Quebec likely to issue invites under Express of Interest system

The Immigration Minister of Quebec province in Canada, Simon Jolin-Barrette, for the first time indicated plans to issue invitations under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) recently.

“We heard and listened to the different needs in all regions of Quebec as well as those of the economic community. Immigration is one of the solutions to Quebec’s labour shortages and we will ensure that immigrants who choose to settle here will be able to participate fully in Quebec society.”, said Jolin-Barrette emphasising on addressing the problem of labour shortage in Quebec.

The minister further added that thousands of rejected applications to the QSWP following the introduction of new reforms to the immigration laws earlier this month shall be invited, and his ministry is giving priority to the 3,700 candidates who are already in Quebec.

The provincial government of Quebec shall further prioritize the following applicants for the first batch of invitations:

Candidates who had applied for a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) under QSWP;
Candidates at the time of submitting their Express of Interest (EOI) were temporary residents of Quebec as of June 16, 2019;
Should be holding a legitimate job offer from an employer-based out of Quebec.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program applicants who had undertaken EOI through Arrima portal only shall be considered for the invite. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 EOIs has been filed since the launch of Arrima.

Arrima that was launched last September is an online portal to receive EOI under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program. The online-based EOI system replaced the erstwhile first-come-first-serve approach to be considered for CSQ.

The aspiring candidates are awarded a score based on several factors like age, education, language proficiency, work experience after making an entry on the Arrima portal. Based on the score, the immigration ministry invites eligible candidates for CSQ. CSQ can later be used to apply for a permanent residence program under the federal immigration ministry.

Some measures to streamline the immigration process for the employers were also discussed as the Immigration minister provided information on a new feature to be inducted in Arrima portal next year.

The new feature will give employers direct access to potential candidates that are willing to immigrate to Quebec for economic reasons.

It is now the best time to look out for immigrating to Quebec. Contact us for expert and reliable advice on the same.

Migration behind Australia’s rapid population growth

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, in the recently released data series, has pointed out that the rapid population growth in the country was owing to Net Overseas Migration. The preliminary estimate shows an annual population growth rate of 1.6%.

The annual contribution to population growth by Net Overseas Migration was 61.4% as against natural increase in population that stood at 38.6%. A separate study conducted by an Australian demographer, Dr Bob Birrell, found that students from foreign countries were the top emerging group of migrants in the major cities of Australia.

Net Overseas Migration (NOM) is accounted for by calculating the difference between incoming and outgoing migrants. The number for the year 2018 stood at 248,400 people, which was higher than the preceding year 2017 with a total of 241,700 people.

The net difference between the birth rate and death rate gives the figures of Natural increase in population. As a consequence of development, the contribution of natural increase reversed whereas, in 1976-77, it had contributed 66.6% as against NOM contribution of 33.4% to Australia’s overall population growth.

Australian laws allow for easy conversion of student visas into permanent residence visas and this policy was actively pushed since 2000. As a result, overseas students now account for nearly 44% of NOM. Over the past decade, students from foreign countries with a legitimate higher education visa contributed heavily to the rapidly growing population of Australia.

Historically, the Australian states have varied population growth. The released data series shows a strong population growth rate in cities like Sydney, Perth, Melbourne whereas the growth rate in regional areas is mixed.

Australia has managed to successfully run a Migration Program since 1945 in order to boost its population growth. In recent times, the Migration Program has shifted its focus to attracting more skilled workers as well as students from foreign countries in order to give an impetus to its economy.

The data for the year 2017 shows that Asians have emerged as significant ethnic migrants of which skilled workers and students are the major groups. Australia is known to have people from over 190 different countries and 300 different ancestries.

Now is the best time for migrating to Australia! You can avail of expert assistance and guidance for Australian migration by contacting us immediately.

Minimum CRS Drops Again in The Latest Canada Express Entry Draw

In the latest express entry draw held on June 26th, the Government of Canada invited 3350 Express Entry candidates for the Canadian permanent residence programme.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score was reduced to 462 from 465 in the recently held express entry draw on June 26th.

CRS cut-off score that peaked at 470 on the May 29th draw has seen two consecutive reductions in the CRS cut-off score in the draws held on June 12th and June 26th respectively.

The main source of skilled foreign workers in Canada is attributed to its Express Entry System. Eligible candidates, with or without a job offer, are arranged into the Express Entry pool and then ranked based on the individual CRS scores.

CRS in Canada is dependent on age, education, skilled work experience and language proficiency. Consecutive lowering of CRS cut-off score sent positive soft signals to the skilled workers globally.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) applied the Tie-break rule in the June 26th draw with the time stamp May 11 2019, at 17:40:54 UTC.

It means that the eligible candidates with CRS scores above 462 and those who had submitted their Express Entry profiles before the said time stamp were shortlisted and invited for the Canadian permanent residence programme.

June 26th express entry draw was the 13th such draw this year and there is many more to come. It was also the 120th draw since Canada launched the Express Entry system in 2015.

With the latest draw, the total number of invitations has reached 41,800 this year alone. The analysts expect 2019 to be another great year in the history of the Express Entry system. It is also expected for the CRS cut-off score to come down further in the upcoming draws.

CRS cut-off in the Express Entry draws for the year 2019:

If you are interested in Canadian immigration through Express Entry, feel free to contact us for more information and guidance.

113 candidates invited in latest Prince Edward Island PNP draw

In the latest draw of Prince Edward Island, Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) held on June 20, a total of 113 candidates were invited to apply for provincial nomination. The invited candidates belonged to the Express Entry, Labour Impact and Business Impact immigration categories of PEI PNP. Prince Edward Island PNP draws are conducted every month, with an aim to invite suitable immigration candidates for meeting the labour market needs of the province.

In the June 20 draw, a major portion of the invitations was issued to candidates belonging to the Express Entry and Labour Impact categories of Prince Edward Island PNP. Candidates from these two categories received a total of 106 invitations. Now, these candidates can apply for provincial nomination from Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island PNP Expression of Interest (EoI):

The first step for the candidates to be considered for provincial nomination under the Express Entry and Labour Impact categories of Prince Edward Island PNP is to submit an Expression of Interest with the PEI PNP. Each EoI is assessed on the basis of certain eligibility factors and given a score out of 100. The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for provincial nominations in the draws that are conducted regularly.

Prince Edward Island PNP Express Entry:

The Express Entry stream of PEI PNP is linked to the federal Express Entry system. The candidates under this category, if receive a nomination from Prince Edward Island, are awarded 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points. It guarantees them an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

Business Impact: Work Permit Stream:

The candidates from the Business Impact: Work Permit Stream of PEI received seven invitations in the draw held on June 20. Eligible foreign entrepreneurs with business ownership or eligible management experience, who are also interested to invest in and run a business in PEI can apply under this stream.

The candidates, upon receiving an invitation from PEI PNP under this category, can submit their business proposal for approval. If approved, they will receive a letter of support with which they can apply for a temporary work permit. If the conditions of the Performance Agreement signed with the Government of Prince Edward Island are met, they will be able to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Canada Provincial Nominee Program is one of the most viable options for migrating to Canada. Contact us to explore your options for Canada migration through Provincial Nominee Programs.

479 invitations issued in SINP International Skilled Worker draw

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) conducted the latest International Skilled Worker draw on June 20 in which 479 candidates with work experience in one of the five targeted occupations were invited to apply for provincial nomination. The candidates selected in the draw belonged to the Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand sub-categories of SINP. To qualify under both of these subcategories, the candidates are supposed to have work experience in one of the in-demand occupations of Saskatchewan.

The following occupations were targeted in the June 20 SINP draw:

Accounting technicians
Architectural technologists and technicians
Bakers
Paramedical occupations
Medical laboratory technologists

Out of the total 479 invitations issued in the latest draw, 268 were issued to Express Entry candidates. The remaining 211 invitations were issued to candidates of the Occupation In-Demand sub-category of SINP.

SINP Expression of Interest

The first step to be considered under either the Express Entry or the Occupation In-Demand sub category of the SINP is to submit an Expression of interest. The Expression of Interest includes information regarding all the basic eligibility factors such as education, work experience and language proficiency. Based on these factors, each profile is awarded a score out of 100. Saskatchewan invites the highest scoring candidates to apply for provincial nomination in the regular draws. The minimum score of candidates invited in the June 20 draw, in both sub-categories, was 68.

Saskatchewan has so far issued 1166 invitations to Express Entry candidates and 1407 invitations Occupation In-Demand candidates in 2019. The Express Entry candidates who are nominated by Saskatchewan will obtain 600 additional CRS score points, which would ensure them an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the subsequent Express Entry draw.

Canada Provincial Nominee Programs are a great option for potential immigrants to migrate to the country. Contact us if you want to know more about Canada PNPs.

British Columbia issues 270 invitations in June 18 BC PNP draw

British Columbia issued 270 invitations in the June 18 BC PNP draw

A total of 270 invitations were issued the latest British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) draw held on June 18. Candidates from five BC PNP provincial streams were invited to apply and the minimum scores required ranged between 75 and 105 points. For entry level and semi-skilled candidates, the minimum score was 75 points. At the same time, direct provincial skilled workers required 95 points and Express Entry candidates required 105 points. The minimum required score for international graduates was 100.

June 11 BC PNP draw

The previous BC PNP draw was held on June 11, in which 57 invitations were issued to skilled workers and international graduates through the BC PNP Tech Pilot. The candidates of all the following selected streams were required to have a minimum score of 90:

EEBC – Skilled Worker
EEBC – International Graduate
SI – Skilled Worker
SI – International Graduate

BC PNP

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) nominates those who wish to settle in the province of British Columbia for Canada permanent residence. British Columbia PNP operates in partnership with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Each year a limited number of provincial nominations are allocated to BC PNP. Applying for permanent residence in Canada through BC PNP involves two steps: Applying for nomination from British Columbia and applying for permanent residence upon obtaining the provincial nomination.

BC PNP has three major immigration categories: Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, Entrepreneur Immigration. Each of these categories also has a few immigration streams under them.

BC PNP processes the applications for provincial nominations under Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC within two or three months. Applications for entrepreneur immigration are usually processed within six weeks.

Are you interested to know more about migrating through one of the popular provincial nominee programs of Canada? Contact us for a free eligibility test to explore your options!

Quebec Expression of Interest system to invite candidates soon

The Quebec Expression of Interest (EoI) system will start inviting candidates to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) in the coming weeks, it has been informed. The Quebec EoI system, named Arrima, already has around 115000 profiles registered with it, ever since it was launched in September 2018.

Quebec’s immigration ministry (MIDI) has announced: “From now on, the department will use a new system, which makes it possible to invite, as a matter of priority, a permanent selection request to those who best meet the needs of Québec.

“The minister will invite those who have filed a declaration of interest and who meet the conditions set out in the law to submit a request for permanent selection.”

In the initial rounds of invitation, priority will be given to those candidates who applied under the old system before August 2, 2018, and were living in Quebec when they submitted the application or when Bill 9 was passed. But the candidates need to fulfil the precondition that they must have submitted an Expression of Interest to Arrima.

Quebec Expression of Interest system

The Quebec Expression of Interest system is similar to the federal Express Entry system. The candidates interested in migrating to Quebec can submit Expressions of Interest. The EoIs are then ranked on the basis of certain eligibility factors. The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate in the draws that are conducted regularly. The profiles will remain valid for 12 months. In order to be considered for an invitation, the candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest in Arrima.

While selecting candidates, MIDI will give priority is given to those candidates who demonstrate the ability to integrate into the Quebec community faster. The applications for the Quebec Selection Certificate are classified under two categories–one is of candidates living in Quebec, have a job offer and meet specific criteria. The other is of candidates who live outside Quebec and meet other criteria.

The candidates who receive invitations from Quebec can submit the complete application within 90 days. Upon receiving the Quebec Selection Certificate, they can apply for Canadian permanent residence.

In the first quarter of 2019, Quebec reported the highest job vacancy rate among the provinces of Canada. For eligible candidates, Quebec is a land of vast opportunities. Contact us to explore your chances for Quebec migration.

New Canada caregiver immigration pilots opened for applications

On June 18, Canada opened Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker, the two new pilot programs for caregiver immigration. The pilots offer a direct pathway for caregivers to migrate to Canada and allow them to bring their family members along. These programs have replaced the Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pilots from June 18, 2019 onwards.

The maximum number of principal applicants to be admitted under each of these caregiver immigration pilot programs has been fixed by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at 2,750. So the total number of caregivers to be admitted to Canada under these two pilot programs per year will be 5500, besides their accompanying family members.

In order to be eligible under these caregiver immigration programs, the candidates must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet the standard criteria for economic immigration programs. After obtaining two years of work experience, they can apply for permanent residence in Canada.

The federal government of Canada has also announced its decision to reopen the Interim Pathway for Caregivers on July 8, 2019 for three months. This short-term pathway targets caregivers who came to Canada as temporary foreign workers since 2014 but did not qualify for permanent residence through any existing program.

Important features of the new caregiver immigration pilots

Occupation-specific work permits in place of employer-specific work permits. It allows candidates to change jobs if they want.
Open work permits and/or study permits for family members
Guaranteed permanent residence after the candidate acquires two years of work experience.

The initial applications to the new pilots have a targeted processing time of 12 months. The applications for permanent residence from these caregivers once they acquire two years of work experience in Canada is expected to be six months.

Caregivers who were planning to apply under the expiring pilots can now apply through either of the new pilots. Those who applied through the old system before June 18 will have their applications processed through to a final decision. Moreover, as the candidates are being issued occupation-specific work permits, employers will no longer need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a caregiver from overseas.

For the candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for caregiver immigration, the new pilot programs open a doorway for Canada migration. Please get in touch with us if you want to know more about caregiver immigration.

Expert opines Australia annual immigration target should have been kept at 190000

The Australia annual immigration target should have been kept at 190,000, according to Peter McDonald, professor of Demography at the University of Melbourne. In an Australian Financial Review report, he was quoted as saying that Australia is facing a potential “labour-supply crunch” as two million Baby Boomers are retiring from the workforce.

The professor is of the opinion that the retiring workforce is not going to be replaced at the young end because the young end is not growing. “The young end is flat and even falling because people are staying in education longer. So migration is really the only solution to that … it probably would have been better to stick at 190,000,” he said.

It was in March 2019, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison cut the Australian immigration target to 160,000 per year, in order to appease the Australian voters worried about job security and congestion in cities.

The professor also pointed out that the reduction in Australia immigration target had not made any difference in the congestion faced by Sydney and Melbourne. Many of the Baby Boom generation who will be retiring soon, had been in lower-skilled jobs. If these jobs are not filled by migrants, Australia will also face a shortage of lower-skilled workers too.

Australia has fixed the permanent migration at 160,000 for the next four years. With an aim to steer migrants away from highly populated cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the government has also been introducing skilled visas. These visas, covering 23,000 entrants, require the candidates to have three years of residence in the regions as a precondition for securing permanent residency.

The 160,000 cap includes 110,000 skilled workers and 47,000 family immigrants. Currently, 101,419 applications are pending in the skilled worker category and another 194,908 in the family migration category, including 80,539 partners applying for residency. Many of these candidates are already in Australia on bridging visas.

Australia is facing huge demand for skilled workers. Do you want to know if you are eligible for Australian migration? Contact us now!

Quebec records the highest job vacancy rate in Canada

Quebec has emerged as the province with the highest job vacancy rate among the Canadian provinces, according to the latest Help Wanted report of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The report states that the job vacancy rate of Quebec is 4.1 percent, which is 0.8 percentage points above the national average. The rate is also 0.5 percentage points above any other province.

Quebec reported 120,800 vacancies at the end of the first quarter of 2019. This huge number reveals how difficult it is for the employers of this French-speaking province to find employees for filling the vacant positions. Quebec is the second most populous province of Canada. Though Ontario has more number of vacancies at 174,800, the population of the province is also larger, which means the job vacancy rate is only 3.3 per cent.

The Skilled Worker immigration system of Quebec is currently stalled as it is undergoing an overhauling process in order to improve the integration of immigrants. But this has left the employers in the province in lurch as they have nowhere to search for employees.

The Coalition Avenir Quebec government has announced its plan to gradually increase the immigration levels, starting from 2020. Earlier in 2019, the number of immigrants to be admitted by Quebec had been cut down by 20 percent to 40000. As per the new proposal, Quebec will welcome 44,500 new immigrants in 2020, 47,500 in 2021 and 52,500 by 2022.

Canada’s national job vacancy rate has also been steadily climbing for the past two years and it reached another record high last quarter, according to Ted Mallett, CFIB’s vice-president and chief economist. The industries in Canada that face the biggest difficulty in filling positions include construction, with a 4.9 per cent vacancy rate, and personal services, at 4.7 per cent. The other sectors which have vacancy rates above the national average are agriculture (3.8 per cent), hospitality (3.7 per cent), professional services (3.6 per cent) and transportation (3.6 per cent).

For qualified immigrants, Quebec is a land of countless opportunities! Are you interested in migrating to Quebec? If yes, please get in touch with us to know your eligibility. Because, there is no better time than now to migrate to Quebec!

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