International Students From India Get To Canada Via Third Countries

Canada immigration news: Indian nationals are struggling to get the best travel advice to avoid major inconveniences as they try to reach Canada using indirect routes to get around Ottawa’s ban on direct flights.

Indians have been unable to fly directly to Canada since Apr. 22 but that hasn’t stopped them from coming to Canada to attend colleges and universities or to immigrate under Ottawa’s open doors immigration policies. 


Read More Canada Immigration News

Figures Reveal Indian International Students Favour Canada Over U.S.
Canada Has More Indian International Students Now Than Before COVID-19
COVID-19: Canada’s Ban on Direct Passenger Flights From India Extended to September 21


International Students An Important Source Of Revenue

India is a major source of international students for Canada. During the first four months of this year, Canada issued almost 100,000 study permits to Indian students, official statistics from the Canadian High Commission in Delhi, India reveal.

The upswing in the number of study permits issued to Indian international students is up by more than a third, or 35.4 per cent, almost 34,000, for the four months that ended Apr. 30 compared to the same period last year. That’s also up almost 4.2 per cent from the 96,000 for the comparable four-month period in 2019.

Many international students are choosing to take their courses entirely online since that time will still count towards their Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility under Ottawa’s temporary, COVID-19 pandemic policies.

Others, though, are choosing to come to Canada to attend college and university in person. 

Many of them are desperately seeking advice on how best to get here and avoid being detained unnecessarily in the third country and keep their costs down.

Popular Indirect Routes

There are several popular indirect routes for Indians who want to come to Canada, including through Serbia, Albania and Ethiopia, Singh reportedly told the National Post.

The popularity of the routes changes all the time as COVID-19 public health restrictions in various countries are altered. 

Indians Attempting To Travel Feel Mentally Drained

But coming to Canada via Mexico appears to currently be the hottest ticket.

Although it has banned direct flights from India to curb the spread of COVID-19, Canada is otherwise taking several measures to boost immigration.

In January, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino kicked off the new year by offering a lifeline to international students who might not be able to qualify for Open Work Permits due to the economic blow of the pandemic.

Mendicino offered PGWP holders the chance to qualify for an Open Work Permit so they could gather the experience they needed to qualify for permanent residence.

Candidates with a PGWP that expired on or after Jan. 30, 2020, and were still in Canada, were given six months to apply for an Open Work Permit to help them continue to seek the work experience they need to qualify to stay in Canada long-term.

“This new policy means that young students from abroad who have studied here can stay and find work, while ensuring that Canada meets the urgent needs of our economy for today and tomorrow,” Mendicino said.

Ottawa Wants International Students To Become Permanent Residents

“Our message to international students and graduates is simple: we don’t just want you to study here, we want you to stay here.”

At the same time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also relaxed its rules about studying online, allowing international students who could not come to Canada due to the border closure the opportunity complete 100 per cent of their studies online and still be able to get a PGWP.

Since then, Ottawa has relaxed the border and public health restrictions limiting the movement of most international students who arrive in Canada. 

As of Aug. 9, international students who landed in Canada no longer needed to stay three nights in a government-designated “quarantine hotel”. They only needed to have 14-day quarantine plans.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the tremendous social, cultural and economic benefits that international students bring to Canada and acknowledges that there are benefits for students who choose to study in Canada beyond earning a degree or diploma,” noted the IRCC.

“That is why, throughout the pandemic, IRCC has striven to accommodate international students by introducing a variety of temporary policy changes, including measures put in place to benefit international students studying online from abroad.”

Passengers who travel to Canada from India via an indirect route need to obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.

Travellers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 must provide proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test conducted between 14 and 90 days prior to departure, instead of a negative COVID-19 molecular test. This proof must be obtained in a third country before the continuation of the journey to Canada. They may also need to seek entry and stay in a third country for at least 14 days. 

Quebec Targets 17 Jobs With 502 Invitations In Second Major Arrima Draw In A Week

Canada immigration news: Quebec immigration has issued invitations to 502 candidates in the second major draw in a week through the Arrima Expression of Interest system.

The August 19 draw required a minimum score of 548 points in the Quebec Expression of Interest points system, 43 points lower than the previous week’s draw. A maximum of 1,320 points are available.

Quebec has now issued 1,017 invitations in the last week, having previously issued only 545 invitations in the whole of 2021.

The draw targeted candidates with skills and experience in one of 17 National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

NOC code Professions
0213 IT systems managers
2133 Electrical and electronics engineers
2141 Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2171 IT Analysts and Consultants
2172 Database analysts and data administrators
2173 Software engineers and designers
2174 Computer Programmers And Interactive Media Developers
2175 Web designers and developers
2241 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2281 Computer network technicians
2282 User support agents
2283 Computer systems assessors
5131 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
5223 Graphic design technicians
5241 Graphic designers and illustrators
6221 Technical sales specialists – wholesale

Candidates receiving an invitation have 60 days to submit a full application to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.


Quebec Expression Of Interest Draws 2021

Date of invitations Invites Issued Minimum Score Date of extraction from Arrima bank
19-Aug-21 502 548 August 16, 2021 at 6.30am
12-Aug-21 515 591 August 9, 2021 at 6.30am
17-Jun-21 69 N/A June 16, 2021 at 6.30am
27-May-21 90 N/A May 26, 2021 at 6.30am
29-Apr-21 83 N/A April 28, 2021 at 6.30am
30-Mar-21 208 N/A March 29, 2021 at 6.30am
26-Jan-21 95 N/A January 25, 2021 at 6.30am

Read More Canada Immigration News

Six Regional Plans to Offer Settlement Services to Immigrants In Quebec
Quebec Conducts Largest Immigration Draw of 2021
Quebec To See Arrival of More Temporary Workers After Agreement With Ottawa


Video


How Does Quebec Expression of Interest Work?

  1. Candidates submit an online expression of interest profile via Arrima.
  2. Profiles enter into an Expression of Interest pool, where they are ranked against each other using a points system and are valid for 12-months.
  3. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for a Quebec Certificate of Selection under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program via periodic draws.
  4. Candidates receiving an invitation have 60 days to submit a full application.
  5. Approved candidates who receive a nomination certificate (CSQ) may then apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.

Quebec Expression of Interest Points System

The Quebec Expression of Interest points system is used to rank profiles submitted via Arrima to the Expression of Interest bank, with the highest-ranked profiles invited to apply for Quebec immigration under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

Candidates and their spouse or common-law partner can score up to 1,320 points based on human capital and Quebec labour market factors.

What Are the Requirements for Quebec Expression of Interest?

The Quebec Expression of Interest points system involves points in two categories, with some including points for the spouse of common law partner of the principal candidate.

  • Human capital factors:
    • French language ability.
    • French and English combined.
    • Age.
    • Work experience.
    • Education.
  • Quebec labour market factors:
    • Work experience in a field with a labour shortage.
    • Qualifications in one of Quebec’s areas of training.
    • Level of Quebec education.
    • Professional experience in Quebec.
    • Professional experience in the rest of Canada.
    • Job offer inside or outside Greater Montreal.

Quebec publishes lists of High Demand Occupations and Areas of Training that weigh considerably in the assessment.

New British Columbia Immigration Draw Sees 74 Invitations Issued

Canada immigration news: A new British Columbia immigration Tech draw saw the province issue 74 invitations to skilled workers and international graduates. 

The August 24 draw featured invitations through four streams of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. 

Minimum scores were 80 for all four streams. The featured streams were:

  • SI – Skilled Worker
  • SI – International Graduate
  • EEBC – Skilled Worker
  • EEBC – International Graduate

Read More Canada Immigration News

British Columbia Entrepreneur Draw: Province Issues Up To 12 Invitations
New British Columbia Draw Sees Province Issue 427 Invitations
British Columbia Targets 29 Jobs With 51 Invitations In New Tech Draw


Did You Get Invited in the Latest B.C. Immigration Draw?

Date Category Minimum Score Invitations Issued
24-Aug-21 SI – Skilled Worker 80 Total: 74
  SI – International Graduate 80
  EEBC – Skilled Worker 80
  EEBC – International Graduate 80

Source: www.welcomebc.ca


Video: Insights on Express Entry


The BC PNP Tech Pilot has been renamed BC PNP Tech and converted to a permanent immigration stream. It was initially launched in 2017. It has a list of 29 target occupations with relaxed duration requirements.

BC PNP draws aimed specifically at technology workers started in May 2017. The province has a thriving technology industry with some big names of the tech world basing themselves in Canada’s westernmost province.

What Are The BC PNP Tech Job Requirements?

  • Job offer must be for one of the 29 targeted occupations (see below)
  • Job offer must be for at least one-year duration
  • Job offer must be valid for at least 120 days at time of application

What Are The 29 Target Occupations Under BC PNP Tech?

NOC Code Job Title
0131 Telecommunication carriers’ managers
0213 Computer and information systems managers
0512 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
2131 Civil engineers
2132 Mechanical engineers
2133 Electrical and electronics engineers
2134 Chemical engineers
2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2171 Information systems analysts and consultants
2172 Database analysts and data administrators
2173 Software engineers and designers
2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers
2175 Web designers and developers
2221 Biological technologists and technicians
2241 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2242 Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2243 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
2281 Computer network technicians
2282 User support technicians
2283 Information systems testing technicians
5121 Authors and writers
5122 Editors
5125 Translators, terminologists and interpreters
5224 Broadcast technicians
5225 Audio and video recording technicians
5227 Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
5226 Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
5241 Graphic designers and illustrators
6221 Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade

A coveted provincial nomination effectively guarantees selection under the Canada Express Entry System, worth 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: Thunder Bay Says Program Crucial For Employers

Canada immigration news: The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is getting the two thumbs up from economic development experts in Thunder Bay.

“The RNIP has been a key part of our employers’ human resources planning,” says Emily Lauzon, the workforce development officer at Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.

“As our community faces stagnant population growth and an aging workforce, many organizations are proactively sourcing the right people to offset predicted labour shortages in the future.”


Read More Canada Immigration News

COVID-19 Limits Impact of Canada’s Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
Sudbury Recommends 11 Candidates Through Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
Initial Success For Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot In Vernon, British Columbia
Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Seeing Early Success in Attracting Immigrants


The pilot program includes 11 communities throughout Canada.

Thunder Bay’s Early Adoption of RNIP Benefits 80 Employers

In Thunder Bay, it has benefited more than 80 employers and the community is 92 per cent of the way to its goal of 150 recommendations for foreign workers before the end of this year. So far, there have been 138 recommendations for immigration made under the program in Thunder Bay.

Since January of this year, the bulk of the 69 recommended candidates have in the hospitality sector, with 26 in the accommodation and food services sector. Twelve candidates have been recommended for positions in healthcare and social assistance, seven in professional, scientific and technical services, eight in the transportation sector, six in retail, and three in each of manufacturing and constructio

There is one candidate in each of: the arts, entertainment and recreation sector; real estate, rental and leasing; administrative support, waste management and remediation services, and; wholesale trade.

“Immigration is one of the suggested strategies for helping to grow a community like Thunder Bay,” Lauzon said earlier this year. “We’re testing out to see if something like this works,  if people will come here and stay here, if they have meaningful, full-time employment in Thunder Bay.” 

RNIP Modelled On Successful Atlantic Immigration Pilot

When the RNIP was launched, Rural Economic Development Minister Bernadette Jordan likened it to the highly successful Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP).

“I’m pleased we are able to introduce this new pilot to continue experimenting with how immigration can help ensure the continued vibrancy of rural areas across the country,” she said.

Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan has noted that at even a small number of newcomers with the proper skills could produce big results for communities like the Soo. 

“The jobs of tomorrow for the middle-class go hand-in-hand with economic development and filling key vacancies with skilled talent from around the world,” he said.

The five-year federal immigration pilot was launched in June 2019 to help communities with aging populations and labour shortages in their struggle to attract and retain new immigrants.

To be included in the pilot, communities had to:

  • Have a population of 50,000 or less and be located at least 75km from the core of a Census Metropolitan Area, or;
  • Have a population of up to 200,000 people and be considered remote from other larger cities, according to the Statistics Canada Remoteness Index.

Candidates Must Meet Federal and Community-Specific Requirements

Candidates must check they meet both the federal government eligibility requirements and community-specific requirements.

The first step is to find an eligible job with an employer in one of the participating communities. Those are: 

  • North Bay;
  • Sudbury;
  • Timmins;
  • Sault Ste. Marie;
  • Thunder Bay;
  • Brandon;
  • Altona/Rhineland;
  • Moose Jaw;
  • Claresholm;
  • Vernon, and;
  • West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC.

Once the candidate has an eligible job in one of those communities, he or she needs to submit an application for a recommendation to the community before applying for permanent residence.

These 10 Canadian Universities Are Among the Best in the World

Canada immigration news: The latest QS World University Rankings has bolstered Canada’s reputation as one of the best places for international students to come and get their university degrees.

The prestigious university-ranking organization once again had 26 Canadian universities on its list of 1,000 best places to study, with 10 ranked in the top 25 per cent.

“Canada has a well-established position among the world’s leading study destinations,” notes QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector, on its website.

“The most popular Canadian provinces for international students are Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, which between them are home to many of the top universities in Canada.”


Read More Canada Immigration News

Figures Reveal Indian International Students Favour Canada Over U.S.
Canada Has More Indian International Students Now Than Before COVID-19
International Students Drawn To Colleges and Universities in Ontario Over Last For 20 years


In the latest QS World University Rankings, the University of Toronto was once again the top university in Canada, ranking 25th on the global list.

That ranking echoes the assessment given the Ontario university in the Academic Ranking of World Universities which placed it 22nd globally this year. 

‘Outstanding Reputation’

“The University of Toronto is proud to once again be named one of the top 25 schools globally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities,” said Trevor Young, the University of Toronto’s acting vice-president and provost. 

“These rankings reflect our outstanding reputation as a leading public research university, and are a result of our continued excellence in research and scholarship across a wide variety of disciplines.”

The second most highly-ranked university in Canada was McGill University in the francophone province of Quebec. It came in the 31st spot globally.

“McGill University ranks among Canada’s most prestigious universities, attracting thousands of international students from over 150 countries every year, and the highest percentage of PhD students of any Canadian research university,” notes QS in its ranking. 

“McGill University owes its reputation to its 50 research centers and institutes, 400-plus programs, rich history and thriving alumni network of 250,000 people around the globe.”

University of British Columbia Earns High Praise

On the West Coast, the University of British Columbia was the third most highly-ranked Canadian university, placing 45th among all the listed universities throughout the world. The university’s commitment to human rights has garnered it prestige.

“UBC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion to strengthen its community, the quality, relevance and impact of its research, and the opportunities for the full pool of potential participants in the research ecosystem,” notes QS in its report. 

“UBC is also the first university in North America to commit to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to take a human rights-based approach to our Indigenous strategic framework.”

Among other universities, the francophone Université de Montréal narrowly edged out the University of Alberta for fourth spot among the ranking of Canadian educational institutions, coming in at 118th to the U of A’s 119th spot globally.

Queen’s and University of Calgary Tie For Ninth Spot In Canada

In the sixth spot in Canada was McMaster University which ranked 144th internationally, followed by the University of Waterloo that ranked 166th globally. Western University ranked 203rd among universities around the world and Queen’s University and the University of Calgary tied for ninth spot in Canada and 246th globally.

There were 16 other Canadian universities that made it onto the list of the top universities in the world.

In Canada, international students can pursue their studies provided they have a Canada Study Permit. 

International students are eligible for these permits provided they:

  • have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada;
  • can prove that they have enough money to pay for their tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation;
  • are law-abiding citizens with no criminal records and are not a risk to Canadian security;
  • are in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.

Quebec Offers COVID-19 Vaccines To International Students

International students enrolled at Quebec colleges and universities are eligible for free Covid-19 vaccine shots provided they are 12 years of age or older.

“As part of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign now underway in Quebec, the immigration minister would like to ensure that all of our clients 12 years of age and older who reside in Quebec can get their Covid-19 vaccination for free regardless of their immigration status,” the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) states on its website.

As vaccination programs in Canadian provinces approach the threshold for herd immunity, many of the provinces are re-opening their borders and loosening travel restrictions to other provinces. 

Saskatchewan Conducts First Entrepreneur Stream Draw In 16 Months

Canada immigration news: Saskatchewan immigration has conducted its first Entrepreneur stream draw since before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) suspended draws as of March 2020, the month the deadly virus first swept through Canada, forcing governments to impose restrictions.

The province conducted a new draw on July 12, issuing 28 invitations with a minimum score of 120.

Further draws are planned for September 2 and November 4.


Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream 2021 Draws

Date Lowest score Average score Highest score Number of invitations
12-Jul-21 120 125 155 28

Source: https://www.saskatchewan.ca


Entrepreneur Stream Future 2021 Draw Dates

  • September 2
  • November 4

Saskatchewan prioritizes three selection factors to separate candidates with the same score on the Entrepreneur stream points grid.

The three factors, in order of priority, are:

  1. Official language ability.
  2. Those with businesses planned for a key economic sector.
  3. Completion of an exploratory visit.

Read More Canada Immigration News

Saskatchewan Issues Nearly 500 Invitations In Major New Immigration Draw
Saskatchewan Immigration Draw Targets 65 Occupations With 452 Invitations
Saskatchewan Targets 63 Occupations With 280 Invitations In New Draw


The Saskatchewan immigration Entrepreneur stream is a three-stage process:

  1. Expression of interest
  2. Invitation to submit application
  3. Nomination

The expression of interest must meet the following minimum entry requirements:

  • Minimum net worth of $500,000 legally acquired.
  • Minimum of three years of entrepreneurial or relevant management experience.
  • Investment of at least $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 in any other Saskatchewan area.

Candidates enter a pool where they receive a score. The top scoring candidates are invited to submit an application.

Applications must include:

  • Business Establishment Plan confirming figures in expression of interest, and including at least one third ownership of a company in Saskatchewan, unless investment is $1 million or higher.
  • Commitment to be active in day-to-day management of business.
  • Creation of two or more jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents if the business is located in Regina or Saskatoon.

 

PEI PNP Invites 161 Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs In New Provincial Draw

Canada immigration news: Prince Edward Island immigration has targeted skilled worker and entrepreneur candidates with 161 invitations to apply in a new provincial draw.

The August 19 draw saw invitations issued through the Labour Impact, Express Entry and Business Impact Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) streams.

It saw 152 invites issued to Labour Impact and Express Entry candidates, while Business Impact candidates received 9 invitations.

Business Impact candidates required a minimum score of 72 points.


Read More Canada Immigration News

Prince Edward Island Draw: Province Invites 155 Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs
Prince Edward Island: Full Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery Expected In 2021
New Prince Edward Immigration Island Draw Sees 156 Candidates Invited


PEI PNP Immigration Draws 2021

Date Category Invites Issued Minimum Score
19-08-2021 Labour Impact/Express Entry 152 N/A
Business Impact 9 72
15-07-2021 Labour Impact/Express Entry 118 N/A
Business Impact 9 75
17-06-2021 Labour Impact/Express Entry 101 N/A
Business Impact 12 60
20-05-2021 Labour Impact/Express Entry 138 N/A
Business Impact 17 80
15-04-2021 Labour Impact/Express Entry 140 N/A
Business Impact 16 75
18-03-2021 Labour Impact/Express Entry 140 N/A
Business Impact 10 70
18-02-2021 Labour Impact/Express Entry 102 N/A
Business Impact 19 82
21-01-2021 Labour Impact/Express Entry 196 N/A
Business Impact 15 80

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 1,955 invites during 2020, up from 1,629 in 2019.

Of the 2020 invites, 1,742 went to Labour Impact and Express Entry candidates, with the remaining 213 going to Business Impact candidates.


Anticipated 2021 Prince Edward Island Expression of Interest Draw Dates

September 16
October 21
November 18
December 16 


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 a 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 Aims To Bring Thousands of Afghanistan Refugees To Safety From Taliban

Canada immigration news: Canada is pledging to resettle 20,000 Afghan refugees threatened by the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban.

“Offering refuge to the world’s most vulnerable speaks to who we are as Canadians, particularly in times of crisis,” said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino. 

“As more Afghan refugees continue to seek shelter in Canada, we’re redoubling our efforts to help 20,000 Afghans refugees – who remain vulnerable wherever they go – find safety here. The situation in Afghanistan is heartbreaking, and Canada will not stand idly by.”


Read More Canada Immigration News

Canada To Welcome More Refugees Under 3 New Initiatives
Quebec Now Accepting Applications Under Collective Sponsorship Program For Refugees Abroad
Persecuted Yazidi Refugees and ISIS Victims Subject Of New Canada Immigration Policy


Canada has been out of the region for seven years. But the United States only pulled out its troops from Bagram Airfield, the centre of its military operations in the country, in July.

Afghans Desperate To Flee Country Escape In Crowded Planes

Since then, thousands of Afghans have been trying desperately to leave the country. The United States has airlifted cargo planes jam-packed with Afghans as many fled the country. Now that the Taliban has taken over the government, many more are still in the war-torn country, trying to leave and frightened that the Taliban will fail to keep its promise of peace and attack them.

“Canadians are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan,” said Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan.

“People around the world know they can count on Canada to support them in times of need, and Canada will be there for vulnerable Afghans. Women leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, religious minorities, LGBTI individuals, and others covered by this program will be safe here in Canada, and I look forward to welcoming them to our country.”

Last month, Canada offered to take in Afghani interpreters who worked with the Canadian Armed Forces and also cooks, drivers, cleaners, construction workers, security guards and other staff who worked at the Canada Embassy in Afghanistan and their family members.

“Canada has a responsibility to protect the brave people in Afghanistan who have helped us carry out our mission over 20 years to advance human rights, education, health and security in their country,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau at that time.

“As violence spreads, ensuring the safety and security of all of our personnel, whether Canadian or Afghan, past or present, and the people who are helping us on the ground, is our top priority.”

Canada Redoubles Efforts

The latest effort by Ottawa doubles the number of Afghans that will be accepted into Canada as refugees.

The foreign affairs minister says he is close contact with Canada’s allies in the region as well as the Canadian ambassador in Kabul.

“Afghans have put their lives at great risk to support Canada in helping Afghans achieve significant democratic, human rights, education, health and security gains over the past twenty years,” said Garneau. “We owe them a debt of gratitude and we will continue our efforts to bring them to safety.”

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) already introduced a special program to focus on particularly vulnerable groups that are already welcomed to Canada through existing resettlement streams, including women leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, persecuted religious minorities, LGBTI individuals, and family members of previously resettled interpreters. 

Flights Full of Refugees Arriving In Canada

The program will welcome government-supported and privately-sponsored refugees, along with those sponsored by family already in Canada.

The refugee program is being run in partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.

Two weeks ago, Canada welcomed the first flight carrying Afghan refugees.

“Today, the Government of Canada is welcoming the first of a number of flights carrying Afghan refugees who provided crucial support to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan,” said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino.

“This first group is now beginning their new life in Canada, and we welcome them with open arms. More flights will be arriving in the coming days and weeks. We committed to do right by the Afghans who supported Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. With the arrival of the first resettled Afghan refugees in Canada, we are making good on that promise.”

British Columbia Entrepreneur Draw: Province Issues Up To 12 Invitations

Canada immigration news: British Columbia immigration has conducted a new Entrepreneur Immigration draw, issuing up to 12 invitations through two streams.

The August 17 British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program draw featured invites through both the province’s general Entrepreneur stream and its regional pilot.

General stream candidates received eight invitations, requiring a minimum score of 126 points. 

Meanwhile, less than five invites went to regional pilot candidates, with a minimum score of 129 points. When less than five invitations are issued, the exact number is not published.

Full requirements for both streams are below.


Read More Canada Immigration News

New British Columbia Draw Sees Province Issue 427 Invitations – Canada Immigration News
British Columbia Targets 29 Jobs With 51 Invitations In New Tech Draw
Two New British Columbia Draws See Province Issue 383 Invitations


What Was the Minimum Score For The Latest B.C. Entrepreneur Draw?

Date Category Minimum Score Invites Issued
17-Aug-21 Entrepreneur Immigration General Category 126 8
Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot 129 Less than 5

Source: https://welcomebc.ca


Video:


What Are The Requirements For The B.C. Entrepreneur Category?

Business candidates in this British Columbia immigration category must meet the following minimum criteria:

Eligibility Requirements

  • Personal net worth of minimum $600,000, legally obtained.
  • Invest minimum $200,000 in an eligible new business or to purchase and improve an existing business in BC.
  • Create at least one new full-time job in your business for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 In English or French in each of the four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing, BY THE TIME OF NOMINATION.
  • Suitable business and/or management experience.
  • Have, or be eligible for, legal temporary immigration status in Canada.
  • Have been lawfully admitted to the country where you currently reside.

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot

The Entrepreneur Regional Pilot aims to attract motivated and experienced entrepreneurs to open a business in smaller communities of British Columbia and contribute to their specific labour needs.

It was initially opened in 2019 as a two-year pilot, but has since been extended until 2024.

Eligibility Requirements for Candidates

  • Net worth of minimum $300,000.
  • Minimum of $100,000 in eligible business investments.
  • Minimum of 51% ownership in the new business.
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 In English or French in each of the four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
  • Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Conduct an exploratory visit in the target community

Eligibility Requirements for Communities

  • A population of fewer than 75,000 people.
  • Located beyond 30 km of a municipality of more than 75,000 people.
  • Demonstrate capacity to support the entrepreneur through a network of established settlement and business support agencies.

Saskatchewan Issues Nearly 500 Invitations In Major New Immigration Draw

Canada immigration news: Minimum scores dropped as Saskatchewan immigration issued 496 invitations to apply across two streams in a new Expression of Interest draw.

In the August 19 Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program draw, Occupations In-Demand candidates with skills and experience in one of 61 National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes received 335 invitations, with a minimum score of 70 points, four lower than the previous draw.

A further 161 invitations went to Express Entry candidates with skills and experience in 43 NOC codes, also with a minimum score of 71 points.

Detailed requirements for the streams featured in this draw are included later in this article.


Read More

Saskatchewan Immigration Draw Targets 65 Occupations With 452 Invitations
Saskatchewan Targets 63 Occupations With 280 Invitations In New Draw
New Saskatchewan Expression of Interest Draw Sees 295 Immigration Invitations Issued


Latest Saskatchewan Expression of Interest Draws

Draw date Category Minimum score Invites issued Other considerations
19-Aug-21 Occupations In-Demand 70 335 Invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments. 

NOCs included: 0014, 0016, 0121, 0421, 0423, 0621, 0651, 0711, 0821, 0911, 1122, 1123, 1214, 1221, 1222, 1224, 1241, 1243, 1252, 1313, 2131, 2142, 2144, 2151, 2212, 2225, 2231, 2232, 2241, 2242, 2244, 2252, 2263, 2264, 3211, 3215, 3216, 3234, 4152, 4153, 4161, 4162, 4164, 4166, 4212, 4216, 6316, 7205, 7235, 7237, 7242, 7243, 7245, 7246, 7251, 7271, 7281, 7321, 7322, 8222, 9211

Express Entry 71 161 Invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments. 

NOCs included: 0014, 0016, 0121, 0132, 0421, 0621, 0711, 0712, 0821, 0911, 1122, 1123, 1213, 1221, 1222, 1224, 1241, 1252, 2131, 2142, 2143, 2151, 2232, 2241, 2252, 2253, 2263, 2264, 3143, 3211, 3215, 3234, 4151, 4153, 4161, 4164, 4166, 4212, 4216, 6316, 7242, 9212, 9232


Video


What is the Process for Saskatchewan Expression of Interest?

  1. Submit EOI profile.
  2. Enter EOI candidate pool.
  3. EOI candidates selected.
  4. Invitations to Apply issued via regular draws.
  5. Candidates submit full application within 60 days.
  6. SINP officials assess applications and make decision.

What Are the Requirements for The Occupation-In-Demand Sub-Category?

  • Score a minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid;
  • Have a language score of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4. Employers and regulatory bodies may ask for higher;
  • Have completed one year of post-secondary education, training or apprenticeship comparable to the Canadian education system. You must have earned a diploma, certificate or degree.
    • Degrees and diplomas obtained outside Canada subject to an Educational Credential Assessment;
  • At least one-year work experience in the past 10 years:
    • In your field of education or training occupation, and
    • In an eligible occupation in NOC A, B, 0. See the excluded occupations list.
  • Obtain the appropriate licensure in Saskatchewan if your field so requires, as the authorities will not process an application without the licensure.
  • Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.
  • Pay a non-refundable $300 application fee online.

What Are the Requirements for The Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-Category?

Candidates from outside Canada, or with legal status in Canada, qualify for this Saskatchewan immigration category, provided they are not refugee claimant.

Additionally, candidates must:

  • Have a profile in the Express Entry Pool, with profile number and job seeker validation code;
  • Score a minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid;
  • Provide valid language test results from a designated testing agency matching those in the Express Entry profile;
  • Have completed one year of post-secondary education, training or apprenticeship comparable to the Canadian education system. You must have earned a diploma, certificate or degree.
    • Degrees and diplomas obtained outside Canada subject to an Educational Credential Assessment;
  • Have at least one of the following experience requirements in your field of education or training occupation:
    • One year of work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades);
    • Two years of work experience in a skilled trade in the past five years; or
    • One year of work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades).
  • Have work experience in a high-skilled, eligible occupation in NOC A, B, 0. See the excluded occupations list.
  • Obtain the appropriate licensure in Saskatchewan where your profession is regulated or a skilled trade. For skilled trades, a certificate is required from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
  • Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.
  • Pay a non-refundable $300 application fee online.

Latest News