Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers present a weekly news review of Canadian immigration updates, providing you with the latest immigration news. We are committed to providing accurate and reliable information to ensure you are well-prepared for your immigration journey.
Canada invited candidates in the new PNP-targeted Express Entry draw
In the latest Express Entry draw held on May 10, 2023, the Canadian Government invited 589 candidates to apply for permanent residency. This draw was particularly significant as it was exclusively for candidates who had received a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed to attract skilled immigrants who can benefit the Canadian economy and society. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 691 points, significantly lower than the previous draw for PNP candidates. In 2023, Canada invited 45,148 candidates through twelve Express Entry draws.
The Express Entry system manages the selection of skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada. The system was introduced in 2015 to make the immigration process more efficient and effective. In addition to the federal programs, many Canadian provinces and territories have immigration programs aligned with Express Entry. Provinces nominate candidates through the PNPs giving them additional 600 CRS points in the Express Entry system, which significantly increases their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers have helped many individuals and families successfully immigrate to Canada and can help you too. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Ontario held draws for four streams of the OINP
Last week, Ontario invited candidates through four immigration streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). On May 8, 2023, the province issued invitations under the Human Capital Priorities Stream, targeting 2,349 healthcare workers. On May 9, the OINP held draws in the Employer Job Offer: International Student (EJO IS) and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Streams (EJO FW), inviting 584 healthcare and tech professionals and 400 skilled trades workers, respectively. In addition, on May 12, Ontario issued 14 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the third draw of the year under the Entrepreneur Stream. So far, Ontario has invited 17,087 skilled candidates and businesspeople through the OINP.
The OINP allows the province of Ontario to nominate individuals for permanent residency in Canada. The program attracts skilled workers, businesspeople, and their families to Ontario. The OINP offers several immigration streams that cater to the different needs of applicants, including the Express Entry-aligned streams, the Employer Job Offer streams, and the Business streams. If you are considering applying for the OINP, Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can help you navigate the application process. Our immigration lawyers can assist you with preparing and submitting your application, ensuring you meet all the eligibility requirements and providing guidance every step of the way.
The Government of Canada extended the Agri-Food Pilot Program
On May 8, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that the Agri-Food Pilot, a program designed to help address the labour shortages in the Canadian agriculture and food sector, will be extended until May 14, 2025. This move aims to provide more opportunities for foreign workers interested in working in the industry, as the annual occupational caps have also been removed to allow more candidates to apply. The extension of the Agri-Food Pilot and its accompanying changes aim to provide a more sustainable and accessible pathway for foreign workers interested in working in Canada’s agriculture and food sector while also providing benefits for both employers and employees.
The Agri-Food Pilot is a relatively new immigration program launched by the Canadian Government to support the growth and development of the agri-food sector. The program is specifically designed to attract experienced and skilled workers from around the world who have a demonstrated ability to contribute to the sector’s development and can help address labour shortages that have become increasingly common in the industry. By offering a pathway to permanent residency in Canada, the Agri-Food Pilot aims to provide a stable and secure future for workers and their families while also helping to ensure the continued growth and success of this critical sector of the Canadian economy.
Canada introduced new instructions for study permit applications
On May 9, 2023, the Canadian Government announced new instructions for in-Canada study permit applications. These instructions are designed to make it easier for protected persons and their families to stay in Canada and pursue their educational goals. The new instructions represent a significant shift in policy, as they allow protected persons and their family members to apply for a study permit from within Canada, regardless of their in-Canada permanent residence application status. This change has been long awaited and is expected to positively impact many individuals’ lives.
Previously, protected persons and their families could only apply for a study permit if they were in-Canada permanent residence applicants. This requirement often posed significant barriers to those seeking to further their education, and many were forced to leave Canada to pursue their academic goals. With the new instructions, however, these individuals will no longer face the same obstacles and can apply for a study permit without leaving the country. As a result, more individuals will be able to benefit from Canada’s world-class education system, and the country will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent from around the globe.
British Columbia invited entrepreneurs and skilled immigrants
On May 9, 2023, British Columbia invited up to fifteen business candidates under the Base and Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program’s (BCPNP) Entrepreneur Stream. In addition, the province invited over 150 early childhood educators and technology workers. This reflects the province’s commitment to investing in the education and technology sectors. With the rise of technology, there has been an increasing demand for skilled technology workers. By investing in these sectors, British Columbia ensures a bright future for its residents and the province. In 2023, the province invited 4,050 skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs.
The BCPNP is an excellent opportunity for individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in British Columbia. With its multiple streams and flexible eligibility criteria, the program provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who can contribute to the economic growth and development of the province. If you are considering applying for the BCPNP, Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can help. Our lawyers will help you determine your eligibility and advise you on the best pathway to permanent residency. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your immigration goals.
The Government updated Canada’s passport design
On May 10, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the introduction of the new passport design, which aims to enhance Canadian passports’ security features, ensuring Canadian travellers’ safety. The Government of Canada is committed to providing its citizens with safety and security; the new passport design is a step in that direction. A Canadian passport is ranked fourth on the Passport Index, as it allows holders to travel without a visa or with a visa on arrival to over 170 countries.
The new passport boasts several impressive features that stand out from other passports. One such feature is the polycarbonate data page, which is highly durable and tamper-proof. Furthermore, the personal information on the passport is laser engraved, providing an added layer of security. In addition to this, the passport also features a Kinegram over the main photo, which adds a unique visual element to the document. The custom see-through window is another notable feature, providing an extra level of authenticity. Additionally, the variable laser image and temperature-sensitive ink feature further enhance the passport’s security, making it extremely difficult to counterfeit.
Ottawa to invest in improving settlement and pre-arrival services for newcomers
The Canadian Government has announced plans to invest in improving settlement and pre-arrival services for newcomers to the country. This investment aims to help newcomers integrate into Canadian society more easily and provide them with the support they need to succeed. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided over $65 million in funding extensions to service provider organizations nationwide to improve existing settlement services, language training in Francophone minority communities, and pre-arrival services for newcomers. The funding will also provide newcomers with information about life in Canada, the Canadian job market, and the education system.
The Canadian Government’s investment in improving settlement and pre-arrival services for newcomers is essential to creating a more welcoming and inclusive society. It will help to ensure that newcomers have the support they need to succeed and will benefit both individuals and the Canadian economy. On May 12, the Government of Canada announced a $12 million investment in the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. program to provide pre-arrival services to new immigrants. Before 2001, pre-arrival services were only available to refugees. These investments will not only benefit newcomers but also help to strengthen the Canadian economy by ensuring that new arrivals have the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to the workforce. This initiative is an important step towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive society.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers offer a range of services to help individuals immigrate to Canada, including assistance with visa applications, work permits, study permits, citizenship applications, and more. Whether you are a student, skilled worker, or business owner, Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can help you navigate the complex Canadian immigration system and achieve your immigration goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.
