Author: lpen

On December 2, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the 13th Express Entry draw for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates of the year. IRCC issued 676 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates in the PNP-targeted draw. In round #328, the cut-off score was 705 points, 111 points lower than in the previous PNP-targeted draw, held on November…

Starting December 1, 2024, Canada implemented increased application and processing fees for visitor, worker, and student visa applications. Below are the categories affected by the fee adjustments: Authorization to Return to Canada: Increased from $459.55 to $479.75 Temporary resident permit: Increased from $229.77 to $239.75 Inadmissibility on grounds of criminality: Increased from $229.77 to $239.75 Inadmissibility on grounds of serious…

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program has suspended accepting new Expressions of Interest and issuing Invitations to Apply under its Strategic Initiative stream, effective November 28, 2024. This pause, implemented after reaching the program's annual allocation, will continue through the end of 2024. While new applications are on hold, the program continues to process previously submitted applications and honours existing…

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has indicated that Canada is considering the possibility of allowing Ukrainians to settle permanently in the country. While not an immediate priority, Miller acknowledged the reality that many of the 298,000 Ukrainians who arrived under the emergency travel program have established lives in Canada. The statement comes as over 90% of Ukrainian visa holders express a…

To address rural labour shortages, Manitoba's government has introduced a three-year West-Central Immigration Initiative pilot program. The project, announced by Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino, partners with seven rural municipalities and Gambler First Nation to support west-central Manitoba employers. The initiative aims to fill an estimated 240-300 positions within three years, responding to workforce gaps created by retirements, growth,…

On November 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the twelfth Express Entry draw for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates of the year. IRCC issued only 174 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates in the PNP-targeted draw. In round #325, the cut-off score was 816, four points more than in the previous PNP-targeted draw, held on November…

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration has temporarily suspended the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (NSEEE) stream for NOC 62020, which pertains to food service supervisors.  As a result, individuals with work experience in NOC 62020 are currently ineligible under the NSEEE, and job offers related to NOC 62020 are not acceptable under…

On October 28, 2024, Prince Edward Island conducted a new invitation round in the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). In this draw, the province issued 89 invitations to apply to skilled workers in the healthcare, construction, and manufacturing sectors. PEI also invited two candidates in the Business Work Permit Entrepreneurs stream. The lowest score for business candidates…

In response to the deteriorating political situation in Venezuela following disputed elections, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced changes to the pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) process for Venezuelan nationals. The new policy allows certain individuals who received negative decisions on refugee protection claims between October 10, 2023, and October 9, 2024, to apply for a PRRA, waiving the…

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released significant updates to its guidance for Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs) on October 3, 2024. The changes affect various free trade agreements under the International Mobility Program and clarify critical aspects of ICT eligibility. Notable updates include a refined definition of multinational corporations, specialized knowledge requirements, and eligibility criteria for foreign nationals. IRCC emphasizes that…