guideline: 2.5% 2025 rent increase guideline: 2.5% Note: Rent control policies only apply to residential buildings first built or occupied before November 15, 2018 Rent can be increased once every 12 months Proper written notice of at least 90 days required Exceptions include new buildings and most new basement apartments Prince Edward Island 2024 rent increase guideline: 3% 2025 rent increase guideline: To be set annually by the Director of Residential Tenancy Rent increases can occur once a year Landlords must provide 3 months’ notice Increase above the allowable amount requires application to Rental Office Lease Terms and Evictions  Before signing a lease, consider the following factors:  Lease Renewal: Understand whether your lease automatically renews or if you need to vacate at the end of the term.  Notice Period: Know how much notice you must give to terminate a month-to-month lease. Generally, this is one month, but in provinces like Prince Edward Island and Ontario, you may need to provide two months’ or 60 days’ notice.  Eviction Grounds: Familiarize yourself with the reasons landlords can evict you. Common grounds for eviction include:  Non-payment of rent  Property damage  Breach of lease terms  Health and safety violations  Disrupting other tenants  Landlords may also evict you for reasons outside your control, such as the need to sell the property, personal use of the unit, or if the building is deemed unsafe. They must provide written notice of eviction, and you have the right to dispute it through local tenancy boards or tribunals.  How much should I expect to spend?  The cost of renting can vary significantly depending on the property and its location. Be sure to budget accordingly.  The table below shows the median monthly rent for some major cities for bachelor, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments (source: zumper.com rent research portal).  City Bachelor/Studio apartment (median rent in Canadian dollars) 1-bedroom apartment (median rent in Canadian dollars) 2-bedroom apartment (median rent in Canadian dollars) Toronto (ON) $1,900 $2,335 $2,969 Vancouver (BC) $2,315 $2,650 $3,650 Calgary (AB) $1,599 $1,790 $2,297 Edmonton (AB) $1,154 $1,389 $1,650 Winnipeg (MB) $931 $1,325 $1,725 Montréal (QC) $1,487 $1,700 $2,195 Understanding Condo Regulations  Condominiums (condos) are a unique type of rental property in Canada, often subject to specific bylaws. When renting a condo, keep the following in mind:  Condo Bylaws: These may impose stricter rules than residential leases, including:  Restrictions on pets  Limits on the number of occupants  While the Residential Tenancies Act in Ontario prohibits such restrictions for other residential properties, they may be permissible in condos. Be aware that condo regulations can change, potentially affecting your living situation.  Avoiding Rental Scams  Unfortunately, rental scams are common and can jeopardize your finances and personal information. Here’s how scams typically operate:  Fake Landlords: Scammers pose as landlords or agents, showing you a rental unit at an attractive price. After you sign a lease and pay a deposit, you discover they are not authorized to rent the property and have disappeared with your money.  Identity Theft: Scammers might request personal information and use it to impersonate you for fraudulent activities.  To protect yourself from scams, verify the legitimacy of the landlord or leasing agent. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) suggests watching for these warning signs:  Rent significantly below market value  Requests for deposits without a formal lease  Security deposits requested to be sent to an address outside Canada  Offers for rentals without a background check  Emails directing you to websites asking for personal or financial information  Ads featuring only external photos or mismatched property images  By staying informed and vigilant, newcomers can successfully navigate the rental market in Canada.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“Canada Plans 20% Cut in Immigration for 2025: What You Need to Know”

/

Canada’s Immigration Policy Update  On October 24, the Canadian government announced changes to its Immigration Levels Plan, significantly reducing targets for both permanent and temporary resident admissions over the next three years.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Permanent Resident Targets  The updated targets for permanent resident admissions are as follows:  2025: 395,000 (revised down from 485,000 for 2024 and the previous target of 500,000 for 2024-2026).  2026: 380,000 (down from the earlier 500,000 target).  2027: 365,000.  Despite the overall reduction in immigration targets, the government plans to maintain a focus on economic immigration, with economic immigration targets for 2025 decreasing only 17% (from 281,000 to 232,000). Over 40% of these economic immigrants are expected to transition from temporary resident status already in Canada.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the importance of immigration to the Canadian economy, stating, “It’s made our economy the envy of the world.”  The government has set out the following breakdown of permanent resident admissions for the next three years:  Immigration Category 2025 2026 2027 Total PR admissions and ranges 395,000 (367,000 – 436,000) 380,000 (352,000 – 416,000) 365,000 (338,000 – 401,000) French-speaking admissions outside of Quebec 8.5% (29,325) 9.5% (31,350) 10% (31,500) Economic Immigration 232,150 (215,000 – 256,000) 229,750 (214,000 – 249,000) 225,350 (207,000 – 246,000) Family Reunification 94,500 (88,500 – 102,000) 88,000 (82,000 – 96,000) 81,000 (77,000-89,000) Refugees, Protected Persons, Humanitarian and Compassionate, and Other 68,350 (63,500 – 78,000) 62,250 (56,000 – 71,000) 58,650 (54,000 – 66,000) Changes to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)  The new plan includes significant cuts to the targets for Provincial Nominee Program admissions, with a reduction of approximately 50%:  2025: 55,000 (down from 110,000 for 2024 and 120,000 for 2025).  2026: 55,000 (previously 120,000).  2027: 55,000.  This marks a considerable shift in the federal government’s immigration policy.  Federal High-Skilled Economic Immigration Increase  In contrast to the cuts in PNP targets, the federal government is increasing the targets for federal high-skilled programs, which are managed through Express Entry:  2025: 124,680 (up from 110,770 for 2024 and 117,500 for 2025).  2026: 123,230 (increased from 117,500).  2027: 118,730.  These figures were calculated by summing the “Federal Economic Priorities” and “In-Canada Focus” categories from this year’s supplementary information.  Focus on French-Speaking Immigrants Outside Quebec  The federal government aims to boost the proportion of French-speaking immigrants settling outside Quebec:  2025: 8.5%  2026: 9.5%  2027: 10%  Temporary Resident Admissions  For the first time, the Immigration Levels Plan includes specific targets for temporary resident admissions. The government plans to reduce the proportion of temporary residents from 7% to 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2026. The expected decline in temporary residents is attributed to a reduction in work permits issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the expiration of existing temporary resident statuses:  2025: 285,750 work permits under IMP.  2026: 128,700 work permits under IMP (significant reduction).  Work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will remain stable at 82,000 per year for the next three years.  The government has proposed the following breakdown for admissions of temporary residents in Canada for the next three years:  In an unusual move, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took the lead in kicking off the announcement – which is normally handled by the Immigration Minister. Trudeau lauded Canadian immigration, saying “It’s made our economy the envy of the world.” Immigration Category 2025 2026 2027 Total PR admissions and ranges 395,000 (367,000 – 436,000) 380,000 (352,000 – 416,000) 365,000 (338,000 – 401,000) French-speaking admissions outside of Quebec 8.5% (29,325) 9.5% (31,350) 10% (31,500) Economic Immigration 232,150 (215,000 – 256,000) 229,750 (214,000 – 249,000) 225,350 (207,000 – 246,000) Family Reunification 94,500 (88,500 – 102,000) 88,000 (82,000 – 96,000) 81,000 (77,000-89,000) Refugees, Protected Persons, Humanitarian and Compassionate, and Other 68,350 (63,500 – 78,000) 62,250 (56,000 – 71,000) 58,650 (54,000 – 66,000) 2024 Cap on Study Permit Applications  In a bid to manage the growing number of foreign nationals on study permits, the IRCC announced a cap on international student admissions:  A maximum of 360,000 new study permits for undergraduate and college students in 2024.  This policy will now be a permanent feature of Canada’s international student program and will also apply to master’s and PhD students.  Reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program  The TFWP has faced scrutiny, and Prime Minister Trudeau condemned businesses for “exploiting cheap foreign labour.” As a result, the government has made several changes:  Suspension of processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for the low-wage stream in Montreal and other metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.  A reduction in the length of TFWP work permits for low-wage jobs from two years to one year.  Other Measures to Reduce Work Permit Numbers  On September 18, Minister Miller outlined changes expected to yield the following reductions over the next three years:  300,000 fewer study permits  175,000 fewer Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs)  150,000 fewer spousal open work permits  Key changes include:  PGWPs will only be available to graduates from programs aligned with in-demand jobs.  A language test will be required for PGWPs.  Master’s programs must last at least 18 months for spouses of students to qualify for spousal open work permits.  Graduates from specific bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs will still be eligible for PGWPs regardless of their field of study, but college graduates will need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5, while university graduates will require a CLB of 7.  Understanding the Immigration Levels Plan  The Immigration Levels Plan is the government’s official outline for its immigration strategy, including annual targets for the coming years. Although the overall targets for new permanent residents have decreased, the 2025 targets still exceed pre-pandemic levels.  It is important to note that the Plan does not account for all foreign nationals staying in Canada long-term, such as asylum seekers or those on super visas.  Rationale Behind the Changes  Minister Miller described these adjustments as representing a “middle of the road” approach, asserting that the government has a “controlled immigration plan that we can

NEWS

CAN YOU AFFORD TO LIVE COMFORTABLYIN CANADA?

/

While the settlement funds recommended by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can assist you in covering basic living expenses, it’s important to understand how much you’ll need to truly thrive in Canada. Settlement funds are intended to help recent immigrants manage essential costs while they seek employment and housing. However, the cost of living can often be much higher, with conservative estimates indicating monthly expenses can exceed $1,500 before rent in many Canadian cities (source: numbeo.com). This article provides a breakdown of the cost of living in Canada, offering a rough guide on what you can expect to spend on essential expenses upon your arrival. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Cost of Living Comparison: Toronto vs. Winnipeg To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, CIC News has compiled a table of monthly cost-of-living estimates based on crowdsourced data (source: numbeo) for both Toronto and Winnipeg.  Toronto  Living arrangement (including rent) Lower estimate monthly expenses Middle estimate monthly expenses Higher estimate monthly expenses Single person (1 bedroom apartment using public transport) $3,706.79 $4,446.91 $6,931.29 Single person with car (1 bedroom apartment travelling by car) $4,007.41  $4,879.61 $7,639.40 Single person (3 bedroom with roommates using public transport) $2,550.44 $3,253.35 $5,789.63 Single person with car (3 bedroom with roommates travelling by car) $2,851.07 $3,961.45 $6,497.73 Family of 4 (3-bedroom using public transport) $8,355.09 $10,778.30 $18,085.60 Family of 4 (3-bedroom travelling by car) $8,806.02 $11,427.36 $19,147.75 Winnipeg Living arrangement (including rent) Lower estimate monthly expenses Middle estimate monthly expenses Higher estimate monthly expenses Single person (1 bedroom apartment using public transport) $2,424.45 $3,088.07 $5,174.11 Single person with car (1 bedroom apartment travelling by car) $2,719.37 $3,506.83 $5,851.96 Single person (3 bedroom with roommates using public transport) $1,750.20 $2,377.57 $4,622.98 Single person with car (3 bedroom with roommates travelling by car) $2,045.12 $2,796.34 $5,300.83 Family of 4 (3-bedroom using public transport) $5,882.81 $8,043.22 $14,097.78 Family of 4 (3-bedroom travelling by car) $6,325.19 $8,671.36 $15,114.56 How Much Do You Need to Thrive in Canada? While the settlement funds recommended by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can assist you in covering basic living expenses, it’s important to understand how much you’ll need to truly thrive in Canada. Settlement funds are intended to help recent immigrants manage essential costs while they seek employment and housing. However, the cost of living can often be much higher, with conservative estimates indicating monthly expenses can exceed $1,500 before rent in many Canadian cities (source: numbeo.com). This article provides a breakdown of the cost of living in Canada, offering a rough guide on what you can expect to spend on essential expenses upon your arrival. Cost of Living Comparison: Toronto vs. Winnipeg To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, CIC News has compiled a table of monthly cost-of-living estimates based on crowdsourced data (source: numbeo) for both Toronto and Winnipeg. Toronto RentFor most newcomers, renting accommodation will be the largest portion of their monthly budget. Rental prices can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and type of property. In your first month, you will likely need to pay a security deposit, which is generally equal to one month’s rent. Below is a table showing the median monthly rent for major cities in Canada (source: zumper.com). GroceriesThe following table outlines the average minimum monthly budget for groceries in various major cities as of August 2024. The figures are crowdsourced and based on an adult consuming 2,400 calories a day on an omnivorous diet. The low estimate excludes dairy and reduces meat consumption, while the high estimate includes increased amounts of both. Actual grocery costs can vary significantly based on where you shop and the specific items you choose. Monthly Grocery Estimates (Crowdsourced Data) City Low Estimate High Estimate Toronto $300 $600 Winnipeg $250 $500 These figures highlight the variability in grocery costs based on shopping habits and dietary preferences. These figures can change significantly based on where you shop and what specific items you include in your monthly groceries. The table below shows estimates for the monthly cost of groceries based on crowdsourced data.     Low estimate (Canadian dollars) Medium estimate (Canadian dollars) High estimate (Canadian dollars) Canadian cost of groceries per month (for one person) $412.04 $527.13 $660.53 Source: numbeo Travel In the metropolitan areas of Canada, most newcomers will rely on public transport to navigate the city. The table below shows the cost of an adult monthly transit pass for some of the major cities in Canada. All prices are gathered from the cities’ respective transport boards. City Price of monthly transit pass (in Canadian dollars) Toronto (ON) $156.00 Vancouver (BC) (3 zone pass) $193.80 Calgary (AB) $115.00 Montreal (QC) (all zone pass) $196.00 Halifax (NS) $90.00 Phone and internet Mobile data can be more expensive in Canada than in the country you are coming from. The table below shows the average cost of an unlimited nationwide talk and text plan along with 10-19 GB of data, sorted by some of the major provinces. Province Average price (in Canadian dollars) Nova Scotia $40.23 Quebec $55.12 Ontario $41.04 Manitoba $40.88 Saskatchewan $59.14 British Columbia $40.94 The following table shows the average monthly cost of an internet package with 33-100mbps Province Average price (in Canadian dollars) Nova Scotia $77.95 Quebec $55.97 Ontario $76.92 Manitoba $61.94 Saskatchewan $77.55 British Columbia $64.75   Source: Price Comparisons of Wireline, Wireless and Internet Services in Canada and with Foreign Jurisdictions: 2023 Edition From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Methodology *The data for this comparison was gathered using the numbeo cost of living estimator. We selected Toronto and Winnipeg as examples of cities where the cost of living is higher and lower respectively. The categories used to prompt the estimator were as follows. Single person (1 bedroom apartment using public transport)Lower estimateThe lower estimate was based on a hypothetical single person (1 bedroom apartment using public transport) with the following spending habits:   Eating lunch or dinner in restaurants for 5% of their meals, with 100% of these being

NEWS

“Canada Invites 1,800 Express Entry Candidates in Trade Occupations Category-Based Draw”

/

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing 1,800 invitations to apply (ITAs) specifically for candidates in trade occupations. To be eligible for this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 433. This marked the first category-based selection draw for trade occupations since July 4, when the IRCC also invited 1,800 candidates, albeit with a higher minimum score of 436. Additionally, this was the first draw not focused on French proficiency since July 5. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The latest draw was the third Express Entry event held within a week. On October 22, 400 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were invited with a minimum CRS score of 539. The draw prior to that, on October 21, targeted candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations, inviting 648 individuals with a minimum score of 791. IRCC has recently established a pattern of conducting multiple Express Entry draws every two weeks, typically including those specific to PNP and CEC candidates. This approach demonstrates IRCC’s commitment to increasing the number of domestic draws for Express Entry applicants who are already in Canada as temporary residents. The strategy aims to help manage the number of temporary residents while also meeting the annual targets for new permanent residents outlined in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. The next Immigration Levels Plan is anticipated to be released by November 1, covering targets for 2025-2027. For 2024, Canada aims to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents. So far, there has been no confirmation regarding whether the IRCC has met this target. Candidates who receive an ITA in the latter half of the year are likely to be processed and admitted in 2025, in line with IRCC’s service standard of six months for processing Express Entry applications. What is Express Entry? Express Entry is an application management system that governs three major economic immigration programs in Canada: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs utilize the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to identify candidates who can effectively address urgent labor shortages and contribute to the Canadian economy. The CRS evaluates various human capital factors, including age, occupation, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Each factor is scored, contributing to a candidate’s overall CRS score. Scores tend to be higher in PNP draws because candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 points automatically. Candidates may also gain points for having family members in Canada or for immigrating with a spouse or partner. Those with the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive an ITA in upcoming draws. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS October 23 Trade occupations 1.800 433 October 22 Canadian Experience Class 400 539 October 21 Provincial Nominee Program 648 791 October 10 French language proficiency 1,000 444 October 9 Canadian Experience Class 500 539 October 7 Provincial Nominee Program 1,613 743 September 19 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 509 September 13 French language proficiency 1,000 446 September 9 Provincial Nominee Program 911 732 August 27 Canadian Experience Class 3,300 507 August 26 Provincial Nominee Program 1,121 694 August 15 French language proficiency 2,000 394 August 14 Canadian Experience Class 3,200 509 August 13 Provincial Nominee Program 763 690 July 31 Canadian Experience Class 5,000 510 July 30 Provincial Nominee Program 964 686 July 18 French language proficiency 1,800 400 July 17 Canadian Experience Class 6,300 515 July 16 Provincial Nominee Program 1,391 670 July 8 French proficiency 3,200 420 July 5 Healthcare occupations 3,750 445 July 4 Trade occupations 1,800 436 July 2 Provincial Nominee Program 920 739 June 19 Provincial Nominee Program 1,499 663 May 31 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 522 May 30 Provincial Nominee Program 2,985 676 April 24 French proficiency 1,400 410 April 23 General 2,095 529 April 11 STEM occupations 4,500 491 April 10 General 1,280 549 March 26 French language proficiency 1,500 388 March 25 General 1,980 524 March 13 Transport occupations 975 430 March 12 General 2,850 525 February 29 French language proficiency 2,500 336 February 28 General 1,470 534 February 16 Agriculture and agri-food occupations 150 437 February 14 Healthcare occupations 3,500 422 February 13 General 1,490 535 February 1 French language proficiency 7,000 365 January 31 General 730 541 January 23 General 1,040 543 January 10 General 1,510 546 Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

Detailed Overview: Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan 

/

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released the Government of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026. Building on the previous 2023-2025 Plan, Canada is set to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, increasing to 500,000 in 2025 and maintaining that level in 2026. The plan emphasizes economic growth, supports family reunification, and responds to humanitarian needs, reflecting the rapid growth of immigration in recent years.  A key aspect of this plan is the focus on increasing French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. In 2022, Canada met its target of 4.4% for French-speaking immigrants. The new targets for 2024-2026 are set at 6% for 2024, 7% for 2025, and 8% for 2026.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Economic and Social Benefits of Immigration  Immigrants are vital to Canada’s labour market and future economic growth, particularly in supporting the transition to a green, net-zero, and digital economy. They help fill critical labour gaps in sectors such as health, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), trades, transportation, and agriculture.  For the Family Class, immigration has both social and economic benefits. Family support plays a key role in newcomers’ well-being and adaptation. Additionally, spouses and partners often enter the workforce, contributing to household income, while parents and grandparents may provide childcare, enabling their sponsors to participate in the workforce.  Humanitarian Commitments  Canada has a long-standing tradition of providing protection to those in need, and the Government remains committed to humanitarian efforts. Immigration planning goes beyond setting numerical targets; it also requires ensuring that newcomers receive adequate support services, including housing and healthcare. This requires coordination and collaboration across all levels of government and society. IRCC has already begun efforts to implement a holistic, integrated approach to admissions planning, involving various partners and stakeholders.  Key Points from the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan:  French-speaking Admissions Outside Quebec:  The targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec are 6% in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026. These targets are part of the overall immigration plan, not additional admissions, and apply specifically to areas outside Quebec. Once Quebec releases its own immigration plan, these targets may be adjusted.  2. Economic Immigration Programs:  Federal Skilled Programs: This category includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.  Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathways: These programs, based on temporary public policies, are expected to complete all admissions by the end of 2023.  3. Entrepreneurial Programs: This includes the Start-up Visa Program and Self-employed Persons Program.  Municipal Nominee Program: Admissions under this new program will be included once it is launched.  Caregiver Programs: Admissions include those from the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, as well as legacy programs such as the Live-in Caregiver Program.  4. Quebec’s Immigration Plan:  Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec has authority over the selection of immigrants destined for the province, except for the family class and protected persons. The estimated admissions targets for Quebec’s economic immigration programs are 37,990 in 2024, 34,500 in 2025, and 35,500 in 2026.  5. Humanitarian Programs:  Canada will continue to offer protection to vulnerable populations, including human rights defenders and LGBTQI+ individuals. Additionally, admissions will address ongoing crises such as the situation in Afghanistan and commitments to Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims.  6. Other Humanitarian Admissions:  This category includes individuals admitted on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, for public policy reasons, or under the permit holder class. It also includes some admissions related to the Afghanistan response.  In summary, Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan continues to prioritize economic growth and humanitarian commitments while ensuring that adequate services and supports are in place for both newcomers and Canadian communities. The plan reflects a coordinated, integrated approach to immigration that aligns with Canada’s broader societal and economic goals.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

IRCC Issues 400 Invitations to Apply to CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw 

/

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539.  This marks the second Express Entry draw of the week, with the previous draw taking place on October 21, which invited 648 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The CRS score for the PNP-specific draw was significantly higher, with a minimum requirement of 791.  Get a Free Express Entry Assessment In recent months, IRCC has established a pattern of conducting multiple Express Entry draws every second week. These draws often target specific groups, such as PNP and CEC candidates. This ongoing strategy reflects IRCC’s commitment to increasing domestic draws, prioritizing those already living and working in Canada as temporary residents. The goal is to reduce the number of temporary residents while meeting the country’s annual immigration targets as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan.  The updated Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027 is expected to be released by November 1, 2024. According to the plan, Canada aimed to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents through Express Entry in 2024. As of now, IRCC has not confirmed whether this target has been met. Those who receive ITAs in the latter half of the year are likely to be admitted in 2025, as Express Entry applications typically take six months to process.  What is Express Entry?   Express Entry is Canada’s system for managing applications for three key economic immigration programs:  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)  Canadian Experience Class (CEC)  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)  These programs use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates based on various human capital factors, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and occupation. The CRS assigns a score to each factor, which is combined to form an overall score.  CRS scores tend to be higher in PNP draws because candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 points. Other factors that can influence a candidate’s score include having family in Canada or immigrating with a spouse or partner.  Candidates with the highest CRS scores are most likely to receive ITAs in future Express Entry draws.  Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024  Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS October 22 Canadian Experience Class 400 539 October 21 Provincial Nominee Program 648 791 October 10 French language proficiency 1,000 444 October 9 Canadian Experience Class 500 539 October 7 Provincial Nominee Program 1,613 743 September 19 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 509 September 13 French language proficiency 1,000 446 September 9 Provincial Nominee Program 911 732 August 27 Canadian Experience Class 3,300 507 August 26 Provincial Nominee Program 1,121 694 August 15 French language proficiency 2,000 394 August 14 Canadian Experience Class 3,200 509 August 13 Provincial Nominee Program 763 690 July 31 Canadian Experience Class 5,000 510 July 30 Provincial Nominee Program 964 686 July 18 French language proficiency 1,800 400 July 17 Canadian Experience Class 6,300 515 July 16 Provincial Nominee Program 1,391 670 July 8 French proficiency 3,200 420 July 5 Healthcare occupations 3,750 445 July 4 Trade occupations 1,800 436 July 2 Provincial Nominee Program 920 739 June 19 Provincial Nominee Program 1,499 663 May 31 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 522 May 30 Provincial Nominee Program 2,985 676 April 24 French proficiency 1,400 410 April 23 General 2,095 529 April 11 STEM occupations 4,500 491 April 10 General 1,280 549 March 26 French language proficiency 1,500 388 March 25 General 1,980 524 March 13 Transport occupations 975 430 March 12 General 2,850 525 February 29 French language proficiency 2,500 336 February 28 General 1,470 534 February 16 Agriculture and agri-food occupations 150 437 February 14 Healthcare occupations 3,500 422 February 13 General 1,490 535 February 1 French language proficiency 7,000 365 January 31 General 730 541 January 23 General 1,040 543 January 10 General 1,510 546 Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

Annual Study Reveals Decline in Immigration Support for Second Consecutive Year

/

Canada’s support for high immigration has fallen to its lowest point in 25 years. This is based on an annual study from the Environics Institute, a Canadian research organization that uses surveys to gather public opinion and gather data on social, political, and economic concerns in Canada. According to this year’s data, six out of ten Canadians think that the country takes in too many immigrants, compared to four out of ten in 2023. The 2024 results show the lowest level of support for high immigration levels since 1998 and reflect a 14 percentage point increase in negative opinions regarding immigration levels nationwide. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Compared to the 2022 report, which revealed that support for immigration was at an all-time high after the COVID-19 epidemic, the last two years have seen a significant shift. But since then, the national unemployment rate has been rising and Canada’s economy has recovered 138% of the jobs lost during the pandemic. Numerous recent modifications to Canada’s immigration laws, including a limit on the number of foreign students and the addition of temporary resident levels to the forthcoming Immigration Levels Plan, have been influenced by this. More than 2,000 phone interviews with Canadians over the age of 18 served as the basis for the Environics poll. The population sample size used to obtain the results was accurate to within 2.2 percentage points of the total population. Support continues to decline. According to the report, respondents from the Prairie provinces showed notably low levels of support for immigration. 68% of respondents from Manitoba and Saskatchewan and 63% of respondents from Alberta felt that there was too much immigration in Canada. Additionally, compared to prior years, the data indicated that younger respondents had less support for immigration. “Canadians under 45 years of age (up 20 points), compared with those who are older (up 13)” made this noteworthy. The findings also indicated that first-generation Canadians and Canadian-born people had similar sentiments. Similar to the 2023 study, respondents cited rising living expenses and the affordability of housing as major reasons for their waning support for immigration levels. Although housing is still the biggest concern, a significant proportion of respondents now think that inadequate government management is the reason why immigration is an issue. According to the report, this was the case for 21% of respondents, which is 10% more than the previous year. How immigration categories are prioritized by Canadians Even among those who believe that immigration to Canada is excessive, less than 1% believe that no form of immigration should be given priority, according to Environics. According to the institute, this demonstrates that, similar to the previous year, Canadians are “not rejecting immigration outright and consider some categories as beneficial,” despite their reservations about the number and types of newcomers that enter the nation. In general, over three-quarters (73%) of those surveyed said they were inclined to encourage and give preference to newcomers who could perform highly skilled and in-demand positions. Additionally, 64% of respondents viewed education for newcomers as a top concern. In comparison, fewer Canadians (down 8% from 2023 to 47% for 2024) think that refugees escaping conflict should be given priority. The idea of giving priority to the immigration of present residents’ relatives is even less popular. According to this, only 33% of Canadians are in favor of this type of immigration at the present time. Once more, the Prairies had the biggest drop in support for making family reunification a priority. Results from 2023 show that support levels for low-skilled workers entering Canada temporarily have remained mostly unchanged. According to the survey, only 28% of Canadians thought highly of these workers. Additionally, only 27% of international students expressed support. The largest drops were seen in western Canada and Atlantic Canada, where they fell 13 points to 27%. Perspectives on the economy and immigration According to the study, 29% of participants—a four percentage point increase—cited the sluggish economy as a reason why they did not support immigration. Nonetheless, seven out of ten Canadians concur that immigration boosts the country’s economy. Most support for immigration’s effect on the economy was found among Canadians with a university education, first-generation Canadians and those who support the federal Liberal and NDP parties. Support drops sharply among those who vote for the federal Conservative Party, with just 21% saying immigration has a positive impact on Canada’s economy.   Canadian society and immigration The number of Canadians who think there is a connection between immigration and crime has significantly increased, according to this year’s research. When questioned whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement, “Immigration raises the level of crime in Canada?” there was a “substantial” increase in agreement. In Alberta, this was particularly true, with 48% of respondents agreeing—a 14% rise over 2023. In addition to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which both recorded increases of 20 percentage points to 41%, Ontario also exhibited a notable increase of 40%, up 19% from the previous year. Again, in terms of partisan support, agreement with this statement was found to be strongest among Conservative voters (55%). However, more Liberal (up 11%), NDP (up 5%) and Bloc Quebecois (up 2%) supporters agree compared to 2023 results. The advantages of immigration for Canadian communities According to Environics, “on balance,” Canadians appreciate the contributions made by immigrants in their communities, notwithstanding a more negative assessment of high immigration rates. In British Columbia, where 42% of respondents had favorable opinions about the local effects of immigration, this viewpoint is particularly prevalent. The Liberal Party (45%) and the NDP (47%), as well as university-educated Canadians (43%), shared this opinion nationally. 70% of respondents who expressed a favorable opinion of immigration stated, when given the chance to elaborate, that they “value what immigrants bring in terms of multiculturalism and diversity.” Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

“IRCC Invites 648 Candidates in Latest PNP-Only Express Entry Draw”

/

In the most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In a draw that exclusively took into account Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates for Express Entry, the department issued 648 ITAs. To be considered, candidates had to receive a minimum of 791 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The second PNP-only draw of the month took place today. The most recent one took place on October 7 and attracted 1613 candidates who had at least a 743 CRS score. The IRCC has been running numerous Express Entry lotteries every other week, with at least one draw restricted to PNPs, as of late. Since May 30, the department has given 12,815 ITAs in this kind of draw, including today’s draw. This demonstrates the IRCC’s continued dedication to raising the number of domestic draws for Express Entry applicants who are currently employed as temporary residents of Canada. This is intended to assist the department in reaching its goals of lowering the number of temporary residents in Canada and increasing the number of permanent residents that Canada will accept annually in accordance with the Immigration Levels Plan. With goals for 2025–2027, the next plan is anticipated to be unveiled by November 1st of this year. 110,770 people are anticipated to arrive in 2024. It is currently unknown if the IRCC achieved that goal. Those who receive an ITA in draws throughout the second half of the year are more likely to be admitted in 2025 due to IRCC’s service standard of six months for processing Express Enry applications. Express Entry: What Is It? Three of Canada’s most well-known economic immigration programs are managed by Express Entry, an application management system: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These initiatives identify the people most likely to contribute to the national economy and close critical labor shortages in Canada’s workforce using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It accomplishes this by looking at a candidate’s human capital, which includes things like age, profession, education, proficiency in a language, and work history. An overall CRS score is calculated by adding the scores of each factor. Because Express Entry candidates who are nominated by a province automatically earn an additional 600 points, CRS scores are frequently higher in PNP drawings. Points may also be awarded to candidates who immigrated with a spouse or partner or who have family in Canada. In a future Express Entry draw, the top scorers have the best chance of earning an ITA. An overview of the 2024 Express Entry draw results Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS October 21 Provincial Nominee Program 648 791 October 10 French language proficiency 1,000 444 October 9 Canadian Experience Class 500 539 October 7 Provincial Nominee Program 1,613 743 September 19 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 509 September 13 French language proficiency 1,000 446 September 9 Provincial Nominee Program 911 732 August 27 Canadian Experience Class 3,300 507 August 26 Provincial Nominee Program 1,121 694 August 15 French language proficiency 2,000 394 August 14 Canadian Experience Class 3,200 509 August 13 Provincial Nominee Program 763 690 July 31 Canadian Experience Class 5,000 510 July 30 Provincial Nominee Program 964 686 July 18 French language proficiency 1,800 400 July 17 Canadian Experience Class 6,300 515 July 16 Provincial Nominee Program 1,391 670 July 8 French proficiency 3,200 420 July 5 Healthcare occupations 3,750 445 July 4 Trade occupations 1,800 436 July 2 Provincial Nominee Program 920 739 June 19 Provincial Nominee Program 1,499 663 May 31 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 522 May 30 Provincial Nominee Program 2,985 676 April 24 French proficiency 1,400 410 April 23 General 2,095 529 April 11 STEM occupations 4,500 491 April 10 General 1,280 549 March 26 French language proficiency 1,500 388 March 25 General 1,980 524 March 13 Transport occupations 975 430 March 12 General 2,850 525 February 29 French language proficiency 2,500 336 February 28 General 1,470 534 February 16 Agriculture and agri-food occupations 150 437 February 14 Healthcare occupations 3,500 422 February 13 General 1,490 535 February 1 French language proficiency 7,000 365 January 31 General 730 541 January 23 General 1,040 543 January 10 General 1,510 546 Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

Application Pool Closing for International Experience Canada 2024 

/

Deadline: October 21, 2024  The application pool for the International Experience Canada (IEC) 2024 program will close on October 21. Launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) last December, the IEC allows youth from over 30 countries with Youth Mobility Agreements to apply for work permits, giving them the chance to live and work in Canada temporarily. For the 2024 intake, the target is 90,000 applicants.  Program Overview  The IEC program offers Canadian citizens the opportunity to work abroad in partner countries, while foreign nationals aged 18 to 35 (or 18 to 30, depending on the country) can live and work in Canada. Candidates meeting the basic criteria must submit a profile to the IEC pool, from which IRCC selects candidates and invites them to apply for work permits.  Countries may allow applicants to participate more than once, but the rules differ based on nationality.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration IEC Streams  Applicants can choose from three streams within the IEC program:  International Co-op (Internship):  For students who want to intern at a Canadian company.  A co-op placement must be confirmed before applying.  Young Professionals:  Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer.  Participants receive an employer-specific work permit.  Working Holiday:  Offers open work permits, allowing participants to work for most employers in Canada.  Provides flexibility in job location and duration, with a maximum stay of up to two years.  Application Process  Once invited to apply, candidates have 20 days to submit their work permit application. IRCC will confirm the exact deadline in the applicant’s online account.  Arrival in Canada  Upon arrival, IEC participants must present:  A valid passport  A Port of Entry Letter  Proof of health insurance  Proof of sufficient funds (at least $2,500 CAD) via a recent bank statement  A return ticket or proof of financial ability to buy one  Candidates must ensure their bank statements are dated no more than one week before their departure.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

Ontario and British Columbia Conduct Provincial Nominee Program Draws 

/

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), established in 1998, enables provinces and territories to collaborate with the federal government on immigration responsibilities. This program aims to spread the benefits of immigration throughout Canada. While a provincial nomination does not directly grant permanent residency, it substantially enhances an applicant’s profile by adding 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Express Entry candidates, greatly increasing the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency in future draws.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Recent Provincial Immigration Highlights  Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)  Date: October 17, 2024  Stream: Express Entry – Skilled Trades  Invitations: 1,307 candidates  CRS Range: 405-435  Eligibility: Candidates must have work experience in specific occupations as outlined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes.  British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)  Date: October 16, 2024  Total Invitations: More than 190 candidates  Draw Breakdown:  General Selection: 102 candidates were invited across various streams.  Targeted Draws: Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams (including Express Entry BC options) focused on candidates with professional experience in specific industries.   General draw  Newfoundland & Labrador Approaching Maximum Nomination Capacity for 2024  On October 8, 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills announced that the province is nearing the limit of its allocated nominations for the year.  Each year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets an immigration target, which includes a quota for provincial nominations. These quotas vary by province based on factors like labor market needs and the province’s capacity to support new immigrants.  As Newfoundland and Labrador reaches the end of its 2024 allocation, the provincial immigration department will focus on applications in key labor shortage areas, such as:  Healthcare  Early Learning  Construction  While applications will continue to be accepted under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), they won’t be processed until early 2025, except for those with extenuating circumstances. The standard 25-day processing time for the NLPNP will resume in January 2025.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Book Appointment

Need an Advice for your Immigration Query
Get an Appointment Today!

Contact us today for expert assistance with visa applications, residency, citizenship, and more.

  • Call +1 (587) 400 3335

Contact Detail

Add: 9765 45 Ave NW Edmonton, AB – T6E 5V8

Call : 1-587-400-3335

Email: info@gsicanada.ca

Our Services

Express Entry

Provincial Nominee Program

Rural Renewal Stream

Work Permit and Visitor Visa

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Follow Us

Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram Youtube

Newsletter

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

© 2024 Copyright by GS Immigration Advisors

Scroll to Top