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Author: Sreejith

Recent Australian Immigration Trends Promising More Skilled Worker Intakes In 2023 & Beyond

Expert commentaries and news from Australia continue to note the policies tilting towards economic-class immigration to support major skills gaps among local businesses. 

In 2020–21, the Australian immigration program outcome delivered 160,052 places – up 14.0 percent from the 140,366 places in 2019–20. About 50% (79,620 places) came from the Skill streams. 

Skilled visa to Australia requirements is based on points secured against various human capital factors like age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and more. 

Top Australian Immigration Trends Favoring Moving to Australia in 2023

We are seeing complementary and interesting recent Australian immigration trends that will reaffirm your decision to move to Australia soon. Here’s us presenting the top three immigration trends that also promise to boost permanent residency chances in Australia.  

  1. Permanent residency in Australia intakes increased to 195,000 places

The Australian government added another 35,000 places to the previous permanent residency in Australia’s annual intake targets in a bid to address the growing skills & labor shortage in the country. 

The government has increased places in almost all Australian visa subclasses, making pathways for permanent residency in Australia accessible to many. 

These targets will be valid for the year ending June 30, 2023. However, experts believe that Australia continue with similar or more targets in near future. 

  1. Australia posts 480,100 job vacancies in May 2022

Australia noted about 480,100 job vacancies as of May 2022. This is nearly a 100 percent increase from February 2020. Australia is currently facing skill shortages in different industries like Manufacturing, Retail, Tourism, Tech industry & Healthcare. 

Business Councils in Australia have even proposed to increase the Australian migration annual intake to over 220,000 places. Experts view this as an increase in the migrant cap that will most likely benefit these industries. 

  1. Australian census data for 2021 shows more dependency of tech & healthcare industries on immigration

The new 2021 Australia Census data shows Migration to Australia is helping close the skills gap in the tech workforce. 

Nealy two-thirds of Software and Applications Programmers were born overseas. Software and Applications Programmers are the third most common occupation for recent overseas arrivals, with 24,000 arriving since 2016.

Additionally, the health and community services workforce grew by 50 percent in the previous decade to August 2021 – almost 600,000 extra employees. 

Interestingly, more than four in 10 nurses and carers were born overseas. 

  1. Higher female representation in ICT jobs

One in five ICT Professionals and ICT Managers is female. This is great news for immigrant females from Asian countries who aspire to take up high-paying careers. 

Interestingly, one in three ICT Managers and ICT Business and Systems Analysts in Australia are female workers who are under the age of 30.  

  1. Unrestricted entry to Australia open since July 06, 2022

Australia was the only country that had implemented the strictest border restrictions following the onset of the pandemic in 2020. But from July 06, the nation removed all of its mandatory rules such as proof of vaccination or negative test report to enter. 

The unrestricted border entry to Australia comes at a crucial time when the county is expecting to expedite Australian student visa processing times & other skilled worker programs. This will also address the visa backlog issue which is currently slowing down the country’s foreign skilled worker intake.

  1. Boosting international student intake 

Following policy changes will facilitate more international student intake in 2023

  • Subclass 485 visa applications in the Graduate Work stream will no longer require nominating a skilled occupation and obtaining an assessment.
  • Job Ready Program (JRP) for international students will move from a four-step to a three-step program. This will save time and money for many international students.

Take this free assessment online to make the most out of recent Australian immigration trends. 

Plan your Australian Immigration with CanApprove

If you’re looking to improve your chances of immigration, we recommend getting in touch with a certified immigration consultant. 

CanApprove is a certified consultant for Canadian and Australian immigration services and overseas education counseling. With a rich experience of 20+ years in the industry, CanApprove has had major successes in fulfilling the dreams of thousands of migrating abroad! 

Here, you can determine your eligibility and explore various options for skilled migration to Australia depending on your work experience and academic profile. 

Subscribe our Youtube Channel for more Immigration and Overseas Education updates.
You can book a free appointment with CanApprove and consult an expert before deciding on your Australian visa application. 

Study in New Zealand – Begin a Magnificent Adventure!

New Zealand is a safe, tranquil nation with an excellent standard of living. Most people view it as an intriguing place to travel. It has a unique culture, beautiful natural surroundings, and an abundance of adventure and sports activities. The world recognizes New Zealand education for its high caliber and global perspective. 

New Zealand is one of the most sought-after study abroad locations, particularly for those looking to study in New Zealand and pursue master’s degrees at a reasonable price. During breaks, students have access to a variety of exciting destinations where they can explore and relax. You may experience and learn a lot from these travel adventures because New Zealand has one of the most diversified civilizations.

Let’s dive deep into the facts of New Zealand:

Capital

Wellington

Language

English, Maori, Sign Language

Population

5.1 million

Area size

268,021 km²

Students

836,767 (34,000 international students)

Academic year

March – October

Currency

Dollar

Education and Universities in New Zealand

New Zealand’s higher education system is quite similar to the UK’s because it was once a British colony. This indicates that degrees obtained in New Zealand are well recognized globally.

Let’s examine the categories of higher education in New Zealand:

  1. Universities
  2. Colleges of education
  3. Polytechnics and institutes of technology
  4. Private training centers

Best Universities in New Zealand

The main goal of state-owned universities in New Zealand is to carry out research. From certificates to doctorates, they offer courses at every academic level, with the majority of programs lasting a full year. Certain courses are semester-long programs that occasionally start in the middle of the school year. Here’s a list of the best universities in New Zealand.

  1. University of Auckland. Auckland
  2. Unoveristy of Otago, Dunedin
  3. Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington
  4. University of Canterbury, Christchurch
  5. University of Waikato, Hamilton
  6. Lincoln University, Lincoln

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology

University-level courses are offered at polytechnics and technical colleges owned by the state. If you’re looking to study in New Zealand, These institutions offer more practical and career-oriented education than many universities do. It offers instruction at every academic level, from diplomas to degrees. Additionally, a lot of them provide well-regarded postgraduate courses worldwide. There are teacher training institutions that are commonly affiliated with the university nearby them.

Private Training Centers

These centers usually offer training in a certain subject, including business, culinary arts, hospitality management, or tourism management. Furthermore, upon graduation from these universities, you will be qualified for a competitive position. Private training companies usually welcome international students and offer a variety of remote learning options.

About eight state-funded universities and 600 private institutions can be found in New Zealand. These eight establishments provide graduate and undergraduate programs, and they are:

  1. The University of Auckland
  2. Auckland University of Technology
  3. Massey University
  4. The University of Waikato
  5. The University of Canterbury
  6. Victoria University of Wellington
  7. Lincoln University
  8. The University of Otago

Universities in New Zealand are known for their robust policies and procedures, as well as their careful faculty selection process. The institutes exclusively employ experts who have international claim from throughout the world, even though they provide the students with state-of-the-art laboratories and technology. And this is usually one of the most significant deciding elements for the students when they are selecting a study abroad location.

To give international students an incredible boost to their futures and to enable them to work abroad, the country also offers open three-year post-study work visas. Students may also need to apply for a work visa while enrolled in their degree, depending on the courses they are studying.

Student Visas to Study in New Zealand

Mostly, you will need a student visa if you intend to study in New Zealand for longer than three months. If all you have is a tourist visa, you might be able to stay for a shorter time. Similar to other nations, a number of steps must be taken in order to grant student visas and other documentation. As a result, starting considerably earlier is the general guideline.

Housing and Cost of Living in New Zealand

In New Zealand, housing can differ based on the city in which you reside. The following are some typical study-related expenses in New Zealand:

  1. Transportation – NZD 165
  2. Housing rent – NZD 1,478
  3. Meal – NZD 120
  4. Utilities – NZD 200

If you’re a student, you should definitely think about living in one of the nearby dorms. This would be the ideal technique to gain knowledge about household management, financing, and budgeting. In addition, you have the option of booking private boardings and homestays. Another common choice is to rent a private home or apartment with other students. 

How do I apply to study in New Zealand?

if you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in New Zealand: 

  1. You will require a senior high school certificate, which is thought to be the equivalent of a diploma. 
  2. Rarely, the organization to which you are applying may ask that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) review your qualifications. This procedure could cost NZD 450 and take up to eight weeks.
  3. Additionally, you must submit the verified translations of your degrees and grades. Postgraduate education is no exception. 
  4. You can begin the visa application processing process as soon as you obtain the institution’s confirmation letter. 
  5. The second most important requirement will be documentation of your proficiency in English. There are numerous methods to illustrate this. PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS are excellent choices for meeting the requirements because they are tests of English competence.

Programs offered to study in New Zealand

International students in New Zealand usually pay between NZD 22,000 and NZD 32,000 in tuition fees annually. Degrees like medicine, veterinary science, and business can cost higher. Scholarships are available to assist with the cost of tuition. Several well-liked programs include: 

  1. Nursing
  2. Medicine
  3. Biology
  4. Environmental Sciences
  5. Business studies
  6. Psychology
  7. Civil engineering
  8. social work
  9. Accounting

Wrap-Up 

New Zealnad offers numerous options for higher education! International tudents select a large number of well-liked courses in computer science, engineering, and management. Outside of the eight state institutions, even private colleges are very good.

Hopefully, you can easily determine why studying in New Zealand is a wonderful option after reading the aforementioned facts. However, if you have any questions concerning your study abroad arrangements, get in touch with our overseas education consultants at CanApprove to acquire all the information you need. We’d love to hear from you!

FAQs

1. Is IELTS required for New Zealand?

To be eligible for immigration to New Zealand, applicants must speak English at least to the level specified by the New Zealand government. IELTS is required by the government as proof of English language competency for a number of visas, including those under the Business, Parent, Skilled Migrant, and Residence from Work categories. 

2. Is New Zealand a good place for education?

New Zealand’s education system is the best in the world. New Zealand’s universities offer top-notch education in accordance with the British model. The teacher-to-student ratio in universities is 6:7. As a result, interactions between students and tutors are improved. 

3. Is it easy to get PR in New Zealand?

It’s not always simple to obtain permanent residency (PR) in New Zealand. First, it is always advisable to seek guidance from an immigration expert like CanApprove. To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements, such as those based on qualifications, job experience, points-based evaluations, and other considerations, as part of the process.

Understanding Canada Through Q&A: 4 FAQs on Canadian Immigration:

Understanding Canadian immigration through Q&A may address some pertinent questions that you were looking to get answered by experts for a long. 

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You can go through our previous edition of FAQs on Canadian Immigration: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 & Part 7 to make an informed choice. 

Let’s begin with this edition of FAQs on Canadian immigration by discussing the four most relevant topics in current times. 

Q1. How is Canadian immigration policy boosting intake for international students in 2023? 

Canada remains committed to attracting and retaining international students. Going by the recent figures, the number of study permit holders is forecasted to rise to approximately 753,000 international students between 2022 – 2023. 

The increased intake of international students is complemented by Canada’s strategic plan to expand permanent residence for international students.

Presently, the most popular Canada PR options after Post Graduate Work Permit visas are 

  • Express Entry
  • Provincial Nominee Program
  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot
  • Quebec Immigration
  • Family Sponsorship

Canadian immigration minister Sean Fraser submitted a strategy plan that expands pathways to permanent residence for international students and temporary foreign workers. 

More than half (56.1%) of Canadian businesses in 2021 reported that their overall workforce was not fully proficient to perform their job at the required level. Increasing study permit intake levels and providing PR pathways for international students in Canada will help address the workforce skill shortage. 

Further, the intake of international students in Canada is aided by liberal measures undertaken by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that 

  • covers each individual with the aim of reducing vulnerabilities while moving to Canada
  • aiding international students through the permit application
  • helping in the settlement process in Canada

For specific details relating to your case, please consult our immigration expert. 

Q2. Why is Canada Express Entry accepting self-employed Physicians that were never considered before?  

Physicians who are in Canada for the purpose of gaining work experience were not allowed to obtain permanent residency through Express Entry programs. However, Canada has now recognized this barrier for self-employed immigrant Physicians in Canada. 

In a bid to close the skill shortage gap in the healthcare and social assistance sector, Canada will allow self-employed Physicians in Canada to obtain PR through Express Entry, like Canada Experience Class.  

It is important to note that being self-employed outside Canada and having at least one year of work experience abroad did not stop the candidates to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry program.

Further, it is also found that one in every four healthcare professionals in Canada is an immigrant. Consider discussing specific details of your case with our immigration expert.

Q3. What are some upcoming developments that will shape Canadian Immigration in the near future? 

Canada will release major end-of-year developments in October. These announcements are expected to shape Canadian immigration targets and trends for the next couple of years. 

Firstly, IRCC will the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 will be announced by November 1. It has very recently announced a PGP 2022 intake of 23,100 sponsors

Secondly, the qualifying Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for the newly resumed all-program Express Entry draws is expected to fall below 500 while the draw size is expected to remain around 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for Canada PR.

The latest Express Entry draws invited 4,250 candidates with CRS 500 and above.   

Additionally, Statistics Canada will soon publish census data on immigration in 2021 which will give us an outlook on the success of Canadian immigration for the first time in five years.

Take this free assessment online to determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration. 

Q4. Is Canada now seeing immigration-led population growth? 

Canada encourages the intake of foreign students and depends upon foreign skilled immigration to sustain its aging population and support the economy. 

In fact, a report published by Statistics Canada shows how immigration contributed to an astonishing 94.5% growth in Canada’s population during the period of April-June (Q2) 2022. Most contributions came from the increase in work and study permit holders. 

Additionally, Canada’s provincial nominee program draws registered a record 11,548 nominations in September 2022 to qualify for Canadian permanent residency in a single month. 

Plan your Canada Immigration with CanApprove

Canada is seeing the biggest rise in demand for augmenting the local workforce with foreign talent. It is supported by liberal immigration policies targeting over 430,000 new permanent residents per year.  

Going by the latest trends, the future for economic-class immigration seems bright as 60% of the annual immigration targets will be coming from programs like Express Entry, and the Provincial Nominee Program. And this is why we have come up with FAQs on Canadian immigration for you to comprehend your chances of qualifying sooner! 

You can book your free appointment with CanApprove, a CICC-certified consultant in Dubai. 

We will help you determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration on the basis of your work experience or academic profile

How To Find Work In Canada On Student Visa For You and Your Partner/Spouse?

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported increasing demand for study permits in Canada. Last year, Canada reported a 56% increase in study permit applications over 2020. In Q1 of 2022, Canada received about 175,000 applications. 

Canada-immigration-news
The growing popularity among other major study destinations could be due to various options for work in Canada on student visa, not only for self but also for a spouse or common-law partner immigrating alongside the permit holder. 

Additionally, a recent survey noted Canada’s reputation for safety and stability as a major deciding factor in choosing to study.

With many immigration options for international students now open, interested candidates are most likely to get their choice of study course and eventually, qualify for permanent residency status in Canada.  

Work Options in Canada for Study Visa Holders

Work-study visas are an excellent way to retain foreign skilled talent and also let them gain some local work experience. This is a great way to qualify for immigration, say permanent residence visas under the points-based immigration system

Generally, students switching schools or taking an authorized leave from their studies are not allowed to work in Canada on student visa.

Let’s explore various options for work in Canada on student visa.  

I. Off-campus work rules

Off-campus work rules apply in situations where students prefer to work for an employer in Canada that is not located on the university/college/institution campus. 

Student visa in Canada allows work upto 20 hours per week during regular academic semesters, and full-time during scheduled academic breaks, like winter, spring, and summer break.

Typically, an international student must ensure the following pre-requisites to work in Canada on a student visa off-campus: 

  • enroll themselves in a full-time study course of at least 6 months at any Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree
  • hold a valid Canadian study permit
  • have a social insurance number (SIN)

II. On-campus work rules

On-campus work rules apply in situations where students prefer to work for an employer located on the university/college/institution campus itself. 

Such employers within the campus could be 

  • the school,
  • a faculty member,
  • a student organization,
  • a private business on campus,
  • a private contractor providing services to the school, or
  • self-employed on-campus.

Exception for international students who are teaching or research assistants. They can work at a library, hospital, or research facility associated with their school in Canada even if it is outside the campus. 

III. Co-op work rules

Co-op study programs mandates students to undergo work internships to account for it in program credits and complete the study course. 

Eligible students need a separate co-op work permit to work in Canada on a student visa. 

The co-op work permit is a separate, closed-work permit. It may only be used for work that is essential to the program of study. 

IV. After graduation

An open work permit called Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to work in Canada full-time upon graduation. The PGWP is valid for up to three years and allows the holder to work for an employer of their choice in Canada. 

Students that are not eligible to work off campus include

  • visiting or exchange students at a designated learning institution
  • students only taking courses required to be accepted into a full-time program
  • students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program

Students that are not eligible to work on campus include

  • students whose study permit has expired
  • students who stop studying full time unless they are in their final semester and meet other requirements

Work Options in Canada for Partner/Spouse

The spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for work in Canada on student visa of an international student.  

The spouse or common-law partner of international students on a valid study permit is eligible for an open work permit if the student:

  • eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • enrolled in a full-time program at one of the public post-secondary schools, a private college-level schools in Quebec or a Canadian private schools that can legally award degree under provincial law.

Open-work permit in Canada is not job-specific and eligible beneficiaries are free to apply for most job positions.  

Take this free assessment online to determine your chances of qualifying for immigration. 

Applying for a Study Permit in Canada with CanApprove

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program is one of the most popular immigration options for international students. It allows them to gain work experience and have a better chance at qualifying for permanent residency, especially through the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry. 

The Provincial Nominee Program is another significant immigration program for international students. There are dedicated provincial immigration streams from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Ontario that nominate international student graduates to apply for provincial nominations. 

If you are in the Express Entry pool already, you may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Then if you get the nomination, it will mean you get 600 points added to your score and you will be able to apply for immigration as a PNP candidate!

Subscribe our Youtube channel for more Immigration and Overseas Education updates.

Connect with our consultants today to learn more about the University Programs, Scholarships, Tuition Fees, and settlement options after graduation.

How to extend the Temporary Residence status in Canada?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) permits a few options that allow temporary residents in Canada to remain in the country while they wait for a decision regarding temporary or permanent status.

For instance, if a temporary resident in Canada applies for a new temporary status, then they don’t need to leave Canada even if their documents expire before IRCC takes a decision. Students, visitors, and temporary foreign employees can preserve their temporary resident status through maintained status in order to remain in Canada until they hear about their new application.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) may be beneficial for temporary residents who are applying for permanent residency and whose documents are about to expire

Post-Graduation Work Permit cannot be renewed or extended, While some temporary residency permits can be.  However, this does not always indicate that these workers are not eligible for another type of work permit.
A temporary Resident Visa (TRV) doesn’t paves way for working or pursuing an academic in Canada.  Those applicants may also be eligible to apply for a Visitor Record and be permitted to stay for longer than six months, but it doesn’t enable them to work or study. Let’s look at the programs that help people to stay in Canada, they are:

  • Work Permits
  • Study Permits
  • Post-Graduation Work Permits
  • Bridging Open Work Permits
  • Spousal Open Work Permits

Work permit for Temporary Residents 

Canada has two broad categories of  Work permits, one with a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and the other is LMIA-exempt.

The employer who is in need of a worker should show that they need a foreign worker to fill a vacant position and that’s how the LMIA process. The Employment and Development Services Canada (EDSC) issues the LMIA to the employer and the employer sends a copy of the confirmation letter to the worker. Following this, the worker can apply for a work permit to IRCC.

Most temporary foreign workers have work permits that are LMIA exempt. More than 315,000 work permits from LMIA-exempt, were issued in 2021, which is roughly three times more than the LMIA work permits. To hire through an LMIA-exempt work permit program, Canadian employers should submit the offer of employment through the IRCC’s employer portal.

The LMIA-exempt has open work permits, which let holders work anywhere for any employer in Canada. It also includes work permits issued through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. IEC offers pathways for young people from particular nations who want to gain Canadian experience.

Study Permit for Temporary Residents

If your career and your financial status are viable and endurable, you can very well apply for a study permit to stay in Canada. You can work part-time for 20 hrs during the period of your academics and full-time during your summer and fall breaks. However, first, you need to be admitted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

There are possibilities to get qualified to remain in Canada after completing your program through the PGWP (if you have never had one before). Additionally, you will be qualified for routes to permanent residency that are for international student graduates.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

This is for international student graduates who completed their post-secondary program at a Designated Learning Institution.  It doesn’t tie down the worker to only one employer or occupation and is open to work anywhere he or she wishes.

Study programs that last more than eight months but less than two years could be qualified for a PGWP. International students who successfully completed two-year or longer programs may be qualified for a three-year PGWP.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

This allows specific permanent residency applicants to stay in Canada over the expiry date of their temporary residence status.

The given are the few programs that are eligible for a BOWP:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Provincial Nominee Program
  • Quebec Skilled Workers
  • Agri-Food pilot program

To get into a BOWP applicants need to receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC. But according to their circumstances, they may apply for other work permits.

Did you know if you can apply for 2 Canadian immigration programs simultaneously?

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Generally, Spousal sponsorship can be an option if your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Spouses and common-law partners in Canada can undergo their immigration process by the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

This may be available to you if you are applying for sponsorship from within Canada. In-land applicants are those who apply from within Canada. Also, temporary residents’ spouses may get an open work permit.

If it’s possible to convince the government, then their spouse can be enrolled in this program.

To know more about the Canadian immigration pathways, stay in touch with CanApprove. And are you seeking immigration assistance? Fret not! CanApprove is right here…

EXPLAINED: Can You Apply Simultaneously For 2 Canadian Immigration Programs?

The official department dealing with immigration and citizenship in Canada, allows eligible prospects to apply simultaneously for two immigration applications. However, you may have to withdraw one of any applications before making your decision final with the other. 

This means that interested candidates can apply for more than one Canada immigration program to increase their chances of qualifying. Upon receiving an invitation to apply for one particular program, the applicant should withdraw the application for the other program.

Canadian Immigration Act reads, 

“The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations do not prohibit multiple applications from being made in the economic stream. However, prior to concluding one of the applications, the immigration officer will advise the applicant to withdraw the other. 

Furthermore, while multiple applications may be submitted, the applicant must also be aware that there will be no refund of processing fees paid for the other application(s) once processing has begun.”

Choose from 100+ Options to Immigrate to Canada from the U.A.E

Canada welcomes the influx of skilled workers and business entrepreneurs/investors to sustain its economy. All skilled worker evaluations will be on fundamental human capital factors like age, education, work experience, and proficiency in the official language. 

Since the majority of immigrants from the Emirates have a stronghold in the English language, they have an inherent advantage of securing a Canada PR.

Express Entry for skilled workers

An Express Entry is a popular immigration pathway. With the same, the foreign skilled workers can apply for Canada PR without a job offer. It is a system for maintaining a pool of interested candidates who wish to obtain permanent residency. 

You cannot have more than one Express Entry profile at a time. However, you can add your spouse’s or dependent’s profiles.

The usual validity of Canada Express Entry profile is 12 months. 

After expiry, you have to submit a new application if you wish to stay in the Express Entry pool in the hope of getting a PR invitation. 

Such candidates must qualify under one of the three federal immigration programs- the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSTP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). 

In addition, any Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a dedicated Express Entry immigration stream can make use of the Express Entry pool to nominate desirable candidates to apply for Canada PR. 

FSWP stands out to be the most preferred choice among the foreign-skilled workers who have not lived in Canada before. It gives them a good chance to apply for permanent residency in Canada. 

On successful registration of your Express Entry profile, you will get your Comprehensive Ranking System score.

Finally, Canada resumed its all-program Express Entry draws post-pandemic and is actively inviting candidates under FSWP. After the pandemic, IRCC reinvented Express Entry draws and issued invitations to eligible candidates with provincial nominations and candidates with Canadian experience to apply for Canadian permanent residency. 

Provincial Nominee Programs for economic-class immigration

The unique federal-provincial-territorial arrangement in Canada allows 13 provinces and territories of Canada to nominate economic-class immigrants including skilled workers, international students, and business investors/entrepreneurs independently. 

Tech workers are finding newer and better opportunities in Canada in view of visa curbs by the USA. Canadian provinces like British Columbia, and Ontario have dedicated immigration streams for Tech workers. Other provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, News Brunswick, and Prince Edward Islands are actively inviting economic-class immigrants. 

It is expected that Canada may target up to 90,000 new immigrants annually, henceforth. This will be from provincial nominee programs.

Talk to our consultants to determine your eligibility for an immigration plan based on your academic profile and work experience. 

How To Create & Register Your Canada Express Entry Profile? 

Immigration in Canada means obtaining Canadian permanent residency (PR). 

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the Express Entry system to manage applicants for three distinct immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Canada-immigration-news
Any skilled worker with enough work experience can directly apply for Canadian permanent residency in Canada under FSWP without a job offer or Canadian experience. Canada has had a high success rate under the FSWP category since the launch of the Express Entry system in 2015. 

On the other hand, international students and other temporary residents are retained in Canada as permanent residents under CEC. Various reports have shown 85% retention of permanent residents in Canada. 

An international student who wishes to stay in Canada after graduating may do so by completing an extra step: applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

PGWP is an open work permit allowing you to work for a Canadian employer for up to three years and no requirement to have a job offer to apply for it. Graduates can use this permit to get the required skilled work experience before applying for the CEC.

How To Apply for Canada PR Under Express Entry? 

Qualifying for PR via Canada Express Entry is a two-step process. 

  • Step1: Here the interested candidates confirm their eligibility for at least one of the three Express Entry programs – FSWP, CEC, or FSTP. 
  • Step2: Candidates can upload their Express Entry profile onto IRCC’s website. All the registered profiles are then assessed and ranked based on the CRS score. 

The qualifying score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to identify skilled worker candidates who will be the most successful in Canada’s job market. 

Such profiles are evaluated on a total of 1200 points. The human capital criteria like 

  • age, 
  • education, 
  • work experience outside Canada, 
  • language proficiency in English/French, 
  • spouse adaptability, 
  • Canadian study experience, etc. are considered for evaluation purposes. 

 Take this free assessment online to determine your chances of qualifying. 

The Costs of Creating an Express Entry Profile

Note: All prices mentioned here are in Canadian dollars. 

1 US Dollar = 1.34 Canadian Dollar

IRCC has an Express Entry application processing fee for a single application is $850

If you’re applying with a spouse/partner, the application processing fee is doubled to $1,700. Every dependent child will incur a charge of $230.

Further, if the candidates qualify in their bid for Canadian permanent residency, every adult in the application will have to pay an additional Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $515.  

Therefore, the total application and qualifying fee under Express Entry is between $1365 (single person applicant) to $2,960 (for a family of three)

Further, there are associated fees to assembling an application (with a myriad number of required documents and official papers).

Documents required to register a Canada Express Entry Profile: 

  • Passport copy/copy of travel document
  • English or French Language proficiency tests
  • Proof of Canadian Education or an Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • A Provincial Nomination Letter (if obtained)
  • A written job offer letter from a Canadian employer or proof of work experience or certificate of qualification in a trade occupation (is applicable); and
  • Proof of settlement funds (only for FSWP & FSTP candidates who do not have a valid job offer in Canada)

Among the mandatory documents, collecting few will attract additional cost: 

  1. Language proficiency testing 

Canadian immigrants accepts two languages: English and French as their official language. 

Any candidate is expected to score a minimum proficiency score in order to qualify for immigration. 

For pursuing accreditation in English, the following tests can be taken: 

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) testing costs between $302-$311 + tax, depending on what location one is testing in. and
  • CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) testing costs $280 + tax.

For pursuing accreditation in French, the following tests can be taken: 

  • TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français pour le Canada) testing costs $440 with an additional $75 non-refundable charge if the applicant needs to cancel or reschedule before the testing day, and
  • TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) testing costs $460 and features the same $75 non-refundable charge.
  1. Education credential assessment

An ECA (Education Credential Assessment) becomes mandatory if you had your graduation from outside Canada. The assessment is to determine how your education may compare to an equivalent Canadian education.

The average cost of receiving an ECA is roughly $200, in addition to courier fees. 

Additionally, ECA may incur translation charges into English or French. Costs here can vary from $0.06 to $0.20 per word of translation

Preferably, translations should be done by registered providers with the appropriate board authorities. 

Some examples of board authorities are The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO); the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC); and le Ordre des Traducteurs, Terminologies et Interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ). Each province has its own board authority for translators.

  1. Proof of settlement funds

Canada requires proof of financial stability from prospective immigrants who apply for immigration without a job offer. It applies to candidates under Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). 

The major requirement here is that these funds must be readily available at the time of immigration and not be kept in form of equity, property, or any form of other immovable assets. An official letter from the bank acts as proof. 

Depending on the size of your family these costs will vary. 

The official guidelines listed on the IRCC website are: 

  • 1 person = $13,310
  • 2 people = $16,570
  • 3 people = $20,371

Recent Changes to Canada Express Entry

Since its inception in 2015, Canada Express Entry has remained the number one pathway for permanent residency. However, the provincial nominee programs are receiving more preference in recent times. 

Canada is expected to welcome over 400,000 newcomers consistently each year. We could see more nomination draws giving priority to immigrants with Canadian experience in the near future. 

This will be followed by major reforms in the Express Entry system set to come into force in early 2023. IRCC would be able to invite candidates based on an economic goal, ie. candidates with specific occupation skills may be prioritized to apply for Canada PR, likely from early 2023.

Earlier, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser promised to process new Express Entry applications for Canadian permanent residency within standard 6 months, the standard pre-pandemic levels. 

Educate yourself on how will new Canada NOC 2021 affect Canada Express Entry Eligibility among other programs. 

Apply for Canada Express Entry With CanApprove

Applying through a certified immigration consultant can boost your chances of qualifying for Canada PR.

CanApprove is a certified immigration consultant in Dubai and is registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Choose from a wide of our customized immigration services like 

  • Profile Evaluation: we help match your skillset with the right visa eligibility requirements for easy immigration.
  • Arrange documents: we can also help you procure the required documents needed before applying for a visa.
  • Resume Writing: our expert documentation team can create a likable resume that stands out by the concerned immigration authority.
  • Post-Landing Services: Any kind of settlement assistance like accommodation, community orientation, etc can be customized and arranged.

You even get a dedicated immigration consultant to work exclusively on your case until resolved!

Book your free appointment with CanApprove to learn more about your chances of qualifying for immigration to Canada.

You may also like reading 16-Point Canada Immigration Checklist Before Moving to Canada.

The University of Leeds – One of the top 100 universities in the world

Established in 1904, the University of Leeds roots its way back stronger. The UK’s one of the largest universities with more than 38,000 students from over 170 countries around the world. The University of Leeds is a member of the Russell Group, it is ranked among the top 100 universities of the world stated to the QS world rankings 2023. For over 100 years the university has been welcoming international students that made a legacy.

About the College

The University of Leeds campus is about ten minutes on foot from Leeds’s city center. The campus holds a well-established fitness, sports, and wellbeing complex called The Edge which has one of the largest fitness facilities of any UK university and a 25 m, eight-lane swimming pool.

In addition, Leeds University’s student union offers more than 300 clubs and organizations. International students can pursue a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and research degrees in subjects like education, English literature, fine art, human resource management, and communication and media. Over 13,400 foreign students from 137 countries attend Leeds University.

Location

Leeds is a great place to live, surrounded by lovely, reachable countryside, and has everything you would expect from the third largest and fast-growing city in the UK. It has good road, rail, and air transportation connections, making it well-connected both domestically and internationally. In addition, it is one of the most well-liked student cities in the UK and the second-largest business center in the UK after London.

 

University of Leeds Rankings

Since 2015, the University of Leeds has continuously ranked among the top 100 universities in the world as per many world-ranking sources. Given some other notable rankings awarded to the university.

  • 23rd in the Times University Guide 2023
  • 16th in the Guardian University Guide 2022
  • 86th in the QS World University Rankings 2023
  • 127th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022
  • 101st-150th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021

Service provided for the students

Leeds has become one of the universities with a greater number of international students. Over 12,000 students are currently enrolled in 170 countries. The international student office provides information and advice to help you adjust to living and studying in similar positions, while the Leeds Global community, led by several international ambassadors, will help you connect with new people and cultures from all over the world.

Housing services

Being an international student, your housing is very important. Moving away from home for the first time to begin college can be both exhilarating and frightening. The university provides a formidable range of accommodations both on and off campus.

Medical service

As a student in Leeds, you must register with a doctor and know where to go for assistance, care, or guidance. The University will work with the students to create insights into your circumstances as well as the tools and strategies to make the most of your time at university. This will include helping you manage your well-being and mental health.

Programs offered at the University of Leeds

Leeds offers a wide selection of courses available across all UK universities. Starting from English Language and an International Foundation year course to hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate degree options and research opportunities.

To solve issues at the regional, national, and international levels, the University performs interdisciplinary and impact-oriented research. The research is user-led, solutions-focused, and motivated. Leeds is dedicated to collaborating across fields of study to address global issues.

Some of the streams in which the university offers courses are:

  • Arts, Design, Media communication
  • Biological, Biomedical, and Sports Sciences
  • Business, Management, Finance, and Economics
  • Chemistry, Food Sciences, and Nutrition
  • Education, Sociology, and social policy
  • Engineering and Computing
  • English, History, and Humanities
  • Languages, Cultures, and Societies
  • Medicine and Health
  • Film studies
  • TESOL studies
  • Geography, Environment, and Earth Sciences
  • Law, Criminology, and Politics
  • Mathematics and Physics
  • Medicine, Dentistry, Psychology, and Healthcare
  • Music, Theatre, and Performance

Note: Know about Coventry University in the UK!

University of Leeds Eligibility criteria

Leeds has eligibility criteria specific to every country. For Indian students the requirements are:

Eligibility Requirements

The insights you got through this post would give you a clear idea about the University of Leeds. Now you’re all set to start the process of your study in the UK.  If you are still confused about the colleges and programs; we are here to help you out. Consult with one of our CanApprove Immigration’s top consultants and start your dream journey.

Top universities in the UK for international students

Universities in the UK

People choose to fly abroad for so many reasons, like to get new experiences, different cultures, vacations, and especially to experience the vast educational opportunities. One such place that holds all this is the United Kingdom. In terms of education, the United Kingdom is one of the top destinations that is home to some of the world’s oldest universities. Universities in the UK have shown a rich legacy of inviting international students over centuries and offering a student-friendly experience over their course time. Career prospects in the UK are also lucrative so students have every possible reason to opt for the UK.

Why study in the UK?

Learn from some of the world’s top academics and specialists at some of the most prominent universities in the world. Apply your knowledge and abilities in a real-world professional setting by securing placements, internships, and volunteer opportunities through the strong industry connections of UK universities. Obtain employment with your ideal employers by graduating with highly sought-after skills and knowledge.

Facts about UK education

  • Every year close to 400,000 international students are welcomed to the UK
  • As per QS World Rankings, 12 of the UK universities are under the world’s top 100 universities
  • 2 years post-study work permit
  • 14 of the best student cities are in the UK
  • First premium country to allow students for admission with or without IELTS
  • Masters Courses with 1-year work placements are available
  • 131 universities of the UK got international repute to study from.
  • The UK conducts 5% of all scientific research worldwide and produces 14% of all articles that are often cited.

Top universities of the UK

According to QS World University Rankings 2020, the United Kingdom got 4 universities under the top 10 universities of the world and a total of 17 universities under the top 100 universities of the world. London is the home to the top universities in England. Some of the top universities are:

University of Oxford

World’s oldest English-speaking university and is also UK’s most well-known and reputed institute.  It covers 20,000 students of which 8000 are international students. Located 90 minutes northwest of London. Constantly ranked under the world’s top 10 universities.

University of Cambridge

A diverse international community that welcomes talented students around the world. It has six academic schools with over 18,000 students. It offers 100 libraries, 80 sports offerings, and various extracurricular activities and societies.

University of College London 

It’s known worldwide for its high-quality teaching and research. Located in the center of London makes the university is ideal and convenient for international students to embrace the culture. Being regarded as one of the best universities in the world, it offers the best international programs in the UK.

University of Edinburgh

This university has attracted so many industrial pioneers, Nobel Prize winners, and top talents from around the globe. About 30% of the total population of the university is comprised of international students.

University of Manchester   

From foundation courses to PhDs, this university offers more than 1000 degrees in several fields like science, engineering, industries, and medicine.

Popular Universities in the UK with most international students

More than 4.5 lakh international students attend undergraduate and graduate programs in the United Kingdom. According to data from the HESA website for the academic year 2017–2018, there were 458,490 international students enrolled in UK institutions, with 17,990 of them attending University College London alone.

List of some top universities and colleges with the most international students:

  • University College London
  • The University of Manchester
  • Coventry University
  • King’s College London
  • University of the Arts, London
  • Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine
  • University of Warwick
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Leeds
  • London School of Economics

Popular Courses in the UK among the International students

The United Kingdom and its institutions are known for providing world-class and excellent teaching and research, and scholarly training. International students can choose from thousands of courses offered by UK universities, which help them become experts in their fields of study which are recognized across the world.

The UK offers a wide range of degree programs like:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Postgraduate degree
  • Doctorate
  • Foundation degree
  • Diplomas

List of the courses:

  1. Business and Management
  2. Engineering and Technology
  3. Social Studies
  4. Law
  5. Economics
  6. Computer Science
  7. Arts and Design
  8. Accounting and Finance

Note: Study about the recent Canadian immigration trends 2022

Career prospects in the UK

England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are all among the world’s biggest economies and make the United Kingdom one of the most globalized economies in the world. Several sectors like higher education, financial services, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and production are dominating UK’s economy. Always there is high demand for high-paid jobs like Engineering professionals, Management professionals, Legal professions, IT Managers, Aircraft Pilots, Flight Engineers, Higher Education Teaching Professionals, and Medical Practitioners.

I hope you found this blog about the best universities in the UK for international students helpful. To know more information about the programs offered in the UK, contact CanApprove. Also, check out our other blogs on the CanApprove website.

Recent Canadian Immigration Trends 2022 That You Should Know

Various reports and surveys from Statistics Canada note the continued dependence of Canada on economic-class immigration to support its population growth. Estimates show us that Canada’s population could reach up to 57 million people by 2068 and would be largely driven by skilled immigration.

We are seeing more such interesting Canadian immigration trends that will reaffirm your decision to move to Canada. Here’s us presenting the top 6 immigration trends that also promise to boost Canadian permanent residency targets: 

  1. Unemployment In Canada Continues To Decrease While Job Vacancy Rises, Boosting The Need To Raise Immigration Targets
  2. Immigration Is Changing Canada’s Demography & Looks To Make It Ethnocultural By 2041
  3. New Measures To Improve Immigration Process And Reduce Backlogs
  4. Usage of the South Asian language grew much among the Canadians
  5. Immigration Ministers Across Canada Met To Discuss Multi-Year PNP Plans
  6. IRCC Reported a 56% Increase In Study Permit Applications Since the Pandemic

Job vacancies are at an all-time high

Job vacancies in Canada are hiking even more and it reached 1,000,000 in June this year. There is a labor shortage and high demand for skilled workers in Healthcare and social assistance sectors. Job vacancies in the retail sector, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific, and technical services, and Finance and insurance have gone up. 

Unemployment in Canada continues to decrease while job vacancy rises all over the country. Canada looks at immigration as one of the methods to solve this problem by inviting a large number of prospective permanent residents between now and 2024.

Read along with Canada’s plan for increasing immigration, Canadian businesses are now dependent heavily on skilled immigrants to fulfill increasing job vacancies across industries. 

Skilled Immigration continues to rise 

Canada is set to exceed its annual target of 431,000 new permanent residents in 2022. Most immigrants favored Ontario followed by British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta as their preferred choice provinces in Canada. 

The biggest reason for Canada to show an increased tendency to welcome more immigrants is because working-age Canadians are quickly reaching the retirement age of 65. By 2030, it is expected that nine million Canadians will have retired. 

Therefore, Canada is resorting to sustaining its population through skilled immigration. At the present, Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan has a target of over 450,000 new permanent residents a year by 2024, the highest number in its history. 

We are seeing increased invitations to apply (ITA) under fortnightly all-program Express Entry draws. Candidates under Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) who don’t have any Canadian experience or job offer can qualify for Canadian permanent residency under it. 

Take your free assessment online to determine eligibility for Canadian immigration

Improving PNP intake levels

Immigration ministers from across Canada came together at the Forum of Ministers Responsible (FMRI) for Immigration earlier this July in Saint John, New Brunswick. 

The meeting of Immigration Ministers focussed around increasing Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan alongside agreeing on multi-year PNP levels plan. The current plan is targeting to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants annually till 2024. Over 60% of the target is to  meet through economic-class and family-class immigration programs. 

Specifically, PNP is targeting 80,000 intakes in 2022 and would increase to 90,000 intakes next year.  With the latest agreement between the Immigration ministers, PNP allocation targets will also be set on a three-year basis. 

The ministers agreed to determine the multi-year PNP plan by March 31, 2023.

Returning back to processing standards

Canadian immigration trends suggest more investment to digitize immigration services. 

Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship and Canada (IRCC) will begin transitioning to 100% digital applications for most permanent residence programs on September 23.

Canada is also promising new exemptions, and more application status trackers to improve client experience and reduce immigration backlogs. IRCC is targeting to process 80 percent of new applications within their service standards.

Earlier, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser promised to process new Express Entry applications for Canadian permanent residency within standard 6 months, the standard pre-pandemic levels. 

More opportunities for international students

Canada has received 175,000 student visa applications in the first quarter of 2022 alone. 

IRCC is reporting a significant rise in demand for study permits from international students. The figures for 2021 show a 56% increase in study permit applications over 2020 levels, indicating the return of normalcy. 

More and more international students are choosing Canada in spite of popular study abroad destinations like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, the USA, France, Germany, Poland, Malta, and Switzerland, because of its reputation for safety and stability.

Additionally, the retention rate in Canada in issuing Post-Graduation Work Permits and later qualifying for Canadian permanent residency is the highest among popular destinations. 

This concludes our discussion on the latest Canadian immigration trends to watch out for and plan your immigration accordingly. Don’t forget to book your free appointment with CanApprove to determine your eligibility based on your work or academic profile!