GET FREE CONSULTATION

Archives: News

British Columbia

British Columbia conducts yet another PNP draws for Skill Immigrants

If one Canadian province stands out in nominating eligible candidates to apply for permanent residence, it will have to be British Columbia. The province has acted as a flag-bearer for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) since the imposed travel restrictions by regularly nominating skilled workers and international student graduates for permanent residency. 

The present travel restrictions in the view of COVID-19 pandemic did not deter the spirits of Canadian immigration as British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) nominates 437 eligible candidates under its Skills category and Express Entry-linked category. 

August 7 BC PNP draws extended provincial nominations to skilled workers, international student graduates and candidates with their Expression of Interest (EOIs) registered in the federal Express Entry pool. Such candidates were required to qualify a minimum provincial score that ranged from 76 and 98. 

pnp finder

BC PNP Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS)

British Columbia follows its unique scoring system to select desirable candidates to fulfil the labour demand of the province. SIRS is a dedicated system designed for registrations under BC PNP. It assesses and scores candidates out of a total 200 points. The points are allocated on the basis of Economic factors including job offer and Human factors such as language proficiency, work experience and education. 

Candidates with prior job offer in British Columbia & proficiency in English or French are awarded the maximum points. In addition, interested Express Entry candidates can meet minimum provincial eligibility criteria in order to be considered for a provincial nomination from BC PNP in one of the following streams: 

 

 

But first, such candidates will have to qualify for one of the three federal economic immigration programs to enter the Express Entry pool- the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). 

An inherent advantage for Express Entry nominees is that an additional of 600 points get added to their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. It will guarantee a permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draws. 

 

 

The category-wise breakdown of required qualifying score for August 7 BC PNP draws: 

 

BC PNP Category Immigration streams Qualifying Provincial score
Express Entry B.C.  Skilled Worker  97
International Graduate 98
Skills Immigration  Skilled Worker  97
International Graduate 98
Entry-level and Semi-skilled 76

Catch our President Ms Veronica Moye in a live interaction session discussing the future of Canadian Immigration and your prospects of obtaining a permanent residence in Canada. You can also talk to our consultants for more such updates.

Express Entry draw

Exclusive Canada Express Entry draws held for Federal Skilled Trades Program

In a rare occasion, the Immigration, Refugees and the Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a nomination draw for candidates who qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The previous draw was held last year in October. 

In the second Express Entry draws in two days, a total of 250 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in Canada were issued to eligible FSTP candidates registered in the Express Entry pool. Yesterday’s all-program Express Entry had an exuberate draw size and covered more categories of skilled workers abroad. 

Any candidate registered in the Express Entry pool is assessed and ranked against one another using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It scores registered candidates on a total of 1200 points that is based on factors such as age, education, work experience and language proficiency. August 6 draw required the FSTP candidates to have a CRS cut-off score of at least 415 in order to be considered for an ITA. 

pnp finder

Express Entry system and the Federal Skilled Trades Program 

Since its introduction in 2015, the Express Entry system has remained the number one immigration pathway for economic-class immigrants to obtain permanent residence in Canada. It is a federally-managed system for a pool of candidates under three programs- the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skills Trade Program, and the Canada Experience Class. Apart from these, every Canadian province has at least one dedicated stream under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) which is linked to Express Entry pool. 

The FSTP is an exclusive pathway for permanent residence that caters to skilled workers in specific skilled trade. Such candidates would require at least two years of work experience in one of the following trades and occupations:

  • maintenance, equipment operation;
  • industrial, electrical and construction;
  • Control operators in processing, manufacturing, utilities;
  • technical and supervisor jobs in primary sectors like agriculture, mining etc.;
  • chefs; butchers or bakers.

 

Thanks to FSTP, interested candidates even with low CRS can now obtain permanent residence in Canada. Fill-up this free assessment to know your chances. 

 

Canada Express Entry draws in 2020

A total of 18 program-specific Express Entry draws were conducted in 2020 in addition to 7 all-program draws. Candidates with provincial nominations are separately selected through PNP-specific draws whereas those with prior work experience in Canada are eligible to receive ITAs in the CEC-specific draws. 

 

August 6 is only the 7th FSTP draw since 2015. 

 

Draw Number Date Number of ITAs issues Minimum CRS
159 August 6 250 415 (FSTP- specific)
158 August 5 3900 476
157 July 24 3343 445 (CEC-specific)
156 July 22 557 687 (PNP-specific)
155 July 8 3900 478
154 June 25 3508 431 (CEC-specific)
153 June 24 392 696 (PNP-specific)
152 June 11 3551 437 (CEC-specific)
151 June 10 341 743 (PNP-specific)
150 May 28 3515 440 (CEC-specific)
149 May 27 385 757 (PNP-specific)
148 May 15 3371 447 (CEC-specific)
147 May 13 529 718 (PNP-specific)
146 May 1 3311 452 (CEC-specific)
145 April 29 589 692 (PNP-specific)
144 April 16 3782 455 (CEC-specific)
143 April 15 118 808 (PNP-specific)
142 April 9 3294 464 (CEC-specific)
141 April 9 606 698 (PNP-specific)
140 March 23 3232 467 (CEC-specific)
139 March 18 668 720 (PNP-specific)
138 March 4 3900 471
137 February 19 4500 470
136 February 5 3500 472
135 January 22 3400 471
134 January 8 3400 473

 

 

Prior to the current travel restrictions, IRCC regularly conducted fortnightly Express Entry. It was modified to program-specific draws to meet the demands imposed due to travel restrictions. Irrespective of all-program draws resuming from July 8, Canada has already issued 61,850 ITAs in 2020. It is the most invitations issued on this day compared to every other year. 

Going forward, CanApprove advises all the aspiring permanent residents to continue planning their immigration as the prospects of settling in Canada is bright in the near future. Talk to our consultants to know your eligibility and various other options such as Business Investors or Entrepreneurs program in Canada. 

Express Entry Draw

Canada conducts all-program Express Entry draw targeting Skilled Workers Overseas

August 5 draw issued a staggering 3,900 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in Canada. All the selected candidates were required to have a qualifying Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476 and above. The cut-off CRS score is two points lesser than the minimum CRS score of 478 in July 8 draw. 

Ever since Canada imposed travel restrictions in the view of COVID-19 pandemic, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) modified the conduct of regular Express Entry draws between March 18 and July 8. Canada now focussed on nominating candidates for permanent residency only under two specific programs- the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), simply because most of these candidates were present in Canada. July 8 marked the resumption of all-program Express Entry draws and about a month later, IRCC held its second all-program Express Entry draws. 

pnp finder

The second all-program Express Entry draw since March 18 and 158th Express Entry draw overall considered applications from a pool of candidates who could qualify under any one of the federal programs – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skills Trade Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This is of the indication that Canada is preferring to welcome more economic-class immigrants outside the country to apply for Canada PR. 

You can fill in this free assessment to know your eligibility for Canada immigration. 

Record-breaking ITAs in 2020 despite the travel restrictions

In its vision document, Canada envisages welcoming over 1 million permanent residents by 2022. The target for the year 2020 was set to a healthy 85,800 ITAs through Express Entry. Despite the current travel restrictions, IRCC is on its path to recovery with the present tally of 61,600 ITAs. 

Candidates registered in the Express Entry pool are assessed and ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). It is majorly dependent on human capital factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in English or French. 

Also, a candidate need not have a job offer to register their profile in the pool, however, those having one can fetch additional points under CRS.  

Eventually, some candidates end up having the same CRS score. Hence, a Tie-break rule is applied to resolve it. IRCC uses timestamp recording Jully 27, at 01:02:47 UTC. It means only who had registered their profile in the Express Entry pool before the selected date and time and having CRS score above 476 were eligible to receive an ITA. 

 

Draw Number Date Number of ITAs issues Minimum CRS
158 August 5 3900 476
155 July 8 3900 478
138 March 4 3900 471
137 February 19 4500 470
136 February 5 3500 472
135 January 22 3400 471
134 January 8 3400 473

 

Program-specific Express Entry draws in 2020

A total of 17 program-specific Express Entry draws were conducted in 2020. Candidates were selected from an Express Entry pool to be considered for programs such as Provincial Nominee Programs or Canadian Experience Class. Candidates to qualify for the CEC-specific draw must have at least one year of full-time work experience in Canada. Based on current provincial nominations, eligible candidates are issued ITAs under PNP-specific draws. 

 

 

Draw Number Date Number of ITAs issues Minimum CRS
156 July 22 557 687 (PNP-specific)
154 June 25 3508 431 (CEC-specific)
153 June 24 392 696 (PNP-specific)
152 June 11 3551 437 (CEC-specific)
151 June 10 341 743 (PNP-specific)
150 May 28 3515 440 (CEC-specific)
149 May 27 385 757 (PNP-specific)
148 May 15 3371 447 (CEC-specific)
147 May 13 529 718 (PNP-specific)
146 May 1 3311 452 (CEC-specific)
145 April 29 589 692 (PNP-specific)
144 April 16 3782 455 (CEC-specific)
143 April 15 118 808 (PNP-specific)
142 April 9 3294 464 (CEC-specific)
141 April 9 606 698 (PNP-specific)
140 March 23 3232 467 (CEC-specific)
139 March 18 668 720 (PNP-specific)

 

Canada has the most versatile and flexible immigration policies compare to other developed, western countries. If you are looking for better career opportunities, or want to study abroad, or become a successful entrepreneur, Canada is your perfect destination! Get in touch with our consultants to plan a detailed prospect for your Immigration to Canada. 

July‌ ‌31‌ ‌Manitoba‌ ‌PNP‌ ‌draw‌ ‌nominates‌ ‌199‌ ‌Skilled‌ ‌ candidates‌

July‌ ‌31‌ ‌Manitoba‌ ‌PNP‌ ‌draw‌ ‌nominates‌ ‌199‌ ‌Skilled‌ ‌ candidates‌

In its 95th Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, the Canadian province of Manitoba issued a total of 199 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under three provincial streams in addition to federally-managed Express Entry stream. 

LAAs are simply an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination that effectively guarantees permanent residence in Canada. The category-wise break-up of 199 LAAs are: 

With the latest draw held July 31, Manitoba is on its path to meet its annual target. Nearly 2,833 invitations have been issued in 2020 so far. 

Fill our free assessment form and get to know your eligibility and qualifications required for various Canada PNP. 

pnp finder

Apply for Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

In order to receive an LAA under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas categories, interested candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the MPNP. An LAA will allow them to apply for provincial nomination. Canada permanent residency is just a step away. 

Manitoba EOI system assesses and scores registered candidates out of 1,000 points which are based on human capital characteristics such as their proficiency in English or French, education, relevant work experience, Manitoba connections including familial ties, study or work in Manitoba etc., among other factors.

July 31 PNP draws required successful candidates to obtain a minimum cut-off score of 475 points under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream whereas a minimum qualifying score under the Skilled Workers Overseas candidates was 764 points.  

One of the best options to get provincial nominations for Canada PR is applying through the Skilled Workers Overseas Category and Skilled Workers in Manitoba categories. Such categories cater the skilled workers already present in Manitoba or outside the country and looking to obtain Canada PR. 

Overseas candidates wanting to get a provincial nomination from Manitoba are required to demonstrate their connection to the province. Usually, familial ties, previous experience of work or study in the province, etc. A job offer in Manitoba is required before applying under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba category. Otherwise too, recent International students who graduated from any institution in Manitoba may receive an LAA. 

Express Entry is the most popular pathway for Canada PR and it is federally managed by Immigration, Refugees, and the Citizenship Canada (IRCC) since 2015. In addition, every Canada PNP has dedicated stream linked to Express Entry pool. It simplifies the nomination of eligible candidates based on a specific their EOI. 

To qualify for Express Entry selection, a candidates’ profile is assessed and ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which is out of 1200 points and depends on humans capital factors. These may be candidates’ age, education, work experience and language proficiency.

15 Express Entry candidates received LAAs from MPNP in the latest draws. It also means an additional 600 points will be added up to their overall CRS score. This shall effectively guarantee an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence in Canada in the subsequent Express Entry draws. 

Canada immigration is a short and certain process. It would merely take anywhere between six-nine months to qualify for Canada PR under Express Entry or other similar pathways. Get in touch with our consultants to begin planning and suggest suitable programs to migrate to Canada. 

Canada Advantage

Canada’s Immigration Policies Fare Better Among Developed Countries

Industry 4.0 is the future of work. More and more professionals with Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Information Technology (IT) will be in demand. Those with enough work experience in these fields will look for better work opportunities and what better place to migrate than Canada. 

Canada is offering dedicated permanent residency pathways to attract and retain the best international AI talent. Anyone with work experience in artificial intelligence and information technology can easily apply for permanent residency in Canada. A recent study by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology conducted a country-wise comparison of immigration policies including Canada, the United States of America, Australia, the United Kingdom and France, along with its impact on the competitiveness of the Tech sector jobs in such countries.  

Surprisingly not, Canada yet again proves to be the most versatile and flexible in attracting foreign skilled workers and international students. It is best suited to attract more and more talent specialised in the field of artificial intelligence.  

  pnp finder

The Canada Advantage

More than anything else, Canada boasts of having 100+ immigration programs and streams for economic-class migrants including skilled workers, business entrepreneurs, international students for permanent residency. 

There are obvious advantages for Tech sector jobs as Canadian policies do not limit the length of stay of temporary foreign workers, unlike all other developed countries. Even the processing time for work permits may take several months, whereas, in Canada, the process is time-bound to two-eight weeks. Unlike the annual lottery system, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues work permits throughout the year. 

Following a two-step immigration process, these workers can apply for permanent residency in Canada right away. The average time in other countries is about three-five years. 

Perhaps the biggest reason why Canada immigration is so popular is that Canada is the only country to allow foreign workers with enough work experience among other human capital factors to apply for permanent residence right away. 

Take this free assessment to know your eligibility for Canada immigration. 

 

Permanent Residency options in Canada 

Canada Express Entry is the most popular immigration pathway for foreign skilled workers. It offers permanent residence to candidates registered under the system. IRCC nominates eligible candidates suiting the qualifying criteria for federal programs like the Federal Skilled Workers Program, the Federal Skills Trade Program and the Canadian Experience Class. In addition to it, several Provincial Nominee Programs have a dedicated stream linked to Express Entry pool of candidates. In our experience, the entire process takes anywhere between six to nine months. 

 

 

Canadian provinces like Ontario, British Columbia have dedicated streams for Tech sector jobs offering permanent residency. In fact, the latest Tech draw by Ontario extended provincial nominations to nearly 1,288 candidates having work experience in one of the six in-demand occupations. Similarly, British Columbia welcomes Tech candidates specializing in one of 29 occupations. 

Canada is home to specialised companies in AI and operating across the country from Montreal to Vancouver. Almost all the major Canadian universities/colleges offer specialised study programs in AI and related fields. Get in touch with our immigration and education consultants to know more about your options and chances of getting a permanent residence in Canada. 

Canada Immigration

Top developments in Canadian immigration between 24 July- 31 July

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. 

pnp finder

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.  

Ontario Tech Draw

Latest PNP draw from Ontario invites 1,288 Techies

First-half 2020 ended on a positive note for Canada immigration as Ontario held its third Tech Draw this year. 

July 29 draw remains to be the largest draw of 2020 under the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP). Upto 1,288 candidates under six different Tech occupations were issued invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nominations. 

As the Expression of Interest (EOI) for 1,288 candidates converted into the Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario, they are now left with 45 calendar days to complete the formalities for the provincial nominations. Canada permanent residency is now almost certain fr such candidates.  

pnp finder

Ontario Tech draw is covered under the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream. Candidates are required to be assessed and scored on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-scoring candidates above the qualifying cut-off scores are issued ITAs for provincial nominations. 

July 29 OINP draw set the qualifying cut-off score between 463 and 477 CRS points. 

Qualify for Ontario Tech Draw

Ontario Tech Draw selects desirable candidates who are registered under the federal Express Entry pool for provincial nominations. 

Canada Express Entry has become the most popular and preferred pathway for permanent residency in Canada. It manages three federal economic-class immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). 

Only the candidates qualifying for the FSWP and CEC are recognised by Ontario’s Human Capital Priority stream for nominations. Ontario Tech Draws which falls under it followed the suit. Interested candidates need not have a job offer while applying but must have work experience in one of the following Tech-based occupations: 

In-demand occupations – Ontario Tech Draws
NOC 0213 Computer and information systems managers
NOC 2147  Computer engineers
NOC 2172 Database analysts and data administrators
NOC 2173 Software engineers and designers
NOC 2174 Computer programmer and interactive media developers
NOC 2175 Web designers and developers

Each profile that is registered in the Express Entry pool is assessed and ranked against each other according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It is based on candidates’ age, work experience, education qualifications and proficiency in English or French. Additionally, the adaptability skills of a spouse or a job offer in Canada can fetch additional points. 

Talk to our immigration consultants to improve your CRS score or know more about other immigration streams under Canada federal & provincial programs. 

Saskatchewan PNP

Saskatchewan PNP is back with 502 provincial nominations

July 29 was the largest nomination draw held by Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) since the travel restrictions to slow the spread of pandemic imposed in March. 

Saskatchewan brought cheers to 502 eligible candidates issuing them with a provincial nomination under its Express Entry & Occupation In-Demand. Such candidates can now easily obtain permanent residence in Canada. 

The Expression Of Interest (EOI) followed by the SINP assesses and scores the interested candidates out of 100 points on five factors. These factors tests skills in work experience, educational qualifications, language proficiency, age as well as connection with the province in terms of work experience, study experience in any Saskatchewan institutions or familial ties in the province. 

pnp finder

As a result, candidates with scores above the qualifying cut-off score decided in each PNP draw are then issued an invitation to apply (ITA) for a provincial nomination from Saskatchewan. 

July 29 draw had a minimum required score of 70 points for both the sub-categories under the province’s International Skilled Worker category. The subcategory-wise breakup are as follows:

  • Express Entry sub-category: 254 nominations
  • Occupation In-Demand sub-category: 248 nominations

Take this free assessment to know your eligibility for qualify for various Canada PNPs. 

Qualify under SINP International Skilled Worker Category

SINP International Skilled Worker category is popular among foreign immigrants looking to obtain permanent residency in Canada. It includes Express Entry and Occupation In-demand sub-categories. 

The latest invitation round issued 254 ITAs to candidates who had already registered their profiles in the federal Express Entry pool. 

 

The federal Express Entry system is the most popular pathway for Canada PR and administers three economic-class immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In addition to it, interested candidates can fill-in EOIs for various provinces for provincial nominations, in this case, it is EOI from Saskatchewan. A provincial nomination is valuable under Express Entry system as it adds upto 600 additional points to their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It will effectively guarantee them a permanent residency in Canada in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw.

The latest SINP invitation draw also issued 248 ITAs to candidates who do not have their profiles registered in the federal Express Entry pool yet want to be considered for permanent residence in Canada. They are Occupation In-Demand sub-category. There are about 43 occupations including IT professionals, Business Managers, Engineers. 

Visit Saskatchewan’s official website here to view the complete list. Alternatively, talk to our immigration consultants for complete guidance on your Canadian immigration process. 

Canada Immigration Pathways Explained

Two-step immigration for Permanent Residency in Canada!

Canada is one of the few developed countries in the world to have a consistent and liberal immigration policy. It has successfully supported the dreams of thousands of skilled migrants and their families to work and settle in Canada permanently.   

The latest study by Statistics Canada found more immigrants with Canadian work and study experience gain permanent residence easily. However, this is not to suggest that interested applicants without any experience in Canada cannot obtain the status of a permanent resident.   

pnp finder

A two-step immigration process can be understood as arriving in Canada as a student or a skilled worker, and later becoming a permanent resident. This is possible under programs like Canadian Experience Class (CEC), various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). If stats were to be believed, nearly 46% of temporary foreign workers obtained permanent residence with the help of PNPs. The same stood at 20% for candidates under the CEC. In recent times, Canada has also modified the conduct of Express Entry draws to suit the needs of temporary skilled workers in Canada or workers outside Canada with suitable Canadian experience. 

Canada focuses on welcoming international students 

Canada is a busy destination welcoming nearly 640,000 students and supporting some 170,000 jobs every year. Although the current pandemic has slowed down the staggering intake numbers, Canada has innovated its study abroad prospects with the introduction of new measures to fast-track study permits in Canada. 

For instance, students can now get pre-approval for their study permits so that they can begin their Canadian programs online even without travelling to the country. Also, the total time that students spend online on the study will be counted towards their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. The PGWP is an important eligibility factor to consider while applying for Canadian permanent residency.

Permanent Residency without Canadian work or study experience

Those lacking Canadian work experience or study experience in Canada need not worry as there are other popular options available for them to obtain permanent residence in Canada. The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Federal Skills Trades Program (FSTP), other Express Entry linked Provincial Nomination Programs and various Provincial Business Investors/Entrepreneur streams offer a chance to apply for permanent residency. 

All you need to do is fill-up this free assessment form to know your eligibility or talk to one of our immigration experts to build-up a good profile for successful immigration to Canada.

Australia SkillSelect round-

Latest Update on Australia SkillSelect Round for Subclass 189/491 visas

Australia ended the 2019-20 program year on a high with the release of SkillSelect invitation results for the months of May & June. Two different Expression of Interest (EOI) draws held 25 March & 11 June invited a total of 850 candidates under Subclass 189 & 491 visa types. 

A Subclass 189 is a points-based permanent visa option for independent skilled workers. It is most popular among candidates without a job offer who is looking to settle in Australia for better work opportunities and lifestyle. Newly added Subclass 491 provincial visa type allows eligible skilled workers and their family to settle in the regional areas of Australia. It will later guarantee them a permanent residence in Australia.  

Since its inception in 2012, Australia SkillSelect rounds invited eligible candidates with the highest-ranking EOI based on a points system. But in the wake of fighting the present pandemic, Home Affairs were forced to switch to “targeted invitation rounds” in May & June 2020. The department also issued an explanation for the need to conduct “targeted rounds” so as to ensure the migration and visa settings remain consistent with public health measures and also not displace job opportunities for Australians. 

Australia immigration

Preference is given to Medical & Scientific occupations

With the current pandemic in focus, SkillSelect invitation rounds are increasingly focussed on immediate skill requirements. As a result, nearly 96% of total 850 invitations went to Medical occupations including Registered Nurses, General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers, Other Medical Practitioners, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Psychologists. Some core scientific occupations including Medical Laboratory Scientists, Chemists, Life Scientists, also received invitations. The rest of the invitations were shared by occupation group of 2339 Other Engineering Professionals which included Aeronautical, Agricultural, Biomedical, Environmental Engineers. 

All the invitations required the candidates to have a qualifying cut-off score of 85 points for Subclass 189 visa type and 70 points for Subclass 489 visa option.  

Skilled business people or investors looking to settle in Australia can also receive an invitation to apply for a nomination from the SkillSelect system.  Business Innovation and Investment Visa options allow the Australian provinces to nominate such candidates based on their EOI. You could be eligible too. Fill-up this free assessment to know more. 

The details like Occupation ceilings for the new SkillSelect 2020-21 program year is yet to be released. The ongoing pandemic situation has also made the Immigration invitation rounds unpredictable and focused on immediate skill requirements. Until the borders of Australia are open for immigration, CanApprove advises future offshore immigrants to show patience, meanwhile, work on their skill assessment and language proficiency to score better on their SkillSelect EOI. 

To know more about Australia Immigration and your options for immigration, talk to our expert consultants today! 

Canada Immigration

Choose to migrate to Canada from 100+ economic immigration pathways

Nearly 200,000 economic immigrants are expected to be welcomed by Canada in 2020 alone. Aspiring immigrants from all over the world have more than 100 immigration streams to upturn their fortunes in Canada. As usual, the most popular Express Entry programs will remain as Canada’s flagship pathway for immigration alongside the improving Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). 

Both the federal and provincial governments are making great strides over the decades with the introduction of many economic immigration pathways to boost the immigration levels and meet the sustain its economy. In our analysis, we found about 104 economic pathways in Canada for your easy immigration. 

Take this free assessment to know your eligibility and requirements for immigration to Canada. 

pnp finder

Qualify for Express Entry

Since 2015, Express Entry system has been managing three immigration programs- the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Federal Skills Trade Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Interested candidates are required to register themselves and are ranked against each other using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). 

A CRS is based on core human capital factors like age, educational qualifications, work experience, proficiency in English or French. Additionally, the spouse adaptability factor, job offer, provincial nominations add additional points to overall CRS. 

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly conduct nomination draws to issue invitations to apply for permanent residence in Canada to eligible candidates above the required CRS cut-off score. The latest all-program Express Entry was held July 8 inviting over 3900 candidates with qualifying CRS score of 478. 

Provincial Nominee Programs are targeting high 

Over the three successful decades in inviting foreign skilled workers, PNPs have become the second most important avenue for them to obtain permanent residence in Canada. 

The unique arrangement between federal, provincial and territorial governments have allowed a certain degree of autonomy for provincial and territorial governments in selecting desirable candidates suiting to their unique labour demands. Almost every PNP has one dedicated stream linked to the Express Entry system. It allows the province to nominate candidates registered under Express Entry to apply for provincial nomination. A provincial nomination will add upto 600 points to their overall CRS score, thereby guaranteeing permanent residence in Canada. 

Most recent PNP draws from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec has issued more than 2,500 invitations to workers with varying skills and professional experience to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

Migrate as Investor/Entrepreneur

Canada is also looked upon as an ideal place for entrepreneurs/investors to migrate and establish their own business. Through a range of federal programs like Canada Start-up Visa, Canada Investors Visas and provinces like British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec boasting of a dedicated immigration stream, investors/entrepreneurs can plan to settle permanently in Canada. 

IRCC focus on issuing permanent residence to economic immigrants as well as family members sponsored under the family reunification programs. With every 6 in 10 migrants in Canada belonging to economic class, skilled talents from around the globe are certain to find better work opportunities, ease of doing business and enjoy a high living standard in Canada. 

Contact CanApprove to help you identify your suitable immigration stream.

Canada Immigration between 17 July- 24 July

How did Canada Immigration fare between 17 July- 24 July?

Another week passed by and Canadian immigration looks upright in its recovery from the backlash brought upon it due to the present travel restrictions. Here are some important highlights from the previous week that future permanent residents of Canada might be interested to read. 

Back-to-back Express Entry draws

After successfully resuming all-program Express Entry draws with a gap of nearly four months, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued onto its program-specific nominations as scheduled. Nearly 557 candidates having provincial nominations from any Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) were issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in the draws held July 22. It was duly followed by another draw held July 23 inviting over 3300 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

pnp finder

Having a provincial nomination beforehand ensures upto 600 additional points on the overall Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). July 22 required eligible candidates to have a score of 687, thereby requiring only 87 points on their CRS. A CRS is mainly based on human capital factors like age, education, work experience, proficiency in English or French among other factors. July 23 has a minimum CRS cut-off requirement of 445 points. 

Candidates from the Federal Skills Workers Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skills Trade Program (FSTP) remained outside the purview of these draws. They were recently invited to apply for permanent residence in the draws held July 8. 

The overall tally of the number of ITAs issued in 2020 by Express Entry draws reached 57,700. 

Provincial Nominee Program draws

The Canadian province of British Columbia (B.C.) issued held yet another draw this week. July 21 draws were held under B.C. Tech Pilot program. Nearly 62 foreign tech workers and international students received invitations to apply for provincial nominations. A provincial nomination is a step closer in obtaining a permanent residence in Canada. 

Candidates in Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories of the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration streams were selected and also required to qualify the minimum provincial score of 80 points. Provincial score is based on SIRS system followed by British Columbia. It scores registered candidates based on economic factors (max. 120 points) and human capital factors (max. 80 points). 

Another Canadian province of Manitoba remained active by inviting 174 candidates to apply for provincial nominations. The province considered both Student Graduates and Skilled Workers in Manitoba and abroad in this draw held July 16. The minimum qualifying points based on the Manitoba EOI system were 811 points for candidates outside Canada and 430 points for candidates in Manitoba. 

The overall tally of ITAs to apply for provincial nominations issued by British Columbia and Manitoba in 2020 amounts to over 4000. 

Fill-up this free assessment form to know your eligibility for qualifying under various immigration programs in Canada. 

Canada’s dependence on immigration will only continue further

Recent reports and studies claim that Canada’s population growth would need to depend entirely on Immigration for strong economy. The evidence of the same is seen in the report from Statistics Canada which mentioned nearly 82% of population growth in 2019 came from the arrival of immigrants. Otherwise too, Canada’s openness to immigration continued even in the times of pandemic. IRCC is continuing to accept and process applications for permanent residence, study permits etc. 

In a parallel development, the recovery hit a new high as Canada created almost 1 million jobs in the month of May & June 2020. The labour demand that drastically fell due to the imposed lockdown in the month of March, saw a staggering rise of upto 40% in the last two months. 

The benefits of becoming a permanent resident of Canada are many – better work opportunities for you and your spouse, bigger business opportunity for entrepreneurs/investors, affordable study options for your children, a high living standard for your family; just to name a few. Contact CanApprove to start planning for your immigration to Canada.

Enquire Now Call Now
Rotated whatsapp logo WHATSAPP