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Canada Immigration

3,900 Invitations Sent in March Express Entry Draw

Another Express Entry draw was held on March 4, with invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence given to 3,900 candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score needed for this draw was 471.

The candidates selected for this draw were part of Canada’s three largest economic-class immigration programs. The Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Class. Immigration candidates from all of these programs upload profiles to the Express Entry system to be chosen for the draws.

The Express Entry candidates are ranked in the system based on the CRS scores attached to their profiles. These scores are distributed based on factors such as age, language proficiency (in French or English), education background, work history, etc.. The higher the candidate’s score, the higher the chances are that they will be selected in a future draw.

The minimum score for the previous Express Entry draw on February 18 was one point lower at 470. Additionally, the previous draw had 4,500 invitations distributed, the largest ever Express Entry draw. The federal government has aimed to distribute 85,800 ITAs by the end of 2020. It seems like in order to reach that goal larger invitation draws might become a trend for the year. With 5 draws so far this year, Express Entry has already distributed 18,700 invitations.

A tie break was applied to this draw. Meaning that all candidates with scores of 471 or above who submitted their profile before the designated time were accepted. The timestamp for this tie break was February 24, 2020 at 06:02:57 UTC.

Express Entry hopefuls looking to increase their CRS scores can look towards provincial nomination programs to do so. Provincial nominations are held quite frequently, with 600 points awarded to candidates chosen during their draws.

Canada Immigration

The advantage of new immigration pilot programs

There are many opportunities for skilled foreign workers to find work and immigrate to Canada. One of the most popular routes are Canada’s numerous economic class immigration pilot programs. With programs that focus on a wide array of things, from careers to communities, it’s not surprising that pilot programs are one of Canada’s most common immigration methods. These pilot programs have also proven to be beneficial for communities. What’s more, evidence suggests that creating new pilot programs is beneficial for Canada’s federal government.

Canada’s Parliament and Immigration Proposals

In the years before 2012, every new economic class immigration program had to be approved by Canada’s Parliament. The new program would be presented, and Parliament would debate then vote whether to open it as an official immigration program. Unfortunately, this process was quite slow, which was unhelpful for Canada’s labour shortages, which required more immediate solutions.

Since 2012, there have been significant increases in the number of pilot programs introduced, and there is a good reason for this. Rather, the immigration minister of Canada was legally given authority to introduce new immigration pilots. This was due to changes in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), and it allowed the minister to create immigration programs for the benefit of Canada’s labour market and economy.

A program can run as a pilot for up to five years, after which they can be examined by the federal government to decide whether to keep the program, revise it, or do away with it. During a pilot’s lifetime, it can allow up to 2,750 applicants to immigrate every year, helping increase Canada’s skilled worker population and giving hopeful immigrants the opportunity to find careers. In short, even if I pilot does not continue past its test period, it still allows for more skilled workers to come to Canada with less time than it used to take. And since it costs less to dissolve an unsuccessful pilot than it would close a fully-launch immigration program, the federal government is able to save a significant amount of funds.

Progression of Pilots after 2012

The federal government started three immigration pilot programs following the IRPA revision in 2012. Two of the programs saw mixed success, including the 2013 Start-up Visa Pilot, which became a permanent program in 2018. Unfortunately, the program has had low intake numbers. Additionally, it is often overrun with applications from candidates who do not qualify for the program. And although the program brings high capital individuals to Canada, they often only stay in cities like Vancouver and Toronto.

Next, the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Fund pilot was launched in 2015. The program intended to be an immigration pathway for investors with large incomes. Unfortunately, it did not receive much interest, resulting in the program closing applications that same year.
A more successful program was the 2017 launch of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). Aiming to increase immigration in Canada’s four maritime provinces, it has been the most successful of the pilot programs. Over 4,000 immigrants now reside in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland thanks to the AIP. And it looks are though it will soon become a permanent program, as the immigration minister has stated in a recent mandate letter. Once the program is permanent, it may be accepting more than 5,000 immigrants into the Maritimes yearly.

Immigration Pilots in 2019 and Beyond

Several pilot programs were announced and launched in 2019. And although their results have yet to be seen they all show a great deal of promise. For example, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), announced in January 2019, is set to launch this year. Similar to the AIP, this program aims to encourage immigration to smaller communities in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Later this year, we should have a good sense of how well this pilot is prospering.

Two new caregiver programs were also announced in February of last year, aiming to help caregivers obtain their permanent residence. With the program, employers don’t need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) when hiring caregivers. And to prevent worker exploitation, caregivers are also able to change employers if needed thanks to their work permits. What’s more, the program allows the caregivers to bring their families, including partners and children with them to Canada.

Then in July 2019, the three-year Agri-Food Immigration Pilot was launched. This pilot is set to increase the number of workers in the agricultural sector, as this industry has been facing plenty of labour shortages.

As for the future, at least two new pilot programs are supposedly set to launch in 2020. This includes another rural immigration pilot, which was mentioned in the immigration minister’s mandate letter. Similarly, a Municipal Nominee Program (MNP) is set to launch, focusing on encouraging immigration to underpopulated areas. Given the success of the AIP and the anticipation for the RNIP, it makes perfect sense that the federal government would work towards creating more regional-focused programs.

Canada Immigration

Express Entry ends 2019 with 3,200 invitations and a lowered CRS score

In the last Express Entry draw of 2019, the Government of Canada distributed 3,200 invitations to immigration candidates looking to apply for permanent residence. The draw was held on December 19, a little over a week after the previous draw on December 11. The minimum required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this final draw was 469, which is three points lower than the last selection.

The candidates for this draw were selected, as always, from three of the immigration categories used for skilled workers. These categories are the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Class. Additionally, these draws are held every few weeks, and they usually distribute a large number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.

Express Entry selects candidates for the draws based on the profiles they have submitted to the system’s pool of entries. Their profiles are ranked by the number of points awarded by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Evidently, the points attributed to the profiles are based on criteria outlined by the CRS. They consider factors like work experience, education background, age, English or French language ability, and many other factors. In short, to qualify for Express Entry draws, the candidates’ profiles must meet the minimum CRS score requirements.

Express Entry’s minimum CRS score requirements tend to fluctuate, but it has become apparent that longer periods between draws usually means an increase in the score. With only a little over a week between these last two Express Entry draws, the minimum CRS score impressively decreased by three points.

With 2019 coming to a close, the Government of Canada has now distributed 85,300 ITAs through Express Entry. Next, the federal government plans to send out 85,800 ITAs by the end of 2020.

Canada Immigration

Canada takes the lead in immigration and investment rankings

The world has spoken, and it seems that people have given Canada the reputation of being among the most friendly and flourishing in the world. The Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index has held a survey and ranked 50 countries based on factors like their reputation and prosperity. The survey interviewed 20,035 adults (older than 18) from 20 countries. Out of the 50 countries included in the rankings, Canada impressively ranked in third overall.

Although Germany and France placed first and second, respectively, Canada did come in first place in three of the six categories! One of the categories that Canada ranked first in was investment and immigration. It also had significant improvements in the categories of culture, governance, and tourism.

Canada’s ranking in investment and immigration is especially impressive. These investment categories examine how people perceive the quality of a country’s business industry and environment. For immigration, it considers how a country attracts newcomers to stay in a country to pursue a career or education. As a result, the category gives the ranking countries a score based on several factors. This includes educational opportunities, business investments, the equality of the society, and the country’s overall quality of life.

What’s more, the interviews asked their correspondents to assign “personality traits” to each of the 50 countries included in the survey. The results were full compliments for Canada, making it clear that the country has a very positive global reputation. Some of the personality traits suggested by interview correspondents are as follows:
Friendly (39% of correspondents)
Trustworthy ( 30%)
Happy (29%)
Generous (19%)

Canada Immigration

Potential last Express Entry of 2019 sends 3,200 invitations

The Government of Canada held yet another Express Entry draw on December 11, sending out 3,200 invitations for candidates to apply for permanent residence. To qualify for the draw, these Express Entry candidates had to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 472. With only 20 days left in 2019 as of the draw date, this could very well be the last Express Entry draw of 2019.

Express Entry is an immigration stream run by Canada’s federal government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The stream holds draws to invite eligible applicants to apply for Canadian permanent residence if they meet the required criteria. It pulls candidates from three skilled worker categories. These are the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class, and the Federal Skilled Worker Class. The draws are usually held twice a month on average.

The Express Entry pool ranks its candidates based on several criteria, including language skills, work history and education. Then, their credentials are tallied into a Comprehensive Ranking System score. In order to be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must meet the minimum CRS score, which changes each draw. For example, December 11 had a minimum CRS ranking of 472 for applicants. If a candidate meets all the criteria, including reaching the minimum score, they qualify to be drawn from Express Entry. If chosen, they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), meaning they can submit an application for Canadian permanent residence.

Total Invitations for 2019

In the past year, there have been 82,100 ITAs sent through Express Entry, beating 2019’s target of 81,400 invitations. However, this is significantly less than the number of invitations that went out last year. Express Entry finished 2018 with 89,800 ITAs and broke the system’s record. But as Canada ushers in a new year and a new decade, the distribution goal for 2020 is set at 85,800 invitations.

Canada Immigration

Low pollution rates: Canada’s clean drinking water and breathable air

Over the past several decades, we have seen how pollution has impacted people in countries around the world. In cities across the globe, clean drinking water has become increasingly scarce, and smog in the air has made it harder to breathe every day.

But there is hope for those who are worried about their air and water quality. For those looking for a healthier home, Canada has one of the best and cleanest environments of any country. Canada is well known for having one of the largest supplies of fresh drinking water in the world. It also has one of the lowest rates of air pollution, and arguably some of the cleanest and safest cities. Canada soars above countries with the highest pollution rates in the world, even ranking higher than the United Statesin water quality and air pollution levels. Beyond that, Canada is safe and open for people from all walks of life, and there are plenty of job opportunities available for newcomers.

So if you’re looking for a fresh start in a country with fresh air, Canada is the place to be. Make a home in a place that will bring better health to your entire family by immigrating to Canada. We here at Canada Education Consultants can help you find your path to living in Canada. Our expert consultants will help you find an immigration program that is right for you.

To contact our expert consultants, call us at +91 84486 30755 or send an email to info@canadaeducationconsultants.com.

Canada Immigration

How Canada’s October 21st election could affect immigration

Canadians are preparing for the 2019 federal election, and politicians and voters alike are wondering how Canada’s government will look after October 21st.

Opinion surveys have unsurprisingly cited the Liberals and Conservatives as the two most popular parties in the running. Surveys have so far ranked the New Democratic Party and the Green Party in third and fourth place, respectively.

As all parties prepare their campaigns, one topic concerning people inside and outside of Canada is immigration. As the election date fast approaches, some worry that immigration policies could be changing in the near future.

However, as of now, it appears that Canada’s immigration rates will remain the same regardless of who wins the upcoming election. Both Liberals and Conservatives have had a history of consistently raising Canada’s yearly immigration intake since the 1980s.

Canada’s Need for Immigrants

Immigration has proven to be a huge asset to Canadian society and to its economy. For several decades, Canada’s birth rate has declined and the overall working population has aged considerably. The next decade will see more than 9 million people in the working population retiring, and Canada will soon be needing to fill these gaps in the labour market.

Canada will be in need of more immigrants than ever. With the projected rate of retirement increasing, the demand for skilled workers will only grow in the next few years. Immigration channels such as Express Entry and Provincial nomination programs will not be going out of fashion any time soon.

If any major changes are to be seen in Canada’s immigration policies, it would be to the composition of Canada’s new immigrants.

What Changes to Expect

Currently, Canada divides its immigrants into three classifications: the economic class, the family class, and refugee class.

The current Liberal government has given the refugee class more priority compared to previous governments, having increased the intake since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s election. In contrast, the Conservative party as taken the opposition on the issue. The Conservative leader Andrew Scheer has stated that, if elected, they will reduce refugee admittance.

In the event that the Canadian government shifts from Liberal to Conservative following the federal election, the only potential change would be a decrease in the annual number of refugees accepted into Canada. The number of immigrants accepted through the economic and family classes should either remain the same or increase. For these two immigrant classifications, no aspects of the immigration process are expected to change.

Canada has relied on immigration for years to bolster the economy and population. Regardless of the outcome in the 2019 federal election, Canada’s need for newcomers with new talent will not be changing.

Canada Immigration

Canada updates the list of eligible occupations targeted through the Global Talent Stream

The government of Canada has updated the list of occupations targeted through Category B of the Global Talent Stream on July 8, 2019.

Computer network technicians (NOC 2281) have been added to the list, while engineering managers (NOC 0211), and architecture and science managers (NOC 0212) have been removed from the list.

The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Canada, which aims to attract technical elites from all parts of the world. Qualified applicants can obtain a work permit within two weeks.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) said that: “Effective July 2019, the Global Talent Occupations List has been updated to ensure it continues to reflect the Canadian labour market and the needs of innovative companies.” ESDC also said that the applications for occupations removed from the list would be accepted until August 4, 2019.

There are two categories under the Global Talent Stream:

Category A can be accessed only by employers who are referred by a designated referral organization.
Category B focuses on a list of in-demand technology occupations. (Shown in below)

Global Talent Occupations List

National Occupations Classification (NOC) code	Occupation
213	Computer and information systems managers
2147	Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
Sub-set of 2161	Mathematicians and statisticians
2171	Information systems analysts and consultants
2172	Database analysts and data administrators
2173	Software engineers and designers
2174	Computer programmers and interactive media developers
2175	Web designers and developers
2281	Computer network technicians
2283	Information systems testing technicians
Sub-set of 5131	Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video game
Sub-set of 5241	Digital media designers

If your occupation is on the list and you are interested in working in Canada, you are welcome to contact our professional Canada Immigration Consultants.

Canada Immigration

Canada Immigration Minister Advocates for Spreading the Positive Impacts of Immigration to Counteract Fear

Ahmed Hussen, the Canadian Immigration Minister, stressed the positive aspects and effects of immigration on the country and the economy while addressing international immigration experts at the annual International Metropolis Conference.

This year’s theme for the conference, which was “The Promise of Migration” is what Hussen calls “the kind of conversation we should be having”.

Over 1000 immigration officials and experts based internationally were in attendance.

Hussen spoke of his experience serving as Canada’s Immigration Minister, and how it has opened his eyes to the value of welcoming new citizens to the country, as well as Canada’s attitude towards immigrants. The country is generally known to be quite receptive and accommodating to immigrants, which Hussen believes has only served it well in terms of social and economic growth.

“In Canada, I always knew intellectually and from reading reports just how crucial the injection of new immigrants and workers is to our economy. But it wasn’t until I became a minister and I travelled from coast to coast in Canada that I realized just how severe those shortages were and how small and medium and large businesses relied on workers to grow their businesses and contribute to the local economy. They’re one of the biggest champions of increasing immigration numbers into Canada.” Hussen said to the audience.

He went on to say that putting emphasis on the good outcomes of immigration due to a recent growth in fear and anti-immigrant sentiments. Since the inauguration of current U.S. president Donald Trump, anti-immigrant and racially profiling propaganda has been on the rise.

Hussen says that promoting the positive impacts that immigrants have in the community and the nation is the best weapon to combat these fears.

“The best weapon against fear is facts; facts don’t lie and the numerous studies continue to show that migrants make an enormous contribution to our economies and our societies,” Hussen explained.

“Our job as stakeholders as government as all of you working in [the immigration] space, is to fight fear with facts, to push the reality, the positive impact of immigration on the local economy, the positive role that immigration can and does play in meeting demographic challenges, in filling unfilled jobs, in bringing much-needed skills to countries like Canada. We need to highlight that, we cannot take those facts for granted, that everybody understands them or is aware of them.”

Hussen himself originally came to Canada as a refugee from Somalia, and cited a recent study conducted by the United Nations which revealed that Canada had welcomed the most refugees in 2018 when asked what he is most proud of.

He felt that this shows that Canada is being recognized for its compassion towards fellow humans, and is seen as a place of hope and opportunity for those who are lost or without a place to call home.

“I’m proud that we have demonstrated to many other countries and politicians who have tried to use immigration as a tool to divide people, we have demonstrated through our government’s actions and through the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government that you can be both strong and effective in protecting your country and the health and safety of your citizens while being compassionate and open to refugees. You don’t have to pick one or the other. You can do both, and we have demonstrated that.”

If you are interested in moving to Canada, please feel free to contact our professional Canada Immigration Consultants.

Canada Immigration

Ontario invited 360 French-Speaking candidates through Skilled Worker Stream

Ontario issued new invitations to immigration candidates with eligible French-speaking abilities to apply for an Ontario provincial nomination through the Skilled Worker Stream. A total of 360 invitations were issued in the May 22 draw.

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is aligned with Federal Express Entry (EE) system. To qualify for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, candidates must meet the requirements of both the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream and one of the two federal immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

EE candidates with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which effectively guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence from the Government of Canada.

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream does not require a job offer in Ontario, nor does it require a minimum CRS score to be eligible. However, a minimum language level at CLB 7 in French and CLB 6 in English are required. Also, candidates must have been obtained at least one-year work experience in NOC Skill level 0, A or B. If you choose to be assessed against the FSW, you must score at least 67 points on the six selection factors, which include education, language skills, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada and adaptability.

So far in 2019, a total of 549 invitations have been issued through the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream.

If you speak both French and English and interested in immigrating to Ontario, you are welcome to contact our Professional Canada Immigration Consultants for more information.

3,900 Invitations Sent in March Express Entry Draw

The advantage of new immigration pilot programs

Canada’s Parliament and Immigration Proposals

Progression of Pilots after 2012

Immigration Pilots in 2019 and Beyond

Express Entry ends 2019 with 3,200 invitations and a lowered CRS score

Canada takes the lead in immigration and investment rankings

Potential last Express Entry of 2019 sends 3,200 invitations

Total Invitations for 2019

Low pollution rates: Canada’s clean drinking water and breathable air

How Canada’s October 21st election could affect immigration

Canada’s Need for Immigrants

What Changes to Expect

Canada updates the list of eligible occupations targeted through the Global Talent Stream

Canada Immigration Minister Advocates for Spreading the Positive Impacts of Immigration to Counteract Fear

Ontario invited 360 French-Speaking candidates through Skilled Worker Stream

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