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Tag: Canada citizenship

From Admissions To Permanent Residency: International Student In Canada Edition

The international student population in Canada has now tripled over the past decade to 642,000 in 2019. The total admission rate of international students in Canada is increasing year-on-year with the latest hike of 56% in study permit applications over 2020 student visa annual intakes. 

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Canada is among the top three study-abroad destinations in the United States of America and Australia. Statistics Canada analyzed the state of international students in Canada and reported three out of every 10 international students transition to permanent residency within just 10 years of first receiving their study permit. 

This goes on to suggest that choosing university programs, exploring scholarships, etc. is just one aspect of researching popular study abroad global destinations like Canada, Australia, or the UK. As a study abroad aspirant, you must also think about the best immigration and settlement options after graduation. 

Our first-edition guide on admissions to permanent residency in Canada shall provide a brief outline of student admission to qualifying for PR. 

Mapping the Journey of International Students in Canada

CanApprove is a certified consultant by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and our 25+ years of the illustrious journey have shaped the careers of thousands of study-abroad aspirants. 

Based on our experience, we are mapping the journey of a typical Canadian study-abroad aspirant: 

  • Begin online research on best study abroad destinations and discover exciting opportunities in Canada
  • Go through study abroad updates and immigration news from leading online resources
  • Visit various offline study abroad fairs or book a free consultancy to explore university programs, scholarship details, etc.
  • Apply to a suitable Designated Learning Institution (DLI) along with a well-written statement of purpose, resume, academic certificates, etc. 
  • Apply for a Canada student visa (also along with spouse) after excelling in language proficiency tests (English or French), proof of funds, and a medical examination certificate. 
  • Complete the study course and qualify themselves for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) whose validity is equivalent to the length of the study program, capped at three years. 
  • Gain valuable Canadian experience and after one year of full-time work experience, qualify for permanent residency through Express Entry’s Canada Experience Class or dedicated provincial immigration streams from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Ontario that nominate international student graduates to apply for provincial nominations. 

If you are in the Express Entry pool already, you may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Then if you get the nomination, it will mean you get 600 points added to your score and you will be able to apply for immigration as a PNP candidate!

Intra-Country Movement of International Students in Canada

A recent report from a non-profit organization, The Conference Board of Canada found international students preferred to stay in the same province where they received their first study permit.

No less than 60% of the students who studied in any of Canada’s 10 provinces or three territories remained in each region.

Breaking down the retention rate of international students in Canada province-wise:

 

  • Quebec saw the most international student retention (around 85%), 
  • Manitoba and Alberta saw retention rates of 80%. 
  • British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan experienced retention rates between 70% and 80%. 
  • The remaining two provinces, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick along with Canada’s three territories all retained between 60% and 70% of their international students one year later.

Overall, over 75% of retained international students remained in-province/in-territory to pursue more education which goes on to say the popularity of Canadian education among international students.

Why your Canada Study Visa may get rejected? 

The popular myth is that students with backlogs fail to get a study visa to Canada. 

It is untrue as Canadian Universities may accept a maximum of 5 backlogs for undergraduate courses and a maximum of 7-8 backlogs are allowed for postgraduate courses. 

However, here are some factors that may lead to the possible rejection of a Canada student visa: 

  • Below threshold Language Proficiency test score: scores above the prescribed band in exams like IELTS is mandatory for securing a Canada student visa.
  • Being financially unstable: Your inability to convince the authorities of the proof of funds for tuition fees and living expenses may lead to the rejection of your Canada student visa application.
  • Change of study program: You may be questioned and possibly rejected if your educational background or work experience does not correlate with the chosen study program.
  • Permanent stay is not allowed: If you had indicated plans for permanent stay in your student visa application, then it is more likely to be rejected. A Canada student visa is only a temporary resident visa and due process has to be followed for a permanently staying in Canada.

Applying for a Study Permit in Canada with CanApprove

There may be more than one reason for the rejection of the study permit. It is best to fix an appointment with a professional Canadian education consultant and reapply for your student visa to Canada. 

Immigration consultants help you evaluate your previously rejected visa and suggest corrective steps to apply for a new Canada student visa.

Connect with our consultants today to learn more about the University Programs, Scholarships, Tuition Fees, and settlement options after graduation.

4 FAQs on Canadian Immigration: Explaining Canada Through Q&A

Explaining Canadian immigration through Q&A will help you find answers to common concerns on why and how to plan for immigration. 

You can go through our previous edition of FAQs on Canadian Immigration: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7 & Part 8 to make an informed choice. 

Let’s begin with the ninth edition of FAQs on Canadian immigration by discussing the four most relevant topics. 

Q1. Why immigrants should be optimistic about Canada’s economy? 

Canada’s newcomer population is around 8 million (roughly 21.5%) of the total population (39 million people) and projected to rise as high as 34% by 2041. The country even recorded the highest job vacancies, about 957,500 jobs in the first quarter of 2022. Canada even targets to invite around 500,000 new immigrants annually in the next three years. 

Even as the world is heading towards a possible recession, between now and 2025, Canada will be the most desirable place to migrate. 

More than half (56.1%) of Canadian businesses in 2021 reported that their overall workforce was not fully proficient to perform their job at the required level. Not only newcomers will find exciting work and study opportunities in Canada, but even the country needs more foreign skilled workers to address skills gap in major sectors like healthcare and tech

Welcoming more imimigrants will even help Canada’s economy fight back against aging demography and low birth rate. 

Further, it is also found that one in every four healthcare professionals in Canada is an immigrant. Consider discussing specific details of your case with our immigration expert.

Q2. Did intake targets rise for Canada Express Entry and PNP under the new Immigration Levels Plan 2023-25?  

Yes, the new immigration levels plan 2023-25 rises intake targets under economic class programs like Canada Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is expected to target a record-breaking 100,000 annual intakes through active Canada PNP alone. About 105,500  in 2023 are expected to receive invitations to apply for provincial nominations and subsequently, a chance to qualify for Canada permanent residency. 

Canada Express Entry, especially Federal Skilled Worker Program suffered a major roadblock since pandemic-related travel restrictions in 2020. Intake levels under Express Entry will be 82,880 in 2023 and cross 100,000 from 2024 onwards. 

For specific details relating to your case, please consult our immigration expert. 

Q3. What is the road ahead for family sponsorship programs in Canada in next three years? 

Canada released its latest three-year target plan on immigration intake in the first week of November. The country is planning to target 465,00 new immigrants in 2023, 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 and over 500,000 new immigrants in 2025. 

About 24% of the total target is reserved for family class sponsorship programs alone. In fact, it is the second largest permanent residence class set out by the Immigration Levels Plan.

About 78,000 are set to arrive under the Spouses, Partners, and Children Program, and another 28,500 are set to arrive under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2023. 

Subsequently, 80,000 and 82,000 new immigrants will be targeted under the Spouses, Partners, and Children Program in 2024 and 2025 respectively. The annual targets in 2024 and 2025 under the PGP would be increased to 34,000 and 36,000 respectively. 

Please consult our immigration expert for specific information. 

Q4. Are native Canadian supportive of rising immigration?  

Almost every report and survey released in recent years have shown native Canadians supportive of rising immigration levels in the country. 

For example, this recently released survey report on Canadian immigration shows that the local population is more supportive of welcoming more immigrants than ever. It found upto 70% of Canadians disagree or strongly disagree when asked if Canada’s immigration levels were too high. 

Such is the level of support for immigration in Canada! 

Even across the political lines, the support for rise in immigration population in Canada in upcoming years is high. The overall support for elevated levels of immigration has increased among supporters of the various political parties since 2021: federal Liberal Party (up 4%), NDP (up 4%), and Green Party (up 19%), whereas Conservative party saw a slight decline. 

Take this free assessment online to determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration. 

Plan your Canada Immigration with CanApprove

Canada is seeing the biggest rise in demand for augmenting the local workforce with foreign talent. It is supported by liberal immigration policies targeting upto 500000 new immigrants annually.  

The future for economic-class immigration seems bright as 60% of the annual immigration targets will be coming from programs like Express Entry, and the Provincial Nominee Program. 

And this is why we have come up with FAQs on Canadian immigration for you to comprehend your chances of qualifying sooner! 

You can book your free appointment with CanApprove, a CICC-certified consultant in Dubai. We will help you determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration on the basis of your work experience or academic profile. 

Increasing The Chances Of Permanent Residency With Study In Canada Options

It is being reported that Canada has already processed 452,000 study permits this year. Canada is even preparing a strategy plan to expand PR pathways for international students and temporary foreign workers. This has made opportunities for study in Canada even more valuable and exciting for prospects.
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In fact, Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) found about “59.4% of surveyed prospects who are wiling to study in Canada wanted to become Canadian permanent residents after graduation. 

The present immigration policy allow foreign graduates to qualify for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) in minimum time on basis of their full-time work experience with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

Generally, “a PGWP holder needs to gain one year of professional work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of 0, A, or B” to become eligible to apply for Canada PR.

In this blog post, we will discuss about how you can obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit and remain in Canada for a new life. 

Also read our previous blog on How To Find Work In Canada On Student Visa For You and Your Partner/Spouse? Click here.

 

PGWP for Canada PR Eligibility 

Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is the most preferred route by recent foreign graduates from any Canadian institutions increases their chances of qualifying for Canadian permanent residency. 

PGWP eligibility is determined by whether the applicant has:

  • Minimum eight months study course at an eligible Designated Learning Insitute in Canada
  • The study program must leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
  • Proof of full-time student status in Canada during every academic session of the enrolled program 

Further, special arrangements were made during the coronavirus pandemic to qualify under PGWP for Canada PR. Students studying at a DLI via distance learning were made eligible for a PGWP. 

Starting from Since September 1st, 2023, study time completed abroad “will be deducted from the length of international student’s PGWP regardless of when the international student began their studies. 

Our study abroad councellors can clarify your specific doubts regarding your eligbilty for PGWP for Canada PR. Make sure to contact them here

How to Apply for PGWP and Qualify for Canada PR? 

Interested and eligible foreign graduates in Canada or soon-to-be graduates may apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to obtain PGWP. 

At this moment, applicant must gather the following documents: 

  • A degree or diploma
  • An official letter from your school
  • An official transcript, or a copy of your transcript from your school’s website

IRCC may request additional documents when an application is received

Candidates must ensure that they have upto six months (180 days) to submit their application from the day they receive their official transcript and letter confirming program completion.

Key pointers on Canada PGWP

  • The length of a PWGP’s validity is determined by the length of the applicant’s educational program
  • If an applicant has completed more than one program, they may be able to combine the earned PGWP’s together
  • PGWP holders with atleast one year of work experience in Canada may qualify under Canada Experience Class for permanent residency through Express Entry. 

Check out recently released 2021 census report on immigration population in Canada. 

Fulfilling your Study in Canada Dreams with CanApprove

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program is one of the most popular immigration options for international students. It allows them to gain work experience and have a better chance at qualifying for permanent residency.  

The Provincial Nominee Program is another significant immigration program for international students. There are dedicated provincial immigration streams from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Ontario that nominate international student graduates to apply for provincial nominations. 

If you are in the Express Entry pool, you may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Then if you get the nomination, it will mean you get 600 points added to your score and you will be able to apply for immigration as a PNP candidate!

Subscribe our Youtube Channel for more Immigration and Overseas Education updates.

Connect with our consultants today to learn more about the University Programs, Scholarships, Tuition Fees, and settlement options after graduation. 

Canadian Immigration: How To Improve Express Entry CRS Score For Those Aged Above 30 

Express Entry programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canada Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) make up the largest source of immigration of skilled workers in Canada. 

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Both programs present opportunities for direct and indirect means of qualifying for Canada PR respectively, through a point-based nomination grid called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

While applicants’ age determines their position in the Express Entry CRS score  grid, the points progressively decline from 100 points for those aged 30 and reach 0 points for those aged 45 and older.

This blog is designed in such a way for you to maximize your Express Entry CRS score if you’re aged 30 or above.  

How To Maximize Qualifying Chances For Canada PR Under Express Entry For Those Aged Above 30 

  • Strategy I – Applying through Provincial Nominee Programs 
  • Strategy II – Applying under Express Entry with a job offer
  • Strategy III – Making your spouse/partner a principal applicant 
  • Strategy IV – Strengthening other Express Entry CRS criteria including education attainment, work experience & language proficiency 

Use our CRS calculator to determine your chances of qualifying for Canada PR under Express Entry. 

What is the Comprehensive Ranking System under Express Entry?

Canada has its unique Comprehensive Ranking System for evaluating the federal Express Entry candidates for immigration under federal immigration programs – FSWP, CEC, FSTP – as well as Express entry linked provincial nominee programs. 

Eligible candidates may submit a profile into the Express Entry pool and they are awarded points based on factors including age, education, skilled work experience, and proficiency in English or French. 

The highest-ranked candidates are regularly issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence (PR) through regular draws from the Express Entry pool. 

How to Maximize Express Entry CRS Scores for Those Aged 30 or Above? 

If you are 30 years old or above, the maximum Comprehensive Ranking System points for the age category will progressively decrease – every year (95 points for an applicant aged 30, 90 points for a 31-year-old applicant, and so forth until it reaches 0 points for those aged 45 and above). 

Typically, every Express Entry draw determines a unique qualifying score that hovers around 500 points. Here are some alternative strategies to pushing your Express Entry CRS score above the threshold score for Canada PR. 

Strategy I – Applying through Provincial Nominee Programs 

Candidates in the Express Entry pool can be picked up by provincial streams depending on the local labor demand. Those who receive a notification of interest from a province can apply for nomination to immigrate to a specific province.

 If they are successful in their provincial nomination, 600 CRS points get added to their Express Entry profile, which pushes the score beyond the usual threshold and thus guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residency from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

For instance, PNP-specific draws conducted during the month of June targeted 932 candidates with provincial nominees and received invitations to apply for Canada PR. The automatic addition of 600 points to their base human capital score meant candidates effectively required only 196 Express Entry CRS points to qualify.

Strategy II – Applying under Express Entry with a job offer

Express Entry system is popular among foreign skilled workers as it allows a direct pathway for Canada PR. The applicants need not have prior job offers and may qualify based on work experience, education, and language proficiency alone.  

If you’re someone aged 30 or above and willing to enter the Express Entry pool may do so while holding a valid job offer in Canada. Make sure to have a job offer that specifies in writing the details of all job requirements, including pay, duties, and employment conditions. 

You may gain an additional 50 or 200 additional CRS points depending on the position and compensate for points lost under the age category. 

Strategy III – Making your spouse/partner a principal applicant 

As an industry expert for close to two decades in immigration consultancy services, we have closely observed the growth of the Canada Express Entry system since its launch in 2015. 

Based on our client interaction experience, applicants aged above 30 may find that their spouse has a better Express Entry CRS score.  

We recommend swapping the principal applicant and the dependent spouse or common-law partner to increase your chances of obtaining Canada PR.  

Strategy IV – Strengthening other Express Entry CRS criteria 

If you are losing points under the age category, try maximizing your Comprehensive Ranking System score under other core categories like work experience, education attainment, and language proficiency.  

To improve your CRS score under the education attainment category, we advise you to earn additional credentials such as another degree or obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for an existing degree. Our experience shows you can increase Express Entry CRS scores by upto 250 points.

English or French proficiency can be combined with other factors like education attainment to maximize your CRS score. For instance, 

  • An applicant with a post-secondary program credential AND English or French Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing (among which one at CLB 9) can earn 13 CRS points, OR
  • An applicant with two or more post-secondary program credentials (one at least 3 years long) AND CLB 9 in English or French can earn 50 CRS points

Sometimes articulating your work experience better in your immigration application may help get recognized better and improve Express Entry CRS scores. 

While getting assessed under the Comprehensive Ranking Score is the easiest way to qualify for Canada PR, you are free to pursue other Canadian permanent residence pathways at the same time. 

Visit a certified immigration consultant to determine your eligibility and choose the most suitable immigration program based on your education and work profile. 

Book your appointment with CanApprove today! 

Understanding Canada Through Q&A: 4 FAQs on Canadian Immigration:

Understanding Canadian immigration through Q&A may address some pertinent questions that you were looking to get answered by experts for a long. 

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You can go through our previous edition of FAQs on Canadian Immigration: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 & Part 7 to make an informed choice. 

Let’s begin with this edition of FAQs on Canadian immigration by discussing the four most relevant topics in current times. 

Q1. How is Canadian immigration policy boosting intake for international students in 2023? 

Canada remains committed to attracting and retaining international students. Going by the recent figures, the number of study permit holders is forecasted to rise to approximately 753,000 international students between 2022 – 2023. 

The increased intake of international students is complemented by Canada’s strategic plan to expand permanent residence for international students.

Presently, the most popular Canada PR options after Post Graduate Work Permit visas are 

  • Express Entry
  • Provincial Nominee Program
  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot
  • Quebec Immigration
  • Family Sponsorship

Canadian immigration minister Sean Fraser submitted a strategy plan that expands pathways to permanent residence for international students and temporary foreign workers. 

More than half (56.1%) of Canadian businesses in 2021 reported that their overall workforce was not fully proficient to perform their job at the required level. Increasing study permit intake levels and providing PR pathways for international students in Canada will help address the workforce skill shortage. 

Further, the intake of international students in Canada is aided by liberal measures undertaken by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that 

  • covers each individual with the aim of reducing vulnerabilities while moving to Canada
  • aiding international students through the permit application
  • helping in the settlement process in Canada

For specific details relating to your case, please consult our immigration expert. 

Q2. Why is Canada Express Entry accepting self-employed Physicians that were never considered before?  

Physicians who are in Canada for the purpose of gaining work experience were not allowed to obtain permanent residency through Express Entry programs. However, Canada has now recognized this barrier for self-employed immigrant Physicians in Canada. 

In a bid to close the skill shortage gap in the healthcare and social assistance sector, Canada will allow self-employed Physicians in Canada to obtain PR through Express Entry, like Canada Experience Class.  

It is important to note that being self-employed outside Canada and having at least one year of work experience abroad did not stop the candidates to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry program.

Further, it is also found that one in every four healthcare professionals in Canada is an immigrant. Consider discussing specific details of your case with our immigration expert.

Q3. What are some upcoming developments that will shape Canadian Immigration in the near future? 

Canada will release major end-of-year developments in October. These announcements are expected to shape Canadian immigration targets and trends for the next couple of years. 

Firstly, IRCC will the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 will be announced by November 1. It has very recently announced a PGP 2022 intake of 23,100 sponsors

Secondly, the qualifying Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for the newly resumed all-program Express Entry draws is expected to fall below 500 while the draw size is expected to remain around 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for Canada PR.

The latest Express Entry draws invited 4,250 candidates with CRS 500 and above.   

Additionally, Statistics Canada will soon publish census data on immigration in 2021 which will give us an outlook on the success of Canadian immigration for the first time in five years.

Take this free assessment online to determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration. 

Q4. Is Canada now seeing immigration-led population growth? 

Canada encourages the intake of foreign students and depends upon foreign skilled immigration to sustain its aging population and support the economy. 

In fact, a report published by Statistics Canada shows how immigration contributed to an astonishing 94.5% growth in Canada’s population during the period of April-June (Q2) 2022. Most contributions came from the increase in work and study permit holders. 

Additionally, Canada’s provincial nominee program draws registered a record 11,548 nominations in September 2022 to qualify for Canadian permanent residency in a single month. 

Plan your Canada Immigration with CanApprove

Canada is seeing the biggest rise in demand for augmenting the local workforce with foreign talent. It is supported by liberal immigration policies targeting over 430,000 new permanent residents per year.  

Going by the latest trends, the future for economic-class immigration seems bright as 60% of the annual immigration targets will be coming from programs like Express Entry, and the Provincial Nominee Program. And this is why we have come up with FAQs on Canadian immigration for you to comprehend your chances of qualifying sooner! 

You can book your free appointment with CanApprove, a CICC-certified consultant in Dubai. 

We will help you determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration on the basis of your work experience or academic profile

How To Find Work In Canada On Student Visa For You and Your Partner/Spouse?

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported increasing demand for study permits in Canada. Last year, Canada reported a 56% increase in study permit applications over 2020. In Q1 of 2022, Canada received about 175,000 applications. 

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The growing popularity among other major study destinations could be due to various options for work in Canada on student visa, not only for self but also for a spouse or common-law partner immigrating alongside the permit holder. 

Additionally, a recent survey noted Canada’s reputation for safety and stability as a major deciding factor in choosing to study.

With many immigration options for international students now open, interested candidates are most likely to get their choice of study course and eventually, qualify for permanent residency status in Canada.  

Work Options in Canada for Study Visa Holders

Work-study visas are an excellent way to retain foreign skilled talent and also let them gain some local work experience. This is a great way to qualify for immigration, say permanent residence visas under the points-based immigration system

Generally, students switching schools or taking an authorized leave from their studies are not allowed to work in Canada on student visa.

Let’s explore various options for work in Canada on student visa.  

I. Off-campus work rules

Off-campus work rules apply in situations where students prefer to work for an employer in Canada that is not located on the university/college/institution campus. 

Student visa in Canada allows work upto 20 hours per week during regular academic semesters, and full-time during scheduled academic breaks, like winter, spring, and summer break.

Typically, an international student must ensure the following pre-requisites to work in Canada on a student visa off-campus: 

  • enroll themselves in a full-time study course of at least 6 months at any Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree
  • hold a valid Canadian study permit
  • have a social insurance number (SIN)

II. On-campus work rules

On-campus work rules apply in situations where students prefer to work for an employer located on the university/college/institution campus itself. 

Such employers within the campus could be 

  • the school,
  • a faculty member,
  • a student organization,
  • a private business on campus,
  • a private contractor providing services to the school, or
  • self-employed on-campus.

Exception for international students who are teaching or research assistants. They can work at a library, hospital, or research facility associated with their school in Canada even if it is outside the campus. 

III. Co-op work rules

Co-op study programs mandates students to undergo work internships to account for it in program credits and complete the study course. 

Eligible students need a separate co-op work permit to work in Canada on a student visa. 

The co-op work permit is a separate, closed-work permit. It may only be used for work that is essential to the program of study. 

IV. After graduation

An open work permit called Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to work in Canada full-time upon graduation. The PGWP is valid for up to three years and allows the holder to work for an employer of their choice in Canada. 

Students that are not eligible to work off campus include

  • visiting or exchange students at a designated learning institution
  • students only taking courses required to be accepted into a full-time program
  • students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program

Students that are not eligible to work on campus include

  • students whose study permit has expired
  • students who stop studying full time unless they are in their final semester and meet other requirements

Work Options in Canada for Partner/Spouse

The spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for work in Canada on student visa of an international student.  

The spouse or common-law partner of international students on a valid study permit is eligible for an open work permit if the student:

  • eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • enrolled in a full-time program at one of the public post-secondary schools, a private college-level schools in Quebec or a Canadian private schools that can legally award degree under provincial law.

Open-work permit in Canada is not job-specific and eligible beneficiaries are free to apply for most job positions.  

Take this free assessment online to determine your chances of qualifying for immigration. 

Applying for a Study Permit in Canada with CanApprove

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program is one of the most popular immigration options for international students. It allows them to gain work experience and have a better chance at qualifying for permanent residency, especially through the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry. 

The Provincial Nominee Program is another significant immigration program for international students. There are dedicated provincial immigration streams from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Ontario that nominate international student graduates to apply for provincial nominations. 

If you are in the Express Entry pool already, you may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Then if you get the nomination, it will mean you get 600 points added to your score and you will be able to apply for immigration as a PNP candidate!

Subscribe our Youtube channel for more Immigration and Overseas Education updates.

Connect with our consultants today to learn more about the University Programs, Scholarships, Tuition Fees, and settlement options after graduation.

EXPLAINED: Can You Apply Simultaneously For 2 Canadian Immigration Programs?

The official department dealing with immigration and citizenship in Canada, allows eligible prospects to apply simultaneously for two immigration applications. However, you may have to withdraw one of any applications before making your decision final with the other. 

This means that interested candidates can apply for more than one Canada immigration program to increase their chances of qualifying. Upon receiving an invitation to apply for one particular program, the applicant should withdraw the application for the other program.

Canadian Immigration Act reads, 

“The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations do not prohibit multiple applications from being made in the economic stream. However, prior to concluding one of the applications, the immigration officer will advise the applicant to withdraw the other. 

Furthermore, while multiple applications may be submitted, the applicant must also be aware that there will be no refund of processing fees paid for the other application(s) once processing has begun.”

Choose from 100+ Options to Immigrate to Canada from the U.A.E

Canada welcomes the influx of skilled workers and business entrepreneurs/investors to sustain its economy. All skilled worker evaluations will be on fundamental human capital factors like age, education, work experience, and proficiency in the official language. 

Since the majority of immigrants from the Emirates have a stronghold in the English language, they have an inherent advantage of securing a Canada PR.

Express Entry for skilled workers

An Express Entry is a popular immigration pathway. With the same, the foreign skilled workers can apply for Canada PR without a job offer. It is a system for maintaining a pool of interested candidates who wish to obtain permanent residency. 

You cannot have more than one Express Entry profile at a time. However, you can add your spouse’s or dependent’s profiles.

The usual validity of Canada Express Entry profile is 12 months. 

After expiry, you have to submit a new application if you wish to stay in the Express Entry pool in the hope of getting a PR invitation. 

Such candidates must qualify under one of the three federal immigration programs- the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSTP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). 

In addition, any Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a dedicated Express Entry immigration stream can make use of the Express Entry pool to nominate desirable candidates to apply for Canada PR. 

FSWP stands out to be the most preferred choice among the foreign-skilled workers who have not lived in Canada before. It gives them a good chance to apply for permanent residency in Canada. 

On successful registration of your Express Entry profile, you will get your Comprehensive Ranking System score.

Finally, Canada resumed its all-program Express Entry draws post-pandemic and is actively inviting candidates under FSWP. After the pandemic, IRCC reinvented Express Entry draws and issued invitations to eligible candidates with provincial nominations and candidates with Canadian experience to apply for Canadian permanent residency. 

Provincial Nominee Programs for economic-class immigration

The unique federal-provincial-territorial arrangement in Canada allows 13 provinces and territories of Canada to nominate economic-class immigrants including skilled workers, international students, and business investors/entrepreneurs independently. 

Tech workers are finding newer and better opportunities in Canada in view of visa curbs by the USA. Canadian provinces like British Columbia, and Ontario have dedicated immigration streams for Tech workers. Other provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, News Brunswick, and Prince Edward Islands are actively inviting economic-class immigrants. 

It is expected that Canada may target up to 90,000 new immigrants annually, henceforth. This will be from provincial nominee programs.

Talk to our consultants to determine your eligibility for an immigration plan based on your academic profile and work experience. 

How To Create & Register Your Canada Express Entry Profile? 

Immigration in Canada means obtaining Canadian permanent residency (PR). 

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the Express Entry system to manage applicants for three distinct immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

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Any skilled worker with enough work experience can directly apply for Canadian permanent residency in Canada under FSWP without a job offer or Canadian experience. Canada has had a high success rate under the FSWP category since the launch of the Express Entry system in 2015. 

On the other hand, international students and other temporary residents are retained in Canada as permanent residents under CEC. Various reports have shown 85% retention of permanent residents in Canada. 

An international student who wishes to stay in Canada after graduating may do so by completing an extra step: applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

PGWP is an open work permit allowing you to work for a Canadian employer for up to three years and no requirement to have a job offer to apply for it. Graduates can use this permit to get the required skilled work experience before applying for the CEC.

How To Apply for Canada PR Under Express Entry? 

Qualifying for PR via Canada Express Entry is a two-step process. 

  • Step1: Here the interested candidates confirm their eligibility for at least one of the three Express Entry programs – FSWP, CEC, or FSTP. 
  • Step2: Candidates can upload their Express Entry profile onto IRCC’s website. All the registered profiles are then assessed and ranked based on the CRS score. 

The qualifying score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to identify skilled worker candidates who will be the most successful in Canada’s job market. 

Such profiles are evaluated on a total of 1200 points. The human capital criteria like 

  • age, 
  • education, 
  • work experience outside Canada, 
  • language proficiency in English/French, 
  • spouse adaptability, 
  • Canadian study experience, etc. are considered for evaluation purposes. 

 Take this free assessment online to determine your chances of qualifying. 

The Costs of Creating an Express Entry Profile

Note: All prices mentioned here are in Canadian dollars. 

1 US Dollar = 1.34 Canadian Dollar

IRCC has an Express Entry application processing fee for a single application is $850

If you’re applying with a spouse/partner, the application processing fee is doubled to $1,700. Every dependent child will incur a charge of $230.

Further, if the candidates qualify in their bid for Canadian permanent residency, every adult in the application will have to pay an additional Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $515.  

Therefore, the total application and qualifying fee under Express Entry is between $1365 (single person applicant) to $2,960 (for a family of three)

Further, there are associated fees to assembling an application (with a myriad number of required documents and official papers).

Documents required to register a Canada Express Entry Profile: 

  • Passport copy/copy of travel document
  • English or French Language proficiency tests
  • Proof of Canadian Education or an Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • A Provincial Nomination Letter (if obtained)
  • A written job offer letter from a Canadian employer or proof of work experience or certificate of qualification in a trade occupation (is applicable); and
  • Proof of settlement funds (only for FSWP & FSTP candidates who do not have a valid job offer in Canada)

Among the mandatory documents, collecting few will attract additional cost: 

  1. Language proficiency testing 

Canadian immigrants accepts two languages: English and French as their official language. 

Any candidate is expected to score a minimum proficiency score in order to qualify for immigration. 

For pursuing accreditation in English, the following tests can be taken: 

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) testing costs between $302-$311 + tax, depending on what location one is testing in. and
  • CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) testing costs $280 + tax.

For pursuing accreditation in French, the following tests can be taken: 

  • TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français pour le Canada) testing costs $440 with an additional $75 non-refundable charge if the applicant needs to cancel or reschedule before the testing day, and
  • TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) testing costs $460 and features the same $75 non-refundable charge.
  1. Education credential assessment

An ECA (Education Credential Assessment) becomes mandatory if you had your graduation from outside Canada. The assessment is to determine how your education may compare to an equivalent Canadian education.

The average cost of receiving an ECA is roughly $200, in addition to courier fees. 

Additionally, ECA may incur translation charges into English or French. Costs here can vary from $0.06 to $0.20 per word of translation

Preferably, translations should be done by registered providers with the appropriate board authorities. 

Some examples of board authorities are The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO); the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC); and le Ordre des Traducteurs, Terminologies et Interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ). Each province has its own board authority for translators.

  1. Proof of settlement funds

Canada requires proof of financial stability from prospective immigrants who apply for immigration without a job offer. It applies to candidates under Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). 

The major requirement here is that these funds must be readily available at the time of immigration and not be kept in form of equity, property, or any form of other immovable assets. An official letter from the bank acts as proof. 

Depending on the size of your family these costs will vary. 

The official guidelines listed on the IRCC website are: 

  • 1 person = $13,310
  • 2 people = $16,570
  • 3 people = $20,371

Recent Changes to Canada Express Entry

Since its inception in 2015, Canada Express Entry has remained the number one pathway for permanent residency. However, the provincial nominee programs are receiving more preference in recent times. 

Canada is expected to welcome over 400,000 newcomers consistently each year. We could see more nomination draws giving priority to immigrants with Canadian experience in the near future. 

This will be followed by major reforms in the Express Entry system set to come into force in early 2023. IRCC would be able to invite candidates based on an economic goal, ie. candidates with specific occupation skills may be prioritized to apply for Canada PR, likely from early 2023.

Earlier, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser promised to process new Express Entry applications for Canadian permanent residency within standard 6 months, the standard pre-pandemic levels. 

Educate yourself on how will new Canada NOC 2021 affect Canada Express Entry Eligibility among other programs. 

Apply for Canada Express Entry With CanApprove

Applying through a certified immigration consultant can boost your chances of qualifying for Canada PR.

CanApprove is a certified immigration consultant in Dubai and is registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Choose from a wide of our customized immigration services like 

  • Profile Evaluation: we help match your skillset with the right visa eligibility requirements for easy immigration.
  • Arrange documents: we can also help you procure the required documents needed before applying for a visa.
  • Resume Writing: our expert documentation team can create a likable resume that stands out by the concerned immigration authority.
  • Post-Landing Services: Any kind of settlement assistance like accommodation, community orientation, etc can be customized and arranged.

You even get a dedicated immigration consultant to work exclusively on your case until resolved!

Book your free appointment with CanApprove to learn more about your chances of qualifying for immigration to Canada.

You may also like reading 16-Point Canada Immigration Checklist Before Moving to Canada.

Recent Canadian Immigration Trends 2022 That You Should Know

Various reports and surveys from Statistics Canada note the continued dependence of Canada on economic-class immigration to support its population growth. Estimates show us that Canada’s population could reach up to 57 million people by 2068 and would be largely driven by skilled immigration.

We are seeing more such interesting Canadian immigration trends that will reaffirm your decision to move to Canada. Here’s us presenting the top 6 immigration trends that also promise to boost Canadian permanent residency targets: 

  1. Unemployment In Canada Continues To Decrease While Job Vacancy Rises, Boosting The Need To Raise Immigration Targets
  2. Immigration Is Changing Canada’s Demography & Looks To Make It Ethnocultural By 2041
  3. New Measures To Improve Immigration Process And Reduce Backlogs
  4. Usage of the South Asian language grew much among the Canadians
  5. Immigration Ministers Across Canada Met To Discuss Multi-Year PNP Plans
  6. IRCC Reported a 56% Increase In Study Permit Applications Since the Pandemic

Job vacancies are at an all-time high

Job vacancies in Canada are hiking even more and it reached 1,000,000 in June this year. There is a labor shortage and high demand for skilled workers in Healthcare and social assistance sectors. Job vacancies in the retail sector, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific, and technical services, and Finance and insurance have gone up. 

Unemployment in Canada continues to decrease while job vacancy rises all over the country. Canada looks at immigration as one of the methods to solve this problem by inviting a large number of prospective permanent residents between now and 2024.

Read along with Canada’s plan for increasing immigration, Canadian businesses are now dependent heavily on skilled immigrants to fulfill increasing job vacancies across industries. 

Skilled Immigration continues to rise 

Canada is set to exceed its annual target of 431,000 new permanent residents in 2022. Most immigrants favored Ontario followed by British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta as their preferred choice provinces in Canada. 

The biggest reason for Canada to show an increased tendency to welcome more immigrants is because working-age Canadians are quickly reaching the retirement age of 65. By 2030, it is expected that nine million Canadians will have retired. 

Therefore, Canada is resorting to sustaining its population through skilled immigration. At the present, Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan has a target of over 450,000 new permanent residents a year by 2024, the highest number in its history. 

We are seeing increased invitations to apply (ITA) under fortnightly all-program Express Entry draws. Candidates under Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) who don’t have any Canadian experience or job offer can qualify for Canadian permanent residency under it. 

Take your free assessment online to determine eligibility for Canadian immigration

Improving PNP intake levels

Immigration ministers from across Canada came together at the Forum of Ministers Responsible (FMRI) for Immigration earlier this July in Saint John, New Brunswick. 

The meeting of Immigration Ministers focussed around increasing Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan alongside agreeing on multi-year PNP levels plan. The current plan is targeting to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants annually till 2024. Over 60% of the target is to  meet through economic-class and family-class immigration programs. 

Specifically, PNP is targeting 80,000 intakes in 2022 and would increase to 90,000 intakes next year.  With the latest agreement between the Immigration ministers, PNP allocation targets will also be set on a three-year basis. 

The ministers agreed to determine the multi-year PNP plan by March 31, 2023.

Returning back to processing standards

Canadian immigration trends suggest more investment to digitize immigration services. 

Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship and Canada (IRCC) will begin transitioning to 100% digital applications for most permanent residence programs on September 23.

Canada is also promising new exemptions, and more application status trackers to improve client experience and reduce immigration backlogs. IRCC is targeting to process 80 percent of new applications within their service standards.

Earlier, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser promised to process new Express Entry applications for Canadian permanent residency within standard 6 months, the standard pre-pandemic levels. 

More opportunities for international students

Canada has received 175,000 student visa applications in the first quarter of 2022 alone. 

IRCC is reporting a significant rise in demand for study permits from international students. The figures for 2021 show a 56% increase in study permit applications over 2020 levels, indicating the return of normalcy. 

More and more international students are choosing Canada in spite of popular study abroad destinations like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, the USA, France, Germany, Poland, Malta, and Switzerland, because of its reputation for safety and stability.

Additionally, the retention rate in Canada in issuing Post-Graduation Work Permits and later qualifying for Canadian permanent residency is the highest among popular destinations. 

This concludes our discussion on the latest Canadian immigration trends to watch out for and plan your immigration accordingly. Don’t forget to book your free appointment with CanApprove to determine your eligibility based on your work or academic profile! 

A Summary of the Canada Express Entry for Future Canadian Immigrants

The Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026 claims that 110,770 applicants for Express Entry will be welcomed to Canada in 2024. Compared to 2023, when Canada accepted 83,000 newcomers, this is definitely a huge increase. Given the urgent need for skilled immigration in Canada, we have designed this blog to help you understand how Express Entry Canada works and which immigration program is most suited for you. 

Enter the Express Entry pool today! 

How do I apply for Express Entry to Canada? 

For instance, immigration in Canada means getting Canadian permanent residency

Moreover, the Canada IRCC uses the Express Entry system to manage applicants for three distinct immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Qualifying for PR via Canada Express Entry is a two-step process. 

Step 1: When you’re applying, you must verify their eligibility for FSWP, CEC, or FSTP, the three Express Entry programs, at this point. 

Step 2: On the Canada IRCC website, you can upload your Express Entry profile. Based on the CRS score, your registered profile will be evaluated and ranked. However, CRS helps identify skilled worker candidates who will be most successful in Canada’s job market. 

These profiles receive a total of 1200 points for evaluation. The human capital criteria, like 

  1. Age
  2. Education
  3. Work experience outside Canada 
  4. Language proficiency in English/French 
  5. Spouse adaptability
  6. Canadian study experience, etc. are considered for evaluation purposes.

Eligibility for FSWP 

If you’re a skilled foreign worker with foreign work experience, you can directly apply for Canadian permanent residency. 

The following are the minimum requirements that you must meet to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program:

  1. One year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years.
  2. The work experience must be in a skilled occupation classified under TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3 only. 
  3. Language proficiency in English or French and equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7. 
  4. Canadian educational credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) or foreign credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
  5. Proof of financial stability using the settlement fund criteria.

Candidates must also score at least 67 out of 100 on the FWSP grid, which takes into account a variety of variables like age, education, work experience, and so forth.

Eligibility for CEC 

International students and temporary foreign employees are still considered Canadians by CEC. 

To be an eligible candidate for the CEC, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. one year of professional, technical, or skilled labour employment in Canada during the previous three years.
  2. For jobs falling under the Teer 1 or 2 Category, language proficiency in either English or French that is equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7
  3. State an intention to live and work outside of Quebec.

If you’re an international student who wants to stay in Canada after graduating, you must apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is an additional step. 

With a PGWP, you can work for a Canadian company for a maximum of three years as an open work permit holder. Applying for it does not require that you have a job offer. Before submitting an application for the CEC, you can use this permit to obtain the necessary skilled work experience.

Eligibility for FSTP 

The Federal Skilled Trades Program immigration pathway to Canada is similar to FSWP but suits candidates with no proven education level. 

You need to have two years of work experience in a skilled trade, a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer, or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority in order to be eligible to immigrate to Canada in the future through this option.

Which Express Entry Immigration Program is the best?

Which Canada Express Entry program is best for you depends on your educational and professional background. A lot more depends on your language proficiency in English or French and your age. If you are in the 25–32 age range, you should ideally receive the most points.   

To apply for permanent residence in Canada, you can also choose an appropriate Express Entry program.

Wrap-Up

Your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada can be increased by applying through a certified Canada immigration consultant. Also, you become a future Canadian immigrant!

CanApprove is registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and is a certified immigration consultant in Dubai. You can pick from a variety of our specialized immigration services, including 

  1. Profile Evaluation: We help match your skillset with the right visa eligibility requirements for easy immigration.
  2. Arrange documents: we can also help you procure the required documents needed before applying for a visa.
  3. Resume Writing: Our expert documentation team can create a likable resume that stands out from the concerned immigration authority.
  4. Post-Landing Services: Any kind of settlement assistance, like accommodation, community orientation, etc., can be customized and arranged.

You even get a dedicated immigration consultant to work exclusively on your case until it is resolved! Talk to our experts at CanApprove right away. We’d love to hear from you!