Blog - Ese Umoh Immigration – Canada Immigration Consultant

March 25, 2025

Canada Removes Bonus CRS Points for Job Offers in Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

In an important update for potential immigrants, Canada has announced that, effective March 25, 2025, candidates applying through the Express Entry system will no longer receive extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This change was confirmed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in December 2024.

Why the Change?

Previously, candidates with a valid LMIA-backed job offer can earn up to 200 additional CRS points, depending on the type of job. These bonus points have often helped candidates secure Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. However, the Canadian government has decided to remove these points to increase fairness in the immigration system and reduce the potential for fraud.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, explained that removing the bonus points will discourage candidates from buying LMIAs to boost their CRS scores, ultimately creating a more transparent process.

How Will This Affect Candidates?

The decision to eliminate these bonus points will have an impact on both new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool. Those with LMIA-supported job offers will see their CRS scores drop, which could lower their chances of receiving an ITA. On the other hand, candidates without an LMIA-backed job offer may have a better chance as the overall CRS score distribution adjusts.

For example, candidates who have been relying on a job offer to boost their points will need to focus on strengthening other areas of their profile to stay competitive.

What Other Areas Can Applicants Look At?

Without the LMIA-based points, candidates will need to explore other ways to improve their CRS scores. Candidates are assigned a score out of 1200 based on various factors, including:

Age: Younger candidates generally score higher, as younger applicants are seen as having a longer potential work life.
Education: Higher levels of education, like a master’s degree or doctorate, contribute to a stronger CRS score.
Language proficiency: Improving your language test results, such as IELTS or CELPIP, can add significant points.
Work experience: Relevant work experience, especially Canadian experience, adds valuable points to your CRS score.

Additional factors through which candidates can score extra points include:

French language skills: Candidates with proficiency in French can earn extra points, especially if they are bilingual.
Post-secondary education in Canada: Having completed studies at a Canadian institution can add extra points to your profile.
Having a sibling living in Canada as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: This factor can give applicants additional CRS points if they have a close family connection in the country.
Provincial/territorial nomination: A provincial or territorial nomination can award 600 points, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Looking Ahead

While this change may pose a challenge for some applicants, it opens up new opportunities for others and ensures that the system remains equitable for all.

Candidates applying through Express Entry should begin reviewing their profiles and consider strengthening other aspects to adapt to the new system.

Do you require assistance with crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

March 24, 2025

Prince Edward Island invites 124 candidates for PR in latest PEI PNP Draw

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

On March 20, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted its most recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, inviting 124 candidates to apply for permanent residency. The draw targeted individuals under the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams, focusing on candidates who have established ties to the province through work experience.

Focus on Key Sectors for Economic Growth

PEI’s provincial immigration strategy continues to emphasize the importance of addressing labor shortages in critical sectors. The most recent draw was specifically aimed at individuals working in industries such as healthcare, skilled trades, and manufacturing—sectors identified as essential to the province’s economic development.

Healthcare: The need for healthcare professionals remains high in PEI, and candidates with experience in this field are encouraged to apply.
Skilled Trades: The province also seeks skilled tradespeople who can contribute to various infrastructure and construction projects.
Manufacturing: Workers in the manufacturing sector are also in demand to support the province’s growing economy.

Eligibility Criteria for the PEI PNP

To be eligible for the PEI PNP under the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams, candidates must meet several criteria. These generally include:

Work Experience: Applicants need to have at least one year of work experience in PEI within the past five years.
Job Offer: A full-time, permanent job offer from a PEI employer is a key requirement.
Education: A minimum of 14 years of formal education, which typically includes post-secondary qualifications, is required.
Age: Candidates aged between 21 and 55 are given preference.
Language Skills: Proficiency in either English or French is necessary for effective communication in the workplace.
Settlement Funds: Applicants must have enough financial resources to support themselves and their family upon settling in PEI.
Intention to Reside: Candidates must show a genuine intention to live and work in the province.

It is important to note that eligibility criteria can differ depending on the specific stream under which an applicant applies.

The Application Process

The first step in the application process is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Government of PEI’s online portal. While submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation, it is the first step in being considered for the program.

From the pool of EOIs, candidates who meet the province’s needs are selected to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination. Once nominated, candidates can proceed with applying for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

March 24, 2025

British Columbia invites 8 Candidates for PR in latest BC PNP Draw

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

On March 18, 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) conducted a draw under its Entrepreneur Immigration category, issuing a total of 8 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

The draw targeted foreign entrepreneurs under two streams:

Base Stream: 8 ITAs were issued to candidates with a minimum score of 115.
Regional Stream: Fewer than 5 ITAs were issued to candidates with a minimum score of 123.

Draw Category	Number of invitations issued	Cut-off score
Base stream	8	115
Regional stream	<5	123

The Regional Stream specifically focuses on entrepreneurs referred by participating communities in British Columbia, aiming to promote economic development in various regions of the province.

It’s important to note that for 2025, the BC PNP has significantly reduced its provincial nomination quota by 50% compared to the previous year. In total, there are now only 4,000 nominations available, which may lead to fewer and smaller draws in the future.

Do you require assistance with setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

March 24, 2025

Canada Issues 7,500 Invitations to French-Speaking Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw

By EUIC Admin Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

On March 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw targeting candidates with French language proficiency. The draw issued 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379. This score is notably lower than the previous French language proficiency draw held on March 6, which had a minimum CRS score of 410 and issued 4,500 ITAs.

See below details of latest Express Entry Draw:

Date: March 21, 2025
Category: French Language Proficiency
Number of Invitations: 7,500
Lowest CRS Score Invited: 379
Tie-Breaking Rule: March 6, 2025

See below details of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Cut-off CRS score
March 21	French language proficiency	7,500	379
March 17	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
March 6	French language proficiency	4,500	410
March 3	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
February 19	French language proficiency	6,500	428
February 17	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
February 5	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
February 4	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
January 23	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
January 7	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

In 2025, IRCC has conducted multiple Express Entry draws, including those targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates and French language proficiency candidates. For instance, a PNP draw on March 17 issued 536 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 736.

Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Candidates are assessed and ranked based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in English or French. The highest-ranked candidates receive ITAs during IRCC’s regular draws.

Following the issuance of an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. IRCC aims to process these applications within six months. Under the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, IRCC intends to welcome approximately 83,000 immigrants via the Express Entry program in 2023, with targets of 109,000 in 2024 and 114,000 in 2025.

Do you require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

March 19, 2025

Canada Eases PGWP Rules for College Graduates

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

In a major update to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, the government has removed the field-of-study restrictions for graduates of college bachelor’s programs, effective March 2025.

What’s Changed?

Before the change, international students who completed a college bachelor’s program had to ensure their course of study was connected to specific job sectors in demand to be eligible for a PGWP. Now, this requirement is no longer in place, making it easier for graduates to apply for the work permit, similar to university graduates.

Language Requirements

Along with this change, new language proficiency standards have been introduced. Graduates applying for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, will need to show proof of their language skills:

For university-level programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees): A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 in French.
For college or other non-university programs: A CLB level 5 or NCLC level 5 is required.

These new language requirements ensure graduates are ready to enter the workforce and communicate effectively in their careers.

Impact on International Students

The removal of the field-of-study restriction offers more freedom for international students in choosing programs without worrying about PGWP eligibility based on their course. However, to qualify for a PGWP, students must meet the language proficiency standards.

Students who started their programs before November 1, 2024, are not affected by these new requirements.

This update makes it easier for international students to work in Canada after graduation and provides more opportunities to gain valuable work experience.

Do you need help with securing admission into a Canadian College/University?

Do you require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application? Or help with crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

March 18, 2025

New Brunswick 2025 PNP Draw: Key Updates and Changes

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

On March 5 and 6, 2025, New Brunswick held its first provincial nominee program (PNP) draws of the year. These draws saw the issuance of 498 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across several skilled worker categories.

Overview of the Draws

Dates: March 5 and 6, 2025
Streams Invited:
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker – NB Experience
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker – NB Graduates
Targeted Occupations:
- Healthcare
- Education and Social & Community Services
- Construction Trades
Total ITAs Issued: 498
Score Requirements: Specific cut-off scores were not disclosed.

This initiative is part of New Brunswick’s broader effort to attract skilled workers to meet the province’s labor needs in high-demand areas.

Recent Changes to the NBPNP

In line with the province’s updated immigration priorities, New Brunswick has introduced several changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to better address workforce demands. The province’s 2025 immigration allocation has been reduced to 2,750 spots, prompting these adjustments.

Some key changes include:

New Pathways:
- Employment in New Brunswick Pathway: For candidates with a job offer from a New Brunswick-based employer.
- New Brunswick Interests Pathway: Aimed at attracting candidates whose skills are in line with the province’s economic priorities.
Eligibility Criteria Updates:
- The minimum age requirement has been lowered from 22 to 19.
- To qualify for the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, applicants must now have lived in the province for at least 12 consecutive months.
- A work experience requirement of 12 consecutive months is now necessary for specific pathways.

These changes are intended to help New Brunswick fill its labor gaps while encouraging candidates who can contribute to the province’s economic growth.

About the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program

The NBPNP allows New Brunswick to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residency based on the province’s labor market needs. It offers various streams, including:

Express Entry Stream: For candidates with relevant work experience, linked to the federal Express Entry system.
Skilled Worker Stream: For those with a job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
Entrepreneurial Stream: For individuals seeking to establish a business in New Brunswick.
International Graduate Stream: For recent graduates from New Brunswick institutions.

Each stream has specific eligibility criteria to meet the province’s demographic and economic objectives.

March 18, 2025

Canada Issues 536 Invitations to PNP Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw

By EUIC Admin Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

On March 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the third Express Entry Draw in the month of March, issuing 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 736.

See below details of latest Express Entry draw:

Date: March 17, 2025
Category: Provincial Nominee Program
Number of Invitations: 536
Lowest CRS Score Invited: 736
Tie-Breaking Rule: March 12, 2025

The current PNP-specific draw saw a higher CRS threshold and a reduced number of invitations compared to the previous PNP draw held on March 6, 2025, which issued 725 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 667.

See below details of Express Entry draws in 2025

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Cut-off CRS score
March 17	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
March 6	French language proficiency	4,500	410
March 3	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
February 19	French language proficiency	6,500	428
February 17	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
February 5	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
February 4	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
January 23	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
January 7	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

Candidates who received an ITA in this PNP-specific draw must submit their complete permanent residence applications within 60 days. Candidates who were not invited can enhance their profiles by securing a provincial nomination, improving language test scores, gaining additional work experience, or enhancing educational qualifications to increase their CRS scores for future draws.

March 14, 2025

Canada Sets Target for Home Care Workers’ Residency Pathway

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, recently announced the target for admitting 2,750 new home care workers through its new immigration program, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP). Out of the 2,750 spots, 150 will be set aside for workers who are currently without legal status in Canada. This program aims to assist foreign home care workers in obtaining permanent residency in Canada.

Two Key Streams of the Program

There are two main categories for applying:

Workers Already in Canada:
This stream is for foreign home care workers who are already in Canada. Applications for this group will open on March 31, 2025. Workers must have a full-time job offer from a private household or an eligible organization in Canada (excluding Quebec).
Workers Applying from Outside Canada:
This stream is for workers who are outside Canada but want to apply for permanent residency. The exact date for this stream to open has not been announced.

Requirements to Apply

To be eligible for this program, applicants need to meet these basic criteria:

Work Experience or Training:
Applicants must have at least six months of recent experience working as a home care worker, or they must have completed six months of training related to home care.
Language Skills:
Applicants must prove their ability to speak either English or French by meeting a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
Job Offer:
A full-time job offer from a private household or an eligible organization is required. Organizations eligible to hire include home health care service providers and direct care agencies. Job offers from recruitment agencies or placement firms are not accepted.
Education:
Applicants must have at least a secondary school diploma or equivalent.
Residency Intent:
Applicants must intend to live in a Canadian province other than Quebec.

Special Pathway for Workers Without Legal Status

The HCWP also gives an opportunity for home care workers who are currently in Canada without legal status. A limited number of spots are available for these workers to regain legal status and apply for permanent residency.

The Future of the Program

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has expressed hope that the success of this program could lead to it becoming a permanent option for home care workers in Canada. This program is seen as an important step to regularize the status of workers who provide vital care services.

March 10, 2025

Alberta Sends Out Invitations for PR in Recent AAIP Draw

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

As of March 10, 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has conducted several draws to invite candidates for permanent residency in Alberta. These draws target skilled workers and professionals who can contribute to the province’s economic growth.

These included invitations through the Alberta Express Entry, Opportunity Stream, Dedicated Health Care Pathway, and Law Enforcement Pathway. The number of invitations and minimum scores differed by stream.

Draw Date	Worker Stream	Number of Invitations Issued	Minimum score of invited Candidates
February 7	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)	20	64
February 12	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway	63	67
February 14	Alberta Opportunity Stream – Construction	88	61
February 18	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry	32	47
February 19	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry	9	51
February 27	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry	22	45
February 28	Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry	9	49
March 5	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway	4	48

2025 Nomination Allocation:

The AAIP has received an allocation of 4,875 nominations for 2025. The distribution across various streams is as follows:

Alberta Opportunity Stream: 717 nominations issued, with 1,927 applications currently being processed.
Rural Renewal Stream: 154 nominations issued, with 1,216 applications in process.
Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 14 nominations issued, with 389 applications under review.
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (non-Express Entry): Fewer than 10 nominations issued, with 43 applications being assessed.
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (Express Entry): 45 nominations issued, with 45 applications in process.
Alberta Express Entry Stream: 127 nominations issued, with 542 applications currently under assessment.
Entrepreneur Streams: Fewer than 10 nominations issued, with 22 applications being evaluated.

The AAIP prioritizes applications that align with Alberta’s economic and labor market needs. Do you require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com

March 10, 2025

Manitoba Issues Invitations for PR in Latest MPNP Draw

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

On March 6, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held its most recent Expression of Interest (EOI) draw, inviting candidates from multiple immigration streams. Here are the details of the draw:

1. Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream

Number of Invitations (LAAs) Issued: 98
Minimum Ranking Score: 861 points

2. Skilled Worker Overseas Stream

Number of Invitations (LAAs) Issued: 13
Minimum Ranking Score: 724 points

Out of the 111 LAAs issued, 27 were granted to candidates who had a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) uses the Expression of Interest (EOI) system to select candidates. Applicants submit profiles that are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Draws are held regularly to invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for provincial nomination.

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