Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers present a weekly news review of Canadian immigration-related topics, providing our clients with the most up-to-date information. Follow us on our social media accounts to stay informed and receive updates on immigration news and policy changes.
IRCC Held Three Express Entry Draws Over The Past Week
In the first week of August, IRCC held three Express Entry draws in three consecutive days. On August 1, 2023, in the Express Entry draw for all immigration programs, Canada issued a total of 2,000 ITAs to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 517. The next day, on August 2, 2023, the Government issued 800 additional ITAs to French-speaking immigrants. In round #260, the minimum CRS score was 435. Finally, on August 3, 2023, IRCC held its first-ever occupation-specific Express Entry draw for candidates working in one of the skilled trades occupations and issued a total of 1,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). So far, Canada has already invited 73,448 candidates through the weekly Express Entry draws.
The Canadian Government uses Express Entry to manage permanent residency applications from skilled workers. It allows individuals to submit a profile online indicating their work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant factors and receive a CRS score based on these factors. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws from the Express Entry pool. In addition to the regular draws, Canada has also started issuing invitations through occupation-specific Express Entry draws. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers guide individuals who wish to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system, making the immigration process smoother and less stressful.
Ontario Continuously Invites Skilled Candidates Under The OINP Streams
Ontario continuously invites skilled candidates who meet the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) criteria to apply for permanent residency to support the province’s economic growth by filling gaps in the labour market and bringing in new perspectives and expertise. On August 1, 2023, the province invited 84 candidates through the Master’s Graduate and 84 through the Ph.D. Graduate, and one candidate under the OINP’s Foreign Worker stream. In addition, the OINP held the biggest Skilled Trades draw of 2023 and invited 2,844 candidates working in one of the eligible 46 occupations. This year, Ontario issued 25,797 invitations under all OINP streams.
The OINP aims to attract and retain highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the province’s prosperity. Through the OINP, Ontario can identify and select candidates with the skills and experience needed to fill critical positions in the province’s labour market. Candidates selected through the program can apply for permanent residency in Canada, which allows them to live and work in Ontario long-term. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can guide the different streams available through the OINP and help candidates determine which stream is best suited to their circumstances. With our help, candidates can increase their chances of being selected through the OINP and ultimately achieve permanent residency in Canada.
Canada’s New Housing And Infrastructure Minister Calls For More Immigrants To Address The Housing Problem
Housing affordability is a prevalent political issue in Canada that has been the subject of numerous debates. The ruling Liberals and the Conservatives, the main political opponents, have differing opinions on the rising cost of homes. The former Immigration Minister of Canada, Sean Fraser, has also defended the country’s high immigration levels, mentioning how new immigrants help employers find the workers they need to build more homes, ultimately making housing more affordable. He warned against closing the doors on new immigrants to solve housing challenges.
Moreover, the increasing cost of homes has led to many developers needing more labour force to complete their projects. The government tries to resolve this issue by increasing immigration levels, which would provide more workers to the construction industry. According to the latest Housing Price Index report released by Statistics Canada, new home prices have softened in 20 of the 27 cities year over year in June 2023. The Government of Canada develops policies that promote affordable housing while ensuring a steady labour supply to the construction industry.
British Columbia Invited Over Two Hundred Skilled Candidates And Entrepreneurs
British Columbia invited over two hundred skilled candidates and entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residence. The draw, held on August 1, 2023, invited 132 tech professionals, 39 early childhood educators, and 23 healthcare workers under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). In addition, the province approved applications of up to ten business candidates in the Base and Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot categories. So far, British Columbia has invited 6,265 candidates in 2023, including up to 64 entrepreneurs.
British Columbia has been a popular destination for immigrants due to its strong economy, diverse population, and high quality of life. The government of British Columbia has implemented various programs and initiatives to attract and retain skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students. The province has recently seen increased immigration from countries such as India, China, and the Philippines. Most immigrants settle in the Vancouver metropolitan area, but there has also been growth in other regions of the province. If you also want to immigrate to British Columbia, contact Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers to receive the best immigration services.
The RNIP Is Becoming More And More Popular Among Immigrants
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) has been gaining popularity in recent years to attract new immigrants to smaller communities in Canada. The program, first introduced in 2019, is designed to help rural and northern communities fill labour shortages and grow their local economies by attracting skilled workers and their families to these areas. The RNIP includes eleven communities in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia. As more communities become involved in the program, it is expected to continue to grow in popularity and help to address labour shortages in rural and northern areas of the country.
In 2023, Sudbury and Thunder Bay invited 230 candidates each, continuing to welcome many immigrants each year. This aligns with the Canadian Government’s efforts to increase immigration levels and attract skilled workers to various regions of the country, including those outside major cities. The influx of new residents can boost the local economy and contribute to developing vibrant, diverse communities. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can assist those interested in immigrating through the RNIP. We can help candidates navigate the application process, providing guidance on the eligibility criteria, helping to gather necessary documents, and preparing the application package.
Alberta Held Two Occupation-Specific Draws For Healthcare And Agriculture Workers
On August 1, 2023, Alberta held two occupation-specific draws for healthcare and agriculture workers under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), targeting candidates with work experience in specific occupations in demand in the province. Through the Designated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta invited 11 healthcare professionals. In addition, the province also invited 32 candidates with a valid job offer in the agriculture sector. These targeted draws are an example of how provinces in Canada are using their Provincial Nominee Programs to address specific labour market needs. As of August 2, Alberta invited over 2,000 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination.
Various Canadian provinces have recently been focusing on particular professions to invite immigrants to work and live within their respective provinces. This is because certain provinces have specific labour market requirements that immigrants can meet with specific skills and experience. Furthermore, the Federal Government has also started conducting occupation-specific draws under the Express Entry system to invite qualified candidates to apply for permanent residency. The occupation-specific draws are projected to continue as Canada aims to address labour shortages in key sectors and industries.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers specialize in helping individuals immigrate to Canada. They offer a wide range of services, from providing advice on the best immigration program to apply for to preparing and submitting applications to representing clients in immigration hearings. Whether you want to immigrate to Canada for work, study, or family reasons, Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can provide the guidance and support you need to achieve your immigration goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward making Canada your new home.
