Canada invited 3,500 candidates in the new Express Entry draw
On April 12, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its latest Express Entry draw. In the latest Express Entry draw, IRCC issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence applicants in another all-program draw. This marks the fourth consecutive all-program drawing since March 15 and comes after a stretch of program-specific draws from February 1 to March 15. The recent four program-specific draws included three Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and one for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidates. This year, IRCC issued 41,059 ITAs in ten Express Entry draws.
Express Entry is a system the Government of Canada uses to manage and process permanent residence applications from skilled workers. Applicants create an online profile and get a score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Express Entry is a popular choice for individuals interested in immigrating to Canada, as it is a fast and efficient way to apply for permanent residence. However, the process can be competitive, and it is essential to ensure that your profile is as strong as possible to maximize your chances of being invited to apply. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers offer immigration services to help prospective applicants immigrate to Canada.
Ontario is planning to increase skilled immigration into the province
With the announcement of $15 million over three years in the Budget 2022, Ontario has committed an additional $25 million over three years to double its skilled immigration intake. A key objective of this initiative is to eliminate labour shortages in the province and to promote economic growth. As a result, a record number of 18,000 economic immigrants will be invited to the province by 2025, doubling the previous number of economic immigrants. This year’s budget also includes an investment to fasten application processing times and facilitate new immigrants’ entry into the workforce. Further, the allocated funds will enhance the system’s security and information technology infrastructure to accommodate current and future demands.
The Ontario Government hopes this initiative will attract more skilled workers to the province, ultimately leading to a more prosperous economy. The province also aims to create more opportunities for immigrants by providing more support and resources, such as language training and job-matching services. This initiative also focuses on attracting immigrants to settle in rural and remote areas of the province. By encouraging settlement in these areas, the government aims to fill labour gaps and promote economic growth in traditionally overlooked regions.
IRCC and ESDC employees prepare for a labour strike that could lead to processing delays
IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) may face processing delays as the union group employees working for the government prepare for a labour strike in mid-April 2023. An estimated 159,000 workers from different governmental departments may stop working, leading to service disruptions. As a result, applicants can experience delays in application processing and citizenship and passport services. In addition, ESDC employees are also expected to go on strike, leading to processing delays of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications.
If you urgently need immigration or citizenship services, it is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible to avoid potential processing delays. Keep monitoring the situation for updates, and contact IRCC or ESDC for any inquiries regarding your application status. Additionally, applicants may seek legal advice if the delay causes significant negative impacts, such as job loss or family separation. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can help applicants affected by processing delays and protect their rights.
British Columbia invited 132 candidates in the second BCPNP draw of April
On April 11, 2023, the Government of British Columbia held another draw for Skills Immigration candidates under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). In the second draw of the month, the province issued a total of 132 ITAs to skilled workers, including 99 ITAs to tech workers, 25 ITAs to early childhood educators (NOC 42202), and eight ITAs to healthcare providers. The province has been actively seeking skilled workers and professionals to fill labour shortages in critical industries. Candidates who receive an ITA can apply for permanent residency in Canada through the BCPNP. British Columbia issued 3,328 invitations under the BCPNP in 2023.
The BCPNP is designed to attract and retain skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates who wish to live and work in British Columbia, Canada. The BCPNP offers several categories to apply for permanent residency, including the Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, and Entrepreneur Immigration categories. If you have any questions about the program or the application process, feel free to contact Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers to schedule a consultation and get started on your path to permanent residency in British Columbia.
Immigration to Canada has seen a 40% increase in 2023
According to data from IRCC, immigration to Canada has increased by almost 40% in the first two months of 2023 compared to the same period last year. In January and February 2023, 100,430 new permanent residents were admitted to Canada, a significant increase from the 72,815 permanent residents accepted in the same period in 2022. This trend suggests that if it continues throughout the rest of 2023, it will be a record year for immigration to Canada.
This increase in immigration can be attributed to Canada’s continued efforts to attract highly skilled workers and international students. The Canadian government has implemented various programs and initiatives to make it easier for skilled workers and students to come to Canada. Canada’s reputation as a safe and welcoming country has also contributed to its popularity among immigrants. This increase in immigration is expected to positively impact Canada’s economy and society, bringing new skills, perspectives, and diversity to the country.
Many tech workers choose to immigrate to Canada instead of the United States
Tech workers who face difficulty obtaining a work permit in the United States are increasingly looking to Canada. Highly skilled tech workers prefer Canada over the US because they can apply for permanent residency and are free to change jobs and work for any Canadian employer. The H1-B visa application process in the US is often lengthy and requires four separate applications. While the US issues 85,000 visas for most occupations, it also rejects nearly the same number of applications yearly. In contrast, Canada continues welcoming skilled workers through the Express Entry and PNP.
The political climate in the US has also made it less welcoming to immigrants, particularly those from certain countries. Canada, on the other hand, has a reputation for being more welcoming and inclusive toward immigrants. This has made it an attractive destination for tech workers who want to work and live in a country that values diversity and multiculturalism. Furthermore, Canada’s tech industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, with major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google expanding their operations in the country. This has created a high demand for skilled workers, making it easier for tech workers to find job opportunities in Canada.
Some PGWP applicants have reported receiving work permits with errors
IRCC recently issued new work permits to some Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) extension applicants with incorrect expiry dates. In mid-April 2023, a growing number of PGWP Extension applicants reported that their new PGWP extensions had an expiration date that was 18 months from the IRCC approval date rather than the original expiration date of the PGWP. IRCC experienced a similar glitch when it attempted to expedite the processing of post-pandemic visitor records and extensions, resulting in work permit applicants receiving visitor visas and visa applicants being issued work permits.
Affected individuals have been advised to contact IRCC to request a correction to their work permit expiry date. It is crucial to ensure that work permits have the correct expiry date to avoid any issues with future immigration applications or employment opportunities in Canada. If you need assistance with your PGWP extension application or have received a work permit with an incorrect expiry date, Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can help. Our experienced immigration lawyers can guide you through correcting any errors on your work permit and ensuring your immigration applications are appropriately handled. Contact us today to book a consultation and get the assistance you need.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers provide professional legal assistance to individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada. Our immigration lawyers can help you navigate the complex Canadian immigration system and guide you on the best path for your situation. We offer various services, including assistance with permanent residency applications, work permits, family sponsorship, and refugee claims. With our help, you can increase your chances of a successful immigration experience and start a new life in Canada. Contact us today to learn more.
