Welcome to Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers‘ weekly news review – a comprehensive summary of the most relevant news for the last week. This blog will provide you with the latest updates on Express Entry and other immigration policies. Follow us for more insights into Canadian immigration.
The last Express Entry draw had the lowest CRS score for this year
In the latest all-program draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,750 invitations to prospective Canadian permanent residents, including candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), as well as Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). In this draw, IRCC invited candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491, which was the lowest score for 2022. In total, IRCC has issued 46,538 invitations to apply (ITA) to Express Entry applicants in 2022.
Express Entry is a points-based system used by the Canadian Government to assess and score foreign skilled worker applications for permanent residence. Individuals who wish to obtain permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry must confirm their eligibility for one of the three programs Express Entry serves. Afterward, candidates must submit an IRCC-regulated Express Entry profile and check their CRS score. A candidate’s CRS score is the deciding factor in whether or not they receive an ITA. Express Entry applicants have 60 days to complete and submit their electronic application for permanent residence (eAPR) following the invitation. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can work with eligible candidates to help them understand the Express Entry system and increase their chances of obtaining an ITA or assist with preparing their full application for PR in Canada.
The BCPNP announced the expansion of the Tech Immigration Stream
The Tech immigration stream of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has expanded its scope to include 35 occupations under the newly created National Occupational Classification (NOC). Before the launch of NOC 2021 on November 16, only 29 targeted occupations were eligible under this program. The BC PNP Tech program has seen a sharp increase in the number of nominations issued in recent years. In 2021, 1,697 people were nominated through this program, representing 27.3 percent of nominations for that year. This number increased to 2,508 by September 2022.
The BC PNP Tech is a program that enables British Columbia immigration officials to prioritize the applications of candidates in high-demand occupations in the technology sector. Each week, invitations are issued to eligible candidates in one of 35 currently identified occupations. Under the BC PNP Tech, tech sector applications get prioritized, and technology employers are given a concierge service that promises the next-business-day assignment of applications in one of the listed occupations. To be eligible for this program, candidates still need to meet the requirements of each British Columbia immigration category, including a minimum one-year job offer from a BC employer. If you are a prospective immigrant to the province or an employer who wants to hire foreign talent, our immigration lawyers can help you with the application process.
How long will Canada accept Ukrainian nationals under the CUAET?
Recently, IRCC published the Canada-Ukraine authorization of emergency travel (CUAET) exemption requirements of the temporary public policy for Ukrainian nationals, which was signed by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser in March 2022. The public policy came into force on March 17, 2022, and is set to expire on March 31, 2023, but it may be revoked before that date without any notice. As of November 15, 2022, the Canadian government has received 702,437 applications and approved 425,196 from Ukrainian nationals through the CUAET. So far, a total of 120,842 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada under this program. Some experts believe that the IRCC will continue this public policy as the war in Ukraine may go on beyond March 31, 2023.
The CUAET is a Canadian temporary residence visa created for those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It provides Ukrainians and their family members with the chance to come to Canada quickly while being able to work and study while they are here. Almost all Ukrainian nationals and their family members can apply to come to Canada under the CUAET. If you’re already in Canada with a visitor status, work permit, or study permit that is about to expire, this also provides an opportunity for you to extend your stay. If you are a Ukrainian citizen and do not know where to start your application, our immigration lawyers can help you. We understand the complexities of the Canadian immigration system and have the expertise and experience to help you.
Many US tech workers may head to Canada soon
The ever-growing list of American tech companies shedding employees leaves many workers worryingly unemployed. US technology company Robinhood has laid off over 1,000 people, while Glossier cut 80 jobs recently – the majority from its tech department. By late June, Netflix had also eliminated 450 positions. This year alone has forced plenty of American tech workers to start searching for positions outside of the United States, with many looking north towards Canada. While US tech companies are firing workers, Canadian businesses need more tech talent.
The urban areas flourishing with the fastest-growing tech sectors – Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver – will be prime locations for US tech employees to obtain jobs along with permanent residency through various Canadian economic immigration programs. With the number of US tech workers headed toward Canada growing, Canadian employers are expected to benefit from an influx of experienced talent. Not only would this reduce their recruitment costs, but these employees may also bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that could ultimately help to further grow the industry as a whole.
The AAIP updated the inventory and published new instructions
The update published on November 22, 2022, for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) inventory showed that there were approximately 970 applications and 290 Expressions of Interest in the Alberta Express Entry pool. Out of the 6,500 nominations allotted by IRCC for AAIP this year, 6,084 applicants have been nominated, and 2,320 candidates invited. If you’re an Express Entry Stream candidate from Alberta and want to stay eligible for both selection and nomination by the AAIP, make sure to update your NOC information in your profile. The AAIP cancelled all applications that have not been submitted in the portal and have an unpaid application fee as of 4 pm on November 15, 2022. All Accelerated Tech Pathway candidates who received an AAIP nomination on or after October 15, received an email by November 22 that invited them to create a new application.
The AAIP is designed to bring in individuals who will help the province’s economy grow. The program provides opportunities for people who are ready to work and want to live in a more affordable region. The province nominates workers that have the necessary skills to fill job shortages or people who are planning to acquire or start a new business in Alberta. The AAIP allows eligible candidates to receive a nomination from the province and then apply for Permanent Residence with IRCC. If you plan to apply for the AAIP but have difficulties with your application, contact Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers. Our experienced team has a proven track record of helping candidates take full advantage of their qualifications and skills when submitting their profiles. We will provide tailored assistance throughout each step of the process, from assessing eligibility to preparing documents for submission.
Canada has released updated data on the immigration rate and retention rate of international students
September brought a significant number of immigrants to Canada, with almost 44,495 new permanent residents. This is nearly a third more than in August, which had 34,050 immigrant arrivals. This is in contrast to the 22.2% dip seen from July to August. September had the highest number of new permanent residents arriving than any other month this year, with numbers not seen since November last year.
The Conference Board of Canada released a study that discovered that the majority of international students who come to study in one province usually stay in the same province for extra studying or working periods. Quebec boasts the highest retention rate of international students at approximately 85%. Furthermore, Manitoba and Alberta saw their rates elevate to above 80%. British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan witnessed retention rates between 70-80%, while Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and three territories sustained 60-70% student retention. This data shows an increase in immigration rates and student retention, which reveals a positive trend toward integration and economic growth. It is a positive sign that Canada is an attractive destination for immigrants and international students.
Hiring foreign talent to minimize the labour shortage issue in Canada
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem gave a speech recently in which he spoke about how immigration may be the key to stabilizing the Canadian labour market and correcting inflation. He said that currently, there is more demand for labour than there is supply. Governor Macklem stated that labour shortages increased wages rapidly, pushing inflation upwards. To meet the rising demand for labourers and fight inflation, Macklem urges Canadian employers to hire more immigrants – with recent arrivals given preference.
The Canadian Government is searching for solutions to an impending labour shortage as members of the baby boomer generation rapidly approach retirement age. IRCC has also started to take steps to minimize the effects of the demographic change in the country, but more things need to be done. Job vacancies in Canada increased by 3.8% to 994,800 as of September, with the majority of new openings in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Although seasonal changes usually result in a rise in job vacancies during September, this year saw only a slight increase following three months of decline. A potential solution to the issue is for employers to hire foreign talent, which would help fill the gaps in the labour market. Foreign workers have the potential to bring valuable skills and perspectives which could further benefit Canada.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers is a firm of experienced immigration attorneys who provide legal advice and committed representation to individuals, families, and businesses seeking guidance on the complex regulations of Canadian immigration law. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and professional standards, offering comprehensive advice on all aspects of immigration to Canada as well as assistance in preparing legal documents. Contact us today for a consultation and learn more about our immigration services.
