Weekly highlights: Canada Immigration between 28 August – 04 September 2020

Here is our yet another edition of top weekly stories on Canadian immigration, especially for those who seek to obtain permanent residence in Canada.  

Express Entry reached the 70k mark in 2020

Since its inception in 2015, the Express Entry system has been the preferred pathway to obtain Canada PR for several economic-class including foreign skilled, semi-skilled workers, and international graduates. A registered profile in the Express Entry pool is utilized for consideration among three federal immigration programs- the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skills Trade Program (FSTP). 

These profiles are evaluated based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), thereby upholding the merit-based immigration system. 

A CRS score is dependent on human capital factors like age, education, work experience, and proficiency in English or French. Your spouses’ adaptability skills may secure some points towards your overall CRS score. Candidates without a job offer can also register themselves in the Express Entry system.

In addition, a dedicated stream from any Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may make use of registered candidates to issue them a provincial nomination. Such a nomination will fetch an additional 600 CRS points and thereby, guarantee an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw. 

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the largest nomination draw with a draw size of 4200 ITAs for Canada PR. The 162th Express Entry draw required the candidates to have a qualifying CRS score of 475 for receiving an ITAs. 

The exuberant draw size and the increasing number of ITAs issued already pushed the total tally to 69,950 mark in 2020. This is only to reveal the popularity of the Express Entry pathway for several foriegn skilled workers without a job offer or Canadian experience to seek permanent residence in Canada. 

Few active Provincial Nominee Programs

Canadian provinces of Manitoba, British Columbia & Ontario were seen active during the past week. Ontario held a unique nomination draw under is Entrepreneur stream while British Columbia issued 430 provincial nominations to eligible skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. 

Manitoba PNP crossed the landmark 3000 ITAs for Canada PR in 2020. It extended over 213 nominations to eligible foreign skilled workers and international graduates to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Travel Restriction in Canada extended till September 30

Canada extended its travel restrictions on incoming foreign travelers and mandatory quarantine requirements on the exempted category until September 30. It was announced in the view of slowing down the contraction of infection and averting a threat to public health. 

The exempted category is allowed to travel to Canada but such individuals are required to observe a mandatory self-isolation period of 14 days.  

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the exempted category includes: 

• Canadian citizens;
• Permanent residents;
• Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.
• Newly approved Canadian permanent residence, temporary foreign workers, International Students only on case-basis.

View the full list of exempted individuals here. 

246,000 jobs added in August 

The results of the August Labor Force Survey released last week saw the economic recovery in Canada in full-swing. The country has added another 246,000 jobs in the month of August. Most jobs were concentrated in the services sector (+1.5%) as opposed to the goods-producing sector which is equally beneficial for immigrants. 
Canadian Immigration looks bright as always. You can fill-in this free online assessment to know your eligibility and various programs for your immigration to Canada. You can also fix an appointment with our consultant by clicking here.