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Here is yet another review of major developments in Canadian immigration as a part of our new weekly highlight series. We aim to address the curiosity of thousands of aspiring economic-class immigrants and also help them navigate easily to obtain a permanent residency in Canada.
Travel restrictions extended till August 31
Ever since the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 a pandemic, almost every country in the world has closed its borders for travel. Following the suit, Canada that imposed a travel ban since March 18 to slow down the contagion has now extended the same until August 31.
However, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members continue to be exempted from the travel restrictions. Those approved for permanent residency are subjected to travel on a case by case basis. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continue to accept and process the applications for permanent residence in Canada. In fact, it held regular Express Entry draws, facilitated Provincial Nominee Draws even during the travel restrictions.
Provincial Nominee Draws remain active
Canadian provinces like Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia issued provincial nominations under its International Skilled Workers and Business Entrepreneurs categories respectively. A successful provincial nomination may effectively guarantee a permanent residency in Canada.
Ontario held a grand Tech draw inviting upto 1,288 candidates under its six In-demand Tech occupations. Ontario Tech draw selects eligible candidates from the federal Express Entry pool and nominates them under its Human Capital Priorities stream. While a job offer is not required to qualify, such invited candidates are required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of between 463 and 477. In addition, interested candidates must have work experience in one of the six in-demand Tech occupations of Ontario.
Saskatchewan conducted its largest nomination draws since the imposition of travel restrictions in March. The province nominated upto 502 candidates under its Express Entry and Occupation In-demand streams. Only candidates who submit an Expression of Interest to Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program are considered. While a job offer is not required to qualify, selected candidates must have a minimum provincial score of 70.
British Columbia for consecutive weeks has been conducting various draws nominating economic-class candidates under different immigration streams. The latest draw extended provincial nominations to candidates belonging to PNP-linked Express Entry, Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur streams. Even here, a candidate did not require to have a job offer at the time of applying but must have a minimum required provincial score of 80.
Take this free assessment to know your eligibility to qualify for various Canada PNP.
Canada focuses on International students
There is every effort made by IRCC to prioritise the entry of international students into Canada. Meanwhile, it innovated with the introduction fo two-step study permit process. The first step involves students to obtain pre-approval for a study permit which would allow them to start taking online courses even while outside Canada. Once the travel restrictions are lifted, students can apply for a full study permit. Additionally, the time spent on online classes will be considered towards Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) for existing students. A PGWP goes a long way in obtaining Canadian Work Experience, eventually a permanent residency in Canada.
Family Class Immigration scenario is also improving with Spousal Open Work Permit Pilot program becoming permanent. Now spouse or partner of a permanent resident of Canada can work without the earlier restriction of 12 months and wait till their permanent residency application is approved.
CanApprove is a pioneer in Immigration and Education abroad services since 1998. Talk to our consultants to chart out a plan for immigration based on your profile and preference.
