Canada introduced the new category-based selection for the Express Entry system
On May 31, 2023, the Canadian Government introduced a category-based selection for Express Entry, making it easier for prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training, or language ability to immigrate to Canada. In 2023, invitations will be issued for candidates with a reasonably good knowledge of French or experience in areas such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture and agri-food. In June 2022, the Government of Canada changed the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to select immigrants based on key economic characteristics such as work experience and knowledge of French. The Government of Canada will hold the first category-based invitations in the summer of 2023.
Category-based invitation rounds will make it easier for skilled workers in one of the in-demand occupations to immigrate to Canada. Rather than relying solely on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which ranks all Express Entry candidates against each other, category-based selection allows the Canadian Government to target specific occupations and language abilities in high demand. The category-based selection process is a more targeted approach to selecting candidates for permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian Government can better address labour shortages and support economic growth by focusing on specific occupations and language abilities.
Canada’s population to reach 40 million in June 2023
According to recent statistics, Canada’s population is expected to reach 40 million in June 2023, which marks a significant milestone for the country. The growth is mainly attributed to the influx of immigrants into the country, which has contributed to the country’s prosperity over the years. Canada has been welcoming thousands of immigrants annually, with a target of admitting over 500,000 annually by 2025, which indicates the country’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Canada has implemented programs and policies to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs worldwide, successfully attracting diverse immigrants to the country. These efforts have not only helped the country to meet its labour needs but have also contributed significantly to the overall economic growth of the country. Moreover, the influx of immigrants has also enriched the country’s cultural diversity with new traditions and customs brought by the newcomers. This has created a vibrant and dynamic society that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, making Canada one of the most welcoming countries in the world.
British Columbia continues to hold weekly invitation rounds
British Columbia, a province in western Canada, continues to hold weekly invitation rounds for candidates who have applied for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). These invitation rounds are held to invite eligible candidates to apply for a provincial nomination certificate, which can then be used to apply for Canadian permanent residence. On May 16, 23, and 30, British Columbia issued new invitations under the BCPNP. The province invited up to 543 skilled workers, early childhood educators, healthcare professionals, and tech workers. By May 30, British Columbia had invited 4,593 skilled candidates under the BCPNP.
The BCPNP is designed to help skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs gain permanent residency in British Columbia. The program has several categories, including the Skills Immigration category, the Express Entry category, and the Entrepreneur Immigration category. To be eligible for the BC PNP, candidates must meet certain requirements, such as a valid job offer in British Columbia, relevant work experience, and minimum language proficiency requirements. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can submit an online profile through the BC PNP’s online registration system. Once a profile is submitted, it will be assessed based on several factors, including the candidate’s education, work experience, and language proficiency. If you also want to immigrate to British Columbia, contact Rendezvous Immigration to increase your chances.
The high demand for sales professionals creates immigration opportunities for foreigners
With the Canadian economy booming post-COVID-19, businesses are seeing a significant increase in demand, causing them to expand their workforce. As a result, they are now scrambling to find suitable sales candidates to help them achieve their goals. This presents a unique opportunity for foreign nationals seeking to immigrate through Express Entry to Canada, as they may be able to fill these positions and contribute to the country’s growth and success. Furthermore, post-pandemic remote work is becoming a natural privilege for industry professionals as companies seek ways to adapt to the new normal. This shift towards remote work has made it easier for businesses to access a wider talent pool and opened new opportunities for individuals seeking job flexibility and work-life balance.
According to Canada’s Jobbank website, the sales industry will experience tremendous growth in the next ten years. The website predicts 149,200 new sales clerk jobs and 95,700 new sales supervisor jobs in Canada, which clearly indicates the vast opportunities available for individuals looking to pursue a career in sales. Therefore, job seekers must acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this ever-evolving industry. If you are interested in pursuing a career in sales and immigrating to Canada, it is essential to research the requirements and qualifications needed for the job. You may need a work permit or meet specific educational and experiential requirements. With the right qualifications and skills, you can take advantage of the high demand for sales professionals and contribute to Canada’s thriving economy.
Canada to experience record-breaking immigration numbers in 2023
According to the latest immigration levels plan for 2023-2025, Canada is set to welcome an even higher number of permanent residents than initially targeted. This is a significant development for Canada’s immigration system, which has undergone many changes in recent years to accommodate the growing number of people seeking to make Canada their new home. As of November 2022, the immigration target was 465,000 permanent residents for 2023, 485,000 for 2024, and 500,000 for 2025. However, the first quarter of 2023 has already seen a significant increase in the number of new permanent residents welcomed compared to the same period in 2022. This suggests that Canada is on track to exceed their original targets, which is a positive sign for its economy and diversity.
The increase in the number of permanent residents welcomed in Canada reflects the country’s growing appeal as a destination for immigrants. With its strong economy, high standard of living, and welcoming attitude toward newcomers, Canada has become a sought-after location for those looking to start a new life. In addition, the Canadian Government has been actively working to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors through various initiatives and programs, such as the Global Talent Stream and the Start-up Visa. These efforts have helped position Canada as a leader in the global talent competition, which is essential for driving innovation and growth.
Canada celebrated Citizenship Week and welcomed 13,500 new citizens
During Citizenship Week in May 2023, nearly 364,000 new Canadian citizens joined the community. The citizenship ceremony marks the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen, where participants take the Oath of Citizenship, pledging their allegiance to their new country. In the past year, almost 30,000 permanent residents of Canada have taken the Oath of Citizenship monthly, which is higher than pre-COVID-19 levels. Canada welcomed over 13,500 new citizens in 105 ceremonies during Citizenship Week. The Citizenship Application Tracker was launched in May 2021 to streamline the application process, while online application processes have been made available for some clients.
Nearly 546,000 people have taken online citizenship tests since the launch of the new online test platform in November 2020. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites over 5,000 applicants weekly to complete the citizenship test. The citizenship test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions based on the Discover Canada guide. All applicants must have at least 15 correct answers to pass the test. The test is available in English and French, and accommodations are available for those with disabilities. After passing the test, applicants attend a citizenship ceremony where they take the Oath of Citizenship and receive their citizenship certificate.
Family reunification programs to address Canada’s labour shortage
On May 26, 2023, IRCC Minister Sean Fraser announced new measures to strengthen family reunification and address labour shortages. These measures include faster processing times, new tools, and an open work permit for spousal and family class applicants. Open work permit holders expiring between August 1 and the end of 2023 can extend their permits. Families will be reunited sooner while waiting for permanent residence. Most applications will be processed within 30 days, with specific processing measures for spouses and dependents. The new tools have resulted in a 93% approval rate.
Newcomers in Canada often seek jobs to support themselves and their families. Open work permits are now available for spousal applicants and dependent children who reside with their sponsor in Canada and have temporary resident status. They can apply for and receive an open work permit when they submit a complete permanent residence application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class (SPCLC) or other family class programs. These initiatives fulfill the commitments in the Minister’s mandate letter to address labour shortages through immigration.
Rendezvous Immigration assists individuals in immigrating to Canada and provides consultation services. Rendezvous Immigration also helps prepare immigration applications, ensuring all documents are complete and accurate. With the expertise and guidance of our licensed consultants, you can navigate the immigration process with confidence and achieve your dreams of living in Canada.