The world seems to have adjusted itself to live alongside the pandemic. Although the Canadian border remains closed until August 31, Canada has not shied away from improvising its immigration system. Nor it stopped issuing permanent residency. In fact, over 45000 invitations to apply for Canada PR got issued since March 18; the highest in the same period as compared to last year.
Here are some highlights on preceding week’s activities concerning Canada immigration and by its virtue, aspiring and future immigrants to Canada:
Provincial Nominee Program Draws continue with full flair
Several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) were seen active even during the pandemic induced lockdown. Canadian provinces like British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario remained in the forefront in issuing provincial nominations to select economic-class immigrants. Economic-class immigrants like Skilled Workers, International Student Graduates can benefit from such provincial draws. Further, a successful provincial nomination shall also guarantee a permanent residence in Canada.
British Columbia conducted yet another draws on August 7 nominating 437 candidates for permanent residency. Such candidates were issued invitations to apply for provincial nominations under Express Entry and Skills Immigration category. In order to be eligible for such draws, one must register under Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). All profiles are evaluated and issued a score out of 200 points based on factors such as education, work experience, proven proficiency in English.
Another pathway under BC PNP is Tech Pilot that focuses on in-demand tech workers and international students. Eligible applicants require a valid job offer in one of the 29 in-demand Tech occupations. One such draw was held August 11. With this, over 5500 ITAs have been issued under Tech pilot category in 2020.
Manitoba issued 253 Letters of Advice to Apply under three immigration streams: Skilled Workers in Manitoba, Skilled Workers Overseas and International Education streams. Such candidates are ranked out of 1,000 points for human capital factors like English or French language skills, education, work experience, Manitoba connections, etc. A small percentage of LAAs also went to candidates in the Express Entry pool. August 13 draw had a category-specific cut-off score ranging between 485-672.
Saskatchewan conducted its largest PNP draw since February 2020. A total of 553 candidates is hopeful of receiving provincial nominations. August 14 draws choose International Skilled Workers including candidates from Express Entry and Occupations in-demand streams.
Like Manitoba, Saskatchewan also uses the EOI system to register interested candidates. The profiles are evaluated with a score out of 100 on the International Skilled Worker Points Assessment Grid. August 14 invitation round required a minimum qualifying score of 69 points.
More options to take the compulsory English proficiency test
One essentiality test to qualify for permanent residency in Canada is language proficiency. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognise English testing exams such as the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Exam centres which remained closed due to lockdowns are now reported to be active. Currently, testing centres for IELTS are active in countries like the United Arab Emirates, India, the Philippines including 86 other major countries. The exam centres for CELPIP is limited to 6 countries including the United Arab Emirates, India, the Philippines, Canada, the US, and China. It is best to take up English skill assessment now to avoid last-minute delay when Canadian borders open for new immigrants.
CanApprove offers specialized and focussed training modules to ace the IELTS exam.
The need to build a stronger immigration system echoed in the recently held all-Immigration Ministerial teleconference. Ministers also emphasised to welcome more immigrants in reviving the economy as well as supporting Canada’s population growth viz. ageing demography. Talk to our consultants to know your eligibility and ask for suitable pathways for your immigration to Canada.
Sana Jalali says:
Querry about canada’s Express Entry PR
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