New Annual Record Likely For Canada Spousal Sponsorship Immigration

Canada is on track to set a new annual record for the number of new permanent residents immigrating here under spousal sponsorships.

The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals 51,810 new permanent residents immigrated to Canada under spousal sponsorships in the first nine months of this year. 

Based on that trend, Canada is poised to have welcomed 69,080 new permanent residents under this spousal sponsorship program by the end of this year. 


Read More Canada Immigration News

Canada Spousal Sponsorships Still On Track To Welcome Record Numbers Despite August Dip
Canada Spousal Sponsorship Immigration To Grow More Than 8.2% In 2022
Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Immigration Program: Eight Things To Know


That’s 4,645 new permanent residents, or 7.2 per cent, more than came under spousal sponsorships last year. 

It’s also 4,305 new permanent residents, or 6.6 per cent, more than immigrated to Canada through spousal sponsorships in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, when the country set a record of 64,435 new permanent residents under this program.

With Canada opening its arms to ever-increasing numbers of immigrants, a growing number of them have been availing themselves of the spousal sponsorship program to re-unite with their loved ones. 

Spousal sponsorships were growing steadily in popularity in the years before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In 2015, Canada welcomed 46,350 new permanent residents through spousal sponsorships. The following year, that number swelled by 22.7 per cent to hit 56,855. 

Spousal sponsorship numbers grew by a more modest 2.3 per cent in 2017 but then spiked 8.2 per cent the following year to see 62,885 new permanent residents come to Canada in 2018.

In 2019, Canada welcomed 64,775 new permanent residents through spousal sponsorships, an increase of three per cent or 1,890 new permanent residents over the previous year. 

Then, COVID-19 hit.

COVID-19 Pandemic Pushed Down Spousal Sponsorships For A Year

Ottawa temporarily closed the borders to all but essential travel and governments across the country put in place stringent public health measures, all of which severely curtailed immigration to Canada.

Immigration to Canada fell by 45.9 per cent in the first year of the pandemic

In 2019, the country had welcomed 341,175 new permanent residents to the country but the following year that dropped off dramatically and by the end of 2020 Canada had seen only 184,590 new permanent residents settle in the country.

Spousal sponsorships fell in step with the overall immigration trend.


Watch Video


In 2020, the number of new permanent residents coming to Canada through this program was down by 44.2 per cent, or 28,655 spouses, as the country only welcomed 36,120. 

Last year, though, immigration to Canada roared back to life, soaring almost 120 per cent to reach a record-breaking 406,040 new permanent residents by the end of the year.

And spousal sponsorships also spiked. 

In that one year alone, spousal sponsorships to Canada soared 78.4 per cent, by 28,315 more new permanent residents annually, to hit 64,435. That was almost – but not quite – as many spousal sponsorships as before the start of the pandemic.

Spousal Sponsorships Picked Up In September After Soft August

But things are looking up for this year and a new record is in the works if the current trend continues.

There are, of course, fluctuations in the number of new residents coming to Canada under spousal sponsorships from month to month. 

In August this year, the number of people who gained their permanent residency in Canada through this program dipped by 24.2 per cent compared to the previous month only to rise by almost exactly the same percentage in September. 

Across the country, spousal sponsorship numbers are on track to end the year down compared to 2021 in the francophone province of Quebec, where they forecast to dip 9.3 per cent, and in the Prairie provinces of Manitoba, where spousal sponsorships are expected to end the year off by 4.6 per cent, and Saskatchewan, which is poised to end the year with spousal sponsorships 1.3 per cent lower.

The Northwest Territories are also expected based on the current trend to close the year with spousal sponsorships down by 17.9 per cent. 

The big gains so far this year in the number of spouses rejoining loved ones through this program are most apparent in the Atlantic Canadian province of Nova Scotia. There, spousal sponsorships are projected to close the year up 35.4 per cent, or 225 new permanent residents.

Next door in New Brunswick, spousal sponsorships are on track to end the year up 20.4 per cent and Prince Edward Island is projected to show similar growth, of 22.2 per cent, in the number of new permanent residents arriving through this program.

The Yukon territory, too, is expected to end the year with spousal sponsorships up 22.2 per cent and Nunavut is forecast to show growth in spousal sponsorships of 33.3 per cent.

On The Rock, as Newfoundland and Labrador is affectionately called, spousal sponsorships promise to end the year up 11.1 per cent.

Ontario On Track To Welcome 4,173 More Through Spousal Sponsorships This Year Than In 2021

In central Canada, Ontario’s spousal sponsorships are on track to end the year up 14.4 per cent, or 4,173 new permanent residents, compared to last year and see 33,133 spouses immigrate under that program in 2022.

Alberta’s spousal sponsorships are forecast to close the year up 5.4 per cent compared to last year and British Columbia’s to rise by 6.9 per cent.

When a Canadian citizen or permanent resident chooses to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada, the sponsor must sign an undertaking, promising to give financial support for the sponsored person’s basic needs, including:

  • food, clothing, shelter and their needs for everyday living, and;
  • dental care, eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services.

This agreement cannot be cancelled, even if:

  • the person sponsored becomes a Canadian citizen;
  • the couple divorces, separates or the relationship breaks down;
  • either the sponsor or the sponsored spouse or common-law partner moves to another province or country, or;
  • the sponsor experiences financial problems.

Maternity, parental and sickness benefits paid under the Employment Insurance Act in Canada are all considered income and contribute to allowing a person to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner but other payments from the government, such as employment insurance and federal training allowances, are not considered income.

On its website, IRCC provides estimates of the current processing times for various types of applications, including spousal sponsorships.

According to that website, the current processing time for sponsorship applications for spouses or common-law partners currently outside the country is now down to 20 months.

That estimated processing time includes:

  • the time needed to provide biometrics;
  • the assessment of the sponsor and the person being sponsored, and;
  • the time immigration officials need to ensure the sponsor and his or her spouse or common-law partner meet the eligibility requirements.

Canada Express Entry Immigration: Every Job That Qualifies Through Federal Programs

0

Canada’s record-breaking immigration targets for the next three years are vital for businesses to fill jobs, and most newcomers will come through the Express Entry system.

“Years ago, we needed more jobs for our people, and now we need more people for our jobs,” Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said in a tweet in late November.

Under the latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025, the immigration target for next year is 465,000 new permanent residents. In 2024, Canada is hoping to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents and then another 500,000 in 2025.


Read More Canada Immigration News

Canada Job Vacancies At Nearly 995,000 In September
Arrival Of NOC 2021 Means Truck Drivers Now Eligible For Canada Express Entry
Top 100 Universities In World Include Toronto, British Columbia and McGill


Express Entry immigration programs provide an opportunity for both employers to find the employees they need and foreign nationals to gain permanent residence status in Canada.

Here is a breakdown of those programs and every job that qualifies for Express Entry immigration.

FSW, FST and CEC All Offer Express Entry Immigration to Canada

Those programs are the Federal Skilled Worker(FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canada Experience Class (CEC).

The FSW has 370 eligible occupations listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system for candidates in the Express Entry pool who are ranked through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Those eligible occupations are:

TEER Category NOC Code Class title
1 0 10010 Financial managers
2 0 10011 Human resources managers
3 0 10012 Purchasing managers
4 0 10019 Other administrative services managers
5 0 10020 Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers
6 0 10021 Banking, credit and other investment managers
7 0 10022 Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
8 0 10029 Other business services managers
9 0 10030 Telecommunication carriers managers
10 0 20010 Engineering managers
11 0 20011 Architecture and science managers
12 0 20012 Computer and information systems managers
13 0 30010 Managers in healthcare
14 0 40010 Government managers – health and social policy development and program administration
15 0 40011 Government managers – economic analysis, policy development and program administration
16 0 40012 Government managers – education policy development and program administration
17 0 40019 Other managers in public administration
18 0 40020 Administrators – post-secondary education and vocational training
19 0 40021 School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
20 0 40030 Managers in social, community and correctional services
21 0 40040 Commissioned police officers and related occupations in public protection services
22 0 40041 Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers
23 0 40042 Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces
24 0 50010 Library, archive, museum and art gallery managers
25 0 50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
26 0 50012 Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors
27 0 60010 Corporate sales managers
28 0 60020 Retail and wholesale trade managers
29 0 60030 Restaurant and food service managers
30 0 60031 Accommodation service managers
31 0 60040 Managers in customer and personal services
32 0 70010 Construction managers
33 0 70011 Home building and renovation managers
34 0 70012 Facility operation and maintenance managers
35 0 70020 Managers in transportation
36 0 70021 Postal and courier services managers
37 0 80010 Managers in natural resources production and fishing
38 0 80020 Managers in agriculture
39 0 80021 Managers in horticulture
40 0 80022 Managers in aquaculture
41 0 90010 Manufacturing managers
42 0 90011 Utilities managers
43 1 11100 Financial auditors and accountants
44 1 11101 Financial and investment analysts
45 1 11102 Financial advisors
46 1 11103 Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers
47 1 11109 Other financial officers
48 1 11200 Human resources professionals
49 1 11201 Professional occupations in business management consulting
50 1 11202 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
51 1 21100 Physicists and astronomers
52 1 21101 Chemists
53 1 21102 Geoscientists and oceanographers
54 1 21103 Meteorologists and climatologists
55 1 21109 Other professional occupations in physical sciences
56 1 21110 Biologists and related scientists
57 1 21111 Forestry professionals
58 1 21112 Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists
59 1 21120 Public and environmental health and safety professionals
60 1 21200 Architects
61 1 21201 Landscape architects
62 1 21202 Urban and land use planners
63 1 21203 Land surveyors
64 1 21210 Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
65 1 21211 Data scientists
66 1 21220 Cybersecurity specialists
67 1 21221 Business systems specialists
68 1 21222 Information systems specialists
69 1 21223 Database analysts and data administrators
70 1 21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
71 1 21231 Software engineers and designers
72 1 21232 Software developers and programmers
73 1 21233 Web designers
74 1 21234 Web developers and programmers
75 1 21300 Civil engineers
76 1 21301 Mechanical engineers
77 1 21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
78 1 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
79 1 21320 Chemical engineers
80 1 21321 Industrial and manufacturing engineers
81 1 21322 Metallurgical and materials engineers
82 1 21330 Mining engineers
83 1 21331 Geological engineers
84 1 21332 Petroleum engineers
85 1 21390 Aerospace engineers
86 1 21399 Other professional engineers
87 1 31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
88 1 31101 Specialists in surgery
89 1 31102 General practitioners and family physicians
90 1 31103 Veterinarians
91 1 31110 Dentists
92 1 31111 Optometrists
93 1 31112 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
94 1 31120 Pharmacists
95 1 31121 Dietitians and nutritionists
96 1 31200 Psychologists
97 1 31201 Chiropractors
98 1 31202 Physiotherapists
99 1 31203 Occupational therapists
100 1 31204 Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
101 1 31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
102 1 31300 Nursing coordinators and supervisors
103 1 31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
104 1 31302 Nurse practitioners
105 1 31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
106 1 41100 Judges
107 1 41101 Lawyers and Quebec notaries
108 1 41200 University professors and lecturers
109 1 41201 Post-secondary teaching and research assistants
110 1 41210 College and other vocational instructors
111 1 41220 Secondary school teachers
112 1 41221 Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
113 1 41300 Social workers
114 1 41301 Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
115 1 41302 Religious leaders
116 1 41310 Police investigators and other investigative occupations
117 1 41311 Probation and parole officers
118 1 41320 Educational counsellors
119 1 41321 Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)
120 1 41400 Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
121 1 41401 Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
122 1 41402 Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
123 1 41403 Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
124 1 41404 Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
125 1 41405 Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
126 1 41406 Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
127 1 41407 Program officers unique to government
128 1 41409 Other professional occupations in social science
129 1 51100 Librarians
130 1 51101 Conservators and curators
131 1 51102 Archivists
132 1 51110 Editors
133 1 51111 Authors and writers (except technical)
134 1 51112 Technical writers
135 1 51113 Journalists
136 1 51114 Translators, terminologists and interpreters
137 1 51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
138 1 51121 Conductors, composers and arrangers
139 1 51122 Musicians and singers
140 2 12010 Supervisors, general office and administrative support workers
141 2 12011 Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers
142 2 12012 Supervisors, library, correspondence and related information workers
143 2 12013 Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling coordination occupations
144 2 12100 Executive assistants
145 2 12101 Human resources and recruitment officers
146 2 12102 Procurement and purchasing agents and officers
147 2 12103 Conference and event planners
148 2 12104 Employment insurance and revenue officers
149 2 12110 Court reporters, medical transcriptionists and related occupations
150 2 12111 Health information management occupations
151 2 12112 Records management technicians
152 2 12113 Statistical officers and related research support occupations
153 2 12200 Accounting technicians and bookkeepers
154 2 12201 Insurance adjusters and claims examiners
155 2 12202 Insurance underwriters
156 2 12203 Assessors, business valuators and appraisers
157 2 22100 Chemical technologists and technicians
158 2 22101 Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
159 2 22110 Biological technologists and technicians
160 2 22111 Agricultural and fish products inspectors
161 2 22112 Forestry technologists and technicians
162 2 22113 Conservation and fishery officers
163 2 22114 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
164 2 22210 Architectural technologists and technicians
165 2 22211 Industrial designers
166 2 22212 Drafting technologists and technicians
167 2 22213 Land survey technologists and technicians
168 2 22214 Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology
169 2 22220 Computer network and web technicians
170 2 22221 User support technicians
171 2 22222 Information systems testing technicians
172 2 22230 Non-destructive testers and inspectors
173 2 22231 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
174 2 22232 Occupational health and safety specialists
175 2 22233 Construction inspectors
176 2 22300 Civil engineering technologists and technicians
177 2 22301 Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
178 2 22302 Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
179 2 22303 Construction estimators
180 2 22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
181 2 22311 Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
182 2 22312 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
183 2 22313 Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
184 2 32100 Opticians
185 2 32101 Licensed practical nurses
186 2 32102 Paramedical occupations
187 2 32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
188 2 32104 Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
189 2 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
190 2 32110 Denturists
191 2 32111 Dental hygienists and dental therapists
192 2 32112 Dental technologists and technicians
193 2 32120 Medical laboratory technologists
194 2 32121 Medical radiation technologists
195 2 32122 Medical sonographers
196 2 32123 Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
197 2 32124 Pharmacy technicians
198 2 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
199 2 32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
200 2 32201 Massage therapists
201 2 32209 Other practitioners of natural healing
202 2 42100 Police officers (except commissioned)
203 2 42101 Firefighters
204 2 42102 Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces
205 2 42200 Paralegals and related occupations
206 2 42201 Social and community service workers
207 2 42202 Early childhood educators and assistants
208 2 42203 Instructors of persons with disabilities
209 2 42204 Religion workers
210 2 52100 Library and public archive technicians
211 2 52110 Film and video camera operators
212 2 52111 Graphic arts technicians
213 2 52112 Broadcast technicians
214 2 52113 Audio and video recording technicians
215 2 52114 Announcers and other broadcasters
216 2 52119 Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
217 2 52120 Graphic designers and illustrators
218 2 52121 Interior designers and interior decorators
219 2 62010 Retail sales supervisors
220 2 62020 Food service supervisors
221 2 62021 Executive housekeepers
222 2 62022 Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisors
223 2 62023 Customer and information services supervisors
224 2 62024 Cleaning supervisors
225 2 62029 Other services supervisors
226 2 62100 Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade
227 2 62101 Retail and wholesale buyers
228 2 62200 Chefs
229 2 62201 Funeral directors and embalmers
230 2 62202 Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations
231 2 72010 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
232 2 72011 Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
233 2 72012 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
234 2 72013 Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
235 2 72014 Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
236 2 72020 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
237 2 72021 Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
238 2 72022 Supervisors, printing and related occupations
239 2 72023 Supervisors, railway transport operations
240 2 72024 Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
241 2 72025 Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations
242 2 72100 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
243 2 72101 Tool and die makers
244 2 72102 Sheet metal workers
245 2 72103 Boilermakers
246 2 72104 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
247 2 72105 Ironworkers
248 2 72106 Welders and related machine operators
249 2 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
250 2 72201 Industrial electricians
251 2 72202 Power system electricians
252 2 72203 Electrical power line and cable workers
253 2 72204 Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
254 2 72205 Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
255 2 72300 Plumbers
256 2 72301 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
257 2 72302 Gas fitters
258 2 72310 Carpenters
259 2 72311 Cabinetmakers
260 2 72320 Bricklayers
261 2 72321 Insulators
262 2 72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
263 2 72401 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
264 2 72402 Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
265 2 72403 Railway carmen/women
266 2 72404 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
267 2 72405 Machine fitters
268 2 72406 Elevator constructors and mechanics
269 2 72410 Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
270 2 72411 Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators
271 2 72420 Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
272 2 72421 Appliance servicers and repairers
273 2 72422 Electrical mechanics
274 2 72423 Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
275 2 72429 Other small engine and small equipment repairers
276 2 72500 Crane operators
277 2 72501 Water well drillers
278 2 72600 Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
279 2 72601 Air traffic controllers and related occupations
280 2 72602 Deck officers, water transport
281 2 72603 Engineer officers, water transport
282 2 72604 Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
283 2 72999 Other technical trades and related occupations
284 2 82010 Supervisors, logging and forestry
285 2 82020 Supervisors, mining and quarrying
286 2 82021 Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
287 2 82030 Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
288 2 82031 Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
289 2 92010 Supervisors, mineral and metal processing
290 2 92011 Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
291 2 92012 Supervisors, food and beverage processing
292 2 92013 Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing
293 2 92014 Supervisors, forest products processing
294 2 92015 Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing
295 2 92020 Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling
296 2 92021 Supervisors, electronics and electrical products manufacturing
297 2 92022 Supervisors, furniture and fixtures manufacturing
298 2 92023 Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing
299 2 92024 Supervisors, other products manufacturing and assembly
300 2 92100 Power engineers and power systems operators
301 2 92101 Water and waste treatment plant operators
302 3 13100 Administrative officers
303 3 13101 Property administrators
304 3 13102 Payroll administrators
305 3 13110 Administrative assistants
306 3 13111 Legal administrative assistants
307 3 13112 Medical administrative assistants
308 3 13200 Customs, ship and other brokers
309 3 13201 Production and transportation logistics coordinators
310 3 33100 Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
311 3 33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
312 3 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
313 3 33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
314 3 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services
315 3 43100 Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
316 3 43109 Other instructors
317 3 43200 Sheriffs and bailiffs
318 3 43201 Correctional service officers
319 3 43202 By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
320 3 43203 Border services, customs, and immigration officers
321 3 43204 Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces
322 3 53100 Registrars, restorers, interpreters and other occupations related to museum and art galleries
323 3 53110 Photographers
324 3 53111 Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators
325 3 53120 Dancers
326 3 53121 Actors, comedians and circus performers
327 3 53122 Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
328 3 53123 Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
329 3 53124 Artisans and craftspersons
330 3 53125 Patternmakers – textile, leather and fur products
331 3 53200 Athletes
332 3 53201 Coaches
333 3 53202 Sports officials and referees
334 3 63100 Insurance agents and brokers
335 3 63101 Real estate agents and salespersons
336 3 63102 Financial sales representatives
337 3 63200 Cooks
338 3 63201 Butchers – retail and wholesale
339 3 63202 Bakers
340 3 63210 Hairstylists and barbers
341 3 63211 Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
342 3 63220 Shoe repairers and shoemakers
343 3 63221 Upholsterers
344 3 73100 Concrete finishers
345 3 73101 Tilesetters
346 3 73102 Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
347 3 73110 Roofers and shinglers
348 3 73111 Glaziers
349 3 73112 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
350 3 73113 Floor covering installers
351 3 73200 Residential and commercial installers and servicers
352 3 73201 General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
353 3 73202 Pest controllers and fumigators
354 3 73209 Other repairers and servicers
355 3 73300 Transport truck drivers
356 3 73301 Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
357 3 73310 Railway and yard locomotive engineers
358 3 73311 Railway conductors and brakemen/women
359 3 73400 Heavy equipment operators
360 3 73401 Printing press operators
361 3 73402 Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
362 3 83100 Underground production and development miners
363 3 83101 Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
364 3 83110 Logging machinery operators
365 3 83120 Fishing masters and officers
366 3 83121 Fishermen/women
367 3 93100 Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
368 3 93101 Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
369 3 93102 Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators
370 3 93200 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors

Watch Video


Under the FST, trades people can come to take jobs in Canada listed under the NOC in six major groups and one minor – as well as under the unit group 62200 for chefs.

FST Allows Immigration For Jobs Under Six Major Groups, One Minor One And Unit Group

Those major and minor groups are:

  • Major Group 72, technical trades and transportation officers and controllers
    • excluding Sub-Major Group 726, transportation officers and controllers
  • Major Group 73, general trades
  • Major Group 82, supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production
  • Major Group 83, occupations in natural resources and related production
  • Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers
  • Major Group 93, central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
  • Minor Group 6320, cooks, butchers and bakers
  • Unit Group 62200, chefs

Applicants must meet the required language level of skill for writing, reading, listening, and speaking. They must meet the minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

They must also have at least two years of full-time, paid work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the five years before they apply and meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC, except for those needing a certificate of qualification.

Candidates under the program must also have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.

Applicants to the CEC must also meet the language requirements and have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years but that work can have been either:

  • a full-time job for up to 30 hours per week for 12 months for a minimum of 1,560 hours, or;
  • the equal amount of experience through any combination of part-time jobs provided it added up to at least 1,560 hours.

That also includes any work experience a foreign national may have gained by working in Canada while under a temporary resident visa with authorization to work. But it has to be paid work.

Canada Opens New Francophone Immigration Centre In New Brunswick

Canada has opened a new Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration in New Brunswick, the only officially-bilingual province, as part of its bid to boost the number of newcomers who speak French.

“In recent years, southeastern New Brunswick has become greatly diversified and demonstrates to what extent immigration is a key component of a region’s economic success,” said federal minister Dominic LeBlanc during the inauguration ceremony last week.

“Dieppe is therefore the perfect place to host this new center of national scope, which will be equipped with new tools to reach our targets in terms of francophone immigration. 

“We will continue to listen to francophone communities across the country regarding their needs for a bilingual and qualified workforce.”


Read More Canada Immigration News

Nova Scotia Jump Starts Francophone Immigration With New Action Plan
New Brunswick Immigration To Target 12 NOC Codes, Graduates, Francophones
Ottawa To Work With Quebec To Boost Francophone Immigration, Says Prime Minister


The centre comes with a hefty price tag: $12.9 million from Ottawa to establish the centre over a four-year period.

And then there’s the at least $5.6 million annually to cover the cost of the programming. 

In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted the annual cost of operating the centre could be even higher depending on the scope of the programming.

But Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor figures the money is well worth it.

“This initiative will support the efforts needed to ensure the stability and demographic growth of francophone communities in Atlantic Canada and across the country,” she said.

“The modernization of the Official Languages Act, introduced by our government last March, proposes to adopt a francophone immigration policy with specific goals, targets and indicators that will ensure the sustainability of our beautiful French language. The new centre will help turn that vision into action.”

The work the centre is to do is to be national in scope. It is expected to:

  • make immigration programs more accessible in order to increase the number of French-speaking candidates selected;
  • conduct case studies to better meet the bilingual workforce needs of francophone employers and communities, and;
  • support international promotion efforts to attract and recruit French-speaking candidates in our labour market.

Work Of New Francophone Immigration Centre Is National In Scope

“As this year marks the 10th edition of National Francophone Immigration Week, the Honourable Sean Fraser, minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and I are proud to participate in the celebrations that highlight the contributions of French-speaking newcomers to communities across Canada,” said IRCC parliamentary secretary Marie-France Lalonde.

“The opening of the new Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration in Dieppe is an opportunity for us to demonstrate Canada’s efforts to attract and retain French-speaking newcomers in welcoming and inclusive communities.”


Watch Video


Through the centre, IRCC plans to work closely with francophone communities and with organizations responsible for selecting immigration candidates to boost francophone immigration outside of Quebec to 4.4 per cent of total immigration to those provinces and territories.

Under the latest Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, Ottawa is hoping to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents next year. Quebec Premier Francois Legault has stated his province will accept about 50,000 of those newcomers, leaving about 415,000 new permanent residents to settle in the rest of the country.

Ottawa’s target of 4.4 per cent francophone immigration would therefore translate into about 18,200 new francophone permanent residents coming to Canada, outside of Quebec, next year. 

That’s roughly the population of Camrose, Alberta, being added to Canada’s francophone identity every year. 

Canada Labour Shortage: Top 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia job market is great for foreign nationals looking to immigrate to the Atlantic Canadian province through economic immigration programs.

Statistics Canada figures show that job vacancies in the province were up by 52.1 per cent in the second quarter of this year compared to the same quarter last year.


Read More Canada Immigration News

Nova Scotia Immigration: Province Given 15 Ways It Can Improve Its Provincial System
Nova Scotia PNP Draw: Province Targets French Speaking Candidates For Canada Immigration
Nova Scotia Jump Starts Francophone Immigration With New Action Plan


And the number of jobs going begging for a lack of people to do them was then on an upward trajectory, climbing 27.1 per cent from the first to the second quarter of this year.

Those positions were still waiting to be filled in the second quarter of this year despite employers adding 21,240 employees to their payrolls during the year that ended on June 30. Wages during that period rose 4.3 per cent.

Even though TD Economics is forecasting real GDP growth in Nova Scotia to slow down from 2.2 per cent to 0.5 per cent next year, the economy is expected to rebound with 2.4 per cent real GDP growth in 2024 and the pent-up demand for labour is expected to keep the market good for job hunters.

“Homebuilding remains elevated, industrial construction is very strong, and commercial investment is continuing its recovery from the pandemic,” wrote TD Economics’ Beata Caranci, Derek Burleton, Rishi Sondhi, and Jenny Duan in their latest provincial economic forecast.


Watch Video


“What’s more, the government is rolling out its record $1.6 billion capital plan through projects like the QEII Health Sciences Centre.”

In their latest Provincial Economic Forecast: Most Economies to Narrowly Keep Their Heads Above Water in 2023, released in late September, the economists also noted the services sector was then still going strong.

“Re-openings and a hot housing market have spurred solid hiring in industries such as accommodation and food services and finance, and real estate. Meanwhile, job growth in professional, scientific, and technical services industries has been even stronger,” they wrote.

Nova Scotia’s Record Population Growth Is Fuelling Growth In Consumer Spending

Record population growth in Nova Scotia is pushing up consumer spending and investment – and likely to do so over the next couple of years – even as inflation acts as a dampening influence, stated the economists.

Here are the top 10 most in-demand jobs in Nova Scotia for any foreign national considering economic immigration programs to the province.

1. Construction Trades (NOC 75110)

With construction going strong in Nova Scotia, demand for workers in the construction trades is very high right now.

These are the people who work at construction sites, in quarries and in surface mines, usually for construction companies, trade and labour contractors, and surface mine and quarry operators.

In early November, Indeed had 205 job listings for those wanting to work in the construction trades in Nova Scotia and Job Bank data shows the median annual income for these workers is $37,050 in that province based on a standard, 37.5-hour work week.

2. Retail Sales Associate (NOC 64100)

The people who work in retail stores greeting customers, showing them the merchandise, racking up sales and restocking the shelves are in great demand in Nova Scotia with 681 job listings on Indeed in early November in that province.

Based on a standard work week, Job Bank data indicates these workers earn a median annual income of $26,050 in Nova Scotia.

Across Canada, Job Bank forecasts a labour shortage of 7,400 workers in retail sales through to 2028.

3. Registered Nurses (NOC 32101)

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing.

In early November, there were 207 job listings for registered nurses in Nova Scotia on the Indeed.ca job website.

This occupation comes with a median annual wage of $76,050 in that province based on a 37.5-hour work week.

4. Physicians – Family (NOC 31102) and Specialists (31100)

Indeed listed 411 positions for family physicians and specialists in Nova Scotia in early November.

General practitioners and family physicians diagnose and treat diseases, physiological disorders and injuries. In Nova Scotia, they make a median annual salary of $192,606.

Specialists, a category that includes surgeons, diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders and act as consultants to other physicians. The Nova Scotia median annual salary for a surgeon is $236,222.

5. Accountant (NOC 11100)

When an economy rebounds, someone’s got to keep track of the money, a task that falls within the realm of the accountant.

Accountants plan, organize and administer the accounting systems that keep track of that money for businesses, individuals and governments.

In early November, Indeed had 181 job listings for accountants in Nova Scotia where the median annual income for these professionals was $64,993 based on Job Bank data for a standard, 37.5-hour work week.

The federal government job-hunting website rates the job prospects for accountants in Nova Scotia as “good”, it’s highest rating.

6. Heavy Equipment Operators (NOC 73400)

Those workers who operate the heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures, in surface mining and quarrying activities, and in material handling work are in demand.

Indeed carried 76 job listings for heavy equipment operators Nova Scotia in early November.

Employed by construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, public works departments and pipeline, logging, cargo-handling and other companies, these workers have a median annual income of $42,900 based on a standard work week in Nova Scotia.

7. Cooks (NOC 63200) and Food and Beverage Servers (NOC 65200)

Restaurateurs in Nova Scotia are having a tough time of recruiting cooks and servers as the hospitality sector faces a massive labour shortage.

Indeed listed 472 jobs for cooks and another 290 jobs for servers in Nova Scotia in early November.

The median annual income for a cook or a server in the province’s hospitality sector, based on a 37.5-hour work week, is $27,300.

8. Delivery Truck Driver (NOC 75201)

Drivers get materials, consumer goods and people where they need to be and are in big demand in Nova Scotia with Indeed listing 480 jobs for these workers in early November.

“Whether you have the credentials to operate large commercial vehicles or the detail-oriented nature required for local deliveries, chances are you can find an open position to match,” notes Randstad.

Truck drivers in Nova Scotia earn a median annual wage of $33,150 based on a standard work week, according to the government’s Job Bank website.

9. Software Developer (NOC 21232)

As the people who write, modify, integrate and test computer code for software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level software and communications software, these information technology pros are in hot demand.

“This is one of the top jobs in part because businesses of all types and sizes need developers to create app solutions, develop or maintain in-house software or help implement cloud or other technologies,” notes Randstad Canada.

“One of the lessons learned during COVID-19 lockdowns in recent years was that technology could make or break a business. Companies that seamlessly transitioned into remote work environments often fared better. Add to that the growing need to rely on data and automations to remain competitive, and it’s no wonder so many businesses are on the hunt for skilled developers.”

In Nova Scotia, software developers earn a median annual wage of $63,414 based on a standard, 37.5-hour work week, Job Bank data reveals. The Indeed job website had 274 such job listings in Nova Scotia in early November.

10. Light-Duty Cleaner (NOC 65310)

In hotels and motels, resorts, hospitals, schools and stores, office buildings and private residences, these are the people who keep the filth at bay and everything looking and smelling clean.

The desire to keep things clean didn’t end after the first few waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health restrictions. There continues to be a massive need for these workers and they are in short supply.

In early November, Indeed had 444 job listings for light-duty cleaners in Nova Scotia. According to Job Bank data, they earn a median annual income of $28,372 for working a standard, 37.5-hour work week.

Here Is How U.S. Tech Workers Can Immigrate To And Find Jobs In Canada

0

American tech workers suddenly facing job losses can look to the fast-growing tech sectors in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver to land jobs and immigration to Canada.

Certainly, the casualty list of U.S. tech companies shedding jobs is growing. 

Fintech behemoth Robinhood is reported to have slashed more than 1,000 jobs this year. Beauty brand Glossier cut 80 jobs, mostly on its technology side. By late June this year, Netflix had already laid off roughly 450 employees.


Read More Canada Immigration News

BC PNP Tech Stream: Which Occupations Qualify?
BC PNP Tech The Best Route To Canada For Technology Workers
Ontario Express Entry Tech Draw: Province Issues 1,179 Canada Immigration NOIs


And then, there’s billionaire Elon Musk’s paring down of Twitter. Within a week, Musk had reportedly axed about half of Twitter’s 7,500 employees.

But, even as many U.S. tech companies are giving many of their employee’s pink slips, Canadian companies are screaming for tech talent. 

On the Indeed job website, there were 15,036 jobs for software developers, 2,826 for cloud architects,  2,008 for web designers, 988 for data scientists, and 3,713 for computer systems analysts in late November.  

Tech jobs are growing fastest in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver than those cities can churn out skilled workers to fill those positions, notes CBRE Research.

In its North American market report, Evolving Workforces: Scoring Tech Talent 2022, the research division of the American commercial real estate firm CBRE Group, placed both Toronto and Vancouver among the top 10 tech talent markets.

Toronto was ranked the number three tech market in North America and Vancouver came in at number eight. In the North American tech industry, Toronto is a young lion, demonstrating tremendous growth during the five years which ended in December 2021.

“Between 2016 and 2021, Toronto had the most tech talent growth, up 88,900 jobs, followed by Seattle with an increase of 45,560 jobs, and Vancouver which saw an increase of 44,460 positions,” noted the CBRE Research report.

Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Quebec City And Montreal All Need Tech Workers

Other reports also put Calgary and Montreal among the top North American cities for the tech sector.

Among emerging Canadian tech markets, Quebec City in the francophone province of Quebec also grew by leaps and bounds during those five years.

“The highest percentage growth was 63 per cent in Vancouver, 44 per cent in Toronto and 43 per cent in Quebec City,” the report states.

The impressive growth of the tech sector in southern Ontario has now reached such a critical mass as to make it an innovation hub.


Watch Video


“Toronto, Seattle and Canada’s Waterloo Region round out the top five most concentrated tech markets, ranging from 9.6 per cent to 10.3 per cent of their total employment,” stated the report. “This sizeable concentration of highly-skilled workers offers an environment conducive to innovation.”

On CIO.com, a news source for chief information officers, a news report estimated roughly 80 per cent of Canadian businesses need more tech workers.

Tech Skill Shortage In Canada Expected To Last For Two Years At Least

In that article, Pythian chief technology officer Paul Lewis was quoted as saying the IT skills shortage in Canada will likely last at least two more years.

“We haven’t gotten to a point where it has started to slow down yet,” he reportedly said. “I’m not sure we’ve passed the peak or we’ve even hit the peak.”

Employers hoping to hire a foreign national can avail themselves of international talent and labour through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

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

That in turn gives those workers Canadian experience, a foot in the door, which boosts the number of points they get through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) should they apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system which receives immigration applications online.

Through the Express Entry system, foreign nationals can apply for permanent residence through a number of pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker  (FSW) program.

It’s open to those who have gained one year of paid work experience within the last decade in jobs categorized as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system.

Applicants under this program must also take a language test to prove that they possess sufficient language skills to establish themselves in Canada successfully. Language tests evaluate an applicant’s abilities with regard to the following:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing

In order to be eligible for the FSW, an applicant needs to obtain at least Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 in all categories and show that they have enough money to support themselves and their families once they arrive in Canada.

Provinces Work With IRCC On Provincial Tech Immigration Programs

Throughout Canada, the provinces operate their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a two-stage process.

Under that two-stage process, applicants seek to be nominated by the provincial government, and then, if nominated, can apply for permanent residence to the federal government through the Express Entry system. 

British Columbia Tech Stream

In British Columbia, home to the thriving Vancouver tech scene, immigration officials expedite the processing of immigration candidates in 35 in-demand technology occupations through the BC PNP Tech stream.

Weekly invitations are issued to candidates in those occupations in the British Columbia tech sector who still need to meet the basic requirements, including a minimum one-year job offer from an employer in that province.

Those 35 in-demand occupations under the BC PNP Tech stream are:

  • 10030 Telecommunication carriers managers
  • 20012 Computer and information systems managers
  • 21100 Physicists and astronomers
  • 21210 Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
  • 21211 Data scientists
  • 21220 Cybersecurity specialists
  • 21221 Business systems specialists
  • 21222 Information systems specialists
  • 21223 Database analysts and data administrators
  • 21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
  • 21231 Software engineers and designers
  • 21232 Software developers and programmers
  • 21233 Web designers
  • 21234 Web developers and programmers
  • 21300 Civil engineers
  • 21301 Mechanical engineers
  • 21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
  • 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
  • 21320 Chemical engineers
  • 21399 Other professional engineers
  • 22110 Biological technologists and technicians
  • 22220 Computer network and web technicians
  • 22221 User support technicians
  • 22222 Information systems testing technicians
  • 22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
  • 50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
  • 22312 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
  • 51111 Authors and writers (except technical)
  • 51112 Technical writers
  • 51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
  • 52119 Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
  • 52112 Broadcast technicians
  • 52113 Audio and video recording technicians
  • 52120 Graphic designers and illustrators
  • 53111 Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators

Ontario Draws In Tech Talent Through Its Human Capital Priorities Tech Draws

Ontario, home of the Toronto-Waterloo area which is now recognized worldwide as a tech hub, helps the tech industry recruit talent through Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Human Capital Priorities Tech draws. 

There are nine targeted tech occupations with draws of candidates with profiles in the Express Entry pool as part of this stream.

Those occupations are:

  • 21211 Data Scientists 
  • 21231 Software engineers and designers 
  • 21230 Computer systems developers and programmers 
  • 21232 Software developers and programmers 
  • 21234 Web developers and programmers 
  • 21233 Web designers 
  • 21233 Database analysts and data administrators 
  • 20012 Computer and information systems managers 
  • 21311  Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers 

Alberta Acceleration Tech Pathway

Alberta, where Calgary is increasingly heralded as a burgeoning centre of Canada’s tech industry, has its Accelerated Tech Pathway under its Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

It provides expedited processing to foreign workers who are currently working for, or have a job offer with, an Alberta-based tech industry employer in any one of 44 eligible tech occupations.

Those eligible occupations are: 

  • 00012 Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services
  • 10011 Human resources managers
  • 10022 Advertising, marketing and public relations manager
  • 10030 Telecommunication carriers manager
  • 11200 Human resources professionals
  • 11202 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
  • 12101 Human resources and recruitment officers
  • 20010 Engineering managers
  • 20011 Architecture and science managers
  • 20012 Computer and information systems managers
  • 21210 Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
  • 21211 Data scientists
  • 21220 Cybersecurity specialists
  • 21221 Business system specialists
  • 21222 Information systems specialists
  • 21233 Web designers
  • 21223 Database analysts and data administrators
  • 21231 Software engineers and designers
  • 21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
  • 21232 Software developers and programmers
  • 21234 Web developers and programmers
  • 21300 Civil engineers
  • 21301 Mechanical engineers
  • 21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
  • 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
  • 22110 Biological technologists and technicians
  • 22212 Drafting technologists and technicians
  • 22220 Computer network and web technicians
  • 22221 User support technicians
  • 22222 Information systems testing technicians
  • 22301 Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
  • 22302 Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
  • 22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
  • 32120 Medical laboratory technologists
  • 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
  • 33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
  • 41402 Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
  • 50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
  • 51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
  • 52120 Graphic designers and illustrators
  • 60010 Corporate sales managers
  • 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  • 72201 Industrial electricians
  • 72205 Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians

Saskatchewan Launched Its Tech Talent Pathway Last Year

Under Alberta’s Accelerated Tech Pathway, candidates must also meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • have an active Express Entry profile;
  • list a primary occupation in their federal Express Entry profile which supports Alberta’s economic development and diversification;
  • meet the criteria of at least one of the federal immigration programs:
  • intend to and be able to live and work in Alberta;
  • have a minimum CRS score of 300.

Through its Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), Prairie province launched its Tech Talent Pathway earlier this year.

“As Saskatchewan emerges from the impacts of the global pandemic, our technology sector will be an important driver of economic growth,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. 

“The new Tech Talent Pathway provides our Saskatchewan employers with a dedicated stream for the attraction of highly skilled talent into our thriving technology sector.”

To be eligible, candidates must have an offer in one of the 17 eligible occupations and meet the language skills, work experience, education and licensing requirements.

Those eligible occupations are:

  • 20012 Computer and information systems managers
  • 21310 Electrical and Electronics engineers
  • 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
  • 21211 Data Scientist
  • 21220 Cybersecurity specialists
  • 21221 Business system specialist
  • 21222 Information System specialist
  • 21233 Web designer
  • 21223 Database analysts and data administrator
  • 21231 Software engineers and designers
  • 21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
  • 21232 Software developers and programmers
  • 21234 Web developers and programmers
  • 21233 Web designers
  • 22220 Computer network and web technicians
  • 22221 User support technicians
  • 22222 Information systems testing technicians

Quebec’s New Artificial Intelligence, It And Visual Effect Pilot Program Is Now Underway

In the francophone province of Quebec, too, there is a program to help tech sector workers immigrate. 

The permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors was launched in April last year and is slated to end on Jan. 1, 2026.

Unlike other provinces, Quebec runs its own immigration programs. Those foreign nationals who want to immigrate to Quebec through this program must submit an application, get a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), and:

  • be proficient in spoken French, if submitting an application under the francophone profile, and;
  • hold or have accepted a job in Quebec’s artificial intelligence, information technologies or visual effects sectors.

This new program, which only accepts 550 people and their family members per year, including 275 Quebec graduates and 275 foreign workers in the information technologies and visual effects sector, has already reached its limit for this year.

Manitoba Invites 518 Canada Immigration Candidates In New PNP Draw

Manitoba has conducted a new draw through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, issuing 518 Letters of Advice to Apply to Canada immigration candidates.

The November 18 draw saw LAAs issued through three MPNP streams.

Skilled Workers in Manitoba received 177 LAAs, with the lowest-ranked candidates scoring 797 points.

International Education Stream candidates received 198 LAAs.

The remaining 143 LAAs went to Skilled Workers Overseas candidates through a Strategic Recruitment Initiative, with a minimum score of 686.


Read More Canada Immigration News

Manitoba To No Longer Hold Immigration Detainees In Provincial Jails
Manitoba PNP Draw: Province Invites 436 Canada Immigration Candidates
Manitoba Has Now Invited 154 Ukrainians For Canada Immigration


Manitoba stated that 125 of the 518 candidates had valid Express Entry IDs and job seeker validation codes.

For detailed requirements of all the streams featured in this draw, please see below.


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 177 797
2) International Education Stream 198
3) Skilled Workers Overseas Strategic Recruitment Initiative 143 686

Video


How Do I Qualify For The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream?

The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream (SWM) is based on the specific needs of Manitoba employers. SWM selects foreign-trained workers with the required skills and nominates them for Canada permanent residence. The stream prioritizes candidates with a strong attachment to Manitoba, with two pathways to Manitoba immigration.

a) Manitoba Work Experience Pathway

For applicants currently working in Manitoba on temporary work permits, through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or as international graduates from any province. Candidates do not need to be working in In-Demand Occupations.

b) Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway

For applicants from overseas with job offers from approved Manitoba employers.


How Do I Qualify For The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream?

The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream (SWO) includes both a dedicated Canada Express Entry Pathway and a direct provincial pathway.

It is aimed at international 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.

a) Manitoba Express Entry Pathway

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.

b) Human Capital Pathway

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


What Are The Requirements For the International Education Stream?

The International Education Stream (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:

1) Career Employment Pathway  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Completed a one-year or longer course from an eligible post-secondary Manitoba institution within three years of submission of application.
  • Have a full-time job offer in a Manitoba In-Demand occupation related to the completed degree
  • Resident of Manitoba

2) Graduate Internship Pathway

Masters and Doctoral degree holders who have completed Mitacs Accelerate or Elevate internships can apply for nomination through internships even without a job offer in the province.

3) Student Entrepreneur Pathway

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Completed a two-year or longer course from an eligible post-secondary Manitoba institution
  • Six months business operation experience in Manitoba
  • Resident of Manitoba since graduation.
  • No specific minimum personal net worth requirement

Canada On Course For Record Annual Numbers As Immigration Spikes In September

0

Canada immigration news: Immigration to Canada roared back to life in September with the number of new permanent residents to the country rising by almost a third over August’s relatively soft performance.

The latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data show Canada welcomed almost 30.7 per cent more new permanent residents in September, 44,495, compared to 34,050 in August.

August had seen the number of new permanent residents dip by 22.2 per cent from the 43,250 new permanent residents in July. 


Read More Canada Immigration News

Arrival Of NOC 2021 Sees Canada Add 16 Occupations To Federal Skilled Worker Program
New Ranking Says Canada Is One Of The Top 50 Best Places To Retire
New NOC 2021 Takes Effect For Canada Immigration And Work Permit Applications


September’s number of new permanent residents was the strongest monthly immigration performance this year. The last time more new permanent residents arrived in a single month was back in November last year when the country welcomed 47,625 new permanent residents.

By the end of the first nine months of this year, Canada had welcomed 353,840 new permanent residents, putting the country on track to hit a record-breaking level of 471,787 new permanent residents for the year. 

The current Immigration Levels Plan for 2022-2024 sets out an immigration target of 431,645 new permanent residents for this year.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser’s newly-released Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025 sets the immigration target for next year at 465,000. 

The immigration target for 2024 is 485,000 new permanent residents and the country is hoping to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025.

With Canada on track to welcome 471,787 new permanent residents this year, the country is on its way to bust this year’s immigration target by almost 9.3 per cent.

That would also put immigration to Canada this year on track to beat even next year’s much-higher immigration target by 6,787 new permanent residents, or just a smidgeon under 1.5 per cent.

Ontario Saw The Biggest Gain In New Permanent Residents In September

Across the country, immigration picked up in almost every province and territory in September except for the Atlantic Canadian province of Prince Edward Island where the number of new permanent residents that month slide by 1.9 per cent compared to the number in August and the Yukon territory where the level of immigration remained stable.

In Central Canada, the province of Ontario saw the biggest absolute jump in immigration in September over the previous month, with 4,555 more new permanent residents. That was an almost 32.8 per cent rise in immigration. 

The biggest percentage jump in monthly immigration in September in Canada was in the Northwest Territories but that was on a very small basis and so meant an increase of only 15 new permanent residents to the territory. 


Watch Video


Among the provinces, the biggest percentage spike in monthly immigration in September was in in the Prairie province of Alberta. The number of new permanent residents there in September jumped almost 47.7 per cent to hit 4,925.

In the province next door, Manitoba, monthly immigration rose by more than 38.2 per cent in September over August to reach 2,495 new permanent residents.

British Columbia’s monthly immigration numbers rose by more than 28.1 per cent in September, those in Quebec climbed by more than 18.4 per cent, and New Brunswick increased by 13 per cent.

In the Atlantic Canadian province with the biggest city in the region, Nova Scotia, monthly immigration rose by about 15 per cent in September.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s monthly immigration level jumped by 25 per cent, the biggest percentage gain in Atlantic Canada. 

Ontario Updates Expression of Interest Scoring With Launch Of NOC 2021 For Canada Immigration

To coincide with the launch of Canada’s new National Occupational Classification 2021, Ontario immigration has updated the scoring for its Expression of Interest system. 

The province says the update is intended to enhance regionalization, with top points for candidates with work or study experience in Northern Ontario.

The new scoring factors will also “improve operational efficiency, and reduce the program’s exposure to program integrity risks”, the province said.


Read More Canada Immigration News

New Ontario Entrepreneur Pilot Aims To Attract 100 Canada Immigrants
Here Are Ontario’s 10 Most-In Demand Jobs
Immigrating To Canadian Province Of Ontario: All You Need To Know


An Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program statement said that candidates with EOI profiles submitted before November 16 – the launch date of NOC 2021 – would need to submit new profiles.

The OINP uses the EOI for applications to five of its most popular streams.

Those streams are:

  1. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker
  2. Employer Job Offer: International Student
  3. Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills
  4. Masters Graduate
  5. PhD Graduate

Before applying to these streams, candidates must submit a profile to the Expression of Interest system.

Each profile is scored based on factors including education, language ability, skill and work experience among others (see below).

Ontario then selects candidates who are issued invitations to submit applications to one of the above streams.

Profiles in the Expression of Interest system can be updated at any time. An EOI profile is valid for 12 months or until an ITA is received.


Watch Video


Invitations to apply are issued periodically by the OINP. Draws are conducted on a general basis, by inviting the overall highest-scoring candidates, or on a targeted basis, by targeting candidates who meet specific labour market or human capital requirements.

Candidates who receive an ITA have 14 days to submit a complete application.

Ontario Expression of Interest: Scoring Factors

EMPLOYMENT / LABOUR MARKET FACTORS

Job Offer: NOC TEER

  • NOC TEER category 0 or 1 – 10 Points
  • NOC TEER category 2 or 3 – 8 Points
  • NOC TEER category 4 – 0 Points
  • NOC TEER category 5 – 0 Points

Job Offer: Broad Occupational Category

  • Occupational Category 0,2,3 – 10 points
  • Occupational Category 7 – 7 points
  • Occupational Category 1,9 – 5 points
  • Occupational Category 4,8 – 4 points
  • Occupational Category 5,6 – 3 points

Job Offer: Wage

  • $40 per hour or higher – 10 points
  • $35 to $39.99 per hour – 8 points
  • $30 to $34.99 per hour – 7 points
  • $25 to $29.99 per hour – 6 points
  • $20 to $24.99 per hour – 5 points
  • Less than $20 per hour – 0 points

Work Permit Status

  • With valid work permit – 10 points
  • Without valid work permit – 0 points

Job Tenure With Job Offer Employer

  • 6 months or more working in job offer position – 3 points
  • Less than 6 months working in job offer position or not currently working in position – 0 points

Canadian Work Experience: Earnings History

Based on a Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency in the last five years.

  • $40k or more earnings in a year – 3 points
  • Less than $40k earnings in a year – 0 points

EDUCATION

Highest Level Of Education

Canadian credential or Educational Credential Assessment required.

  • PhD – 10 points
  • Masters – 8 points
  • Bachelors or equivalent – 6 points
  • College diploma or trade certificate – 5 points
  • Less than college or trade certificate – 0 points

Field Of Study

Canadian credential required.

  • STEM/health (engineering, health, math, computer science) and trades – 12 points
  • All other fields [except arts and humanities] (business and administration, social, legal, education, behavioral science) – 6 points
  • Arts and humanities – 0 points

Canadian Education Experience

Credential must be for a degree or diploma program from a Canadian public institution that takes at least two years to complete on a full-time basis, or for a degree, diploma or certificate program from a Canadian public institution that takes at least one year to complete on a full-time basis and requires a degree as an admission requirement.

  • More than one Canadian credential – 10 points
  • One Canadian credential – 5 points

LANGUAGE

Official Language Ability

  • CLB 9 or higher – 10 points
  • CLB 8 – 6 points
  • CLB 7 – 4 points
  • CLB 6 or lower – 0 points

Knowledge Of Official Languages

  • 2 Official Languages – 10 points
  • 1 Official Language – 5 points

REGIONALIZATION

Regional Immigration: Location Of Job Offer

  • Northern Ontario – 10 points
  • Other areas outside GTA (except Northern Ontario) – 8 points
  • Inside GTA (except Toronto) – 3 points
  • Toronto – 0 points

Regional Immigration: Location Of Study

  • Northern Ontario – 10 points
  • Other areas outside GTA (except Northern Ontario) – 8 points
  • Inside GTA (except Toronto) – 3 points
  • Toronto – 0 points

How The EOI Scoring Is Applied To Each Stream

Scoring factor Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Employer Job Offer: International Student Masters Graduate PhD Graduate
Job offer: NOC TEER category Scored Not applied Scored Not applied Not applied
Job offer: NOC broad occupational category Scored Scored Scored Not applied Not applied
Job offer: wage Scored Scored Scored Not applied Not applied
Work permit status Scored Scored Scored Scored Scored
Job tenure with job offer employer Scored Scored Scored Not applied Not applied
Earnings history Scored Scored Scored Scored Scored
Highest level of education Not applied Not applied Scored Not applied Not applied
Field of study Not applied Not applied Scored Scored Scored
Canadian education experience Not applied Not applied Scored Scored Scored
Official language ability Scored Not applied Scored Scored Scored
Knowledge of official languages Scored Not applied Scored Scored Scored
Regional immigration: location of job offer Scored Scored Scored Not applied Not applied
Regional immigration: location of study Not applied Not applied Scored Scored Scored

Nova Scotia Immigration: Province Given 15 Ways It Can Improve Its Provincial System

A new report has given Nova Scotia 15 recommendations on how it can improve its Canada immigration system.

The province is spending $6.4 million every year on settlement services for immigrants without knowing whether that money is being properly spent to meet the needs of those newcomers.

“Once immigrants arrive in Nova Scotia, the long-term retention of these individuals is essential to promoting economic growth,” notes Kim Adair, Nova Scotia’s auditor general, in a report released this month.

“Despite the importance of retention, we found the (immigration) department had not completed assessments of the settlement needs of immigrants or assessed whether these needs are being addressed through the settlement services provided by the department.”


Read More Canada Immigration News

Nova Scotia PNP Draw: Province Targets French Speaking Candidates For Canada Immigration
Nova Scotia Jump Starts Francophone Immigration With New Action Plan
First Entrepreneur Immigration Draw In 11 Months Conducted By Nova Scotia


The province’s immigration department funnels about $6.4 million to settlement service providers throughout the province every year.

“However, due to the department’s lack of assessment of the settlement needs of immigrants and analysis of the services being funded, the department does not know if value is obtained from the funding.”

In the auditor general’s report to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly on Immigration and Population Growth: Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, she makes 15 recommendations for reforms to the immigration department. The provincial government has agreed with all those recommendations, including a call to assess its settlement services.

Nova Scotia has pledged to develop a plan to improve its allocation of funding for settlement services by March next year. 

Immigration fraud, identified as an issue in another report back in 2008, is again mentioned in the auditor general’s latest report where she bemoans the lack of procedures to help immigration officials identify and address the risk of fraud in Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) 

“While management does provide information on fraud trends and indicators for staff to heed, this caution is only done when issues or concerns arise; they are not compiled into a comprehensive document for staff to consider when assessing applications,” notes Adair in her report.

“If there (were) documented procedures to help guide staff in identifying indicators of potential fraud or misrepresentation when assessing applications, it would promote an awareness of the risk amongst staff. 

“It would also provide a consistent approach to identifying fraud in applications and outline the steps to be taken to address the concerns. Furthermore, when new staff start, it would provide a comprehensive document to be studied and used in their training.”


Watch Video


Auditor General Says Nova Scotia Immigration Needs A Way To Respond To Labour Market Needs

Here is a complete list of the report’s recommendations:

  1. The development and implementation of a documented process to guide staff in identifying and responding to labour market need including:
  • staff responsibilities;
  • types and sources of information to be used;
  • stakeholder consultation required;
  • frequency of review;
  • forecasting of future labour market needs;
  • documentation requirements, and;
  • guidance on how labour needs will inform immigration programming.
  1. An assessment of the training needs of the Immigration and Population Growth Branch to guide the development and implementation of a training plan for new hires and existing staff. Required training must be delivered to all staff with documentation maintained to support the completion.
  1. Regularly reviews of the procedures for the assessment of applications to the NSPNP and the AIP. Procedures must be regularly reinforced with staff, with clear expectations provided on how applications are to be assessed, including steps taken to verify information provided by applicants and requirements for the documentation of results.
  1. A quality assurance process for provincial immigration programs with the information gathered through the process used to improve the assessment of applications to provincial immigration programs.
  1. Additional performance indicators to assess the work undertaken to attract and retain immigrants to the province, including considering whether the performance evaluation framework provided by the consultant in 2020 can be used by the department to improve performance reporting. 
  2. An assessment of settlement services within the province including:
  • developing a better understanding of immigrant needs;
  • surveying immigrants to understand factors impacting their attraction, integration and retention in Nova Scotia, and;
  • assessing factors that impact awareness and access to settlement programming.

Detailed plans must be developed to monitor the implementation of the consultant’s recommendations to improve settlement services, including timelines for completion, resource requirements, and regular status reporting to track implementation. 

  1. A requirement that all members of the evaluation committee established to review proposals for funding through the Settlement Funding and Labour Market Integration Funding programs to sign conflict of interest attestations.
  2. Improvement of the documentation of the review of proposals to the Settlement Funding and the Labour Market Integration Funding programs. Specifically, there must be documentation that clearly explains why settlement service providers were approved or denied along with an explanation to support the amount of funding approved
  1. A requirement that settlement service providers provide annual audited financial statements and documentation, such as invoices and proof of payment, to support the information included in quarterly reports. The supporting documentation must be used to assess whether the information included in quarterly reports is accurate.
  1. A review and update of the procedures for monitoring the funding agreements with settlement service providers in order to accurately reflect the current processes followed and provide clear direction to staff.
  1. Policies and procedures to guide staff in the identification and investigation of suspected fraud including: 
  • methods of identifying potential fraud;
  • how suspected fraud is addressed;
  • the investigative process, including tools and techniques to be used by staff;
  • action to be taken if fraud is confirmed;
  • documentation requirements, and;
  • regular reviews to update policies and procedures.
  1. A conflict of interest policy specific to the Immigration and Population Growth Branch.
  1. Comprehensive immigration fraud training for staff within the Immigration and Population Growth Branch, including:
  • how to identify potential fraud;
  • how instances of suspected fraud are to be addressed, and;
  • tracking by management to make sure staff have completed all required training.
  1. Cooperation between the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration and the Internal Audit Centre to fully respond to the recommendations of the 2020 fraud risk assessment so the risks identified are addressed and adequately managed.
  1. Processes to assess employer and individual compliance with the provincial immigration program requirements. 

A combination of random selection and risk-based methods can be used for selecting employers and individuals for compliance reviews with research, interviews, and review of documentation used to assess compliance with the requirements of provincial immigration programs. When instances of noncompliance are identified, the auditor general recommends establishing protocols that outline how this will be addressed.

Immigration to Nova Scotia is on track to end this year up 53.5 per cent, up by 4,902 new permanent residents over last year, and reach the record-setting level of 14,062 based on the trend in the first eight months of 2022, reveals the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Prince Edward Island PNP Draws: Province Issues 188 Canada Immigration Invitations

Prince Edward Island has conducted two new provincial draws, issuing invitations to apply to 188 skilled worker and entrepreneur Canada immigration candidates.

A November 17 draw saw invitations issued through the Labour Impact, Express Entry and Business Impact Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) streams.

It saw 141 invites issued to Labour Impact and Express Entry candidates, while Business Impact candidates received 8 invitations.

Business Impact candidates required a minimum score of 62 points.

Meanwhile, in an unscheduled November 3 draw, PEI issued a further 39 invitations to Labour Impact/Express Entry candidates. 


Read More Canada Immigration News

Prince Edward Island Issues 204 Canada Immigration Invitations In New PNP Draw
Prince Edward Island PNP Draw: Province Issues 147 Canada Immigration Invitations
Prince Edward Island To Makes Process Quicker For Certain Immigrants To Get Drivers’ Licenses


PEI PNP Immigration Draw

Date Category Invites Issued Minimum Score
17-11-2022 Labour Impact/Express Entry 141 N/A
Business Impact 8 62
03-11-2022 Labour Impact/Express Entry 39 N/A

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.


Watch Video


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 TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 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.

 

Latest News