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NEWS

Canada to Reduce Immigration Targets by Nearly 100,000 

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Canada is poised for a substantial change in immigration policy as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government prepares to announce reduced immigration levels. After years of consecutive increases, the new plan will lower the intake of permanent residents by 90,000 in 2025, setting the target at 395,000—down from this year’s 485,000.  This shift mirrors the prediction made in INC News on July 9, 2024, in an analysis titled, “Will Canada reduce immigration targets in November 2024?” The updated targets reflect a significant reversal from previous government plans to reach an annual intake of 500,000 new immigrants by 2025.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Gradual Decline in Targets  The revised immigration goals continue to decrease, with projected targets of 380,000 for 2026 and 365,000 for 2027. These figures underscore a more cautious approach to immigration over the coming years, as the Trudeau administration adjusts to current economic and social challenges.  Sector-Specific Impact of the New Immigration Plan  According to early reports, the federal economic class will see the most substantial reductions under the new policy. Immigration Minister Marc Miller is expected to confirm these changes in an official announcement on October 24, 2024.  Cuts to Economic-Class Immigration  Economic-class immigration, which includes programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and the Start-Up Visa program, will face a drastic 60% reduction in 2025, limiting intake to around 41,000. Though modest increases are expected in 2026 and 2027, numbers will remain significantly lower than previously anticipated.  Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)  Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) will also see a notable decrease, with intake halved to 55,000 in 2025, maintaining this reduced level through 2027. This reduction will considerably impact provincial immigration efforts and opportunities across Canada.  Family Reunification Programs  The new policy reduces family reunification visas by 20,000 in 2025, bringing the total down to 98,000 from its current 118,000 level. This change is expected to generate some backlash from family immigration advocates.  Refugee and Protected Persons Programs  Refugee and protected person programs will also see reductions, though these numbers may fluctuate based on annual refugee and asylum demands.  Temporary Resident Targets  For the first time, Canada’s immigration plan will set targets for temporary residents, with applications expected to drop by nearly 30,000 in 2025, setting the intake just over 300,000. This aligns with Immigration Minister Miller’s recent comments on aiming to reduce the temporary resident population from 6.5% to 5.2% over the next three years.  Immigration Category  2025 Target  2026 Target  2027 Target  Total Permanent Residents  395,000  380,000  365,000  What’s Behind the Change?  The Trudeau administration’s shift in immigration policy appears to reflect a mix of economic considerations and public sentiment. This pivot follows a tense meeting within the Liberal caucus, where members voiced concerns over the unpopularity of current immigration targets.  With a federal election set for October 2025, the government’s recalibrated immigration stance appears to be aimed at responding to mounting public pressure. Rising public concerns over population growth, coupled with criticism from both opposition parties and voters, have positioned immigration as a critical election issue.  A Balanced Strategy or a Departure from Canada’s Core Values?  Canada’s reduced immigration targets reflect a significant policy adjustment, as the Trudeau government navigates domestic economic concerns while addressing the evolving views of the Canadian public. The government hopes this revised strategy will alleviate pressures on housing, public services, and employment.  As the 2025 federal election approaches, immigration will be a defining topic in Canada’s political landscape. Whether this shift will be seen as a pragmatic response to public concerns or a departure from Canada’s multicultural vision will hinge on how well the government manages the policy’s broader economic and social implications.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

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

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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 

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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 

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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

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

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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

“Important Updates to Canada’s International Student Program for 2025 and Beyond”

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As of 2024, the Canadian government has been taking significant measures to strengthen the integrity of its international student program. In response to increasing concerns about the sustainability and transparency of the system, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a temporary cap on study permits earlier this year. This cap aims to regulate foreign enrollment numbers, ensuring that international students have access to quality facilities during their studies.  On September 18, 2024, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced additional changes that will greatly affect prospective international students planning to study in Canada.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Key Changes Affecting International Students in 2025 and Beyond  New Study Permit Cap for 2025-2026 with a 10% Reduction In 2025 and 2026, the Canadian government will impose a further cap on the number of study permits issued. In 2024, around 485,000 study permits were granted, but the new annual target will be 437,000, marking a 10% reduction compared to 2024. Importantly, this cap will now include both Master’s and PhD students. International students aspiring to pursue these degrees will be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit applications. This measure aims to align enrollment figures with the country’s capacity to support international students while upholding educational standards.  Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) There will be notable adjustments to PGWP eligibility. Currently, international students can qualify for a PGWP of up to three years. However, upcoming changes will alter the criteria for public college graduates. Only those graduates from public college programs whose studies are aligned with areas experiencing significant labor market demand will be eligible for the full three-year PGWP. Fortunately, the duration for university graduates will remain unchanged.  New Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP To enhance employability and facilitate pathways to permanent residency, Canada will introduce mandatory language proficiency requirements for the PGWP program. Later this year, all PGWP applicants will need to demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English or French. University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates will need a CLB score of 5 to qualify for a post raduation work permit. These changes are designed to better equip international graduates for integration into the Canadian job market.  Revised Work Permit Rules for Spouses of Master’s Students A significant update relates to work permits for the spouses of international students. Under the new regulations, spouses of students pursuing a Master’s degree in Canada will only qualify for an open work permit if the student’s program lasts a minimum of 16 months.  These recent updates from the IRCC aim to refine the rules and eligibility for international students, ensuring they achieve academic success and are well-prepared for life in Canada after graduation.  For international recruiters, it’s essential to keep students informed about these changes to ensure they are adequately prepared for the 2025 intake and beyond. Let’s collaborate to help students secure brighter futures worldwide!  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS

Atlantic Immigration Program Offers Accelerated Route to Canadian Permanent Residency 

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The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an immigration route designed for skilled workers who are looking to settle in one of the four provinces in Atlantic Canada:  The AIP is driven by employers, meaning that in order to qualify, a foreign national must secure a job offer from a designated employer in one of these Atlantic provinces.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Key Advantages of the AIP  Compared to other Canadian immigration programs, the Atlantic Immigration Program offers several benefits for individuals planning to settle in Atlantic Canada:    Faster processing times  The ability to work legally in Canada while applying for permanent residency (PR)  Work permits that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)  Personalized settlement assistance  Faster Processing Times  The AIP is highly sought after in Atlantic Canada because it provides eligible candidates with a streamlined process to work in Canada and apply for permanent residency simultaneously. The current processing time for PR applications through AIP is around eight months—faster than many other PR options.  LMIA-Exempt Work Permits  Candidates who want to begin working before their permanent residency is finalized can apply for a temporary work permit. This work permit does not require an LMIA.  To qualify for this work permit, a candidate needs:  A valid job offer from a designated employer  A referral letter from the Atlantic province where they will be employed  The work permit is valid for up to two years and is job-specific, meaning the candidate can only work for the employer that provided the job offer. However, receiving this work permit does not guarantee approval of the PR application.  Personalized Settlement Support  A key feature of the AIP is its emphasis on helping newcomers integrate into their new province. Employers must work with settlement agencies to create a personalized settlement plan for the new hires, offering them tailored guidance and support to better adjust to life in their new communities.  Who Can Apply?  Each Atlantic province processes a limited number of applications annually based on regional labor market needs. Applicants can either be inside or outside Canada but must meet the eligibility requirements.  In addition to having a job offer from a designated employer, candidates must either be:  A skilled worker (with experience either within or outside Canada), or  A recent graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the four Atlantic provinces.  Skilled Worker Eligibility for AIP:  Skilled workers are eligible for the AIP if they have:  At least 1,560 hours of work experience within the last five years, which equates to roughly 30 hours per week for one year.  Work experience that falls under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021’s TEER categories 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.  Recent Graduate Eligibility for AIP:  International graduates qualify for the AIP if they:  Have earned a credential from a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the Atlantic provinces, after completing at least two years of study  Were full-time students for the duration of their program  Lived in one of the Atlantic provinces for at least 16 months during the last two years before graduation  Held legal status to study, work, or train while in Canada.  Additional Criteria for AIP  In addition to the above, there may be other criteria that candidates must fulfill to be eligible for the program, based on the specific needs of the province or employer.  Educational Requirements  Education requirements vary depending on the NOC TEER of the candidate’s job offer:  NOC TEER Education requirements 0 or 1 One-year Canadian post-secondary educational credential or higher, or the equivalent from outside Canada 2, 3, or 4 Canadian high school diploma, or the equivalent from outside Canada All foreign degrees must undergo an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for recognition in Canada. The ECA report must be no older than five years when IRCC receives the application.  Language Requirements  Candidates are required to prove their language proficiency, which varies depending on the NOC TEER classification of their job offer.  NOC TEER Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 0, 1, 2, or 3 CLB 5 4 CLB 4 The language test results must be less than two years old from the date of application.  Settlement Funds  Applicants need to prove that they have money to support themselves and their family in Canada. The amount of money needed depends on the size of the family.  Number of family members Funds needed (in CAD) 1 $3,672 2 $4,572 3 $5,620 4 $6.824 5 $7,740 6 $8,729 7 $9,718 If more than 7, add this amount for every additional family member $989 What is the difference between the AIP and Provincial Nominee Programs?  The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables Canadian provinces to select and nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and plan to settle in a specific province.  With over 80 distinct provincial immigration streams, many PNPs differ from the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in that they often don’t require candidates to have a job offer or prior Canadian work or study experience to qualify for a nomination.  The PNP typically involves a two-step process for obtaining permanent residency. First, candidates must secure a provincial nomination, then submit an application to the federal government for permanent residency.  Due to the additional steps and generally longer processing times, PNP applications may take longer to obtain PR status compared to AIP applications.    Atlantic Immigration Program Provincial Nominee Program Valid for New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island All provinces except for Nunavut and Quebec Need a job offer Yes, from designated employer Not necessary, depending on the PNP stream Pathway to PR One-step process. Eligible candidates can directly apply for PR Two-step process. Candidates must first be nominated by the province, then invited to apply to the federal government. Processing time until PR 8 months (as of October 2024) Varies according to province and stream. Approximate time for enhanced nominations: 8-12 months Approximate time for base nominations: 12-24 months Settlement funds Needed, but significantly lesser than proof of

NEWS

IRCC Issues 500 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class Candidates in Second Express Entry Draw of the Week 

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category.  In this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 539 to be eligible for consideration.  Earlier in the week, IRCC held another draw, issuing 1,613 ITAs to Express Entry candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations. In that round, candidates were required to have a higher CRS score of at least 739.  Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Looking back, the most recent Express Entry draw before these occurred on September 19, when 4,000 ITAs were extended to CEC candidates with a minimum CRS score of 509. This was a slight increase from the previous CEC draw on August 27, where the cut-off was 507.  Over the summer, IRCC has been conducting more CEC-specific draws, issuing a total of 21,800 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates since July. This approach aligns with IRCC’s strategy to increase “domestic” draws, aiming to reduce the number of temporary residents and meet the country’s annual permanent residency targets.  Today’s draw is the second held this month, while last October, IRCC conducted four draws, issuing a total of 9,173 invitations.  What is Express Entry?  Launched in 2015, Express Entry is a system designed by IRCC to manage applications for economic immigration. The primary goal of Express Entry is to select candidates who can fill critical labor shortages in Canada.  Three main programs are managed under Express Entry:  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)  Canadian Experience Class (CEC)  The system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates based on various human capital factors such as work experience, age, language proficiency, education, and occupation. Additional points can also be awarded if a candidate is immigrating with a spouse or partner, has a sibling in Canada, or possesses Canadian work experience or education.  The higher a candidate’s CRS score, the better their chances of receiving an ITA in future Express Entry draws, depending on the specific draw type.  Category-Based Selection  In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws, where CRS cut-off scores tend to be lower compared to other draw types. These targeted draws aim to address critical labor force gaps and demographic needs. The six key categories are:  Healthcare  Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions  Trades  Transport  Agriculture and agri-food  French language proficiency  These categories were chosen based on extensive consultations with stakeholders and an analysis of labor market needs. IRCC also aims to ensure that 6% of all newcomers are admitted to French-speaking minority communities outside Quebec.  Although CRS scores in category-based draws are generally lower, candidates must still have a profile in the Express Entry pool, and a higher score remains an advantage in securing an ITA. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024   Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS 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

“IRCC Issues 4,000 ITAs to CEC Candidates: Latest Express Entry Draw Updates”

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In the most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In a lottery only for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the government distributed 4,000 ITAs. To be considered, candidates had to receive a minimum of 509 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The third draw of the month was held today, coming after two previous weeks in which 1,000 candidates were invited in a category-based selection draw for French-language proficiency, and 911 candidates were invited from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Since 5,000 candidates received ITAs in a draw on July 31, this was the largest CEC draw. The CRS score for this draw is marginally higher than it was for the previous CEC draw. In the most recent one, which was held on August 27, applicants had to receive at least a 507. An overview of the 2024 Express Entry draw results Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS 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 Express Entry: What Is It? In 2015, the application management system Express Entry was introduced. It is in charge of three of the most well-known economic immigration initiatives in Canada: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Each of these programs assigns a point value to a number of in-demand human capital variables, including age, occupation, job experience, education, and language proficiency, using the Comprehensive Ranking System. A sibling living in Canada, immigration with a spouse or partner, or having strong English and French Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores are other factors that can provide points to candidates. Taken together, the scores for these factors add up to a candidate’s overall CRS score. Those who have the highest scores are the most likely to recieve an ITA in an upcoming Express Entry draw. Last year, IRCC also introduced category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates with specific attributes such as their work experience or language ability. Six categories were chosen including: Healthcare Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions Trades Transport Agriculture and agri-food French language proficiency According to the IRCC, these categories were selected following stakeholder consultations and represent Canada’s need to meet demographic targets and gaps in high-demand areas of the labor force. For instance, the department chose to prioritize competency in French in order to aid reach its goal of having newcomers settle in French-minority regions outside of Quebec. A candidate has sixty days from the moment they receive their ITA to send the IRCC their final application. The department’s usual service time for processing an Express Entry application that has been finalized is six months. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

NEWS

IRCC issues 911 invitations to apply in Express Entry draw for PNP candidates

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In the most recent Express Entry lottery, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Only candidates for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) were eligible to receive 911 ITAs from the department. To be considered, candidates had to receive a minimum of 732 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Get a Free Express Entry Assessment The first drawing of the month is today, and it comes after a hectic summer. In 14 distinct Express Entry lotteries, the IRCC solicited candidates in July and August. More precisely, since the system’s debut in 2015, July has broken the record for the most drawings in a single month. Between July 2 and July 31, there were nine drawings. In the most recent Express Entry, which was held on August 27, 3,330 individuals received invites in a lottery that was limited to those enrolled in the Canadian Experience Class. IRCC has recently adopted a pattern of multiple draws every other week. They generally include at least one draw for PNP candidates. This is line with IRCC’s previously announced intention to hold more “domestic” draws to ensure that temporary residents in Canada have increased opportunity to become permanent residents and to reduce the volume of temporary residents entering Canada. Summary of Express Entry draw results in 2024 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Minimum CRS 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 What is Express Entry? Express Entry is an application management system that was introduced by IRCC in 2015 to help the department select economic immigration candidates with in-demand human capital attributes. It oversees three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The Comprehensive Ranking System is the cornerstone of the system. It assigns a point score to applicants for several attributes such as their language ability, work experience, education, occupation and age. Taken together, these points make up a candidate’s overall score. Those with the highest scores are the most likely to recieve an ITA. Candidates in these programs can also apply for streams of the Provincial Nominee Program that are aligned with Express Entry, a process known as enhanced nomination. Express Entry candidates who are nominated through a PNP automatically recieve an additioanl 600 CRS points, making it extremely likely they will recieve an ITA in an upcoming Express Entry draw, depending on the type of draw. IRCC also introduced category-based selection draws in 2023 to allow the department to target the candidates with more specific in-demand attributes, mostly based around work experience. Candidates who recieve ITAs in one of these draws are not required to be in any specific Express Entry  program (although they must still be in the Express Entry application pool) and the minimum CRS required is generally lower than it would be for a program-specific or general draw. The six categories are: Healthcare occupations Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors Transport occupations Agriculture and agri-food occupations French-language proficiency IRCC reviews these categories every year and says that as labour market priorities and demographic demands shift, the categories may change in coming years. Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

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