IRCC held the fourth PNP-targeted Express Entry draw of 2023
On May 10, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its fourth PNP-targeted draw of this year under the Express Entry system. The government issued 589 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This draw was unique in that it saw a significant drop in the cut-off score, which fell 57 points from the previous PNP-targeted Express Entry draw to 691 points, allowing more candidates to receive an ITA and creating a more significant opportunity for them to pursue permanent residency in Canada. As of May 10, 2023, 225,388 profiles were registered in the Express Entry pool, which showed a decrease of 4,801 from the previous update. In twelve Express Entry draws held in 2023, Canada has issued 45,148 invitations for permanent residency.
Express Entry is a system implemented by the Canadian Government to manage applications for permanent residency from skilled workers. Candidates are evaluated based on their age, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other factors that would allow them to contribute to Canada’s economy. Those who meet the eligibility criteria are placed in a pool and ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. IRCC conducts regular draws from this pool, issuing ITAs to the highest-ranking candidates. Successful applicants can then apply for permanent residency in Canada. If you want to pursue permanent residence in Canada, Rendezvous Immigration can help guide you. We can assist you with your Express Entry profile, improve your CRS score, and help you navigate the application process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your immigration goals.
Immigration boosts Canada’s human capital growth
The study “Accumulation of Human Capital in Canada, 1970 to 2020: An Analysis by Gender and the Role of Immigration” reveals fascinating insights into human capital growth among immigrant women and men over time. While the study found that the overall human capital growth in Canada increased significantly after 1995, with immigrants accounting for approximately 40% of that growth, the differences between the contributions of immigrant men and women are worth noting. According to the study, 56% of the overall human capital growth attributed to immigrants after 1995 was generated by immigrant men, while the remaining 44% came from immigrant women.
Interestingly, the study also highlights the significant impact of immigration on Canada’s labour force and economic growth. Before 1995, immigrants accounted for only about 18% of Canada’s total human capital growth. However, this figure has significantly increased over time, with immigration now responsible for almost 100% of Canada’s labour force growth and 75% of its economic growth. This suggests that the role of immigration in shaping Canada’s economy has become increasingly important and highlights the need for continued investment and support for immigrant populations.
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program becomes more and more popular
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has become increasingly popular in recent months, with more and more parents and grandparents coming to Canada under the program. According to the latest data from IRCC, the PGP saw a 4.3% increase in new permanent residents in February, with 1,805 new permanent residents being welcomed. The popularity of PGP in February can be attributed to a 33% increase in permanent residents compared to January 2022.
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members for permanent residency in Canada. To be eligible for PGP Canada, the sponsor must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and meet specific financial requirements. The sponsor must also prove that they can financially support their family members and that they have no criminal record. Rendezvous Immigration can help with the PGP application process. Our immigration consultants will assist with the application paperwork and provide support with any questions or concerns that may arise. Contact us today to learn more.
Ontario held five draws under the OINP in the first half of May
The Government of Ontario continues to invite skilled candidates under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The province conducted new draws under the Human Capital Priorities Stream and invited 1,863 candidates working in tech occupations and 2,349 candidates with work experience in healthcare. On May 9, the OINP held new draws in the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream (EJO IS) and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW) and issued 584 and 400 candidates, respectively. Finally, the provincial government invited 14 business candidates through OINP’s Entrepreneur Stream.
The OINP is an essential pathway for skilled workers to come to Ontario and contribute to the province’s economy and society. Through the OINP, Ontario nominates individuals for permanent residency in Canada based on their work experience, education, language proficiency, and other factors. The program offers several streams targeted at different groups of skilled workers, including applicants with job offers in Ontario, international students, entrepreneurs, and others. Rendezvous Immigration can help you prepare a strong application and immigrate to Ontario. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about our services.
Canada extended the Agri-Food Pilot Program
On May 8, 2023, the IRCC organization announced the extension of the Agri-Food Pilot until May 14, 2025. This move was made to help address the country’s agricultural labour shortage, a persistent issue in recent years. The annual occupational caps have also been removed to ensure more candidates can apply. Furthermore, the IRCC will enable applicants to meet job offers or education requirements, making it easier for candidates to showcase their skills and abilities. This will also help ensure the program remains competitive and attractive to potential candidates. Finally, the IRCC will accept work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers, which will help promote inclusivity and diversity in the program.
Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot Program is a new initiative to help employers in the agriculture and agri-food sector meet their labour needs by providing them access to a pool of experienced and highly qualified foreign workers. The program is designed to address the sector’s labour shortage issues, particularly in areas such as meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock raising. The pilot program offers a pathway to permanent residency for eligible foreign workers, which is expected to increase their retention in the sector. The program is scheduled to run until 2025 and is being implemented in Ontario, Quebec, and the Western provinces.
Canada became the most preferred destination for international students, beating out Australia and the US
Canada boasts some of the world’s top universities, which offer various academic programs and research opportunities in various fields. The country also provides excellent living standards and a safe and peaceful environment, making it an ideal place for students to live, study, and explore. According to a recent survey by the global student recruitment firm IDP Connect, Canada has become the most sought-after destination for students wanting to pursue their education abroad. The report, Emerging Futures 3, indicates that more than 21,000 students from around the world, representing 100 countries, chose Canada as their top choice. This is a significant increase from previous years, as Canada has surpassed both the United States and Australia in popularity among international students.
The survey data reveals that 27 percent of the respondents selected Canada as their top choice for studying abroad, while 23 and 21 percent picked Australia and the United States, respectively. The United Kingdom became fourth, with only 18% of respondents choosing that country. The survey also highlights why Canada is an attractive option for international students. Some of the key factors include the quality of education, affordable tuition fees, welcoming immigration policies, and a diverse and multicultural society. It is not surprising that Canada is fast becoming a preferred destination for students worldwide looking for a high-quality education and a life-changing experience.
More international nurses are seeking job opportunities in Atlantic Canada
By reducing registration and licensing procedures, Canadian provinces are making it easier for internationally trained nurses to work. Atlantic Canada’s Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) has expedited the process for applicants from seven countries: the Philippines, India, Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The new process aims to reduce the processing time for licensed nurses in other parts of Canada from five days to just one and for internationally trained nurses from the designated countries from months to a few weeks. The NSCN hopes to attract more qualified nurses to work in the region by making this change.
This move has been met with a positive response from nurses worldwide. The new process was launched on May 1, 2023, and NSCN received over 8,800 new applications in just a week. This indicates that the expedited procedure is working and making a real difference for nurses who want to work in Canada. With this new process in place, the NSCN can attract more qualified nurses who can help address the region’s healthcare professional shortage. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved, as it benefits the nurses who can find work more efficiently and the healthcare system in Atlantic Canada as a whole.
Rendezvous Immigration is a professional immigration consulting firm that assists individuals wishing to immigrate to Canada. We offer a range of services, including eligibility assessment, application preparation, and representation before immigration authorities. We also guide you in selecting the appropriate immigration program and ensure the application is complete and accurate. Rendezvous Immigration is committed to providing personalized service to each client and ensuring their immigration process is smooth and successful. Contact us today to receive the best immigration services!