Abramovich Immigration Law presents a weekly news review featuring crucial updates on Canadian immigration. Stay informed with us and reach out for expert assistance.

IRCC Held PNP, And CEC Draws Under Express Entry

On July 30 and 31, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry draws targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. In the PNP draw on July 30, IRCC issued 964 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a cut-off score of 686 points, while the CEC draw on July 31 saw 5,000 ITAs issued with a cut-off score of 510 points. In 2024 alone, IRCC issued 68,579 invitations through various draws, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to attracting global talent.

Express Entry Canada has been instrumental in inviting skilled candidates to immigrate to Canada. This system has streamlined the immigration process, making it more efficient and accessible for professionals from various fields. If you want to immigrate to Canada via Express Entry, Abramovich Immigration Law can provide expert guidance and support. Contact us today to ensure your application is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, giving you the best chance of a successful outcome.

Canadian Passport Ranked Seventh Most Powerful In The World 

Henley and Partners, a residence and citizenship advisory firm, has ranked the Canadian passport as the seventh most powerful in the world for 2024. Based on International Air Transport Authority data, the ranking considers various criteria, including visa-free travel options. Canadian passport holders can travel without a visa to 187 countries and have extra opportunities for work and study in many of these places This is the second consecutive year the Canadian passport has held this position, tied with passports from Czechia, Hungary, and Malta. 

Singapore retained its top spot with visa-free access to 195 countries, while five countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain) tied for second place, offering visa-free travel to 192 countries. The United States ranked last among G7 countries, dropping to eighth place with access to 186 countries. Afghanistan ranked last overall, with visa-free access to just 26 countries. Henley and Partners’ rankings have consistently shown the Canadian passport’s strong benefits, previously ranking it as high as second in 2014.

BC PNP Sets A Record With 8,200 Nominations In 2023 

In 2023, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) reached a milestone by nominating 8,200 individuals for permanent residency. This achievement highlights the program’s adaptability and commitment to meeting the province’s economic needs. The recently released BC PNP Statistical Report and Year in Review 2023 provides a detailed overview of its accomplishments, strategic initiatives, and future directions. Since its inception in 2001, the BC PNP has focused on selecting skilled economic immigrants, playing a crucial role in British Columbia’s economic growth. 

The BC PNP operates through two main components: Skills Immigration (SI) and Entrepreneur Immigration (EI). In 2023, the SI stream, which targets skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and international graduates, saw 8,168 nominations. This represents 99% of the program’s total nominations, with a significant number of nominees settling outside Metro Vancouver. Additionally, the EI stream facilitated the nomination of 32 entrepreneurs, contributing to job creation and investment in the province. Enhanced focus on critical occupations like healthcare and childcare ensured the program met essential sector needs.

IRCC Considering Expansion Of Work Hours For International Students 

IRCC is reviewing regulations to potentially increase the off-campus work hours for international students from the current 20 hours per week. On June 29, IRCC initiated a 30-day review, focusing on changes that could impact colleges and universities that host international students. This move aims to balance students’ need for supplementary income while maintaining their academic goals. The proposal comes after international students voiced their concerns last November, and it hopes to address labour shortages in industries with high job vacancy rates.

More than half of the international students, about 296,906, are expected to benefit from this change, potentially earning an additional $10.2 billion over ten periods at an hourly wage rate of $24.29. The IRCC noted that many international students face financial difficulties due to rising living costs and limited access to federal or provincial financial aid. The proposed increase in work hours could help alleviate these challenges, although it might lead to increased competition in certain job sectors. The review also includes measures to strengthen compliance among educational institutions hosting international students.

Canada’s Immigration Programs See Notable Monthly Increases 

In May, Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship program saw a 10.7% increase in new permanent residents compared to April, continuing an upward trend after a 12.6% rise in April. However, this comes after a 12.8% decline in March. By the end of May, 29,445 new permanent residents had been welcomed, 21.6% fewer than last year. Ontario led in arrivals, followed by Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. If current trends continue, Canada might welcome 70,668 new residents by year-end. 

Similarly, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) experienced a significant 48.8% increase in May, bringing in 3,185 new permanent residents, up from 2,140 in April. This growth far outpaced the 9.3% overall monthly immigration increase. Despite the increase, the year-to-date total for PGP immigration is 13.4% lower compared to the same period last year, with only 11,115 new permanent residents by the end of May.. Ontario, again, received the most arrivals, while Saskatchewan saw the most significant percentage increase.

Nova Scotia Sets New Records In Immigration And Population Growth 

Nova Scotia has experienced another record-breaking year in population growth, with 12,650 permanent residents welcomed in 2022 – a 38% increase from the previous year. This surge is primarily attributed to various immigration programs targeting skilled workers in the healthcare, skilled trades, and childcare sectors. Premier Houston aims to grow the population to two million by 2060, and since surpassing one million in 2021, over 35,000 people have been added. 

This growth brings significant opportunities, including new businesses, jobs, and a more extensive tax base. However, it also presents challenges such as labour market needs, affordable housing demand, and healthcare system pressures. The government actively recruits healthcare professionals and skilled trades workers to address these issues. Minister Jill Balser emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and community support to ensure newcomers arrive and thrive in Nova Scotia.

Canadians Are Increasingly Divided On Immigration Targets 

A recent survey conducted by Ipsos for the Department of Immigration reveals growing divisions among Canadians regarding current immigration targets. Over a third of respondents believe the country is admitting “too many” immigrants, with significant concerns about the strain on urban infrastructure. The survey, which cost $295,428 and included 3,000 participants, found that while 55% see immigration as beneficial, 22% view it negatively. Provincially, 58% believe immigration positively impacts their region, but 24% disagree. 

The survey also highlights that 48% of respondents feel current immigration targets are appropriate, whereas 35% think they are too high. Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Ontario have the highest levels of concern, with over half of respondents in these provinces thinking the targets are excessive. Experts suggest that factors like the cost of living and job competition contribute to the eroding support for immigration. Participants also called for reducing barriers for skilled newcomers and reconsidering the prioritization of business-skilled immigrants.

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in assisting individuals with a wide range of immigration and visa applications, ensuring a smooth transition to life in Canada. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive support throughout the immigration process. Contact us today to start your journey towards a new life in Canada with confidence.