Prince Edward Island Issues 153 Canada Immigration Invitations In New Provincial Draw

Colin Singer
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0
Prince Edward Island Issues 153 Canada Immigration Invitations In New Provincial Draw

Canada immigration news: Prince Edward Island has issued invitations to apply to 153 skilled worker and entrepreneur Canada immigration candidates in a new provincial draw.

The May 20 draw saw invitations issued through the Labour Impact, Express Entry and Business Impact Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) streams.

It saw 137 invites issued to Labour Impact and Express Entry candidates, while Business Impact candidates received 16 invitations.

Business Impact candidates required a minimum score of 62 points.

Read More Canada Immigration News

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PEI PNP Immigration Draws 2022

Date

Category

Invites Issued

Minimum Score

20-05-2022

Labour Impact/Express Entry

137

N/A

Business Impact

16

62

PEI launched its Expression of Interest system at the start of 2018 and has made monthly draws ever since, with some disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Video: How PNP Immigrants Can Move Anywhere in Canada

PEI issued a total of 1,933 invites during 2021, compared to 1,955 in 2020.

Of the 2021 invites, 1,764 went to Labour Impact and Express Entry candidates, with the remaining 169 going to Business Impact candidates.

Prince Edward Island Express Entry Stream

PEI’s Express Entry category operates by considering candidates already in the federal Express Entry Pool for a provincial nomination.

Such a nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and effectively guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian immigration.

The PEI Express Entry Category features two pathways to Canadian permanent residence, one for candidates with a job offer and one for those without.

Prince Edward Island Labour Impact Category

1) Skilled Worker Stream

This employer-driven stream allows skilled workers with an employment offer in PEI to be nominated for Canadian Permanent residence if they meet the following criteria:

  • A full time employment offer from a Prince Edward Island business in an occupation classified as skill level “0”, “A” or “B” of the National Occupational Classification (NOC);
  • Completion of post-secondary education, with a minimum of 14 years of formal education;
  • Between 21 and 55 years of age;
  • At least 2 years of full time work experience in the past 5 years;
  • Sufficient proficiency in English or French to occupy the employment offered;
  • Sufficient settlement funds;
  • Demonstrated intention to settle in Prince Edward Island.

2) Critical Worker Stream

This category is designed to resolve labour shortages and is open to foreign workers already in PEI with employment in specific critical demand occupations. The primary criteria for nomination are:

  • A full time offer of employment from a Prince Edward Island business in one of the following occupations:
    • Truck driver;
    • Customer service representative;
    • Labourer;
    • Food & beverage server;
    • Housekeeping attendant.
  • 6 months of work experience with the Prince Edward Island business offering employment;
  • Current valid Canadian work permit;
  • High school diploma and minimum of 12 years of formal education;
  • Between 21 and 55 years of age;
  • At least 2 years of full-time work experience in the past 5 years;
  • Demonstrate basic proficiency in English or French language;
  • Sufficient settlement funds;
  • Demonstrated intention to settle in Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island Business Impact Category

Work Permit Stream

Individuals applying under the P.E.I. Work Permit Stream must obtain a Canadian work permit and work for a P.E.I. business for a certain amount of time as designated in a Performance Agreement.

After the Performance Agreement is fulfilled, the applicant must make a minimum $150,000 investment in the business and commit to managing the business on a daily basis from within P.E.I.

Previously, Prince Edward Island operated direct permanent residence business streams, but these were closed in September 2018 over immigration fraud concerns.

Canada’s Start-Up Visa: Business Program On Track For Record Number Of Immigrants In 2022

Colin Singer
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0
Canada’s Start-Up Visa: Business Program On Track For Record Number Of Immigrants In 2022

Canada immigration news: The popularity of Canada’s Start-Up Visa continues to rise, with the program on track for its best year yet in terms of welcoming new permanent residents in 2022.

In the first quarter of 2022, 160 newcomers were welcomed through the SUV. If this trend continues for the next three quarters, Canada will welcome 640 new permanent residents this year, beating the previous record of 515 in 2019.

The figures show the growing interest in the SUV, one of Canada’s only business immigration programs requiring no previous management experience.

Canada’s Start-Up Visa: Business Program On Track For Record Number Of Immigrants In 2022

Read More Canada Immigration News

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Like all of Canada’s immigration programs, the SUV took a hit from COVID-19 in 2020, with the number of permanent residents dropping to 260, having increased in each of the previous five years.

The numbers recovered somewhat in 2021, and look set to reach new heights in 2022 if the solid start continues.

 Watch Video

 SUV Settlement Funds

Canada recently announced a small increase in the settlement funds required under the SUV for 2022.

Settlement funds are required by applicants under the SUV to cover the cost of living for their family. This applies even if the family is not accompanying the applicant to Canada.

The funds must be readily available both when a candidate applies and when a permanent residence visa is issued.

Settlement Funds Required For The Start-Up Visa Program

Number of Family Members

2020 Funds Required

2021 Funds Required

2022 Funds Required

1

$12,960

$13,213

$13,310

2

$16,135

$16,449

$16,570

3

$19,836

$20,222

$20,371

4

$24,083

$24,553

$24,733

5

$27,315

$27,847

$28,052

6

$30,806

$31,407

$31,638

7

$34,299

$34,967

$35,224

Each additional family member

$3,492

$3,560

$3,586

Under the Start-Up Visa program, immigrants can get Canadian permanent residence if they qualify as immigrant entrepreneurs.

Three types of private-sector investors are considered: angel investors, venture capital funds, and business incubators.

  • A designated venture capital fund must confirm that it is investing at least $200,000 into the qualifying business. Candidates can also qualify with two or more commitments from designated venture capital funds totalling $200,000.
  • A designated angel investor group must invest at least $75,000 into the qualifying business. Candidates can also qualify with two or more investments from angel investor groups totalling $75,000.
  • A designated business incubator must accept the applicant into its business incubator program. It is up to the immigrant investor to develop a viable business plan that will meet the due diligence requirements of these government-approved designated entities.

That investing and the development of the business is usually done with the help of business consultants in Canada’s start-up ecosystem with oversight from experienced corporate business immigration lawyers who can ensure a start-up’s business concept meets all industry-required terms and conditions.

 Watch Video

Candidates applying under the Start-Up Visa program can initially come to Canada on a work permit supported by their designated Canadian investor before their application for permanent residence is finalized.

The basic government-imposed candidate eligibility requirements for the Start-Up Visa program are:

  • a qualifying business;
  • a commitment certificate and letter of support from a designated entity;
  • sufficient unencumbered, available and transferable settlement funds to meet settlement funding, and;
  • proficiency in English or French at the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level 5. However, it frequently occurs that higher levels of English are needed to meet due diligence requirements imposed by designated entities.

Unlike almost every other federal and provincial-level entrepreneur program which requires a minimum of one or two years of previous experience either owning a business or in top-level management, the Start-Up Visa program does not require previous management experience.

The support of a government-designated entity is enough. That support can be either financial or in the form of accepting the candidate into a business incubator program.

Immigrants who avail themselves of the Start-Up Visa program consistently report that it is quick, both for the initial work permit and permit residence application.

For the candidate to qualify for permanent residence:

  • The intended business must be incorporated and carrying on business in Canada;
  • The candidate must own at least 10 per cent of the voting rights in the corporation, and;
  • No other person can hold 50 per cent or more of the voting rights in the corporation.

As many as five candidates can have their permanent residence application supported by the same business investment. But that can come with a risk. Certain candidates may be designated as essential to the business. If any of the essential candidates withdraw their applications or are refused, all other candidates under the same business investment will see their applications terminated.

Surveys suggest Start-Up Visa candidates usually go on to succeed in Canada, in terms of growing their business, attracting further investment, networking or selling their business for a profit.

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program: New Immigrants More Than Double In First Quarter

Colin Singer
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0
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program: New Immigrants More Than Double In First Quarter

Canada immigration news: New immigrants to Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program have increased by more than double in the first quarter of 2022, compared with last year.

Official figures show that 5,235 new permanent residents arrived in Canada’s 10 provinces via the PGP between January and March, a 148 percent increase from the 2,110 arrivals in 2021.

The figure is also up on the 4,080 PGP newcomers recorded in the first quarter of 2020 before the COVID-19 crisis had taken a grip on Canada.

Extrapolated across the year, Canada’s provinces are on track to welcome nearly 21,000 PGP immigrants in 2022, up from 11,725 in 2021.

New Immigrants To Canada's Provinces Through Parents and Grandparents Program

Immigration Levels Plan For Parents and Grandparents Program

In reality, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be hoping quarterly numbers pick up in the coming months, with a PGP intake target of 25,000 for 2022. 

Canada’s annual immigration intake through the PGP is set to rise by more than a third in the next three years.

Ottawa’s latest Immigration Levels Plan targets 25,000 newcomers through the program in 2022, 28,500 in 2023 and a 2024 intake of 32,000.

That is a 36 percent increase on the 2021 target of 23,500 PGP newcomers.

Parents and Grandparents Program Intake Targets

Parents and Grandparents Program: Process

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) operates a lottery system for the PGP.

Citizens and permanent residents must submit an Interest to Sponsor form, before being placed in a pool.

IRCC makes random draws from the pool and issues Invitations to Apply.

The sponsors and their parents and grandparents then have 60 days to submit a full application.

IRCC officials have not opened a window for submitting the Interest to Sponsor form since 2020, and said earlier in 2022 that they were still processing existing PGP applications.

Read More Canada Immigration News

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Canada Set To Grow Parents and Grandparents Program Intake By More Than A Third

Who Is Eligible To Sponsor Parents Or Grandparents?

Sponsors must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Live in Canada.
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
  • Have enough money to support those they want to sponsor by meeting minimum income requirements for the previous three years. Candidates can include a co-signer in their application, allowing the combined income to be considered.

Sponsors must also:

  • Agree to financially support the parent or grandparent for 20 years from the date they are approved for permanent residence.
  • Reimburse the government for any social assistance paid out to the parent or grandparent during that time.

Watch Video

Sponsors Who Live In Quebec

Sponsors who live in Quebec must meet the Quebec immigration sponsorship requirements after being approved as a sponsor by IRCC. The Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) also assess the sponsor’s income and requires an undertaking to be signed.

Parents and Grandparents Program: Who Can Be Sponsored?

  • Citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their own parents and grandparents, related by blood or adoption.
  • In cases of divorce or separation, the spouses or common-law partners of parents and grandparents are also eligible.
  • A sponsor’s brothers and sisters, or half brothers and sisters, are only eligible if they qualify as dependent children.
  • More than one person or couple can be sponsors if the financial requirements are met.

Parents and Grandparents Super Visa

Those not successful in the PGP process should consider the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which allows a parent or grandparent to visit Canada for up to two years at a time. A super visa allows multiple entries for up to 10 years.

Quebec International Students At Universities In Outlying Regions To See Tuition Fees Slashed

Colin Singer
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0
Quebec International Students At Universities In Outlying Regions To See Tuition Fees Slashed

Canada immigration news: International students are to get a huge break on tuition fees provided they study in one of six fields at Quebec French-language colleges and universities outside of Greater Montreal.

That’s a difference of roughly $21,000 per year in tuition per student, with the average tuition paid by Quebec international students with a study permit plummeting from $24,000 to $3,000 per school year.

The program will cover that portion of the student’s tuition costs until graduation.

Read More Canada Immigration News

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Under an initiative to attract international students to Quebec’s outlying regions, provincial Immigration Minister Jean Boulet announced Thursday international students who qualify for this program will also be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

International Students In Quebec’s Outlying Regions Get Tuition Break

The break being given to international students in Quebec is a strategy being deployed by the francophone province to increase the number of immigrants in its outlying regions.

“I am very happy to announce this new strategy which will have a great impact on the academic pursuits of immigrants and in their settlement in Quebec,” said Boulet in a statement in French.

“This is a win for the French-language education and, as a result, ensures the long-term integration of these immigrants into our society and its values,” said the minister responsible for the Ministre de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). 

“Our government is committed to working towards a truly regional model of immigration and in encouraging the vitality of our educational institutions, our economy, and Quebecois society. This is a win-win situation.”

Watch Video

To qualify for the break in tuition, foreign nationals need to be full-time students at either a college or university outside of Greater Montreal in Quebec in a qualifying, French-language program in:

  • information technology;
  • engineering;
  • healthcare;
  • social services;
  • education, or;
  • early childhood education. 

The program will start with the autumn semester this year and will cover that portion of the student’s tuition costs until graduation.

“This new strategy will provide a further incentive for international students to attend our educational institutions in the outlying regions,” said Advanced Education Minister Danielle McCann. 

“This is important for the ongoing vitality of our universities and colleges. It is also good news for Quebecois society. These people will come to get an education and will be able to count on quality learning in stimulating environments.”

Quebec is increasingly bullish on immigration to its outlying regions which typically retain far fewer new permanent residents.

Health And Safety Of Quebec Temporary Foreign Workers Also Getting Boost

In another bid to boost immigration to the regions, Quebec announced earlier this week that it would deploy health and safety inspectors to ensure the well-being of temporary foreign workers throughout the region in six sectors of the economy.

“Temporary foreign workers no longer work only in agriculture. With the relaxation of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the government of Quebec needed to improve the health and safety resources available to temporary foreign workers and their employers,” said Boulet.

“Deploying this squad (of health and safety inspectors) will raise awareness in workplaces about the rights and obligations of workers and their employers.”

Under that provincial initiative, Quebec’s health and safety commission, the Commission des Normes, de l’Équité, de la Santé et de la Sécurité du Travail (CNESST), is also going to offer consulting services to the employers of temporary foreign workers to help them meet their obligations.

 “Temporary foreign workers are important to help meet the challenges posed by the labour shortages and so it is vital that all efforts be made to ensure they are being well treated,” said Boulet.

Quebec has had a squad of workplace health and safety inspectors for temporary foreign workers in the agricultural sector for the last three years, since 2019, because they then comprised the lion’s share of temporary foreign workers in the province.

That program, though, was seasonal.

Quebec Deploying Squad To Six Sectors To Protect Temporary Foreign Workers

Under the expanded version of the program, the new squad of health and safety inspectors, which will be fully operational by next spring, will offer services throughout the year to several additional sectors in addition to agriculture, including:

  • retail;
  • manufacturing;
  • hospitality;
  • food processing, and;
  • healthcare.

Quebec sees temporary foreign workers being at least a partial fix for its massive labour shortages.

Many of these foreign nationals, though, are largely unaware of their rights and responsibilities under Quebec’s labour laws and the businesses and non-profits that employ them have to be held accountable for providing the right working conditions and for meeting the province’s employment standards.

The inspectors will also offer personalized consulting to employers to help them understand their responsibilities towards temporary foreign workers.

“Temporary foreign workers are vital to the biofood sector. They contribute to the economic growth of Quebec businesses,” said provincial Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister André Lamontagne.

“I invite all of our producers, our processing plants and fishers to use all of the tools made available to them by this squad and add their efforts in workplace safety to those of our government so that our temporary foreign workers can do their jobs with dignity.” 

Canada Immigration Could Break Through Record-Setting 2022 Target Of 431,645

Colin Singer
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0
Canada Immigration Could Break Through Record-Setting 2022 Target Of 431,645

Canada immigration news: Immigration to Canada surged in March this year, pushing the number of new permanent residents during the first quarter to a level that could see the country bust through its record-breaking target.

The country welcomed 40,785 new permanent residents in March, up more than 9.2 per cent from the 37,335 the previous month and almost 15.2 per cent higher than the 35,415 in January.

Read More Canada Immigration News

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Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has already announced Canada hopes to welcome 431,645 immigrants in 2022. 

Current Pace Of Immigration Would See Canada Welcome 454,410 Newcomers

In the first three months of the year, though, the country has already gained 113,535 new permanent residents, according to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

That record-setting pace of immigration for the first quarter of the year puts Canada on track to welcome 454,140 new permanent residents this year, or 5.2 per cent more than Ottawa’s already-ambitious immigration goal for 2022.

That level of immigration, if the current trend continues throughout the rest of the year, would see Canada welcome 48,140 more new permanent residents this year than the 406,000 who arrived in 2021, itself a record-breaking year for immigration.

Watch Video

Two things are the primary drivers of this surge in immigration this year. 

The one-time, temporary-to-permanent resident (TR-to-PR) program which took applications last year is still seeing new arrivals and this is pushing up the number of new permanent residents under the economic programs. 

Under Ottawa’s latest immigration levels plan, Canada is to welcome 32,000 new permanent residents under that pathway this year.

Another major driver of immigration to Canada this year is Ottawa’s commitment to refugees, most notably Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. 

In the first quarter of this year, the country welcomed 16,465 refugees and protected persons to Canada, almost 34 per cent more than the 12,290 in the same three-month period last year, and roughly double the 8,385 in that quarter in 2020. 

The number of refugees coming to Canada during the first quarter of this year was even 70 per cent higher than the 9,685 who came under those programs during the comparable period in 2019, the last full year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Afghans and Ukrainians Fuelling Canadian Population Growth 

Ottawa’s commitment to providing a safe haven for Afghan refugees is part of the reason for that bump up in the refugee numbers.

“Canada has now welcomed 13,050 Afghan refugees, with more arriving every week,” tweeted Fraser on Friday. 

“Just this morning, another flight landed in Toronto from Pakistan, with over 300 Afghan newcomers who supported Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.”

The other big refugee pathway that’s opening doors for refugees is the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) which had, as of May 4, already received more than 204,000 applications. Canadian immigration officials had by then approved 91,500 of those applications. 

Canada is committed to accepting an unlimited number of Ukrainian refugees under the CUAET.

“Canada is doing everything it can to support Ukrainians before and after they arrive in Canada,” Fraser has said.

Under the levels plan presented this year, Canada plans to welcome 447,055 new permanent residents next year and 451,000 in 2024.

The ever-growing levels of immigration are touted by Ottawa as being the key to resolving labour shortages and building the Canadian economy, everything from agriculture and the fisheries to business management and the tech sector. 

“Canada is among the world’s top destinations for talent, and immigration is a driving force behind the boom in our tech sector,” tweeted Fraser earlier this year.

“Bringing skilled workers to Canada helps businesses grow, and creates good jobs across the country.”

How Canada Is Working To Keep Sanctioned Russians Out Of Country

Colin Singer
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0
How Canada Is Working To Keep Sanctioned Russians Out Of Country

Canada immigration news: Ottawa is using amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to keep out Russians sanctioned by Canada, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and his close associates. 

In addition to Putin himself, Canada has already sanctioned roughly 1,000 people from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, including Russian Defence Minister Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov, and Russian Justice Minister Konstantin Anatolyevich Chuychenko. 

Read More Canada Immigration News

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“In the face of the Putin regime’s brutal attack, Canada stands with Ukraine,” says Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.

Mendicino Vows To Exhaust All Options To Hold Russia Accountable

“Banning close associates and key supporters of Putin’s regime, including those responsible for this unprovoked aggression from entering our country is one of the many ways in which we’re holding Russia accountable for its crimes,” he says. 

“We will continue to exhaust all options to uphold freedom and democracy, hold Russia accountable, and support Ukraine.”

The Russian president declared war on the neighbouring country of Ukraine and quickly invaded on Feb. 24. Within hours of the declaration of war, gunfire and explosions rang out in Kyiv, a city of three million people, in what is the biggest assault on a European state since the Second World War.

In the ensuing months, 3,700 civilians have lost their lives and 6.3 million Ukrainians have fled, seeking countries where they live in safety as refugees confirms the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Watch Canada Immigration Video

Canada has stepped up to the plate and committed to accepting an unlimited number of Ukrainian refugees through its newly-announced Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) pathway. 

By May 4, it had already received more than 204,000 applications and Canadian immigration officials had approved 91,500 of those applications.

“Canada is doing everything it can to support Ukrainians before and after they arrive in Canada,” says Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

Ottawa Slaps Sanctions on Russian Regime Supporters

Canada has also imposed sanctions against individuals who are part of or are key supports of, the Russian regime. These sanctions were issued based on the grounds of “grave breach of international peace and security” as set out within Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA).

Mendicino vowed on Tuesday to toughen the existing legislation, the IRPA, and ban sanctioned Russians from entering Canada as well. 

These changes would allow the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to deny entry to, and remove, individuals, subjected to sanctions, and allow immigration officials to deny them visas.

Foreign nationals who are inadmissible to Canada could also have their applications for temporary resident visas refused or cancelled by immigration officials and may have their applications to enter Canada at ports of entry refused and be removed from the country by border officials.

Under the CUAET, Ukrainian refugees come to Canada with temporary visas which can last up to three years and are allowed to work and study.

Ukrainian Refugees Can Work, Study and Apply for Canada Permanent Residence

Once in Canada, those Ukrainian refugees can then apply for permanent residency and any work experience they gain or studying they do while in the country will only enhance their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores should they decide to complete Express Entry profiles and apply for permanent residency.

Ottawa expanded its settlement services with new programs specifically tailored for Ukrainian refugees in March, including:

  • language training;
  • information about and orientation to life in Canada, such as help with enrolling children in school;
  • information and services to help access the labour market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training
  • activities that promote connections with communities;
  • assessments of other needs Ukrainians may have and referrals to appropriate agencies;
  • services targeted to the needs of women, seniors, youth and LGBTQ2+ people, and;
  • other settlement supports are funded through the settlement program.

The IRCC is also providing up to 14 nights of accommodations for any of these refugees who do not already have a place to stay in Canada.

Through the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund at least 10,000 free flights are expected to be made available for refugees fleeing the Russia-Ukraine war.

Canadians can donate their Aeroplan points through the Air Canada Foundation Ukrainian Relief Fund and Miles4Migrants websites to help cover the cost of flights for Ukrainian refugees. Canadians who would like to donate cash can do so through the Travel & Settlement Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto which will distribute these donations to sponsor displaced Ukrainians.

New British Columbia Draw Sees At Least 175 Canada Immigration Invitations Issued

Colin Singer
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0
New British Columbia Draw Sees At Least 175 Canada Immigration Invitations Issued

Canada immigration news: A new draw through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program saw the province issue invitations to at least 175 candidates.

The May 17 draws were split into two categories: general and targeted.

In the general draw, which included tech occupations, 154 invitations were issued through five BC PNP streams for skilled workers and international graduates. Minimum scores ranged from 76 to 123 points.

In the targeted draw, a further 21 invitations were issued to skilled workers and international graduates scoring at least 62 points in a draw targeting Early Childhood Educators and Assistants under NOC 4214.

Read More Canada Immigration News

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New British Columbia Draw Sees Province Issue At Least 178 Canada Immigration Invitations

A draw targeted at healthcare workers saw less than 5 invitations issued to skilled workers, international graduates and entry-level and semi-skilled workers, also with a minimum score of 62 points.

The final set of less than 5 targeted invitations went to skilled workers and international graduates under NOCs 3413 for health care assistants, with a minimum score of 62.

Latest B.C. Immigration Draws

General Draw

Date

Category

Minimum Score

Invitations Issued

Description

17-May-22

 

 

 

Skilled Worker

109

154

General draw (includes tech occupations)

Skilled Worker – EEBC

123

International Graduate

97

International Graduate – EEBC

107

Entry Level and Semi-Skilled

76

Targeted Draw

Date

Category

Minimum Score

Invitations Issued

Description

17-May-22

 

 

 

Skilled Worker, International Graduate

62

21

Targeted draw: Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214)

Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled

62

<5

Targeted draw: Healthcare

Entry Level and Semi-Skilled

62

<5

Targeted draw: Healthcare: Health care assistants (NOC 3413)

Video:

 

Canada Now Has More Than 2.1M Files In Its Immigration Application Backlog

Colin Singer
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0
Canada Now Has More Than 2.1M Files In Its Immigration Application Backlog

The backlog of permanent and temporary residency and citizenship applications waiting to be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stood at more than 2.1 million at the start of this month – and the government is blaming the COVID-19

Canada immigration news: The backlog of permanent and temporary residency and citizenship applications waiting to be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stood at more than 2.1 million at the start of this month.

“While Canada welcomed the highest number of permanent residents in a single year in 2021 by processing a record number of applications, border restrictions and other pandemic-related factors have led to delays for many applicants and long waits for application updates,” wrote IRCC spokesperson Nancy Caron in an e-mail response to Immigration.ca.

“We know these need to be addressed.”

Read More Canada Immigration News

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During the pandemic, the travel restrictions and local public health measures tied the hands of the organizations with which the IRCC works and hampered the processing of applications to come to Canada.

$85M Investment To Cut Through Backlog

“Measures taken to protect the health and safety of employees and Canadians have also affected IRCC’s ability to process paper applications and lengthened processing times for some,” wrote Caron.

“IRCC has taken action and come a long way since the onset of the pandemic, providing additional resources where they are needed most and streamlining our processes.”

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the steps Canada is taking to meet this challenge in December last year, including an $85-million investment to both processes more applications and reduce processing times in key areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch Video

“This will help to ensure Canada’s immigration system is well-positioned to help meet Canada’s economic and labour force goals,” said Freeland in statement.

The finance minister also spoke of the importance of immigration when it comes to attracting top global talent, meeting the needs of employers, and addressing labour shortages.

“Immigrants and temporary foreign workers help Canada meet long- and short-term labour market needs, respectively, and international students and visitors are vital to the institutions and businesses they support,” said Freeland.

“They are not only essential to Canada’s economy but also bring fresh perspectives and connect Canada to the world.”

Among the steps Ottawa has already taken to clear its existing backlog of applications with that $85 million is the hiring of 500 additional employees.

CUAET Workload Offset By Extra Investment In Processing

They were hired to help the country bring immigration application processing times – and the time to approve study permits, work permits and permanent resident card renewals back in line with its service standards by the end of this year.

Canada is also making more use of advanced data analytics to pre-sort visitor visa applications, cutting the time needed to process them by 87 per cent.

On social media, many applicants and their families have often expressed frustration at the Ukrainian refugees’ fast track to Canada while their own applications languish in that backlog. But Caron noted Ottawa has invested additional funds to take handle the extra workload due to the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).

“IRCC has the resources and capacity to deal with multiple initiatives at once,” wrote Caron. “To that end, the government of Canada is investing an additional $117 million to implement Canada’s new immigration measures to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

“This three-year funding investment will help fund new immigration pathways, including the CUAET, expedite the processing of applications and provide support to newcomers once they arrive in Canada. This funding will allow IRCC to procure additional resources, including the hiring of additional staff at the client support centre, to support Ukrainians while continuing to deliver on important priorities and processing commitments for other immigration programs.”

More than Half a Million Still Waiting For Permanent Resident Application Decisions

In the backlog, there were 530,269 people waiting for their applications for permanent residence to be approved as of Apr. 29 and 1,200,791 people with applications for temporary residence at that time. That was on the last Friday in April. By the following Monday, May 2, IRCC still had 399,325 citizenship applications in its inventory.

That’s a total of 2,130,385 applications.

The majority, or 235,793, of those hoping to get their permanent residence, had at that time applied under economic immigration programs. Refugees and protected persons accounted for another 157,428 of the applications, and family sponsorships for 108,863.

Processing Inventory of Permanent Residence Applications, Broken Down by Immigration Category: as of April 29, 2022 (in Persons)
Immigration Category Total
Economic Canadian Experience Class 7,522
Caregiver Program 22,181
Federal Business 5,118
Federal Skilled Workers 32,883
Ministerial Instruction Economic Programs 5,861
Provincial/Territorial Nominees 72,194
Quebec Business 12,971
Quebec Skilled Workers 32,130
Skilled Trades 484
TR to PR 44,449
Total 235,793
Family Class FCH-Family relations – H&C 3,283
Parents and Grandparents 38,478
Spouses, Partners & Children 67,102
Total 108,863
Humanitarian & Compassionate / Public Policy Humanitarian & Compassionate 24,981
Public Policy 3,180
Total 28,161
Permit Holders Class Permit Holders Class 24
Total 24
Protected Persons Blended Visa Office-Referred 310
Government-assisted Refugees 38,377
Privately Sponsored Refugees 71,939
Protected Persons Landed In Canada & Dependants Abroad 46,802
Total 157,428
Total 530,269
Inventory of Temporary Residence Applications, Broken Down by Line of Business: as of April 29, 2022 (in Persons)
Application Type Total
Study Permits 132,280
Study Permits Extensions 36,310
Temporary Resident Visas 621,451
Visitor Record 76,847
Work Permits 189,061
Work Permits Extensions 144,842
Total 1,200,791

Among those hoping to come to Canada with temporary visas, 168,590 were looking for study permits or study permit extensions and 333,903 were hoping to get work permits or extensions to existing work permits.

Despite a large number of applications still in the pipeline, Caron said IRCC’s continued priority is to provide timely service to clients by moving towards a more integrated, modernized and centralized working environment in order to help speed up application processing

In April, more than 300,000 people took the oath of citizenship in almost 14,000 ceremonies using a virtual platform and IRCC is inviting on average about 3,000 applicants per week to participate in citizenship ceremonies.

IRCC Makes 156,000 Final Decisions on Permanent Residence Applications

During the first quarter of this year, IRCC made 156,000 final decisions on permanent resident applications or 9,000 more than the department’s target of 147,000.  That’s effectively double the number of final decisions the IRCC made in the first quarter of last year.

In the first three months of 2022, Canada welcomed more than 113,000 new permanent resident admissions.

“In addition, Canada has exceeded its citizenship goals for 2021 – 2022, with over 217,000 new Canadian citizens,” wrote Caron.

“IRCC is modernizing and increasing its services for people who want to become Canadians, including offering online testing, virtual citizenship ceremonies, and an online application tracker to stay updated on their files.”

Ottawa is hoping to welcome 431,645 permanent residents this year, 447,055 next year, and 451,000 in 2024.

Settlement Funds Increased For 2022 Canada Start-Up Visa

Colin Singer
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0
Settlement Funds Increased For 2022 Canada Start-Up Visa

Canada immigration news: Canada has announced an increase in the 2022 settlement funds required to gain permanent residency through the Start-Up Visa program.

“The Government of Canada does not give financial support to new Start-Up Visa immigrants,” notes Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on its website. “When you apply, you’ll need to give proof that you have the money to support yourself and your dependents after you arrive in Canada. You can’t borrow this money from another person.”

Read More Canada Immigration News

Canada’s Start-Up Visa: How To Avoid Processing Delays
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With the latest round of increases, the funds required for a single applicant have increased by $97, from $13,213 in 2021 to $13,310 this year.

Similar small increases have been applied for each number of family members. The new requirements are outlined below:

Settlement Funds Required For The Start-Up Visa Program

Number of Family Members

2020 Funds Required

2021 Funds Required

2022 Funds Required

1

$12,960

$13,213

$13,310

2

$16,135

$16,449

$16,570

3

$19,836

$20,222

$20,371

4

$24,083

$24,553

$24,733

5

$27,315

$27,847

$28,052

6

$30,806

$31,407

$31,638

7

$34,299

$34,967

$35,224

Each additional family member

$3,492

$3,560

$3,586

Settlement funds are required by applicants under the Start-Up Visa program to cover the cost of living for their families. This applies even if the family is not accompanying the applicant to Canada.

The funds must be readily available both when a candidate applies and when a permanent residence visa is issued.

Official letters from banks or other financial institutions act as proof of funds.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the letter must:

  • be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead;
  • include their contact information (address, telephone number and email address);
  • include your name;
  • list outstanding debts such as credit card debts and loans, and;
  • include, for each current bank and investment account:
    • account numbers;
    • the date each account was opened;
    • the current balance of each account, and;
    • the average balance for the past six months.

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Start-Up Visa Allows Immigrant Entrepreneurs To Gain Permanent Residency

Under the Start-Up Visa program, immigrants can get Canadian permanent residence if they qualify as immigrant entrepreneurs.

Three types of private-sector investors are considered: angel investors, venture capital funds, and business incubators.

  • A designated venture capital fund must confirm that it is investing at least $200,000 into the qualifying business. Candidates can also qualify with two or more commitments from designated venture capital funds totalling $200,000.
  • A designated angel investor group must invest at least $75,000 into the qualifying business. Candidates can also qualify with two or more investments from angel investor groups totalling $75,000.
  • A designated business incubator must accept the applicant into its business incubator program. It is up to the immigrant investor to develop a viable business plan that will meet the due diligence requirements of these government-approved designated entities.

That investing and the development of the business is usually done with the help of business consultants in Canada’s start-up ecosystem with oversight from experienced corporate business immigration lawyers who can ensure a start-up’s business concept meets all industry-required terms and conditions.

Watch Video

Candidates applying under the Start-Up Visa program can initially come to Canada on a work permit supported by their designated Canadian investor before their application for permanent residence is finalized.

The basic government-imposed candidate eligibility requirements for the Start-Up Visa program are:

  • a qualifying business;
  • a commitment certificate and letter of support from a designated entity;
  • sufficient unencumbered, available and transferable settlement funds to meet settlement funding, and;
  • proficiency in English or French at the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark level 5. However, it frequently occurs that higher levels of English are needed to meet due diligence requirements imposed by designated entities.

Unlike almost every other federal and provincial-level entrepreneur program which requires a minimum of one or two years of previous experience either owning a business or in top-level management, the Start-Up Visa program does not require previous management experience.

The support of a government-designated entity is enough. That support can be either financial or in the form of accepting the candidate into a business incubator program.

Immigrants who avail themselves of the Start-Up Visa program consistently report that it is quick, both for the initial work permit and permit residence application.

For the candidate to qualify for permanent residence:

  • The intended business must be incorporated and carrying on business in Canada;
  • The candidate must own at least 10 per cent of the voting rights in the corporation, and;
  • No other person can hold 50 per cent or more of the voting rights in the corporation.

As many as five candidates can have their permanent residence application supported by the same business investment. But that can come with a risk. Certain candidates may be designated as essential to the business. If any of the essential candidates withdraw their applications or are refused, all other candidates under the same business investment will see their applications terminated.

Surveys suggest Start-Up Visa candidates usually go on to succeed in Canada, in terms of growing their business, attracting further investment, networking or selling their business for a profit.

Expanded Inspections In Quebec Designed To Protect TFW Rights

Colin Singer
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0
Expanded Inspections In Quebec Designed To Protect TFW Rights

Canada immigration news: Quebec immigration Minister Jean Boulet says inspections to ensure the health and safety of temporary foreign workers are to be expanded throughout the province in the coming year. 

“Temporary foreign workers no longer work only in agriculture. With the relaxation of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the government of Quebec needed to improve the health and safety resources available to temporary foreign workers and their employers,” said Boulet.

“Deploying this squad (of health and safety inspectors) will raise awareness in workplaces about the rights and obligations of workers and their employers.”

Read More Canada Immigration News

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Under the province’s latest initiative, its health and safety commission, the Commission des Normes, de l’Équité, de la Santé et de la Sécurité du Travail (CNESST), is also going to offer consulting services to the employers of temporary foreign workers to help them meet their obligations.

Workplace Inspectors Until Now Limited To Agricultural Sector

“Temporary foreign workers are important to help meet the challenges posed by the labour shortages and so it is vital that all efforts be made to ensure they are being well treated,” said Boulet.

Quebec has had a squad of workplace health and safety inspectors for temporary foreign workers in the agricultural sector for the last three years, since 2019, because they then comprised the lion’s share of temporary foreign workers in the province. 

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That program, though, was seasonal. 

Under the expanded version of the program, the new squad of health and safety inspectors, which will be fully operational by next spring, will offer services throughout the year to several additional sectors in addition to agriculture, including:

  • retail;
  • manufacturing;
  • hospitality;
  • food processing, and;
  • healthcare.

Quebec sees temporary foreign workers being at least a partial fix for its massive labour shortages.

Squad to Help Make TFWs Aware of Their Rights

Many of these foreign nationals, though, are largely unaware of their rights and responsibilities under Quebec’s labour laws and the businesses and non-profits that employ them have to be held accountable for providing the right working conditions and for meeting the province’s employment standards.

The expanded squad of public health and safety inspectors will operate on two fronts. These inspectors will hold free information sessions, including some in Spanish, about health and safety standards in the workplace for temporary foreign workers and their employers in these regions of the province, the:

  • Montérégie;
  • Estrie;
  • Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec;
  • Laval;
  • Laurentides, and; 
  • Lanaudière.

The inspectors will also offer personalized consulting to employers to help them understand their responsibilities towards temporary foreign workers.

“Temporary foreign workers are vital to the biofood sector. They contribute to the economic growth of Quebec businesses,” said provincial Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister André Lamontagne.

“I invite all of our producers, our processing plants and fishers to use all of the tools made available to them by this squad and add their efforts in workplace safety to those of our government so that our temporary foreign workers can do their jobs with dignity.” 

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