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Yearly Archives: 2024

April 29, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

Today, April 29, 2024, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced an increase in off-campus working hours for international students during class sessions, from 20 to 24 hours, effective September 2024.

The existing full-time work policy will not be exceeding April 30, 2024 as earlier announced. International students will only be permitted to work for 20 hours per week while class is in session from the 1st of May, 2024 till fall of 2024 when the government can make a permanent amendment to make it 24 hour per week work limit.

You would recall that in December of 2023, there were speculations that the working hour limit for international students in Canada might be increased to 30 hours. IRCC Minister announced that extending the time to 30 hours would affect the academics of students. He believes that the 24 hours limit will assist students to meet their needs as the cost of living in Canada has increased while also focusing on their studies.

International students currently in Canada on an academic break can work unlimited hours. However, those enrolled in summer classes must now follow the 20-hour per week limit for work.

Need help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, spousal open work permit, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

April 29, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

Today, April 29th, 2024, the Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced changes made to Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Programs under the Federal Business category of the immigration levels plan.

Update on Start-up Visa

Starting on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, IRCC will roll out new policies for processing Start-up visa applications.

The Start-Up Visa program offers immigrant entrepreneurs the opportunity to obtain permanent residence while providing support to establish themselves in Canada.

To bolster the Start-up Visa Program, IRCC urges designated venture capital firms, angel investor groups, and business incubators to prioritize the most promising proposals by:

  • capping the permanent residence application numbers that IRCC will accept for processing every year to those associated with no more than 10 start-ups per designated organization.
  • granting priority processing to entrepreneurs whose start-up receives financial backing from Canadian capital or a Tech Network-affiliated business incubator. This includes both pre-existing and newly submitted applications in the inventory.

Foreign entrepreneurs seeking admission into the Start-up Visa Program are required to secure committed backing from either of the following:

  • a specified venture capital fund (minimum investment of $200,000)
  • an angel investor group (minimum investment of $75,000)
  • a business incubator (entrance into their incubation program)

Update on Self-Employed Persons Programs:

On same day, April 30, 2024, IRCC intends to suspend the intake of applications for the Self-Employed Persons program until the end of 2026. This decision comes as processing times have extended beyond four years due to the high volume of applications in the program inventory.

Even during the ongoing suspension, IRCC will persist in processing overdue applications while also assessing potential program reforms and safeguarding its integrity.

Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program enables eligible foreign nationals with experience in cultural activities or athletics to establish themselves as permanent residents in Canada.

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

 

April 29, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

Calgary has a strong economy and job market, supported by the agriculture, energy and technology industries. It’s a great and welcoming place to live for newcomers.

Based on moneysense.ca’s findings, the following list outlines the top 10 locations for real estate investment in Calgary, Alberta. This ranking considers factors such as long-term price appreciation over the past five years, property value, income and education levels, as well as accessibility by foot, bike, and public transit.

1. Patterson, SW

2. Coach hill, SW

3. Cougar Ridge, SW

4. Tuscany, NW

5. Scenic Acres, NW

6. Christie Park, SW

7. Strathcona Park, SW

8. Signal hill, SW

9. West Springs, SW

10. Kincora, SW

Do you agree with the list above? Are there any neighborhood that you think should be on this list? Please share with us.

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

 

April 28, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

In response to the challenges Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders and other temporary residents are currently facing in Canada, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) will temporarily prioritize applicants with expired or expiring work permits.

Applicants are expected to inform the province if their work permit has expired or is expiring within the next 45 days by using the link below:

Skilled Worker Manitoba Webform

Please note that it is your responsibility to provide the MPNP with accurate, up to date information and to notify the program of any changes to your application or status in Canada. Also, it is your responsibility to ensure that your immigration status in Canada remains valid.

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com


 

April 26, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

These Canadian stores offer great price matching and if your goal is to save on groceries or shopping and avoid high prices in general, you should get familiar with price matching.

Price matching policies ensure that you get the best price on the item you want without having to visit several stores. It is essentially a price guarantee that if you find the exact same item at a better price in another store, they will offer you that price or even lower.

See below list of stores that offer price matching:

1. Superstore: this store will price match at a lower price for a maximum of 4 items.

2. Best Buy: this store will match online, in store or print prices before purchase and within 30 days of purchase.

3. Canadian Tire: this store would match in store and within 30 days of purchase or 14 for other Canadian tire stores.

4. No frills: this store would price match with any major supermarket, they price match a maximum of 4 items.

5. Fresh co: this store would offer 1 cent less than the quoted price.

6. Lowe’s: will offer 10% off but the price quoted must be at least $1 lower to qualify

7. Home Depot: 10% off in store

In most cases the stores would like to verify that the quoted price is effective and available at a local store. For your own safety, we advise you confirm the policy of the store in question.

Are you currently in Canada or do you plan to move to Canada? If the answer is YES, then this information will definitely be helpful to you. Kindly share details of any store you know that offer this service that isn’t on this list.

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

April 25, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Manitoba sent 327 invitations to apply for permanent residency to profiles under different categories.

Profiles with Comprehensive Ranking Score of 644 or higher under the Skilled Worker Overseas Category were considered in this round of invitation.

See below details of latest MPNP Draw:

Skilled Worker in Manitoba

Completed post-secondary study in Manitoba

Profiles declaring that the applicant or their spouse have completed post-secondary education in Manitoba were considered.

  • Number of Letters of Advice to Apply issued: 203
  • Ranking score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 811

International Education Stream

Profiles that declared meeting International Education Stream eligibility requirements and declared at least 4 years of work experience in the past five years were considered.

  • Number of Letters of Advice to Apply issued: 66

Skilled Worker Overseas

Profiles that stated they were receiving direct invitations from the MPNP as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative

  • Number of Letters of Advice to Apply issued: 58
  • Ranking score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 644

A total of 68 invites in this draw had a valid Express Entry profile with a job seeker validation code.

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

April 25, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

In the latest Express Entry Draw announced on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency was issued to 1,400 candidates in a francophile draw.

The CRS score for this French draw increased by 22 points compared to the last draw, the cutoff score for this draw is 410.

See below all April Express Entry Draw

Description April 24, 2024 April 23, 2024 April 11, 2024 April 10, 2024
Draw type Targeted draw for profiles with high proficiency in French General or all program draw Targeted draw for 24 STEM occupations General or all program draw
Invitations 1,400 2,095 4,500 1,280
CRS Cutoff 410 529 491 549
Tie-breaking rule April 07, 2024 November 08, 2023 February 25, 2024 March 21, 2024

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

April 25, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

In latest BC PNP Draw announced on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, over 86 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency in targeted round of invitations.

See below full details of latest BC PNP Draw

Date Draw type Stream Minimum
Score
Number of invitations
April 23, 2024 Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) 92 11
Targeting 25 Construction occupations 95 11
Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations 100 19
Targeting 35 tech occupations 120 45
Veterinary care 80 <5

The processing timeframe for BC PNP Skills Immigration and Post-nomination requests remain three months respectively.

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

 

April 23, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

Ontario announces its first draw in the month of April today, April 23, 2024, inviting 209 candidates to apply for permanent residency through the OINP Foreign Worker Stream.

Profiles with job offers in any of the 61 trade occupations with a CRS score of 53 or higher were considered in this round of invitation.

See below all OINP Foreign Workers Stream Draws of 2024

Date Invitations Date profiles created Score range Notes
April 23, 2024 209 April 23, 2023 – April 23, 2024 53 and above Targeted draw for 61 skilled trades occupations
January 19, 2024 1,654 January 19, 2023 – January 19, 2024 50 and above General Draw
January 9, 2024 630 January 9, 2023 – January 9, 2024 33 and above Targeted draw for 63 skilled trades occupations
January 9, 2024 821 January 9, 2023 – January 9, 2024 40 and above Targeted draw for 41 healthcare and 15 tech occupations

See below list of the 61 Occupations targeted in the OINP Draw Today

  1. NOC 22212: Drafting technologists and technicians
  2. NOC 22301 – Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
  3. NOC 22302 – Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
  4. NOC 22311 – Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
  5. NOC 22312 – Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
  6. NOC 70010 – Construction managers
  7. NOC 70011 – Home building and renovation managers
  8. NOC 70012 – Facility operation and maintenance managers
  9. NOC 72010 – Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
  10. NOC 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
  11. NOC 72012 – Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
  12. NOC 72013 – Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
  13. NOC 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
  14. NOC 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
  15. NOC 72021 – Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
  16. NOC 72022 – Supervisors, printing and related occupations
  17. NOC 72024 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
  18. NOC 72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
  19. NOC 72101 – Tool and die makers
  20. NOC 72102 – Sheet metal workers
  21. NOC 72103 – Boilermakers
  22. NOC 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
  23. NOC 72105 – Ironworkers
  24. NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
  25. NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  26. NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
  27. NOC 72203 – Electrical power line and cable workers
  28. NOC 72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
  29. NOC 72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
  30. NOC 72300 – Plumbers
  31. NOC 72301 – Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
  32. NOC 72302 – Gas fitters
  33. NOC 72310 – Carpenters
  34. NOC 72311 – Cabinetmakers
  35. NOC 72320 – Bricklayers
  36. NOC 72321 – Insulators
  37. NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
  38. NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
  39. NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
  40. NOC 72403 – Railway carmen/women
  41. NOC 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
  42. NOC 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
  43. NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
  44. NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics
  45. NOC 72423 – Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
  46. NOC 72500 – Crane operators
  47. NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers
  48. NOC 73101 – Tilesetters
  49. NOC 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
  50. NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
  51. NOC 73111 – Glaziers
  52. NOC 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
  53. NOC 73113 – Floor covering installers
  54. NOC 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
  55. NOC 73201 – General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
  56. NOC 73202 – Pest controllers and fumigators
  57. NOC 73209 – Other repairers and servicers
  58. NOC 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
  59. NOC 73402 – Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
  60. NOC 82031 – Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
  61. NOC 92100 – Power engineers and power systems operators

Invited candidates are required to submit their full applications within fourteen calendar days of receipt.

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

April 23, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

In the latest Express Entry draw announced today, April 23, 2024, IRCC issued invitations to apply for permanent residency to 2,095 candidates in a general round of invitations.

Profiles with a CRS score of 529 were considered in this round of invitation.

This is the third Express Entry Draw invitation in the month of April.

See below April Express Entry Draw so far:

Description April 23, 2024 April 11, 2024 April 10, 2024
Draw type General or all program draw Targeted draw for 24 STEM occupations General or all program draw
Invitations 2,095 4,500 1,280
CRS Cutoff 529 491 549
Tie-breaking rule November 08, 2023 at 17:50:29 UTC February 25, 2024 at 11:55:12 UTC March 21, 2024 at 03:37:24 UTC

See below Latest Express Entry CRS Score distribution

CRS score range Number of candidates
601-1200 1,057
501-600 10,625
451-500 60,933
491-500 7,520
481-490 11,495
471-480 16,928
461-470 13,558
451-460 11,432
401-450 52,475
441-450 10,646
431-440 10,645
421-430 9,645
411-420 10,740
401-410 10,799
351-400 56,383
301-350 27,740
0-300 5,484
Total 214,697

Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com