Immigrate To Canada As A Computer Systems Developer Or Programmer: All You Need To Know

Colin Singer
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Immigrate To Canada As A Computer Systems Developer Or Programmer: All You Need To Know

Are you a candidate with skills and qualifications in one of Canada’s 82 jobs for occupation-specific Express Entry draws? We want to help you move to Canada. Please submit your CV here.

Computer systems developers and programmers are in demand in Canada, providing opportunities for qualified foreign nationals to gain their permanent residence here through occupation-targeted Express Entry system draws.

“Computer services benefit from the constant development of innovative computer and communications products that are designed and serviced by the industry,” notes the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) website.

“Cloud-based platforms, the Internet of Things, big data and open-source software continue to gain in popularity, while the implementation of 5G networks and further developments in advanced manufacturing, autonomous transport, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, machine learning, language processing and biometric security represent a multitude of growth opportunities.

“Consumers and businesses own multiple electronic devices and are increasingly asking for compatibility, transferability, and access to their content from any of those devices.”

With Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) changing Canada’s Express Entry system to allow it to target 82 jobs in healthcare, technology, trades, transport and agriculture this summer – including computer systems developers and programmers – it opened the door to a new pathway to immigration for them.

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Computer systems developers and programmers occupations, categorized under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system with the code 21230, include:

  • computer programmer
  • operating systems programmer
  • programmer analyst
  • scientific programmer
  • systems programmer

And are closely related to the following jobs:

  • database analysts and data administrators
  • web developers and programmers
  • information systems specialists
  • web designers
  • software engineers and designers
  • computer network and web technicians
  • advertising, marketing and public relations managers
  • information systems testing technicians

In May this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made all of these workers eligible for immigration to Canada Express Entry occupation-targeted draws.

The flagship Express Entry selection system had previously only conducted draws based on immigration programs, not by targeting specific occupations.

Occupation-Targeted Draws Aim To Reduce Labour Shortages

“Everywhere I go, I’ve heard loud and clear from employers across the country who are experiencing chronic labour shortages,” said then-Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

“These changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed. We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities.”

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The federal government’s job-hunting and career-planning website, Job Bank, ranks the job prospects of computer systems developers and programmers over the next three years as very good, its highest rating, in Nova Scotia and good throughout the rest of the country.

In early November, the Indeed.ca job-hunting website listed 1,574 jobs for programmers across the country.

In Canada, the median hourly wage for these workers is $40.38 but that varies from a low of $23.60 right up to $58.97, reveals Job Bank.

Based on a 37.5-hour work week, that means a computer systems developers and programmers can expect to earn up to $114,991 annually in Canada.

Candidates hoping to immigrate through Express Entry occupation-targeted draws need at least six months of continuous work experience in Canada or abroad within the past three years in one of these occupations to be eligible, experience that can have been gained while working in Canada as temporary foreign workers with a work permits or as an international student with a student visa.

Under the changes announced at the end of May, the Express Entry streams, including the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as parts of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are now more responsive to labour market needs.

Canada first signalled its intention to start occupation-specific draws through Express Entry in June last year, when changes were made to the Immigration, Refugee and Protection Act to allow invitations based on occupations and other attributes, such as language ability.

The majority of Canada’s provinces have been issuing occupation-specific invitations for several years.

Under the changes to the act, the immigration minister is required to consult provinces and territories, members of industry, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations, and immigration researchers and practitioners, before announcing new categories.

IRCC must also report to parliament each year on the categories that were chosen and the reason for the choices.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) says the number of occupations facing shortages doubled between 2019 and 2021. From 2018 to 2022, federal high skilled admissions accounted for between 34 and 40 per cent of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec, which manages its own immigration intake.

Here Are The Best Cities in Canada for New Immigrants

Colin Singer
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Here Are The Best Cities in Canada for New Immigrants

A recent article in The Globe and Mail ranked the 20 most desirable cities in Canada for newcomers, examining the ease newcomers feel in integrating into the community, accessing basic amenities, and finding affordable housing.

The list is as follows:

  1. Pitt Meadows, BC
  2. Victoria, BC
  3. Winnipeg, MN
  4. North Vancouver, BC
  5. Saanich, BC
  6. Wellesley, ON
  7. Burlington, ON
  8. Regina, SK
  9. Delta, BC
  10. Maple Ridge, BC
  11. West Vancouver, BC
  12. Oak Bay, BC
  13. Abbotsford, BC
  14. Colwood, BC
  15. Norwich, ON
  16. Parksville, BC
  17. Fort St. John, BC
  18. Port Coquitlam, BC
  19. Middlesex Centre, ON
  20. Coldstream, BC

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The study was focused on those who arrived in Canada during the last five years, and involved data from 439 cities across the country, with a population of greater than 10,000 each. 43 variables spanning 10 categories were examined after being identified as crucial in shaping the decision to relocate to a new city.

These were:

  • Economy: In assessment of a city’s financial health, this category studied the job market, income levels, tax, and overall economic stability. Some cities with the lowest unemployment rate, as per the study, were Oak Bay, Colwood, Norwich, Middlesex Centre, and Port Coquitlam.
  • Housing: This category evaluated housing affordability and its accessibility for seniors. The average value of primary real estate was considered, as was that of property tax, and household dwelling expenditure. The Globe also looked at seniors’ housing per capita.
  • Demographics: A city’s stability and sustainability in terms of population growth, diversity, and cultural richness are all important aspects of its composition. The metric in question thus covered them under its breadth by using a diversity indicator index based on the percentage of French-as-mother-tongue individuals in the population, the percentage of first- or second-generation immigrants, and the percentage of visible minorities in the population.
  • Healthcare: The quality and accessibility of healthcare services and residents’ perception of their health status was covered by this metric.
  • Transportation: The public transit system, accessibility, and overall ease of driving around the city were aspects covered by this category.
  • Climate: The climate variations in each city were tabulated, with extreme conditions and seasonal conditions being recorded. This included the number of days in a year with a 35-plus humidex and when the daytime low temperature was lower than -15 degrees Celsius.

Winnipeg and Regina saw the most days with a temperature colder than -15 degrees Celsius.

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  • Amenities: The number of recreational facilities, entertainment facilities, shopping centers, and leisure amenities at the disposal of members were considered for this category.
  • Community: The Globe considered the opportunities for social interaction that residents possess, such as community events, volunteer opportunities, and engagement venues in the city.
  • Education: This category assessed the educational qualifications of the community and the availability of schools, universities, and other educational institutions present in the area being studied.
  • Safety: The likelihood of crimes and residents’ confidence in public safety fell under examination through this category.

Certain categories were seen as more important than others and were measured more heavily against less important categories. The scores were weighted and averaged at the end to come up with a composite score for every city.

Despite Labor Shortage, Quebec Alienates International Students

Colin Singer
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Despite Labor Shortage, Quebec Alienates International Students

Critics say Quebec is damaging its economy by pushing away international students in the name of preserving the French language in the middle of an intense labor shortage of roughly 200,000 open positions.

Last month, Quebec announced that it is hiking university tuition to at least $20,000 for international students looking to study in the province.

Moreover, it will take the first $20,000 those students pay and invest that into French-speaking universities; this forces English-speaking universities to raise tuition significantly beyond that threshold, as per The Financial Post contributor Marisa Coulton.

Quebec Minister of Higher Education Pascale Dery justified the province’s decision by saying that international and out-of-province students leave Quebec instead of working in French-speaking jobs.

However, The Financial Post cites a report that questions the veracity of that statement – of the roughly 50,000 post-secondary Quebec study permit holders, 44 percent work at the time of their studies.

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Business groups have pointed out the benefits that Canada derives from international students, with the president of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce calling them a “safety valve” for relieving pressure on the domestic labor market.

This is especially true when more international students than ever are choosing to become temporary foreign workers, working on a part-time basis during their studies, and a full-time basis after graduation.

Between 2000 and 2019, in fact, the number of employed international students in Canada went from 18 percent to 50 percent.

Regardless, Quebec continues to show hostility towards immigrant students in ways more than one.

Concordia and McGill Have Complained About Quebec’s New Immigration Rules

Just two months ago, Concordia and McGill universities had shown their displeasure with Quebec’s new immigration rules that require international students to learn French, arguing that such a requirement would turn them away from coming to the province.

Immigration.ca had covered this story in September, when McGill’s deputy provost of student life and learning Fabrice Labeau had told the legislature committee examining tabled immigration policy reforms that one of the “involuntary consequences” of the changes to the Programme de l’experience Quebecoise (PEQ) will be that international students without knowledge of French will be deterred from applying and gaining Quebec jobs.

PEQ – which is a fast-track for international students to obtain a Quebec selection certificate – was announced to be changed by Christine Frechette in May, when she tabled a reform package.

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PEQ started distinguishing between francophone and anglophone applicants in an effort to increase more French-oriented applicants.

Herein, foreign students who studied in French or are francophone can  benefit from a fast-tracked system designed to retain them in the country, wherein they can make a request to apply for a certificate leading to permanent residency instead of waiting 12 to 18 months to qualify for the same.

Students who come to Quebec to study in English and do not have sufficient French under their belt will, on the other hand, no longer qualify for the PEQ and its added advantages.

This is largely in line with Frechette’s overall immigration reforms in the economic category, which is controlled by Quebec.

Quebec Backtracks On its Tuition Hike for Out-of-Province Students

International students were not the only students who were to be targeted by Quebec’s reforms; out-of-province Canadians’ tuition was set to roughly double, from $9,000 to nearly $17,000 per annum.

However, this policy has since been backtracked upon, with CTV News Montreal’s Daniel J Rowe reporting on Wednesday morning that the Legault government will increase tuition by 33 percent for out-of-province students.

This means a hike from around $9,000 to $12,000 for Canadian students from outside Quebec.

Tuition plans for international students remained unchanged, however.

Canada’s Most Expensive Cities to Rent In Feature Vancouver, Burnaby, and Toronto

Colin Singer
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Canada’s Most Expensive Cities to Rent In Feature Vancouver, Burnaby, and Toronto

The average rent for one and two-bedroom apartments in 35 cities across Canada feature in the Rentals.ca  November 2023 report.

According to the study, the annual rate of rent growth in the country was 9.9% in October, which is a moderate decrease from September’s annual pace of 11.1%. However, it was the second fastest annual increase of the past seven months.

Moreover, average asking rents went up by 1.4% month-over-month in October, which is slightly slower than monthly gains of 1.5% in September and 1.8% in August, because of seasonal reasons.

The $175 (or 8.8%) rent increase in just the last six months caused rents to average $2,178 on October 23, which showcases a growth in housing asking prices for a six month in a row.

Rentals.ca asserts that the cause for said inflated rental hikes – especially for cities in Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia – is population growth and a new rental supply priced at market rents that are higher than average.

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35 Canadian Cities Ranked from Most to Least Expensive to Rent in

1. Vancouver, BC: $2,872 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $3,777 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

2. Burnaby, BC: $2,647 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $3,341 for a 2-bedroom apartment

3. Toronto, ON: $2,607 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $3,424 for a 2-bedroom apartment

4. Oakville, ON: $2,524 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $3,337 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

5. Mississauga, ON: $2,352 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,851 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

6. Richmond Hill, ON: $2,326 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,685 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

7. Markham, ON: $2,325 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,604 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

8. Etobicoke, ON: $2,292 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,909 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

9. Brampton, ON: $2,195 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,515 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

10. Burlington, ON: $2,189 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,578 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

11. Victoria, BC: $2,109 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,836 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

12. Kelowna, BC: $2,099 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,592 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

13. Guelph, ON: $2,061 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,398 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

14. Ottawa, ON: $2,056 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,503 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

15. Barrie, ON: $1,918 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,328 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

16. Kitchener, ON: $1,915 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,364 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

17. Waterloo, ON: $1,909 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,545 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

18. London, ON: $1,878 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,257 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

19. Halifax, NS: $1,875 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,241 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

20. Hamilton, ON: $1,868 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,229 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

21. Oshawa, ON: $1,845 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,219 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

22. Montreal, QC: $1,802 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,266 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

23. Calgary, AB: $1,733 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,155 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

24. St. Catharines, ON: $1,685 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,925 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

25. Niagara Falls, ON: $1,680 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,008 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

26. Laval, QC: $1,601 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,003 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

27. Abbotsford, BC: $1,594 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $2,011 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

28. Windsor, ON: $1,545 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,936 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

29. Quebec City, QC: $1,288 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,703 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

30. Edmonton, AB: $1,284 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,596 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

31. Winnipeg, MB: $1,282 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,692 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

32. Red Deer, AB: $1,249 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,464 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

33. Fort McMurray, AB: $1,226 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,478 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

34. Regina, SK: $1,191 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,405 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

35. Saskatoon, SK: $1,109 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,340 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment

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The average for all these cities comes out at $1,889 for a 1-bedroom, and $2,329 for a 2-bedroom apartment, with the minimum 1-bedroom price being $1,109 and the maximum being $2,872.

The asking rents for purpose-built and condominium apartments rose by 1.7% month-over-month and 11.7% year-over-year to reach the unprecedented $2,112 in October. 1-bedroom apartments were averaged at $1,938 in October and were witness to the fastest annual growth in asking rents of 14.1%. 2-bedrooms simultaneously surpassed $2,300 for the first time in October (sitting at $2,311), which is an annual 11.8% increase.

Finally, studios had an asking rent of $1,538, which is a 12.0% rise from last year, and 3-bedroom apartment rose in rent by 8.9% annually to reach an average of $2,532.

If considering provincial cleavages in rent prices, British Columbia and Ontario came out on top with total average listed rents for apartments and condos at $2,639 and $2,492 respectively.

BC, however, experienced a month-over-month rent decrease of 0.6%, and Ontario experienced the slowest annual rent growth of all Canadian provinces in October. Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, on the other hand, suffered from rent inflation during the same time.

In Alberta, for example, the average asking rent for purpose-built and condo apartments touched $1,686 in October, which is a 16.4% year-over-year rise (higher than September’s 15.3%).

The Prairie provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan experienced the greatest month-over-month rent increases of 5.5% and 4.0% respectively, with the former’s average asking rents reaching $1,510 after a 7.6% annual rise in October (compared to 3.1% annual growth in September).

Saskatchewan rents rose 5.8% annually in October to an average $1,409, accelerating, as per the report, from a 3.8% year-over-year rate of increase in September.

Canada’s International Student Program To Be Reformed From January 1, 2024

Colin Singer
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Canada’s International Student Program To Be Reformed From January 1, 2024

Changes to Canada’s International student program announced by Canada announced on Thursday will see those who apply to come here from January 1, 2024 required to show significantly more funds.

The amount will increase from $10,000 to more than $20,000, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said.

Miller also announced updates for three existing temporary policies.

He extended the waiver on the 20-hour-per-week off-campus work limit to April 30, 2024. It had been due to expire at the end of the year. “We continue to examine options for this policy in the future, such as expanding off-campus work hours for international students to 30 hours per week while class is in session,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said.

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A further measure allowing students to count online studies towards the length of a future Post-Graduation Work Permit has also been extended to include students who begin a program before September 1, 2024. The time spent studying online must constitute less than 50 per cent of the studies.

Lastly, the measure allowing an additional 18 months for PGWP holders whose existing work permit was expiring, introduced during Covid-19, will expire at the end of this year and not be extended.

Students Will Now Require $20,635 In Unencumbered Funds

The move to increase the funds required by international students is designed to ensure new foreign students have enough money to live while they are in the country.

New candidates will need to show they have $20,635, which is 75 per cent of the Statistics Canada low-income cut-off, the minimum amount the federal government says is needed to live in the country.

The previous requirement was to show $10,000 in unencumbered funds, an amount that hadn’t been updated since the early 2000s.

The change follows reports of international students visiting food banks to survive. Some of Canada’s food banks – intended to feed the needy – said they would no longer open to international students.

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“International students provide significant cultural, social and economic benefits to their communities, but they have also faced challenges navigating life in Canada,” Miller said.

“We are revising the cost-of-living threshold so that international students understand the true cost of living here.

“This measure is key to their success in Canada. We are also exploring options to ensure that students find adequate housing.

“These long-overdue changes will protect international students from financially vulnerable situations and exploitation.”

International education accounts for more than $22 billion in economic activity annually, greater than Canada’s exports of auto parts, lumber or aircraft, and supports more than 200,000 jobs in Canada.

The new financial guidelines are also being applied to the Student Direct Stream, a special study permit application process available to residents of 14 countries that requires additional up-front information from the applicant and provides priority processing.

Quebec establishes its own cost-of-living threshold for international students destined for Quebec’s learning institutions and has continued to raise this threshold periodically.

Canada On Track To Beat Ambitious Immigration Target As Monthly Newcomers Rise 4.3%

Colin Singer
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Canada On Track To Beat Ambitious Immigration Target As Monthly Newcomers Rise 4.3%

The latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data reveals that after four consecutive months of declines, monthly immigration to Canada nudged back up a bit in October, rising by 4.3 per cent to 33,570 new permanent residents.

That compares to only 32,180 new permanent residents in September, the lowest monthly immigration level since April this year.

After rebounding from the April low of 29,550 new permanent residents, immigration rebounded in May, hitting 46,000 new permanent residents for that month.

Then, monthly immigration to Canada began a steady decline, falling first to 42,345 new permanent residents in June, then 40,690 new permanent residents in July, 35,075 in August and then dropping again in September.

That was a drop in the monthly immigration rate of 30.3 per cent in only five months.

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During the first 10 months of this year, Canada saw the arrival of 388,035 new permanent residents, a level of immigration that would put the country on track to welcome 485,844 new permanent residents by the end of this year provided the level of immigration continued through to the end of 2023.

That would put Canada a year ahead of schedule to hit its immigration target of 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024.

Under its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, Ottawa had set its immigration target for 2023 at 465,000 new permanent residents. The current level of immigration means Canada could end the year actually welcoming almost 4.5 per cent more newcomers than it had planned.

Under the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is also planning to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025 and then hold the line on immigration in 2026 with another 500,000 newcomers.

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That’s a total of 1.485 million immigrants to Canada over those three years.

Given the growth of the Canadian population during those upcoming three years, the 2026 target for immigration to Canada actually represents a slight drop in the rate of immigration to the country, the first such decline in the immigration rate in years.

Ontario, the country’s most populous province, remained the most popular destination for newcomers in October with 177,550 of them choosing to immigrate there during the first 10 months of this year.

The central Canadian province was the destination of choice for 43.8 per cent of all immigrants to Canada in the first 10 months of this year.

Economic programs, including the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Caregiver programs, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Federal Skilled Trades (FST) and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) programs, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) and Self-Employed Persons (SEP) programs, and the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway accounted for a smidgeon more than half, 50.2 per cent, of all new permanent residents coming to Ontario in the first 10 months of this year.

Canada’s Most Populous Province Keeps On Attracting The Most Immigrants

Those programs helped 89,135 new permanent residents arrive in Ontario in the first 10 months of this year.

Another 48,705 new permanent residents arrived in Ontario through family sponsorships and 32,160 came to that province through Canada’s refugee and protected persons programs in the first 10 months of the year.

The other provinces and territories attracted the following number of new permanent residents each during that period:

  • Newfoundland and Labrador – 4,650
  • Prince Edward Island – 3,050
  • Nova Scotia – 9,815
  • New Brunswick – 9,200
  • Quebec – 47,960
  • Manitoba – 21,470
  • Saskatchewan – 21,920
  • Alberta – 48,055
  • British Columbia – 60,105
  • Yukon – 740
  • Northwest Territories – 275
  • Nunavut – 45

Despite the Quebec government’s repeated insistence that it will cap immigration at 50,000 new permanent residents this year, the francophone province is currently on track to welcome 57,552 new permanent residents based on the trend set in the first 10 months of this year.

Immigrate To Canada As A Technical Therapist: All You Need To Know

Colin Singer
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Immigrate To Canada As A Technical Therapist: All You Need To Know

Are you a candidate with skills and qualifications in one of Canada’s 82 jobs for occupation-specific Express Entry draws? We want to help you move to Canada. Please submit your CV here.

The demand for those healthcare workers who provide technical therapy and conduct assessments, including those who assist audiologists, speech-language pathologists, ophthalmologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, is expected to grow and lead to serious labour shortages in the coming seven years.

That means even more opportunities for qualified foreign nationals to gain their permanent residence here through occupation-targeted Express Entry system draws.

“Over the period 2022 – 2031, the number of job openings arising from expansion demand and replacement demand for practitioners of natural healing massage therapists and other technical occupations in therapy and assessment are expected to total 36,000, while the number of job seekers arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility is expected to total 28,300,” notes the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) website.

“Although this occupational group has had a balanced market in recent years, projected job openings are substantially higher than projected job seekers, creating a shortage of workers over the 2022 – 2031 period.”

The aging of the Canadian population is expected to be one of the drivers fuelling demand for these workers.

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“Population aging is expected to increase the demand for physical rehabilitation services following surgeries and accidents that older people are prone to. As a result, employment growth for this occupational group is expected to be above the average for all occupations.”

Healthcare workers described as other technical occupations in therapy and assessment, categorized under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system with the code 32109, include:

  • audiology technicians;
  • communicative disorders assistants;
  • hearing instrument practitioners;
  • occupational therapy assistants;
  • ophthalmic technicians;
  • ophthalmic technologists;
  • physiotherapy technicians;
  • rehabilitation assistants;
  • speech aides;
  • speech technicians, and;
  • speech therapy assistant.

In May this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made all of these workers eligible for immigration to Canada Express Entry occupation-targeted draws.

By changing the country’s Express Entry system to allow it to target 82 jobs in healthcare, technology, trades, transport and agriculture starting this summer – including other technical occupations in therapy and assessment – the IRCC opened the door to a new pathway to immigration for them.

The flagship Express Entry selection system had previously only conducted draws based on immigration programs, not by targeting specific occupations.

Occupation-Targeted Express Entry Draws Touted As Way To Resolve Labour Shortages

“Everywhere I go, I’ve heard loud and clear from employers across the country who are experiencing chronic labour shortages,” said then-Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

“These changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed.  We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities.”

The federal government’s job-hunting and career-planning website, Jobbank, ranks the job prospects of other technical occupations in therapy and assessment over the next three years as good throughout the country.

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In Canada, the median hourly wage for these workers is  $24 but that varies from a low of $17 right up to $33.86, reveals Jobbank, the federal government’s job-hunting and career-planning website.

Based on a 37.5-hour work week, that means a healthcare worker in any of the other technical occupations in therapy and assessment can expect to earn up to $66,027 annually in Canada.

Candidates hoping to immigrate through Express Entry occupation-targeted draws need at least six months of continuous work experience in Canada or abroad within the past three years in one of these occupations to be eligible, experience that can have been gained while working in Canada as temporary foreign workers with a work permits or as an international student with a student visa.

Under the changes announced at the end of May, the Express Entry streams, including the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as parts of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are now more responsive to labour market needs.

Canada first signalled its intention to start occupation-specific draws through Express Entry in June last year, when changes were made to the Immigration, Refugee and Protection Act to allow invitations based on occupations and other attributes, such as language ability.

The majority of Canada’s provinces have been issuing occupation-specific invitations for several years.

Under the changes to the act, the immigration minister is required to consult provinces and territories, members of industry, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations, and immigration researchers and practitioners, before announcing new categories.

IRCC must also report to parliament each year on the categories that were chosen and the reason for the choices.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) says the number of occupations facing shortages doubled between 2019 and 2021. From 2018 to 2022, federal high skilled admissions accounted for between 34 and 40 per cent of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec, which manages its own immigration intake.

Ontario Issues 262 Invitations Targeting Agriculture and Construction Jobs

Colin Singer
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Ontario Issues 262 Invitations Targeting Agriculture and Construction Jobs

Ontario has conducted a new Expression of Interest draw through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), issuing 262 invitations.

The December 5 draw featured invitations through the Employer Job Offer stream for In-Demand Skills. Candidates required a minimum score of 30.

The stream targets candidates with a permanent and full-time job offer under certain occupations in the agriculture and construction sectors.

Ontario Employer Job Offer: In Demand Skills Stream Expression of Interest Draw

Date issued Number of invitations issued Date profiles created Score range Notes
5-12-2023 262 November 22, 2022 – December, 2023 30 and above General draw

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Ontario Expression of Interest Ranking System

Points are awarded based on the following attributes:

  1. Level and field of education and where they completed their studies.
  2. Proficiency in English or French.
  3. Intention to settle outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
  4. Skill and work experience level, earnings history, other factors relevant to prospects in Ontario job market.
  5. Labour market needs in the province or region of the province.

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

This stream targets candidates with specific skilled in-demand in Ontario. To qualify, applicants must have:

  • A permanent and full-time job offer under certain occupations in the agriculture or construction sector and meets the median wage in Ontario for the occupation, and in a position that is necessary to the business.
  • For those already working in the position, the proposed wage must be equal or greater than the current wage being paid.
  • 9 months of cumulative work experience in the last three years in one of the eligible occupations. Experience must be paid and full time or the equivalent amount in part-time work in Ontario.
  • Seasonal work does not count.
  • Equivalent of Canadian high school education or higher.
  • Valid certificate or license at the time of application for any claimed work experience that requires it.
  • Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French in all language competencies.
  • Live abroad, or be working, studying or visiting Canada on a valid permit;
  • Intention to settle in Ontario.

British Columbia PNP Draw: Province Issues 193 Canada Immigration Invitations

Colin Singer
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British Columbia PNP Draw: Province Issues 193 Canada Immigration Invitations

British Columbia has conducted new draws through multiple streams of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program, issuing 193 invitations.

The December 5 draws were targeted at specific occupations.

In a tech draw, 92 invitations were issued to skilled workers and international graduates with a minimum score of 94 points.

A further 46 invitations were issued to skilled workers and international graduates scoring at least 60 points in a draw targeting Early Childhood Educators and Assistants under NOC 42202.

Read More Canada Immigration News

British Columbia PNP Draw: Province Issues 185 Invitations
British Columbia PNP Draw: Province Issues 161 Canada Immigration Invitations
British Columbia Prioritises 25 Construction Occupations For Immigration

Construction workers received 31 invitations with a minimum score of 75 points.

A draw targeted at Healthcare workers saw 24 invitations issued to skilled workers and international graduates, with a minimum score of 60 points.

Latest B.C. Immigration Draws

Date Category Minimum Score Invitations Issued Description
 

 

 

 

05-12-23

  

 

 

Skilled Worker, International Graduate

 94 92 Targeted draw: Tech
60 46 Targeted draw: Childcare: Early childhood educators (NOC 42202)
75 31 Construction
60 24 Targeted draw: Healthcare

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Immigrants Looking For Canada Jobs Face Canadian Work Experience Problem

Colin Singer
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Immigrants Looking For Canada Jobs Face Canadian Work Experience Problem

Toronto Metropolitan University Professor Usha George highlighted that immigration-led population growth in Canada has been largely beneficial to the labor market and economy, but has also been tainted by an underutilization of newcomers’ full skill potential due to their lack of Canadian work experience.

The requirement in question refers to the preference that some employers hold for candidates who have worked for a Canada employer before.

Global News’ Uday Rana reported on Wednesday that many immigrants cite this factor as a hindrance to them securing a job that aligns with their foreign experience, making it a growing concern in the Canada job market.

This becomes especially true as Ottawa boosts efforts to target immigration levels to meet the needs of essential sectors such as healthcare and housing, as it disadvantages newcomers by emplacing barriers between them and their chances of securing a job without meeting the Canada work experience requirement.

Many immigrants work in minimum wage jobs to change this situation, despite having higher qualifications and work experience from their home country.

Read More Canada Immigration News 

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Immigrate To Canada As A Specialist In Clinical And Laboratory Medicine: All You Need To Know
Canadian Population Growth Outstrips Increase In Jobs As Unemployment Nudges Up

Ontario Looks to Ban Requirements for Canadian Work Experience in Job Postings

There is a hopeful outlook for immigrants in the aforementioned regard, considering the recent move by the most populous Canadian province to ban requirements for Canada Work Experience in job postings.

This change was announced on Nov 9, 2023, with the provincial government proposing legislation that, if passed, would make Ontario the province in Canada to make this move.

According to Ontario’s website, more qualified candidates would be able to progress in the interview process through this change.

“For far too long, too many people arriving in Canada have been funnelled toward dead-end jobs they’re overqualified for,” said Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini.

“We need to ensure these people can land well-paying and rewarding careers that help tackle the labor shortage.”

“When newcomers to Ontario get a meaningful chance to contribute, everyone wins.”

Ontario is Set to Nominate 16,500 Immigrants for Canada PR in 2023

Through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), the province is going to nominate 16,500 immigrants for PR in various critical sectors such as healthcare and the skilled trades.

To make sure that the best international candidates are selected, Ontario government is also revising the eligibility requirements for several one-year college graduate certificate programs; this would allow more international students to be eligible to apply for the OINP.

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“Ontario is a global leader in welcoming newcomers from a wide array of backgrounds, cultures and faiths around the world,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

“By banning Canadian work experience requirements in job postings, Ontario, through Premier Ford and Minister Piccini’s leadership, is leading the country in breaking down barriers to make it easier for internationally-trained immigrants to find meaningful work and contribute to building Ontario. This change will help support families as they start their journey in their new homes, create more vibrant communities and help ensure businesses have the talent they need.”

The legislative changes in Ontario are part of a larger package that is going to expand on the actions introduced in the Working for Workers Acts, 2021, 2022, and 2023, which the provincial government will unveil to protect workers, help them earn higher salaries, and help them contribute to Ontario’s growth and prosperity.

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