Author: Mercedes Sanchez

On April 3, 2023, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program announced changes to allow more in-demand workers and entrepreneurs to become permanent residents and immigrate to the province. According to the announcement, the AAIP will use up to 30 percent of available Express Entry allocations for the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, allowing healthcare workers with an Alberta job offer to immigrate to…

On March 29, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another 7,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under Express Entry. In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs. In round #245, the cut-off score was 481 points, three points fewer than in the previous all-program draw. It was the lowest all-program CRS score since December…

With the commitment of bringing 500,000 new permanent residents to Canada by 2025 in mind, Budget 2023 has allocated $1.6 billion over six years and an additional $315 million ongoing. Moreover, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will benefit from an extra budget of $50 million to reduce immigration backlogs. To create a "stronger immigration system," the Government of Canada…

On March 27, 2023, The Government of Canada launched the Immigration System for Canada’s Future. This innovative initiative seeks to understand the perspectives of various partners and stakeholders to shape a vision of how immigration can empower communities across Canada. As part of this initiative, the Government will review current policies and programs while gathering insights from all involved parties.…

On March 23, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 7,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under Express Entry. In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs. In round #244, the cut-off score was 484 points, six points fewer than in the previous all-program draw. It was the lowest all-program CRS score since December 2020.…

Canada expects to accept more newcomers through provincial nominee programs (PNPs) in the coming years. This year, Canada provided provinces with multi-year allocation plans for the first time. The plan includes an unprecedented 44 percent growth in PNP allocations for 2023 and offers potential numbers for 2024 and 2025. Despite the Federal Government's decision not to release the Multi-Year Allocation…

On March 17, 2023, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced that international graduates with expired or expiring post-graduation work permits (PGWP) could apply for an additional work permit for up to 18 months. Starting April 6, 2023, PGWP holders who want to stay in Canada longer and those whose PGWPs have already expired in 2023…

On March 15, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 7,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates under Express Entry. In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs. In round #243, the cut-off score was 490 points, the same as in the previous all-program draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was February 16, 2023, at…

On March 7, 2023, the Government of British Columbia issued new invitations under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and invited qualified Skills Immigration candidates. In the general draw, the province invited 229 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited in this draw was 85-105 points. The province issued 26 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood…

Every year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carefully determines the total number of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates that each province can nominate annually. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has significantly increased the PNP allocations from last year. In 2023, the province will issue 9,750 nominations – an astounding increase of over 50% compared to 6,500 nominations issued…