Canadian Immigration Trends: Decline in New Permanent Resident Numbers

Canadian immigration experienced a notable softening in February, with a decline of 18.4 percent compared to the previous month.

This decrease contributed to a 13.8 percent drop in the number of new permanent residents entering the country for the year to date, compared to the first two months of the previous year.

Although there was a significant increase of 28 percent in immigration to Canada in January compared to December of the previous year, the overall trend in the early part of this year has been towards reduced immigration.

In January 2024, Canada welcomed 47,735 new permanent residents, slightly fewer than the 50,945 welcomed during the same month in 2023, according to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).


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In February of the same year, Canada welcomed 39,975 new permanent residents, a notable decrease from the 49,670 recorded in February 2023.

With two consecutive months of softer permanent immigration numbers compared to 2023, Canada welcomed only 86,710 new permanent residents in the first two months of 2024, which is 13,905 fewer than the 100,615 in January and February of 2023.

This decline in year-to-date permanent immigration to Canada is larger than the entire population of Portage La Prairie in Manitoba. If the levels of immigration seen in January and February were to continue for the rest of the year, Canada would welcome approximately 520,260 new permanent residents in 2024. This figure represents a 10.3 percent increase over the record-setting level of 471,550 new permanent residents in 2023.

Furthermore, the immigration levels seen in January and February 2024 would also exceed the target of 485,000 new permanent residents set out in Ottawa’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2023–2025 by 7.3 percent.


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The IRCC states on its website, “Following the trajectory of the 2023–2025 plan, Canada aims to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, 500,000 in 2025, and plateau at 500,000 in 2026. This plan prioritizes economic growth, supports family reunification, responds to humanitarian crises, and recognizes the rapid growth in immigration in recent years.” The latest immigration levels plan aims to bring a total of 1.485 million immigrants to Canada over those three years.

Ontario remained the most popular destination for newcomers in January and February, with 37,545 new permanent residents choosing to settle there during those two months, accounting for almost 43.3 percent of all immigrants to Canada during that period.

Various economic programs, including the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and others, accounted for 55.8 percent of all new permanent residents in Ontario during January and February. These programs facilitated the arrival of 20,935 new permanent residents in the province during that period.

In addition to economic programs, family sponsorships and Canada’s refugee and protected persons programs also contributed to immigration to Ontario, with 9,220 and 6,440 new permanent residents arriving through these pathways, respectively, in January and February.

Other provinces and territories attracted varying numbers of new permanent residents during the same period, with Alberta and British Columbia welcoming the highest numbers after Ontario.

Looking ahead, temporary immigration to Canada, which surged during the pandemic, is expected to come under a new immigration levels plan in September, as announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller.

Quebec Temporary Immigration Freeze Proposal: Addressing Housing Affordability Crisis

A call from a Quebec political party urges the provincial government to halt all temporary immigration under its jurisdiction, aiming to alleviate the strain on housing affordability.

Parti Québécois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon asserts that the influx of temporary immigrants is contributing to housing unaffordability for locals, highlighting the pressing need for action.

Plamondon emphasizes the necessity of addressing the issue rather than remaining passive, criticizing the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) for its inaction.

In Quebec’s provincial legislature, the CAQ, led by Premier François Legault, holds the majority of seats, while the PQ remains a minority.

Despite this, the PQ is gaining traction in polls and pledges to fund the construction of 45,000 housing units over the next five years if it assumes power in the 2026 election.


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This proposition coincides with mounting criticism directed at the CAQ for its handling of the housing affordability crisis.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data reveals significant numbers of new permanent residents, study permits for international students, and work permits issued in Quebec. While the PQ lacks the authority to directly limit temporary immigration, its proposal resonates with concerns raised by Premier Legault, who has attributed the housing situation partly to Ottawa’s policies regarding temporary immigration.

Premier Legault has consistently advocated for maintaining current immigration levels while prioritizing the preservation of the French language and identity. He aims to predominantly attract French-speaking immigrants to Quebec by 2026, emphasizing the responsibility of Québécois to uphold their language and culture.

The PQ’s stance on temporary immigration coincides with federal plans led by Immigration Minister Marc Miller to unveil a temporary immigration levels plan. Miller’s recent decision to cap study permit applications reflects efforts to manage immigration levels amid concerns about economic repercussions.


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However, economists caution that reducing immigration may exacerbate demographic challenges and strain government finances. While slower population growth might ease housing demand in the long term, it is unlikely to resolve Canada’s affordability crisis, which stems from longstanding housing shortages and other factors.

In summary, the debate over temporary immigration in Quebec underscores complex economic and social considerations, including housing affordability, demographic shifts, and cultural preservation. Balancing these factors will be crucial for policymakers at both the provincial and federal levels in shaping immigration policies that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Rethinking Canada Immigration Policy With A Focus On Citizenship

In a recent panel discussion at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa, Conservative immigration critic Tom Kmiec voiced concerns over the surge in temporary residents entering Canada.

Instead, he advocated for a policy shift towards prioritizing citizenship as the ultimate goal, emphasizing the importance of integrating newcomers into Canadian society.

Kmiec highlighted the competition for a limited number of permanent resident positions, suggesting that Canada should focus on fostering long-term integration rather than relying heavily on short-term influxes of temporary residents.

This sentiment was echoed by panel members who suggested that the current housing crisis, partly fueled by the rapid increase in foreign arrivals, necessitates a re-evaluation of immigration levels.

Toronto Star columnist David Olive echoed these concerns, noting that addressing Canada’s housing crisis might require a temporary reduction in immigration levels.


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He pointed out that while the construction sector has made strides in building new homes, there remains a significant shortage of skilled workers. Olive emphasized the need for a balanced approach that includes both increased housing supply and strategic recruitment of skilled tradespeople.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the strain that the influx of temporary residents has placed on Canada’s infrastructure and announced plans to reduce temporary immigration by 20 percent over three years. However, Olive disagreed with this approach, advocating instead for a more modest reduction in permanent residents and citing examples of other immigrant-friendly countries implementing similar measures to address housing challenges.


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Olive proposed a nuanced strategy that would allow Canada to develop a comprehensive housing plan while continuing to welcome newcomers. By temporarily reducing immigration levels, Canada could better assess its housing needs and allocate resources more effectively.

In summary, there is growing recognition among policymakers and commentators that Canada’s immigration policy should prioritize integration and sustainable growth. By reevaluating immigration levels in light of current challenges, Canada can ensure that newcomers contribute to the country’s long-term prosperity while addressing pressing issues such as housing affordability.

Saskatchewan Bolsters Immigration Framework to Foster Economic Growth

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Saskatchewan has taken significant strides in fortifying its immigration infrastructure with the introduction of the new Immigration Services Act.

This legislation, spearheaded by Immigration Minister Jeremy Harrison, aims to revamp oversight of foreign worker recruitment, safeguard workers against exploitation, combat immigration fraud, and expand settlement services.

Harrison emphasized the pivotal role of immigration in propelling Saskatchewan’s economic trajectory, stating, “Immigration is critical to Saskatchewan’s economic growth.”

He underscored the legislation’s commitment to nurturing newcomers, shielding their rights, and ensuring a conducive environment for both immigrants and employers.

The overarching goal is to attract and retain a skilled workforce vital for sustaining the province’s burgeoning economy and communities.


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The revamped legislation supersedes the former Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, consolidating all immigration-related authorities under a unified legislative framework. This consolidation promises to enhance the province’s responsiveness to evolving immigration dynamics while simplifying procedures for employers seeking to address workforce demands through immigration avenues.

Key pledges outlined in the new Immigration Services Act include:

  1. Augmenting settlement services to encompass comprehensive support from pre-arrival assistance to long-term retention aid.
  2. Introducing robust safeguards for foreign workers against exploitation, coupled with stringent oversight of recruiters, immigration consultants, and non-compliant employers to uphold program integrity and safety.
  3. Bolstering investigative powers and enforcement measures to combat immigration fraud, including the imposition of higher fines for infractions and the authorization of administrative penalties for non-compliance.

This legislative overhaul aligns with Saskatchewan’s recent labor market strategy, which underscores the pivotal role of immigration in meeting employer demands and addressing workforce shortages. Saskatchewan asserts its prowess in credential recognition, boasting one of Canada’s most effective systems. With the new legislation, the province aims to further optimize its capacity to attract and retain skilled talent essential for filling critical job vacancies.

Statistical data released by Statistics Canada paints a rosy picture of Saskatchewan’s economic landscape, with robust job growth and burgeoning housing starts. The province continues to make strategic investments to bolster economic growth, with a steadfast focus on nurturing a skilled workforce and supporting employers in talent acquisition and retention efforts.


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Saskatchewan’s immigration avenues encompass various streams under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), catering to diverse categories of immigrants. These include the International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Experience, and Business Immigration streams, each tailored to address specific immigration needs and priorities.

In sum, Saskatchewan’s revamped Immigration Services Act signifies a proactive step towards fortifying its immigration framework, poised to underpin sustained economic growth, foster workforce diversity, and nurture vibrant communities.

Navigating Canada’s Tax Benefits and Credits for Newcomers

Moving to Canada opens up a world of opportunities, including access to various benefits and tax credits designed to support both permanent residents and temporary visa holders.

These provisions, overseen by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), aim to provide financial assistance to newcomers during their transition and settlement in the country.

Understanding Newcomer Status

Newcomer status under the CRA applies during an individual’s first year of residence in Canada. To qualify for benefits and credits, either the newcomer or their spouse/common-law partner must be considered a resident of Canada for income tax purposes.

Securing Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Before accessing benefits and credits, newcomers must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada. This unique 9-digit identifier is essential for various purposes, including receiving payments, working, and opening bank accounts. SIN applications can be completed online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or through mail.


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In cases where Service Canada is unable to provide a SIN immediately, the CRA may issue a temporary tax number (TTN) to facilitate access to benefits and online services.

Applying for Benefits and Credits

Newcomers are eligible for benefits and credits without the requirement of filing their first tax return. Some of the key benefits include:

  • GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate: Offset taxes paid on purchases with a tax-free quarterly payment.
  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Monthly tax-free payments to assist with raising children under 18 years old.

Temporary residents become eligible for the CCB after residing in Canada for 18 consecutive months and holding a valid permit on their 19th month.


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Provincial and Territorial Benefits

Beyond federal benefits, many provinces and territories offer additional support programs, including:

  • Alberta:
    • Alberta Child and Family Benefit
  • British Columbia:
    • BC Family Benefit
    • BC Climate Action Tax Credit
  • New Brunswick:
    • New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit
    • New Brunswick Working Income Supplement
    • New Brunswick Harmonized Sales Tax Credit
  • Newfoundland and Labrador:
    • Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit
    • Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement
    • Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Amount
    • Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Benefit
  • Nova Scotia:
    • Nova Scotia Child Benefit
    • Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit
  • Northwest Territories:
    • Northwest Territories Child Benefit
    • Northwest Territories Cost of Living Offset
  • Ontario:
    • Ontario Trillium Benefit
    • Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
    • Northern Ontario Energy Credit
    • Ontario Sales Tax Credit
    • Ontario Child Benefit
    • Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant
  • Prince Edward Island:
    • Prince Edward Island Sales Tax Credit
  • Quebec:
    • Family Allowance
  • Saskatchewan:
    • Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit
  • Yukon:
    • Yukon Child Benefit
    • Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate – Individuals

Further Benefits and Credits

After filing their first tax return, newcomers may qualify for additional benefits such as:

  • Canada Dental Benefit
  • Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
  • Canada Workers Benefit
  • Home Accessibility Tax Credit
  • Children’s Special Allowances
  • COVID-19 Benefits from the CRA

Receiving Payments

To receive benefits and credits, individuals can sign up for direct deposit into their Canadian bank accounts. It’s essential to file income tax returns annually, even with no income, and keep personal information updated with the CRA.

Navigating Canada’s tax system as a newcomer can be complex, but understanding and accessing available benefits and credits can significantly ease the transition and provide valuable financial support during settlement.

Success in Higher Education and Beyond for Immigrant Children

A recent report by Statistics Canada highlights the remarkable achievements of immigrant children in Canada.

According to the report titled “Socioeconomic Outcomes Of Immigrants Admitted To Canada As Children, 2022”, children who immigrate to Canada tend to excel in the workforce and achieve higher earnings compared to both their counterparts who arrive later in life and the average Canadian.

Statistics Canada reveals that immigrant children, defined as those who migrated to Canada before turning 14, exhibit a higher likelihood of engaging in postsecondary education during their early adulthood years.

This trend is particularly significant when compared to the overall Canadian population of the same age group.

The report emphasizes that the age at which immigrant children are admitted plays a crucial role in their educational attainment.


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Generally, those who arrive at a younger age are more likely to pursue higher education.

For instance, among 20-year-old immigrants, over three-quarters of those admitted to Canada as children aged four or younger eventually enroll in college or university, a rate significantly higher than that of non-immigrant Canadians.

Moreover, the benefits of this early education extend into the workforce. Immigrant children admitted to Canada enjoy median wages that either equal or surpass those of all tax filers by the age of 25 to 30. This indicates a tangible financial advantage for immigrants who arrived in Canada as children.


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These findings align with another report by Statistics Canada, titled “The Improvement In The Labour Market Outcomes Of Recent Immigrants Since The Mid-2010s”, which underscores the positive trajectory of immigrants’ financial prosperity in Canada. Recent immigrants, particularly those in the 25 to 54 age group, have experienced significant growth in employment rates and earnings since the early 2010s, narrowing the gap with their Canadian-born counterparts.

Despite these improvements, challenges remain in achieving complete income parity with Canadian-born workers. However, the narrowing earnings gap signifies a departure from previous stagnation and worsening trends, especially for recent immigrant women.

Looking ahead, Statistics Canada predicts continued growth in immigration, which may outpace job opportunities in the foreseeable future. This dynamic shift in labor supply and demand underscores the evolving landscape of Canada’s workforce.

 

New Brunswick Schools Want Further Action on International Student Policies

Post-secondary institutions in New Brunswick are raising concerns over recent federal regulations limiting the intake of international student.

Despite the immigration department’s efforts to streamline processes by expanding the number of attestation letters for study permit applications, universities like St. Thomas University are grappling with constrained enrollment figures.

Ryan Sullivan, Associate Vice-President of Enrollment Management at St. Thomas University, acknowledges the positive step of increased attestation letters, now totaling 314 compared to the initial 199.

However, he stresses that this adjustment still falls short of the university’s desired student intake. Last year, out of 550 international applications, only 330 were accepted, and plans for further expansion have been stymied by the new caps imposed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a cap on international student permits for 2024, aiming to stabilize Canada’s growth and address concerns about the integrity of the international student system.


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The cap, set at 236,000 study permits, represents a 42% decrease from the previous year’s approvals. This reduction is based on various factors, including expiring permits, extensions, and projected student demographics.

New Brunswick, along with Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, faces a 10% decline in study permit approvals compared to the previous year. To meet the projected approval targets, the number of applications requiring attestation letters has been increased. The Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour confirmed a significant rise in the allocation of attestation letters for all designated learning institutions (DLIs) in New Brunswick, from 9,300 to 14,651.

Despite this increase, concerns persist among administrators regarding the cumbersome process of obtaining provincial attestation letters, leading to uncertainty about meeting enrollment targets for the upcoming academic year. Pierre Zundel, President and CEO of the Collège Communautaire de Nouveau-Brunswick, expressed frustration over the timing constraints associated with the attestation letter process, complicating planning for the fall term.


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Moreover, competition from other countries like the UK, US, and Australia, capitalizing on Canada’s tightened regulations, poses additional challenges for attracting international students. Greg Turner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour, acknowledges the need for improving conversion rates and indicates collaboration between Ottawa and Canadian institutions to address these issues. One proposed solution involves requiring payment of first semester fees before issuing attestation letters, with financial stability being a crucial factor in visa approval.

Despite ongoing efforts to engage with the federal government, concerns persist within the academic community regarding the impact of current policies on international student recruitment and enrollment.

Updated Employer Form Released by Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced a revised version of its Employer Form, effective April 10, for all new applications seeking a nomination under the Employer: Job Offer stream of the Provincial Nominee Program.

As per the OINP guidelines, the ‘Application for Approval of Employment Position’ form is now mandatory. Failure to submit the updated form will result in the application being deemed incomplete, leading to a refund of the application fee.


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Here are the key eligibility criteria for the various streams under the Employer Job Offer category:

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

  • Applicants must hold a permanent and full-time job offer under NOC (National Occupational Classification) categories 1, 2, or 3, meeting Ontario’s median wage levels and deemed essential to the business.
  • The proposed wage should match or exceed the current wage for those already employed in the position.
  • A minimum of two years of relevant work experience within the past five years is required.
  • Mandatory licensing in Ontario, if applicable to the position.
  • Applicants must reside abroad or have legal status in Canada under a permit (work, study, or visit) and express a genuine intention to settle in Ontario.

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

  • Candidates must possess a permanent and full-time job offer under NOC categories 1, 2, or 3, or Skill Type 0 or Skill Levels A or B, meeting Ontario’s low wage levels and essential to the business.
  • Similar to the Foreign Worker Stream, the proposed wage must meet or exceed the current wage for existing employees.
  • Eligible applicants should have completed either a minimum two-year degree or a one-year post-graduate diploma from a publicly-funded Canadian college or university, with at least half of the studies completed in Canada.
  • Applications must be submitted within two years of course completion.
  • Legal status in Ontario and an intention to settle are prerequisites.

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Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

  • This stream targets individuals with specific skills in demand within Ontario.
  • Requirements include a permanent and full-time job offer in designated occupations within the agriculture or construction sector, meeting Ontario’s median wage levels.
  • Candidates must have at least 9 months of cumulative work experience in one of the eligible occupations within the last three years, with seasonal work not being considered.
  • Educational qualifications equivalent to Canadian high school education or higher.
  • Proficiency in English or French (CLB/NCLC 4) in all language competencies.
  • Similar to other streams, applicants must reside abroad or have legal status in Canada under a permit and express a genuine intention to settle in Ontario.

Eligible Occupations:

  • The In-Demand Skills Stream encompasses a range of occupations critical to Ontario’s economy. These include but are not limited to home support workers, construction trades helpers, specialized livestock workers, industrial butchers, and electronics assemblers, among others.

In conclusion, the revised Employer Form underscores the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s commitment to streamlining processes and ensuring the selection of candidates who meet the province’s economic needs while also facilitating their integration into Ontario communities.

Canada International Students Can Get Scholarships At University of Alberta

Various scholarship opportunities are available at the University of Alberta (UofA) for international students looking to move to the province for undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

It is one of Canada’s and the world’s premier learning institutions, hosting roughly 40,000 students from 156 countries, for programs at the undergraduate, master’s and PhD levels.

It is currently ranked 111th in the world according to QS World Reporter, and 7th in the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Based on scholarship type, the funding could be full or partial, covering one or more of living expenses, tuition, book fees, and other expenses.

The following scholarships are available for international students:

Undergraduate Scholarships 

The two categories of UofA undergraduate scholarships are:

1. Admission-Based

These scholarships do not need an application process. Students, rather, are automatically considered for them when they apply for admission at the university, based on their high school admission average at the time of their admission offer. If successful, the successful, the school will contact them with an admission offer.


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The admission-based scholarships available are:

  • International Admission Scholarship: Students can receive as much as $5,000 if they are successful, depending on the admission average
  • Regional Excellence Scholarship: Students from certain regions can be granted a maximum of $5,000, based on admission average
  • Gold Standard Scholarship: This scholarship goes to the top 5% of students in each faculty, granting them $6,000.

2. Application-Based 

Students who are unsure what scholarship they are eligible for can be especially benefitted by this scholarship, which uses a single form to assess students on academics, leadership, inclusion, and financial need:

  • President’s International Distinction Scholarship: This is UofA’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship, and for right reason. Valued at $120,000 (payable over four years) the scholarship is geared towards recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and who are recognized leaders within their school.
  • University of Alberta International Leader Scholarship: This award is for well-rounded leaders with high academic achievement, allowing them to receive anywhere up to $15,000.
  • May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship: This funding is only open to high academic achievers who are Chinese or Hong Kong citizens, and on a study permit. Financial need of students will also be considered, and students can achieve up to $100,000 (payable over four years).
  • University of Alberta Global Citizen Scholarship for IB Diploma International Students: This scholarship – which can go up to a maximum $53,000 per year for four year – is granted to first-year students showing strong academic performance in the international baccalaureate diploma program, demonstrated financial need, and strong leadership skills.
  • Cora Martinson International Scholarship: Students with strong academic achievement entering any year of an undergraduate degree at Augustana Faculty on a study permit could receive a total of $56,000 (payable over 4 years). Preference is given to students with financial need.

Graduate Scholarships 

Awards, scholarships, and prizes are given to exemplary students to fund their graduate education, funded by sources like the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, and many of the University’s donors. Some awards are also exclusive to specific programs.


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1. Department Awards

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) administers over 500 Department Awards, which are valued in thousand of dollars, endowed or annually funded by donors to the University of Alberta. There are two donor funded Department Award categories: Department Specific Awards and Inter-Department Awards.

2. Thesis Completion Awards

These awards are for outstanding theses at the master’s and doctoral levels, with students either nearing completion – or having already completed – their graduate degree. The different types of awards include:

  • Governor General’s Gold Medal
  • CAGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards
  • WAGS/ProQuest Innovation and Technology Awards
  • WAGS/ProQuest Distinguished Master’s Thesis Awards (STEM and Non-STEM)
  • WAGS/ProQuest Distinguished Master’s Thesis and/or Final Master’s Capstone Project Award in the Creative, Visual and Performing Arts

3. University of Alberta Graduate Recruitment Scholarship 

This scholarship is focused on recruiting superior graduate students with the potential to contribute to UofA’s community and research.

Scholarships will be offered in increments of $5,000. It is up to the department to decide how many increments of $5,000 to offer a student based on their allocation. The award value varies and is indicated in the original letter of offer.

4. University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship 

This scholarship is for the Faculty to provide funding and support for newly admitted graduate students whose admissions were ranked highly by their Department.

The Stipend Value sits at $17,500 for Master’s and $21,000 for Doctoral students. They must have a Canadian bank account and address to receive the award.

The students will receive an additional $10,000 to help cover the fees, which will be applied directly to their tuition and fees account.

5. Killam Trust Scholarships 

As one of the most prestigious endowments for scholarly pursuits, the $400 million Killam Trusts are responsible for this scholarship. The Killam Bequest has provided upward of $60 million to the University of Alberta between the three programs that the GPS delivers:

  • Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship
  • Dorothy J Killam Memorial Graduate Prizes
  • Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring
  • Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Postdoctoral Fellowship
  • Dorothy J Killam Memorial Postdoctoral Fellow Prize

6. Andrew Stewart Memorial Graduate Prize 

This prize is given in direct recognition of excellence in research at the doctoral level. It acknowledges outstanding accomplishment and potential in pursuit of new knowledge.

The award is of $500, and is open to students who have completed at least 24 months (2 years) in their doctoral program by April 30, 2024, and have completed no more than 6 years. For students who transferred from a master’s to a doctoral program, the time spent in the master’s program counts towards the time spent in the doctoral.

7. Alberta Innovates Graduate Scholarships 

Alberta Innovates invests in supporting academically superior graduate students undertaking full-time research education at an Alberta university, leading to a research-based master’s or doctoral degree.

The Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships program (GSS) focuses on Emerging Technology Areas important to Alberta, such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMM). These areas align with the innovation priority areas of Environment, Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Health.

The scholarship value is:

  • Master’s full value: $26,000
  • PhD full value: $31,000
  • Top-up value: $12,000

8. Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) 

The new AGES was established to fund the best students’ education in Alberta, including those from outside Canada.

To be eligible, students must showcase academic excellence through one or more of the following:

  • Current students have earned a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.3 or greater over the most recent 15 units of course weight in current program. Where there are less than 15 graded credits in the current program, the admission GPA (AGPA) is a weighted factor. For students newly admitted in Fall 2023 or Winter 2024 terms in which graded coursework is not yet available in the current program, the Admission GPA (AGPA) will be used.
  • Research and/or academic contributions that may include published manuscripts, presentations, posters, exhibitions, community engagement, performances; and,
  • Previous record of scholarly achievement through awards, scholarships, prizes, among others.

9. Mackenzie King Scholarships 

There are two types of scholarships under this fund. They are:

  • The Mackenzie King Open Scholarship: it is open to graduates (meaning holders of a degree) of any Canadian university who engage in (commence or continue) graduate study (master’s or doctoral) in any field, in Canada or elsewhere. The scholarship value is $14,000 CAD
  • The Mackenzie King Travelling Scholarship: It is open to graduates (meaning holders of a degree) of any Canadian university who engage in (commence or continue) graduate study (master’s or doctoral), in the United States or the United Kingdom, of international relations or industrial relations (including the international or industrial relations aspects of law, history, politics and economics). The scholarship value is $15,500.

Eligibility Requirements for International Students to Apply for a University of Alberta Scholarship 

Eligible applicants who have completed a high school degree are eligible to apply for an undergraduate program, while those with a master’s degree can apply to a PhD program.

Applicants must show an outstanding educational record to apply to the University.

British Columbia NO Draw: Province Issues 88 Canada Immigration Invitations

British Columbia has conducted new draws through multiple streams of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, issuing at least 88 invitations.

The April 10 draws were targeted at specific occupations.

In a tech draw, 46 invitations were issued to skilled workers and international graduates in tech occupations with a minimum score of 116 points.

A further nine invitations were issued to skilled workers and international graduates scoring at least 90 points in a draw targeting childcare workers.


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Construction workers received 13 invitations with a minimum score of 95 points.

A draw targeted at healthcare workers saw 19 invitations issued to skilled workers and international graduates, with a minimum score of 95 points.

Lastly, veterinary care workers received ‘less than five’ invitations with a minimum score of 85 points. The total was listed as ‘less than five’ to protect the identity of those invited.


Latest B.C. Immigration Draws

Date Category Minimum Score Invitations Issued Description
10-04-24  

 

Skilled Worker, International Graduate

116 46 Tech
90 9 Childcare
95 13 Construction
95 19 Healthcare
80 <5 Veterinary care

 


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