British Columbia Issues At Least 231 Canada Immigration Invitations In New PNP Draw

Colin Singer
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British Columbia Issues At Least 231 Canada Immigration Invitations In New PNP Draw

British Columbia has conducted a new draw through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, issuing invitations to at least 231 candidates.

The March 14 draw saw invitations issued in four different categories.

Skilled workers and international graduates with a minimum score of 82 points received 197 invitations through the BC PNP Tech stream.

A draw targeted at Early Childhood Educators under NOC 42202 saw 23 invitations issued to skilled workers and international graduates, with a minimum score of 60 points. 

A further 10 invitations were issued to skilled workers, international graduates and entry level and semi-skilled workers scoring at least 60 points in a draw targeting Healthcare workers.

A final batch of less than 5 invitations went to skilled workers and international graduates in a draw aimed at other priority occupations under NOCs 31103, 32104, also requiring 60 points. The number was recorded as less than 5 to protect the identity of those invited.

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Latest B.C. Immigration Draw

Date Category Minimum Score Invitations Issued Description
14-03-2023 Skilled Worker, International Graduate 82 197 Tech draw
Skilled Worker, International Graduate 60 23 Targeted draw: Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202))
Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled 60 10 Targeted draw: Healthcare
Skilled Worker, International Graduate 60 <5 Targeted draw: Other priority occupations (NOCs 31103, 32104)

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Quebec Issues 1,017 Canada Immigration Invitations In New Provincial Draw

Colin Singer
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Quebec Issues 1,017 Canada Immigration Invitations In New Provincial Draw

Quebec immigration has conducted a new draw through the Arrima Expression of Interest system, issuing 1,017 Canada immigration invitations to apply.

The March 2 draw targeted two categories of candidates.

The first category featured candidates scoring 589 points or above in the Quebec Expression of Interest points system.

Candidates with a job offer outside of the Montreal metropolitan area were targeted in the second category. There was no minimum score.

Quebec Expression Of Interest Draws 2023

Date of invitations Invites Issued Minimum Score Date of extraction from Arrima bank
02-03-23 1,017 589 February 27, 2023 at 6.30am
16-02-23 1,011 583 February 13, 2023 at 6.30am
09-02-23 1,011 619 February 6, 2023 at 6.30am

Read More Canada Immigration News

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Quebec Issues 1,011 Canada Immigration Invitations In New Provincial Draw

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 spouses 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.

Express Entry Human Capital Priorities 815-candidate draw targets nine tech occupations

Colin Singer
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Express Entry Human Capital Priorities 815-candidate draw targets nine tech occupations

Tech workers in nine occupations were sent Notifications of Interest (NOI) in an 815-candidate Express Entry Human Capital Priorities draw on Friday. 

Read more:

MPNP issues 597 LAAs to candidates in March 9 draw

Express Entry Labour draw on Prince Edward Island sees 46 ITAs sent

Express Entry draws in New Brunswick issued 144 Invitations to Apply in February

Canada’s most populous province is looking for foreign nationals who want to immigrate to do the following jobs with these National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

  • NOC 20012 – computer and information systems manager
  • NOC 21211 – data scientist
  • NOC 21223 – database analysts and data administrator
  • NOC 21230 – computer systems developer
  • NOC 21231 – software engineer or designer
  • NOC 21232 – software developer or programmer
  • NOC 21233 – web designer
  • NOC 21234 – web developer or programmer
  • NOC 21311 – computer engineer (except software engineer and designer)

Latest draw required CRS scores of 479 through to 489

In the March 10, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) targeted draw, Ontario issued NOIs to candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of 479 to 489.

When applying to Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream of the OINP, applicants need to scan and upload copies of the following mandatory documents with their applications:

  • NOI from Ontario;
  • identity documents;
  • status documents in Canada;
  • education documents;
  • language test results;
  • resumé;
  • documents to support their employment in Ontario (if applicable) and work history;
  • documents to demonstrate they meet the settlement funds requirement, and;
  • other optional documents if applicable.

Documents must also be included for dependent family members, including:

  • passports for all dependent family members;
  • status documents for any spouse or common-law partner;
  • if applicable, documents to support their spouse or common-law partner’s education in Canada, work experience in Canada, and language test results, and;
  • documents regarding any relatives in Canada.

AAIP Express Entry draw sees 134 NOIs issued with lowest required CRS score this year

Colin Singer
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AAIP Express Entry draw sees 134 NOIs issued with lowest required CRS score this year

In the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Express Entry draw with the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required so far this year, Alberta issued 134 Notifications of Interest (NOI) on Thursday to 134 candidates.

Read more:

Employers are looking for sales professionals and eyeing foreign nationals to fill those Canadian jobs

Report reveals IRCC’s staffing level more than enough to process applications quickly

MPNP issues 597 LAAs to candidates in March 9 draw

In the March 9 draw, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 301. That’s the lowest CRS score under an Alberta Express Entry draw since Oct. 26, 2021, almost a year and a half ago.

Alberta premier is bullish on immigration to the province

Last year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set the limit for nominations for the AAIP at 9,750 for the year. 

So far this year, the Prairie province has issued 1,292 nominations.  

But Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is hoping to greatly increase immigration to her province and wants the number of nominations allowed to Alberta to rise by almost 67 per cent by the end of 2025.

“Alberta is still calling,” the premier wrote on her LinkedIn page. 

“Right now there are over 100,000 job vacancies to fill in Alberta. We need more skilled workers to keep our economy firing on all cylinders!”

Under the stream, foreign nationals must have stated an interest in immigrating permanently to the province, working in an occupation which supports Alberta’s economic development and diversification and have family ties to the province.

Alberta Express Entry 2023 Draws

Draw Date NOI Letters Sent CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate
09-03-23 134 301
16-02-23 100 357
23-01-23 154 385
19-01-23 46 324

The province currently has 1,490 applications pending under the Alberta Opportunity Stream and 450 under the Alberta Express Entry Stream.

Applications for 10 occupations may take longer to process due to high volumes

Alberta says a high number of AAIP applications have been received in the following occupations, meaning they may take longer to process:

  • 62020 – food service supervisors
  • 62010 – retail sales supervisors
  • 63200 – cooks
  • 13110 – administrative assistants
  • 21231 – software engineers and designers
  • 42202 – early childhood educators and assistants
  • 21222 – information systems specialists
  • 60020 – retail and wholesale trade managers
  • 73300 – transport truck drivers
  • 60030 – restaurant and food service managers

In order to be eligible to receive a notification of interest, candidates must:

  • have an active Express Entry profile in the federal Express Entry pool;
  • have stated an interest in immigrating permanently to Alberta;
  • be working in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic development and diversification, and;
  • have a minimum CRS score of 300 points.

Bill C-41 would let Canadian humanitarian agencies operate in Afghanistan

Colin Singer
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Bill C-41 would let Canadian humanitarian agencies operate in Afghanistan

Afghans hoping to flee the Taliban and come to the safety of Canada as refugees may soon be able to get more help from Canadian humanitarian agencies under a proposed bit of legislation, Bill C-41, that would exempt them from a law that currently risks them being flagged for supporting terrorism.

Read more:

MPNP issues 597 LAAs to candidates in March 9 draw

Express Entry Labour draw on Prince Edward Island sees 46 ITAs sent

Express Entry draws in New Brunswick issued 144 Invitations to Apply in February

Since falling to the Taliban in the summer of 2021, a reported 35 million Afghans have been displaced, an estimated 80 per cent of whom are women and children. Roughly one million children are thought to be at risk of starving to death. 

IRCC data shows 28,285 Afghans have come to Canada since Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan

“The message delivered by Afghans, aid groups and witnesses before Parliament is clear,” Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino has reportedly said.

“The situation in Afghanistan is dire.”

Ottawa has made a commitment to resettle at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghans by the end of this year. So far, Canada has welcomed 28,285 Afghan refugees since August 2021 when the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan.

The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), dated March 9, reveals those refugees include:

  • 9,645 under the Special Immigration Measures Program for Afghans;
  • 15,675 under Canada’s humanitarian program, and; 
  • 1,185 under the permanent residence pathway for extended family members of former interpreters in Afghanistan. 

But there’s a snag in Canada’s efforts to welcome Afghans who want to flee their homeland.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, it is currently illegal for any Canadian or person in Canada to make or authorize payments to a terrorist organization.

Humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan flagged as supporting terrorism under existing law

That leaves humanitarian groups hoping to operate in Afghanistan in a bind because the country is currently ruled by a terrorist organization, the Taliban.

“The Taliban, as the de facto authority in Afghanistan, is likely to receive revenue from any payments, such as taxes, import tariffs, airport and administrative fees, which may be necessary to support international assistance and conduct immigration activities,” states Public Safety Canada on its website.

Unable to pay the fees, taxes and tariffs necessary in Afghanistan without contravening the current anti-terrorist financing laws in Canada, many humanitarian groups have simply pulled out of the country.

Ottawa is hoping to fix that situation with Bill C-41.

It was introduced in the House of Commons on March 9 to amend one of the Criminal Code’s anti-terrorist financing offences and allow the delivery of much-needed international assistance, immigration activities, and other assistance in regions controlled by terrorist groups. 

Under the proposed changes to the law, Public Safety, Foreign Affairs and the IRCC are to assess applications and ensure proper security reviews are undertaken. 

The proposed changes would include:

  • requirements for a ministerial review of the regime after five years;
  • a provision for information-sharing between departments and agencies for the purpose of a security review that must be conducted before an authorization can be granted;
  • the possibility of a judicial review if an authorization is not granted, and;
  • protection from disclosure of sensitive information during a judicial review.

Immigration from Afghanistan jumped 177 per cent last year as refugees fled the country

Bill C-41 would allow humanitarian organizations to make payments for:

  • local personnel for translation services and form-filling support;
  • transportation, such as fuel taxes and airport fees; and
  • temporary accommodations and meals inside Afghanistan.

“The amendments would create a new authorization scheme that would allow those that provide humanitarian and other critical assistance, to apply for an authorization that would shield them from the risk of criminal liability,” notes Public Safety Canada.

Immigration from Afghanistan spiked by 177 per cent last year to hit 23,735 new permanent residents from that country as Canada pulled out all the stops to welcome refugees from that country. IRCC data reveals. 

That was up 15,165 people from the 8,570 new permanent residents to Canada from Afghanistan in 2021.

The meteoric rise in immigration from Afghanistan is all the more startling when last year’s performance is compared to the immigration level prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2019.

In those three years, immigration from Afghanistan to Canada has soared by 508.6 per cent.

Employers are looking for sales professionals and eyeing foreign nationals to fill those Canadian jobs

Colin Singer
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Employers are looking for sales professionals and eyeing foreign nationals to fill those Canadian jobs

Sales professionals are in hot demand in Canada as employers scramble to fill jobs begging for a want of suitable candidates in the wake of the post-COVID-19 economic boom, creating opportunities for foreign nationals to immigrate through the country’s Express Entry system.

“In 2023, sales and marketing professionals are facing extreme shifts in the way they work,” says human resources giant Randstad.

Read more:

MPNP issues 597 LAAs to candidates in March 9 draw

Express Entry Labour draw on Prince Edward Island sees 46 ITAs sent

Express Entry draws in New Brunswick issued 144 Invitations to Apply in February

“Many companies transitioned to remote work during the pandemic. After markets reopened, employers allowed their teams to continue working from home. As a result, teleworking is now seen as a natural privilege for industry professionals. 

“Technology also continues to be a major driver in sales and marketing. As more businesses deploy advanced systems, it creates a growing demand for tech-savvy workers. Employers are looking for candidates with the experience and skills to leverage digital tools and platforms to track and improve performance on all fronts.”

Sales pros can immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker program

In its Best Sales and Marketing Jobs in Canada for 2023 report on its website, Randstad lists 10 sales and sales-related occupations that are going to be hot in Canada this year. 

They are, with their corresponding National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

  • Sales Associate (NOC 64100)
  • Marketing Coordinator (NOC 11202)
  • Account Manager (NOC 11102)
  • Store/Territory/Branch Managers (NOC 60020)
  • Product Managers (NOC 60010)
  • Account Executives (NOC 11201)
  • Sales Manager (NOC 62010)
  • Digital Marketing Specialists (NOC 11202
  • Technical Sales Representatives (NOC 62100)
  • SEO Specialists (NOC 21234)

The opportunities are certainly out there. The Indeed.ca job-hunting website lists more than 33,100 results for a sales job search. 

“As you look closer at our list of most in-demand jobs in the sales and marketing sector for 2023, you’ll see new roles, such as sales associates, marketing coordinators and sales managers,” notes Randstad.

“Positions such as account managers, branch managers and product managers are also in high demand for 2023. Remaining on our list of top jobs from last year are the roles of account executives, digital marketing specialists, technical sales representatives and SEO specialists.”

Ottawa’s Jobbank job-hunting and career-planning website forecasts there will be 149,200 new positions for sales clerks alone in Canada during the decade starting this year and another 95,700 for sales supervisors.

Salaries for sales occupations vary significantly depending on the exact nature of the position and also because base salaries are often heavily incentivised with commissions, depending on the agreement between the employee and the employer.

“The average entry-level salary for sales and marketing workers is $67,300 per year, whereas the highest-performing sales and marketing professionals earn an average of $129,400 annually,” notes Randstad.

Mid-level sales position come with average annual salary of $90,000

“Mid-level positions earn an average annual salary of $90,000. It’s important to note that some sales professionals work on commission, so their overall pay depends on their ability to finalize sales.”

With the role of the sales professional changing greatly due to the work-from-home trend and the arrival of more powerful and sophisticated computer-based technologies, there is a great deal of variety in the actual work done by these employees.

While a retail sales rep might sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers and is usually employed by a store or wholesale business that sells on a retail basis to the public, the SEO specialist has a very different job.

These experts use a variety of techniques and strategies to modify websites to ensure consumers are most likely to land on their employers’ e-commerce websites and buy those products. They analyze users’ needs to implement content, graphics, performance, and website capacity modifications.

There are no Canada-specific requirements for jobs in sales, given the broad range of positions that are covered but with communication being a central part of the job, a strong ability in at least one of Canada’s official languages is a must.

Foreign nationals hoping to gain their permanent residency in Canada can seize the opportunities offered by the current tight labour market to immigrate through the country’s many economic immigration programs.

Express Entry applicants’ profiles are ranked according to the CRS 

With the arrival in effect of the National Occupational Classification 2021 on Nov. 16 last year, the jobs of marketing coordinator, store and territory manager, product manager, and account executive are all eligible occupations under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW). 

It’s one of three Express Entry system programs through which immigrants can apply for permanent residency online if they meet the eligibility criteria. The other two such Express Entry programs are the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) and Canada Experience Class Program (CEC).

There are also participating provincial immigration programs which use the Express Entry system.

Candidates’ profiles are ranked against each other according to a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates will be considered for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Those receiving an ITA must quickly submit a full application and pay processing fees, within a delay of 90 days.

Through a network of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), almost all of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories can also nominate skilled worker candidates for admission to Canada when they have the specific skills required by local economies. Successful candidates who receive a provincial or territorial nomination can then apply for Canadian permanent residence through federal immigration authorities.

Canadian employers can also recruit and hire foreign nationals through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

The Global Talent Stream (GTS), a part of the TFWP, can under normal processing situations lead to the granting of Canadian work permits and processing of visa applications within two weeks.

Report reveals IRCC’s staffing level more than enough to process applications quickly

Colin Singer
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Report reveals IRCC’s staffing level more than enough to process applications quickly

Canada’s parliamentary budget officer says there is already more than enough staff at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to meet its application processing goals for the next three years.

“Current staffing levels at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are expected to be more than sufficient to meet the processing time goal for all years of this costing,” Yves Giroux wrote in a report released last week.

Read more:

MPNP issues 597 LAAs to candidates in March 9 draw

Express Entry Labour draw on Prince Edward Island sees 46 ITAs sent

Express Entry draws in New Brunswick issued 144 Invitations to Apply in February

“In fact, for 2022 – 23, IRCC is estimated to have 65 per cent more staff than would be required to meet the goal. This percentage will decline each year as the number of applications increases, ultimately reaching four per cent in 2026-27.”

PBO report looked at staffing levels for Express Entry’s economic programs

In his report, Giroux examined the direct costs of processing applications for the economic streams of immigration through the Express Entry system, the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program. 

This system is used for all of Canada, excluding Quebec which runs a separate system and was not covered by the report, Costing the Express Entry Immigration Process.

The report comes in the wake of criticism of the Canadian immigration department from the Official Opposition in the House of Commons over the lengthy immigration application processing times which has often resulted in applicants having to wait far beyond the IRCC’s stated goals to process applications.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, immigration to Canada plummeted by 45.9 per cent, from 341,175 to only 184,595 new permanent residents, due to travel and public health restrictions. 

But immigration levels soared back up in 2021, rising a staggering 120 per cent to hit a new Canadian immigration record of 406,040 new permanent residents that year. 

Since then, immigration levels have only increased even further, by another 7.7 per cent to 437,120 new permanent residents to set a new record again in 2022.

Backlog at end of January this year was still almost one million applications

That spike in immigration, though, left the IRCC unable to cope with all of the applications in a timely manner and a backlog quickly built up. 

By October last year, the IRCC was staring down a pile of more than 2.5 million applications despite Ottawa having pumped an extra $85 million into the IRCC to reduce application processing times in its 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update.

That extra money was to hire new processing staff, digitize applications, and implement technology-based solutions such as digital intake and advanced analytics.

In late January this year, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced further measures to speed things up.

“These measures build on the work we’ve already done to reduce wait times, including hiring 500 new processing staff and digitizing applications,” tweeted Fraser on Jan. 31.

The massive pile of applications at the IRCC has since started to come down even as Ottawa has raised its immigration targets for the next three years to bring in another 1.45 million immigrants.

In its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, Ottawa set the target for 2023 at 465,000 new permanent residents. The country is to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and another 500,000 in 2025.

Even with that higher level of immigration, the IRCC had managed to whittle down the number of applications to just over 1.9 million – exactly 1,944,500 – as of Jan. 31 this year.

Citizenship applications are currently the most likely to be processed on time

The number of immigration applications that are taking longer than set out in the guidelines to process, though, still numbered almost one million, 974,600.

On its website, the IRCC notes that 53 per cent of the 1,024,000 applications for temporary residence, which includes applications for work permits or study permits, exceeded its service standards for processing and so did 56 per cent of the 617,500 applications for permanent residence at the end of January. 

The IRCC was then doing better with citizenship applications with only 27 per cent of the 303,000 applications for citizenship exceeding its processing goals.

“We’re taking action to reduce the backlogs of applications within our inventories,” notes the IRCC on its website. 

“Our goal is to process 80 per cent of applications within our service standards. This allows for expected delays in some very complex cases or when we need more information from our clients before we can finalize their files.”

MPNP issues 597 LAAs to candidates in March 9 draw

Colin Singer
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MPNP issues 597 LAAs to candidates in March 9 draw

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued  Letters Of Advice To Apply (LAA) through three streams to 597 candidates in a draw Thursday.

Read more:

Healthcare workers sent 822 NOIs from Ontario immigration in Human Capital Priorities draw

Temporary foreign workers in Quebec see province more than double workplace safety officers

AAIP nominations forecast to spike by two-thirds of present level in only three years

Through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM)  stream, the province issued 224 LAAs to those candidates with a minimum score of 612 under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) who are eyeing sales and service support jobs categorized under major group 65 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021. 

Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream saw 501 LAAs sent out

Outside of this occupational code, the province issued another 277 LAAs through the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream to candidates whose Express Entry profiles score at least 675 through the CRS.

International Education Stream (IES) candidates received 53 LAAs.

The remaining 43 LAAs went to Skilled Workers Overseas (SWO) candidates through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative, with a minimum score of 666.

What Were the Details of the Latest Manitoba Draw?

Stream Sub-Stream Letters of Advice to Apply Score of Lowest Ranked Candidate
1) Skilled Workers in Manitoba NOC major group 65 224 612
All occupations 277 675
2) International Education Stream 53 –
3) Skilled Workers Overseas Strategic Recruitment Initiative 43 666

Manitoba stated that 45 of the 597 candidates invited had valid Express Entry profile numbers and job seeker validation codes.

The SWM is based on the specific needs of Manitoba employers and tries to select foreign-trained workers with the required skills for permanent residence. The stream prioritizes candidates with a strong attachment to Manitoba, with two pathways to Manitoba immigration.

The Manitoba Work Experience Pathway is for applicants currently working in Manitoba on temporary work permits, through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or as international graduates from any province. Candidates do not need to be working in in-demand occupations.

The Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway is for applicants from overseas with job offers from approved Manitoba employers.

The SWO stream includes both a dedicated Canada Express Entry pathway and a direct provincial pathway and is aimed at internationally skilled workers with skills and training in Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Priority is given to applicants and spouses with close family connections, plus the language proficiency, training and experience to find jobs quickly.

IES provides three pathways to immigration for international students in Manitoba

The Manitoba Express Entry pathway is for international candidates eligible under another MPNP stream, who also meet Express Entry criteria and have an active Express Entry profile. Candidates need skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations, and a strong family connection to the province.

Under the Human Capital Pathway, international skilled workers with skills, training and experience in one of Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations must demonstrate the potential to find employment soon after they arrive in Manitoba.

The IES is dedicated to international graduates from Manitoba colleges and universities. Under IES, candidates are no longer required to work for six months in their field before applying for an MPNP nomination. 

It has three pathways:

  • the Career Employment pathway;  
  • the Graduate Internship pathway, and;
  • the Student Entrepreneur pathway

Express Entry draws in New Brunswick issued 144 Invitations to Apply in February

Colin Singer
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Express Entry draws in New Brunswick issued 144 Invitations to Apply in February

There were 93 Invitations to Apply (ITA) sent to foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in New Brunswick and another 51 invitations sent to those hoping to get Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) in that Atlantic Canadian in February.

That’s a total of 144 ITAs issued by New Brunswick that month.

Read more:

Healthcare workers sent 822 NOIs from Ontario immigration in Human Capital Priorities draw

Temporary foreign workers in Quebec see province more than double workplace safety officers

AAIP nominations forecast to spike by two-thirds of present level in only three years

The bilingual province in Atlantic Canada does not post the results of its immigration draws but does publish the monthly results of those draws.

Four occupations were removed from EC program in February 

The latest monthly results reveal New Brunswick issued 86 ITAs through its Express Entry  Occupations In Demand Connection (OIDC) program and another seven ITAs through its New Brunswick Employment Connection (EC) program last month. 

The province also issued ITAs for PGWPs through its New Brunswick Student Connection (SC) program.

Since the start of February, New Brunswick has stopped accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) through its EC program for four categories of workers, those with the  National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

  • 62010 – Retail sales supervisors
  • 60030 – Restaurant and food service managers
  • 62020 – Food service supervisors
  • 63200 – Cooks

Those workers can still apply, though, through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Skilled Worker stream. 

Applicants under the EC must meet the minimum work experience, language proficiency, and educational requirements and demonstrate proof of sufficient funds. 

Under that program, the work requirement is at least one year of full-time paid work (1,560 hours total) or an equal amount of part-time work. That work experience must be in the NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2 or 3 and must be in the same type of job as indicated on the immigration application.

All applicants submitting an application through that NB Express Entry stream must also have a valid language test in English or French, administered by an agency designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

That language test must be less than 18 months old at the time the application is submitted to the province of New Brunswick and the applicant must have obtained a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 for French.

Applicants who have not graduated from a Canadian educational institution must also provide a copy of an Educational Credential Assessment completed by a designated organization.

Settlement funds are not required for open work permit holders with a minimum of one-year work experience in TEER 0,1, 2, or 3 occupations in Canada. 

Occupations In-Demand Connection applicants must create an EOI within 45 days of getting LOI

Through the OIDC program, applicants are issued a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the federal Express Entry system and must have a valid Express Entry profile. 

Upon receiving that LOI, the applicant can create an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the INB Portal, the province’s immigration portal, and has 45 days from the date of receiving the LOI to do that.

The minimum work experience required under the OIDC is at least one year of full-time paid work (1,560 hours total) or an equal amount of part-time work in occupations with NOC codes in the 0,1,2, or 3 categories.

That work experience can be in Canada or abroad but must be paid work and in the same occupation as used on the immigration application.

Since this is an NB Express Entry stream application, it must also meet the language and educational requirements and the applicant must demonstrate that he or she intends to live in New Brunswick and have sufficient funds to do so. 

Settlement funds are not required for open work permit holders with a minimum one-year work experience in Canada. 

Grads must apply for a PGWP within six months of completing their studies

Those applying for a PGWP through the NB Student Connection program do not need to have a job offer but must have completed their studies within the last six months, be living in the province, and actively looking for work. 

Graduate students in thesis-based programs can apply once that school work has been officially submitted for evaluation. 

The grads applying through this program must also meet the same work experience and language proficiency requirements as for the other two programs and intend to live in New Brunswick.

They do not, however, have to demonstrate proof of funds provided they are already open work permit holders and have the required work experience.

Applicants under this program provide a copy of at least two of the following documents showing successful completion of a PGWP-eligible program of study in New Brunswick within the past six months:

  • final transcripts;
  • diploma or certificate, or
  • a letter of completion from the institution.

Those who have completed their education in Canada do not need to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) but post-grads applying at the point of the submission of their thesis do need to provide such an ECA by a designated organization.

Express Entry Labour draw on Prince Edward Island sees 46 ITAs sent

Colin Singer
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Express Entry Labour draw on Prince Edward Island sees 46 ITAs sent

Forty-six candidates are being invited to apply for immigration to Prince Edward Island through the latest Express Entry, Labour Stream draw of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP).

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The March 2 draw to attract more workers to the island province came less than a month after the premiers of all four Atlantic Canadian provinces met to discuss, among other issues, ways to boost immigration to the region.

Prince Edward Island looks to immigration to resolve labour shortages 

“Labour shortages are being felt nationwide by communities and economies,” the premiers noted in a statement. 

“Immigration and the retention of international students who come to Atlantic Canada to further their education are critical to the continued growth of the region. Atlantic Canada is a prime destination for those looking to move to or within Canada and has proven itself to be an ideal location to pilot new immigration programs. Provincial-federal cooperation will be key to finding solutions to the labour challenges facing Canadian industries.”

During that meeting the premiers banded together to discuss how immigration to Atlantic Canada could be increased by streamlining processing to reduce duplication, expanding the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot to the rest of the region, and adding temporary and permanent resident streams and pathways for healthcare professionals, targeted projects, and seasonal industries.

Last year, the Island set a new immigration record with 2,665 new permanent residents, or 50 more than the 2,615 newcomers to the province the previous year, the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals.

Provincial Nominee Program is the most popular way to immigrate to Prince Edward Island

The lion’s share of those who immigrated to Prince Edward Island last year arrived through the province’s PNP program. Those 1,685 immigrants comprised roughly 62.2 per cent of all new permanent residents to the province last year. 

The new,  higher level of immigration last year was almost nine per cent above the 2,445 new permanent residents who immigrated to Prince Edward Island in 2019, the last full year before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the seven years since 2015, immigration to the province has more than doubled, jumping 123.9 per cent from 1,190 new permanent residents to last year’s level.

Through its PNP program, Prince Edward Island sends out ITAs to candidates for its business as well as labour streams. But most of the ITAs, 94 per cent, sent out in the past 12 months have gone to those hoping to immigrate through the labour stream.

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.

PEI PNP Immigration Draw

Date Category Invites Issued Minimum Score
March 2, 2023 Labour Impact/Express Entry 46 N/A
Business Impact 0 N/A

Under the labour impact category, Prince Edward Island offers two streams, the Skilled Worker and Critical Worker streams.

Labour impact category of PEI PNP offers two streams for those wanting to work on the Island

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

  • have a full-time, non-seasonal (permanent or minimum of two years) job offer from a PEI employer in a high skilled occupation defined by the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibility classification system as TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3;
  • have at least two years of full‐time work experience in the past five years;
  • have a valid work permit to be working in Canada;
  • have legal status in country of residence;
  • have successfully completed a post‐secondary degree or diploma (minimum two-year program);
  • be between the ages of 18 and 59;
  • have sufficient English and/or French language ability to perform the job offered;
  • have sufficient financial resources for the applicant and family to pay all immigration costs (including travel expenses) to be able to establish in PEI, and;
  • demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in PEI.

The language requirements can be demonstrated by one of the following:

  • a language test from an IRCC approved testing institute within the past two years with a minimum score of CLB/NCLC 4, or;
  • a PEIW-02: Workforce Job Offer Form indicating employer is comfortable with the employee’s proficiency in English and/or French to perform tasks associated with the job position being offered.

The Critical Worker Stream 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, non-seasonal (i.e. permanent or minimum of two years) job offer from a PEI employer in an intermediate skilled position, defined by the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibility classification system as TEER category 4 or 5;
  • have worked a minimum of six months full-time for the PEI employer;
  • have a valid work permit and legal status in Canada;
  • possess a minimum education of secondary school diploma;
  • be between the ages of 18 and 59;
  • have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience or relevant education in the past five years;
  • provide a language test from an IRCC-approved testing institute within the past two years with a minimum score of CLB/NCLC 4;
  • have sufficient financial resources to pay all immigration costs (including travel expenses) for the applicant and family to be able to establish in PEI, and;
  • demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in PEI.
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