Abramovich Immigration Law offers a weekly news review on key immigration policy updates. If you are planning to move to Canada or need help with your current status, you can contact us for personalized legal support.

IRCC Conducted Three Express Entry Draws Within A Single Week

Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held three Express Entry draws. In the sixth Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of the year, IRCC invited 763 candidates with a minimum score of 690. The next day, on August 14, 2024, in a new Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, IRCC invited 3,200 candidates with a cut-off score of 509 points. Additionally, Canada invited 2,000 Francophone candidates on August 15. The cut-off score of this draw was 394 points, noticeably lower than the PNP and CEC draw. So far, Canada has issued 74,542 ITAs through the Express Entry draws this year. 

Express Entry is an online system utilized by the Canadian government to handle applications for permanent residency from skilled workers. The system evaluates candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply through regular draws. If you are looking to navigate the Express Entry system or need assistance with your immigration process, Abramovich Immigration Law is here to help. We can guide you through every step, ensuring your application is handled carefully and precisely. Contact us today to get started on your journey to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Foreign Workers Gain Easier Access To Canadian Jobs Under International Agreements 

Temporary foreign workers secure jobs in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under international agreements. An LMIA is typically required to show that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market. However, certain international agreements, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), allow foreign nationals from specific countries to work in Canada without this requirement. This includes workers from countries like the United States, Mexico, and several others. 

These agreements facilitate hiring foreign workers in various occupations, including traders, investors, and professionals, without an LMIA. For instance, traders from the United States, Mexico, and other specified countries can work in Canada if they trade substantially between Canada and their home country. Similarly, investors from countries with Free Trade Agreements with Canada, such as CETA with the European Union, can also be hired without an LMIA. These provisions make it easier for Canadian employers to source talent internationally while bolstering economic ties with partner nations.

Canada Enhances Francophone Immigration Efforts 

Canada is amplifying its efforts to attract French-speaking immigrants to bolster the cultural and economic fabric of Francophone minority communities. On August 14, 2024, IRCC unveiled the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) program, set to launch on August 26, 2024. This program will partner with designated French-language and bilingual post-secondary institutions to provide fairer access to international students from diverse regions. Additionally, ten new communities have been added to the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative, which fosters inclusive environments for French-speaking newcomers. 

The FMCSP aims to address French-speaking international students’ historically low study permit approval rates by adjusting financial requirements and easing temporary stay restrictions. Participants will have a pathway to permanent residency and access to settlement services. This initiative is part of Canada’s broader Policy on Francophone Immigration, which seeks to attract and retain international students. The program’s first year will accept up to 2,300 study permit applications. The added communities, selected for their potential to create welcoming environments, will support the integration of French-speaking immigrants, enhancing Canada’s Francophone diversity.

Canada Welcomed Over 3,000 New Entrepreneurs Through Start-Up Visa In The First Half Of The Year 

Canada has seen a significant increase in the number of new permanent residents through the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program in 2024, welcoming over 3,000 newcomers by the end of June. The latest data from IRCC shows that 560 new permanent residents were admitted through the SUV in both May and June. This surge represents a 785.3% increase compared to the same period last year when only 340 new permanent residents were welcomed through the program. With this pace, Canada could potentially see 6,020 immigrant entrepreneurs by year’s end. 

British Columbia played a significant role in this rise, with a 34.5% increase in SUV immigration in June, welcoming 195 new permanent residents compared to 145 in May. Despite slight declines in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta, the overall performance of the SUV program in June was impressive, especially when compared to the country’s total monthly immigration, which saw a 4.9% decline. Launched in 2015, the SUV program has grown in popularity, from welcoming just 55 new permanent residents in its first year to potentially over 6,000 this year.

The Stalled Jobs Market Opens The Door For Continued Rate Cuts

According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s unemployment rate remained at 6.4% in July, with the economy shedding 2,800 jobs. The biggest employment declines were in wholesale retail trade and finance, real estate, and insurance, losing 44,000 and 15,000 jobs, respectively. However, public administration and transportation and warehousing showed gains, adding 20,000 and 15,000 jobs, respectively. Economists suggest the weak job market supports further interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada. 

Youth unemployment rose to 14.2%, the highest since September 2012, excluding the pandemic years. Recent immigrants’ unemployment increased by 3.1% to 12.6%. The participation rate fell to 65%, its lowest point since 1998. Despite these challenges, full-time employment increased by 62,000, while part-time work declined by 64,000. In response to these statistics, policymakers are considering additional measures to stimulate economic growth and job creation. Businesses are also urged to explore new strategies for hiring and retaining talent in this challenging market.

Ircc Extended CUAET Measures For Ukrainian Nationals 

On August 13, 2024, IRCC announced an extension of certain CUAET measures. Under this extension, Ukrainian nationals and their family members who arrive in Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) before March 31, 2024, can apply for an open work permit, study permit, or visitor record for an additional three years. The application deadline for these permits is March 31, 2025. 

Additionally, Ukrainians and their families residing in Canada as temporary residents can access free settlement services until the application deadline. Applicants must pay fees when applying for work permits, including CAD 155 for a temporary residence work permit and CAD 100 for an open work permit. According to IRCC, approximately 1,189,320 applications have been submitted through the CUAET program to date.

Canada Introduces Financial Incentives To Attract More Healthcare Workers 

Canada aims to strengthen its economy by attracting skilled workers, particularly in healthcare. IRCC has addressed urgent shortages, and several provinces offer financial incentives. These incentives include tuition rebates, fee reimbursements, and more. For instance, Manitoba introduced the Health Human Resource Action Plan to attract 2,000 healthcare providers, offering wellness incentives, licensure reimbursements, and weekend premiums. 

Similarly, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Come Home Initiative offers financial incentives to healthcare workers with previous ties to the province, such as $100,000 for physicians on a five-year return-in-service agreement. Prince Edward Island provides up to $10,000 for eligible health professionals under the Allied Health Professional Recruitment Incentive. These provincial efforts are part of a broader strategy to attract skilled healthcare workers to Canada.

Abramovich Immigration Law helps individuals navigate the complexities of immigrating to Canada with a full range of immigration and visa applications. We are committed to providing expert guidance and support, ensuring a smooth transition as you embark on a new chapter of your life. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in achieving your immigration goals with professionalism and care.