The Canadian province of Nova Scotia is putting a temporary hold on applications from workers in the Accommodation and Food Services sector seeking immigration through the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP). This decision, effective as of April 17, 2024, comes amidst a surge in applications from individuals looking to build careers in Nova Scotia’s vibrant hospitality industry. What is the NSNP? The NSNP is a provincial immigration program designed to attract skilled workers to Nova Scotia to address labor shortages in key sectors. It offers various streams for immigration, includi ..read more

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a targeted update to the Innovation Stream pilot program. This update, announced on April 15th, aims to enhance Canada’s appeal to highly skilled foreign workers employed by designated Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) companies. Innovation Stream Pilot: A Faster Path for Qualified Talent Established in 2021, the Innovation Stream serves as an expedited work permit application pathway for qualified foreign workers in high-demand fields. Offering significantly reduced processing times compared to traditional methods, the progra ..read more

The Canadian immigration landscape offers aspiring residents two main pathways: federal programs and provincial nomination programs (PNPs). While both lead to permanent residency (PR) status and the cherished right to live and work anywhere in Canada, the initial settlement intentions can differ. Let’s delve deeper into the implications of each approach. Post-Immigration Mobility: Freedom to Roam Canada prides itself on its inclusive character, and this extends to its immigration policy. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees PRs, regardless of their federal or provincial immi ..read more

The Quebec government announced the reopening of its Program for Refugees Abroad (Collective Sponsorship) on April 9, 2024. This program offers a unique opportunity for citizens and permanent residents of Quebec to directly contribute to Canada’s refugee resettlement efforts, while also providing a valuable pathway to permanent residency for sponsored refugees. What is Collective Sponsorship? Collective Sponsorship is a program unlike any other in Canada’s immigration system. It empowers small groups of 2 to 5 Quebec residents, either individuals or representatives from organizations, to join ..read more

Recent Canada Express Entry draw In the latest Express Entry draw held on April 11, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,500 invitations to apply to eligible candidates. This draw targeted STEM occupations, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491. This is the first Express Entry draw targeting STEM occupations in 2024. Earlier general draws in 2024 saw steadily decreasing CRS requirements. The first draw on January 10th had a minimum score of 546, while the March 25th draw only required 524 points. Unlike targeted draws, general draws consid ..read more

Canada’s immigration system, which prioritizes selecting skilled immigrants, is having a positive impact on the overall educational attainment of the country. Statistics Canada reports that immigration is a key factor behind a rise in the number of residents with bachelor’s degrees, with racialized women leading the surge. Educated Arrivals: A Boon for the Economy Canada’s point-based Express Entry system awards points for factors like education and work experience. This system successfully attracts skilled immigrants who are more likely to integrate into the workforce quickly. A study by the ..read more

Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws in the pools of International Experience Canada (IEC). What is the International Experience Canada? The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a fantastic opportunity designed for young adults from participating countries to broaden their horizons by living and working in Canada for up to two years. It caters specifically to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 (though the upper limit may vary slightly depending on your home country). What IEC has to offer? Work Experience: Gain valuabl ..read more

Recent Canada Express Entry draw In the latest Express Entry draw held on April 10, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,280 invitations to apply to eligible candidates. This draw targeted all programs, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 549. Express Entry: Canada holds a Transport Occupation draw on March 13, 2024 Understanding Express Entry Express Entry is an innovative application management system that oversees the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates in th ..read more

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is actively seeking skilled immigrants to address labor shortages in key sectors. On April 4, 2024, they conducted a draw through the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams inviting 66 candidates to apply for provincial nomination. This draw targeted specific professions in high demand: healthcare, manufacturing, and early childhood education. These sectors are crucial for the province’s economic growth and social well-being. The PEI PNP offers an immigration pathway for skilled workers and recen ..read more

In a bid to revitalize its tourism sector and reach its ambitious goal of doubling the industry’s economic contribution by 2035, Alberta has launched a dedicated immigration stream. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program’s Tourism and Hospitality Stream aims to attract foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Canada by offering a faster pathway to citizenship. High Demand, Mixed Results Since its launch on March 1st, the program has seen significant interest. However, Tracy Douglas-Blowers, CEO of the Alberta Hospitality and Lodging Association, has noted a surprising decrease in job ..read more