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The latest Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest draw held on July 18^th invited 135 immigration candidates to apply for provincial nomination. The invited candidates belonged to Express Entry, Labour Impact and Business Impact categories of Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). However, PEI PNP did not provide a minimum score for Express Entry and Labour Impact candidates in the July 18 draw.

The Express Entry category of PEI PNP, which is linked to the federal Express Entry system, allows the province to nominate candidates of Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience for permanent residence in Canada. The Express Entry candidates nominated by Prince Edward Island would receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System score points. It effectively guarantees them an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

The Labour Impact category of PEI PNP, which is not aligned with the Express Entry system, requires the candidates to be either residing in Prince Edward Island at the time of application or have a full-time, long-term job offer from a PEI employer. The category has three streams–Skilled Workers (in PEI and outside Canada), International Graduates and Critical Workers.

PEI Expression of Interest:

As the first step for obtaining provincial nomination from PEI through the Express Entry category and Labour Impact category, a candidate must submit an Expression of Interest to the PEI PNP. The Expression of Interest profiles of those candidates who meet the eligibility criteria of the province will be entered into a pool of eligible candidates. Then each profile is ranked on the basis of the score determined by the unique points grid for each category. The highest ranking candidates are invited to apply for provincial nomination.

Canada PNP offers many options for eligible candidates to make Canada their permanent home. Get in touch with us to explore your options for Canada migration.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) invited 180 candidates to apply for provincial nomination in the latest Alberta Express Entry stream draw held on July 5th. Candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score as low as 425 were invited in the draw.

Alberta Express Entry stream:

Alberta Express Entry stream allows Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) to look for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria of the province in the federal Express Entry pool. The candidates who are selected by AINP and who successfully obtain provincial nomination from Alberta would receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points. With a higher CRS score, the invited candidates are guaranteed an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the federal Express Entry draw that follows.

To be eligible under the Express Entry stream of Alberta, the candidate does not need a job offer or previous work experience in the province. But the candidates must demonstrate strong ties to the province and work experience in an occupation that supports the economic development and diversification priorities of the province. However, Alberta does not have an in-demand occupations list.

In the Alberta Express Entry stream draw, candidates with the following advantages are given preference:

• A job offer and/or work experience in Alberta
• A degree from a Canadian post-secondary institution
• A valid job offer from an Alberta employer

AINP has conducted 17 Express Entry stream draws so far this year in which a total of 3996 candidates have been invited to apply for provincial nomination. The highest minimum CRS cut-off score in all these draws was 425. But this year, Alberta has invited candidates with CRS score as low as 300 to apply for nomination from the province. In three AINP Express Entry stream draws, the minimum CRS score was 301 while in another one, the minimum CRS score required was 302.

Canada PNP offers various options for Express Entry candidates, especially those with CRS low CRS scores. We can help you choose the best Canada PNP stream for you that would make the migration process faster and easier. Contact us for more information

The first ever Ontario Tech Draw held on July 12, 2019, is also the largest Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held so far. The draw held through the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream of OINP issued invitations to apply for provincial nomination to 1623 tech workers in the Express Entry pool.

It was in the start of the current month, Ontario announced the introduction of tech-specific draws for international workers. To be eligible the tech workers must have an active Express Entry profile and work experience in one of the six designated NOC codes. The first Ontario Tech Draw has given a chance for 1623 Express Entry candidates and their families to migrate to Canada.

The candidates invited in the July 12 draw had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging between 439 and 459. Almost all Express Entry draws held recently had the CRS cut-off score hovering around 450. So a minimum CRS score requirement of 439 as in the July 12 Ontario Tech Draw offers the improved possibility for Express Entry candidates to obtain permanent residence in Canada.

The candidates who have received invitations from Ontario in the July 12 tech-specific draw can submit the complete application for provincial nomination. Those who successfully apply and obtain provincial nomination will receive an additional 600 CRS score points. It would guarantee them an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

Eligibility criteria :

To be eligible, the candidates must have an active Express Entry profile and meet the eligibility criteria for the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream of OINP. They must also have work experience in one of the six targeted occupations. The occupations are:

Are you a skilled tech worker with relevant work experience? If yes, Canada is the right place for you to thrive in your career and life. Explore your options to migrate to Canada with our free eligibility assessment. 

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited a total of 1623 Express Entry candidates in the first Ontario Tech Draw held on July 12. The selected candidates had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores ranging between 439 and 459. The draw further focused on candidates who had submitted their Express Entry profiles between July 12, 2018, and July 12, 2019.

Ontario Tech Draw:

Ontario announced the launching of the new Tech Draw in the beginning of this month. OINP is introducing Ontario Tech Draw with an aim to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the technology sector of the province. Ontario is where some of the major tech hubs of Canada, namely Toronto, Ottawa and Waterloo, are located.

Express Entry candidates are invited to apply for provincial nomination in the Ontario Tech Draw through the Human Capital Priorities Stream. In order to be selected, the candidates need to meet certain eligibility criteria.

Ontario Tech Draw is held through the Human Capital Priorities Stream of OINP. Candidates are selected from the Express Entry pool on the basis of a number of eligibility factors. Though a job offer is not mandatory, the candidate needs to have at least one year of continuous paid full-time work experience or equivalent paid part-time work experience in one of the following six targeted occupations:

• Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)
• Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
• Computer engineers (NOC 2147)
• Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
• Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)
• Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)

In order to be considered for invitation in the Ontario Tech draw, the candidate must first create an Express Entry profile. If invited, the candidate can submit the complete application for provincial nomination from Ontario. Those who receive nomination will also obtain an additional 600 CRS score points, which would ensure an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

In the federal Express Entry draws that were held recently, the CRS cut-off score ranged between 438 and 470. Compared to that, a minimum CRS score requirement of 439 in the first Ontario Tech Draw gives more scope for those Express Entry candidates with lower CRS scores.

Canada is looking for tech workers with skills, qualifications and experience. If you wish to migrate to Canada, check your eligibility with our free eligibility test.

The highest number of invitations to apply for permanent residence was issued to Federal Skilled Workers in the year 2018, says the 2018 year-end report of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Express Entry.  The total number of Express Entry draws held in the year 2018 was 27 and a total of 89,800 ITAs (invitations to apply) were issued. 53 per cent of these ITAs went to Federal Skilled Workers (FSW). While the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) received 34 per cent of invitations, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applicants received 12 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively.

In 2018, Federal Skilled Workers received a total of 47,523 Express Entry ITAs, the highest since the launch of Express Entry system in 2015. In the year of Express Entry launch, the number invitations issued to Federal Skilled Workers was a mere 13,214. Since then, there has been a steady increase in the number of invitations received by Federal Skilled Workers.

Federal Skilled Workers :

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is one of the three economic immigration programs of Canada managed under the Express Entry. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Class are the other two. For a candidate to be able to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the FSW program, he/she must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include work experience, level of education, age and language proficiency. The eligibility is assessed on the basis of a unique points grid and the candidate must score at least 67 points under the 100-point grid of the program to be eligible.

Minimum eligibility requirements for Federal Skilled Workers :

• At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience acquired in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A or B.
• Language proficiency level equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English/French in all the four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)
• Canadian educational credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) /foreign credential and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

The candidates who meet all the criteria can create an Express Entry profile for the Federal Skilled Worker program. Each of these profiles will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and the IRCC will invite the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence in the regularly conducted draws. Those who receive the invitation can submit the complete application for permanent residence within 60 days.

Express Entry offers a great option for foreign skilled workers to make Canada their permanent home. If you are interested in Canadian migration, take our free eligibility test to explore your options.

Ontario will hold targeted draws for Express Entry candidates with work experience in technology-related occupations through its Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream. Express Entry candidates with work experience in one of six targeted tech-related occupations will be selected to be invited to apply for provincial nomination.

Ontario immigration:

The province of Ontario has been the most popular destination for newcomers in Canada for years. Around 65% of the candidates, who were admitted to Canada through Express Entry in 2018, had mentioned Ontario as their preferred destination.

High demand for tech workers:

Canada’s booming tech sector has high demand for skilled technology workers. According to estimates, the tech sector of Canada would need up to 220,000 skilled workers by 2021. As other regions of Canada, Ontario is also facing a dearth of technology workers.

Ontario will select eligible tech workers from the federal Express Entry pool through its Human Capital Priorities Stream. The six targeted technology occupations are:

• Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)
• Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
• Computer engineers (NOC 2147)
• Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
• Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)
• Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)

Targeted occupations are decided on the basis of the current labour market needs of Ontario, after consulting with the employers and other stakeholders of the province. A job offer is not required for the candidates to be invited through Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream. Usually, HCP invites candidates with a CRS score not high enough to be invited through Express Entry draws. Once the candidates who receive a Notification of Interest from the OINP, they can submit the complete application for provincial nomination within 45 days.

Nomination allocation for Ontario:

Each year, the federal government allocates a certain number of nominations for all provincial nominee programs. In the past six years, the number of nominations allocated to Ontario had a steady increase, with the allocation for the current year being 6900. As Canada has set higher admission targets through PNPs for the next two years, it is expected that the allocations will also increase further.

Are you a tech worker who is looking for a brighter career and quality life in Canada?  This is the right time for you to make your dream come true. Make the first move by contacting us now!

The largest Express Entry draw since January this year, held on July 10^th, witnessed 3600 candidates receiving Invitations to Apply(ITAs) for permanent residence in Canada. Compared to the 10 consecutive draws held since January 30, 2019, the total number of ITAs issued increased by 250 in the latest draw. In each of these draws, the number of ITAs issued was 3350.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score also came down by two points to 460 in the July 10 Express Entry draw. In the previous draw held on June 26, the CRS cut-off score was 462. Since the Express Entry draw held on May 29, the CRS cut-off score has been witnessing a steady decrease from 470 in the past three consecutive draws.

As in the previous draws, tie-break rule was applied in the July 10 draw as well and the time stamp was June 11, 2019 at 12:27:18 UTC. It means the July 10 draw prioritized those candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles before the said date and time.

The July 10 Express Entry draw is the 14th draw of 2019 and 121st since the launching of Express Entry system for immigration by Canada in January 2015. With the latest draw, the number of ITAs issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through Express Entry has touched 45,400. Canada has set a higher immigration target for 2019 and 2020. So it is expected that the CRS cut-off score would come down further in the future draws too.

The candidates who have received invitations in the latest draw can submit the application for permanent residence in Canada within 60 days. IRCC aims to process Express Entry applications within six months or less in 80% of cases.

Minimum CRS requirements in the Express Entry draws held this year:

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Interested in Canada immigration through Express Entry? Contact us for more information and guidance.

In the latest Alberta Express Entry stream draw held on June 21, Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) issued 262 Notifications of Interest (NoIs) to candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 300. Those who successfully apply and receive provincial nomination from Alberta would obtain 600 additional CRS score points that would guarantee them an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

The minimum CRS score requirement of 300 points in the latest Alberta Express Entry stream draw is lower than the lowest CRS score drawn in the Express Entry draws held so far this year. The lowest CRS score of 332 was drawn in the program-specific Express Entry draw held on May 15 that targeted Federal Skilled Trades candidates. The lowest CRS score in all-program Express Entry draws so far this year is 438.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP):

AINP is one of the most popular provincial nominee programs of Canada as it gives an opportunity for even candidates with low CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. But in order to be eligible for Alberta provincial nomination, the candidate must be working in an occupation that supports “Alberta’s economic development and diversification priorities.”

A job offer is not required to be eligible to receive an NoI from AINP. However, AINP gives priority to those candidates who have a job offer from an Alberta employer or previous work experience in the province.

Other prioritizing factors include:

> A degree from a Canadian post-secondary institution and a valid job offer

> A parent, child or sibling already living in Alberta.

With the latest draw, the total number of invitations issued to Express Entry candidates by Alberta has touched 3816.

AINP selects candidates who meet the labour market requirements of the province from the federal Express Entry pool. Candidates are chosen on the basis of information provided in their Express Entry profile. The invited candidates are issued Notifications of Interest (NOI) to apply for provincial nomination.

In order to be selected, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• • Have an active Express Entry profile in the federal Express Entry pool
  • Have stated an interest to permanently settle in Alberta
  • Is working in an occupation that supports  the economic development and diversification of Alberta

• Have a minimum CRS score of 300.

Canada PNP is a great option for those who are less fortunate with Express Entry draws. This immigration pathway also gives vast opportunities for eligible candidates to migrate to the country. Contact us to know which immigration pathway is best for you!

Immigration emerged as the major driving force behind the population increase in Canada in the first quarter of the year 2019, during the period from the start of January till the end of March 2019. A total of 98,410 people moved to Canada in the first quarter of 2019 and by April 1, 2019, the total population of the country was estimated to be 37.4 million.

During this period, Canada immigration accounted for 83 per cent of the total population growth while the remaining 17 per cent was contributed by natural population growth. The difference between births and deaths during a particular period is called natural population growth. In the first quarter of the current year, the natural population growth rate was in record low in Canada. During this period, the country had only around 17000 more number of births than deaths.

The report by Statistics Canada also says that the downward trend in the share of natural increase in population is all likely to continue. As a result, Canada may be increasingly depending on international migration in the future to sustain population growth.

Usually, natural increase in population is lower in Canada in the first quarter of every year thanks to seasonal factors. But it should be noted that there have never been so many deaths recorded in a single quarter as in 2019.

Despite immigration contributing in a major way towards population growth in Canada during this period, the country received the lowest number of new permanent residents at 65959, compared to the first quarter of any year since 2015. On the contrary, Canada witnessed the largest increase in the number of non-permanent residents admitted to the country since 1989. An increase of 31,547 in the number of non-permanent residents admitted to the country in the first quarter of 2019 was the major driver of population growth, revealed the Statistics Canada report.

In the first quarter of 2019, all Canadian provinces except Newfoundland & Labrador witnessed a growth in population. Ontario and Alberta recorded the largest population growth at a rate of 0.4 per cent. The average national growth rate was 0.3 per cent and the total population of Canada came to around 37,067,011.

In the context of declining natural population growth, Canada is increasingly depending on international immigration to sustain a healthy population growth. So if you wish to make Canada your permanent home, there is no better time than now to immigrate. Contact us to know your eligibility for Canada immigration.

Canada Express Entry system issued the highest number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to software engineers and designers in 2018, revealed the 2018 year-end report for Express Entry released by the IRCC. According to the report, the Express Entry candidates with occupations in information technology, and business and financial services received the highest number of ITAs in 2018.

Software engineers and designers received a total of 6126 invitations from Express Entry in 2018, which come to around seven percent of the total invitations issued. Compared to this, the number of invitations issued to software engineers and designers in 2017 was 4873.  In the same year, the highest number of invitations was issued to information systems analysts and consultants, and software engineers and designers had only second position.

Most common occupations among ITAs issued in 2018

Source: Express Entry Year-end Report 2018

Job offer not necessary for Express Entry invitation

As per the 2018 year-end report for the Express Entry, only 10% of the candidates who received Invitations to Apply for permanent residence had a job offer from a Canadian employer.

Job offer from a Canadian employer is not a pre-requirement to apply to Express Entry. However, the candidates who have a job offer can earn extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points. The candidate who has a regular job offer can claim additional 50 CRS points and those with a job offer for a managerial position can claim 200 additional points.

Obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer is a way for Express Entry candidates to improve their CRS score, as high CRS score means more chance to be invited to apply for permanent residence. The candidates can access the Canada job bank, which the Canadian employers use to find foreign skilled workers who can meet their requirements. This way, both the employers and the Express Entry candidates can match their respective requirements and skills.

But those who do not have a job offer need not worry as only around 10% of all the Express Entry candidates who received ITAs in 2018 had a job offer. The total number of candidates who received ITAs through Express Entry was 89800 in 2018. Among them, only 9308 had a job offer.

Most common job offers received among ITAs issued

Source: Express Entry Year-end Report 2018

Express Entry is one of the most popular and fastest Canada immigration pathways for eligible foreign skilled workers. Contact us to know if you are eligible for Canada migration through Express Entry.