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March 5, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

As of March 4, 2024, British Columbia has initiated the issuance of Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL). PAL is a verificaton letter provided to institutions by the provincial government, which then distribute it to international applicants.

International students wishing to study in the province are required to include PAL, received from the British Columbia government, along with their study permit application. This serves as evidence of their acceptance into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) within the province.

Following the announcement of the cap for intake of international students in 2024 by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), British Columbia has been allocated a total of 83,000 undergraduate study permit applications by IRCC. The province highlights that, according to past acceptance rates, the federal government anticipates approximately 50,000 approved study permit applications for 2024 as a result. The province stated that letters will be distributed 53% for public institutions and 47% for private institutions.

This requirement by IRCC does not affect primary and secondary students, master’s and doctoral degree students, students already in Canada with a valid study permit or Canada work permit holders and their in-Canada family members, also students already in Canada applying for an extension as well as students whose application was received before 8:30am EST on January 22, 2024 before the announcement on cap for study permit applications was made by IRCC.

British Columbia is leading the way as the first province to initiate the issuance of attestation letters as the deadline provided by IRCC is March 31, 2024.

Need 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

March 3, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited 2,583 candidates for permanent residency in an Express Entry draw on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Profiles in the Express Entry pool between March 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024, experienced in one of the 49 skilled trade occupations with a CRS score of 350-424 were targeted in this round of invitation.

See below OINP Express Entry Draw for Eligible Skilled Trade Occupations

  • NOC 72010: Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
  • NOC 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
  • NOC 72012 – Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
  • NOC 72013 – Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
  • NOC 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
  • NOC 72021 – Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
  • NOC 72022 – Supervisors, printing and related occupations
  • NOC 72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
  • NOC 72101 – Tool and die makers
  • NOC 72102 – Sheet metal workers
  • NOC 72103 – Boilermakers
  • NOC 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
  • NOC 72105 Ironworkers
  • NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
  • NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  • NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
  • NOC 72203 – Electrical power line and cable workers
  • NOC 72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
  • NOC 72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
  • NOC 72300 – Plumbers
  • NOC 72301 – Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
  • NOC 72302 – Gas fitters
  • NOC 72310 – Carpenters
  • NOC 72311 – Cabinetmakers
  • NOC 72320 – Bricklayers
  • NOC 72321 – Insulators
  • NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
  • NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
  • NOC 72403 – Railway carmen/women
  • NOC 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
  • NOC 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
  • NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
  • NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics
  • NOC 72423 – Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
  • NOC 72500 – Crane operators
  • NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers
  • NOC 73101 – Tilesetters
  • NOC 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
  • NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
  • NOC 73111 – Glaziers
  • NOC 73113 – Floor covering installers
  • NOC 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
  • NOC 73201 – General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
  • NOC 73202 – Pest controllers and fumigators
  • NOC 73209 – Other repairers and servicers
  • NOC 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
  • NOC 73402 – Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
  • NOC 82031: Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services

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

 

March 1, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

IRCC issued invitations to 2,500 candidates in a francophone draw on Thursday, February 29, 2024. This marks the second Express Entry Draw announced within the same week.

Profiles with high fluency in French and a cutoff score of 336 were targeted in this round of invitation.

See below the summary of the Express Entry Draws this week

Description February 29, 2024 February 28, 2024
Draw type

 

Targeted draw for profiles with high proficiency in French General or all program draws
Invitations 2,400 1,470
CRS Cutoff 336 534
Tie-breaking rule January 18, 2024 January 16, 2024

Francophone draws aim to attract French-speaking candidates to contribute to Canada’s linguistic diversity and cultural enrichment. Candidates receiving invitations should promptly proceed with their application process, adhering to the requirements outlined by IRCC.

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

 

March 1, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

This update is in response to a rise in asylum petitions filed by Mexican citizens that are denied, withdrawn or abandoned. The new changes will apply even if you have already booked your trip to Canada so this is very important.

According to IRCC, having pre-booked travel reservations or a previously valid electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) does not ensure approval for a new eTA or visa.

Mexican citizens can reapply for a new eTA if they fall into any of these categories:

  • frequently fly to Canada and have had a visitor visa to Canada in the last ten years
  • or currently possess a valid non-immigrant visa to the United States.

If they do not have any of the above, they require a visa.

Mexican citizens who have valid Canadian work or study permits are unaffected. Their eTA will not be cancelled and they will be able to continue traveling to Canada.

Mexican citizens residing in Canada without a Canadian study or work permit are allowed to stay for the duration of their permitted stay. However, when they leave Canada and intend to return, they must obtain a visa or a new electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if eligible.

Due to the new entrance regulations, Mexican visitors may experience delays upon arrival at Canadian airports. It’s important for Mexican visitors to be aware of these regulations and plan accordingly for potential delays when traveling to 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

 

February 29, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, IRCC issued 1,470 invitations to apply for permanent residency to skilled workers in an Express Entry draw.

The Express Entry draw results indicate promising opportunities for skilled individuals seeking permanent residency in the country. It’s a positive development for both the applicants and Canada’s immigration system overall.

Summary of the latest Express Entry Draw: February 28, 2024

  • Number of invitations issued: 1,470
  • Rank required to be invited to apply: 1,470 or above
  • Date and time of round: February 28, 2024
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 534
  • Tie-breaking rule: January 16, 2024

See below CRS Score Distribution in the Pool

CRS score range Number of candidates
601-1200 965
501-600 9,567
451-500 59,371
491-500 7,574
481-490 10,095
471-480 17,137
461-470 13,373
451-460 11,192
401-450 50,695
441-450 10,265
431-440 10,474
421-430 9,110
411-420 10,407
401-410 10,439
351-400 56,178
301-350 29,305
0-300 5,406
Total 211,487

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

 

February 28, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia issued invitations to apply for permanent residency to more than 188 candidates in targeted invitation rounds on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

See below latest BC PNP Draw

Date Draw type Stream Minimum Score Number of invitations
February 27, 2024 Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) 65 45
Targeting 25 Construction occupations 80 12
Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations 65 41
Targeting 35 tech occupations 108 90
Veterinary care 65 <5

The processing time for BC PNP Skills Immigration and Post-nomination requests remains at 3 months each. Applications undergo processing only upon submission and receipt of completed applications by BC PNP.

See below BC PNP Fees 2023

latest BC PNP Draw 2023 Fees

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

February 27, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

In the city of Burnaby, BC, you can rent a three bedroom apartment for an average of $6,000 in the city centre. This is according to statistics available on Numbeo.com which are gathered from residents of the city.

Unfortunately, accommodation affordability cannot be the only factor you consider when moving to a new city, For the next month, we will review these factors and recommend cities based on statistics to help you make an informed decision.

See below in descending order the list of cities where rent is most expensive in the city centre in the province of British Columbia, Canada:

  1. Burnaby: $6,000
  2. North Vancouver – $5,875
  3. Vancouver – $5,065
  4. Delta – $4,800
  5. Victoria – $4,404
  6. Surrey – $4,300
  7. New Westminster – $4,000
  8. Richmond – $3,700
  9. Parksville – $3,450
  10. Campbell River – $3,400

Did we leave out any? Would you like to ask some questions? Are you interested in studying in Canada? Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Start the journey by sending an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com

February 27, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

As of February 26, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has implemented a new requirement for its application process. Moving forward, all applicants are mandated to include a consent form along with their applications. This form likely signifies the applicant’s acknowledgment and authorization for the processing of their application by the OINP. Applicants are advised to ensure compliance with this updated procedure to avoid any delays or complications in the processing of their immigration applications.

The consent form must be completed, correctly dated, signed by the applicant, signed by the applicant’s spouse and dependents (if applicable) and uploaded with other documents in the application.

See below important changes to note for OINP applications:

  1. The PDF Attestation form for OINP Expression of Interest system stream applications is no longer required.
  2. The Applicant Consent form must be completed after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or a Notification of Interest (NOI).
  3. This form cannot be signed by your representative on your behalf.

Applicants must carefully review the stream-specific document checklist to ensure that the mandatory documents are submitted when applying to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

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

February 26, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

In line with recent reforms by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) pertaining to international students planning to pursue studies in Canada, a cap has been implemented on the annual influx of international students. Notably, this cap does not apply to master’s and doctorate-level students.

Effective February 15, 2024, students who have completed a master’s program become eligible for a three-year Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Additionally, only spouses and common-law partners of master’s, doctorate, or professional degree students are eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

There are many benefits attached to offering a one-year master’s program in Canada, it is cost effective and also you can graduate and get a job immediately instead of studying for another year as in the case of a two-year degree program.

See below list of universities across Canada offering one-year master’s programs for the 2024 fall intake:

  • Brock University
    • Master of Professional Accounting December 2024
  • Crandall University
    • Master of Organizational Management
  • Lakehead University
    • Master of Science in Management, Computer Science, and Business Administration
  • Laurentian University
    • Master of Forensic Science
    • Master of Engineering in Engineering Science—Fast Track
    • Forensic Science—Molecular Biology
    • Forensic Science—Chemistry/Toxicology, and
    • Business Administration
  • Nipissing University
    • Master of Arts in History: Gender History, European History, Environmental History, International History, and Canadian History
  • Ontario Tech University
    • Master of Business Analytics and AI
  • Royal Roads University
    • Master of Global Management
  • Thompson Rivers University
    • Master in Environmental Economics and Management,
    • Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management,
    • Master of Business Administration
  • Toronto Metropolitan University
    • Master of Interior Design,
    • Master of Arts in Immigration and Settlement Studies,
    • Media Production,
    • Master of Professional Communication,
    • Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics,
    • Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies,
    • Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance,
    • Master of Spatial Analysis, Master of Social Work, Master of Digital Media)
  • Trent University
    • Master of Management: Strategic Change Management,
    • Master of Management,
    • Master of Education in Educational Studies,
    • Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies,
    • Master of Instrumental Chemical Analysis,
    • Master of Arts in History: Colonialism and Conflict, Regional and Transnational History, European History, Canadian History, Social and Cultural History, Iberian American History,
    • Master of Arts in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies,
    • Master of Science in Forensic Science)
  • Trinity Western University
    • Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Humanities, English, Philosophy, and History
  • University of Alberta
    • Master of Engineering – Chemical and Materials Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering,
    • Master of Business Administration (Fast Track) – Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment, Operations and Business Analytics, Sustainability, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, Finance, International Business, Public Sector and Healthcare Management, Supply Chain Management,
    • Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering,
    • Master of Business Administration (Fast Track),
    • Master of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences- Integrated Petroleum Geosciences, Integrated Petroleum Geosciences,
    • Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering)
  • University of Manitoba
    • Master of Finance,
    • Master of Business Administration
  • University of New Brunswick
    • Master in Quantitative Investment Management,
    • Master of Business Administration
  • University of Northern British Columbia
    • Master of Arts in Gender Studies
  • University of Ottawa
    • Master of Business Administration
  • University of Prince Edward Island
    • Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership
  • University of Regina
    • Master of Science in Computer Science (Data Science),
    • Master of Journalism
  • University of Saskatchewan
    • Master of Business Administration
  • University of Victoria – Kaplan
    • Master of Global Business,
    • Master of Arts in English,
    • Master of Arts in Economics,
    • Master of Management
  • University of Windsor
    • Master of Arts in Political Science,
    • Master of Applied Computing,
    • Master of Education
  • Wilfrid Laurier University
    • Master of International Public Policy

Need help obtaining admission into a college/university in 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

 

February 26, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

First off, British Columbia (BC) is not generally considered one of the most affordable provinces in Canada, especially when it comes to housing costs. Cities like Vancouver, in particular, are known for their high cost of living, including expensive real estate and rental prices. The cost of living in BC, including housing, transportation, and other expenses, tends to be higher compared to other provinces in Canada.

In the city of Prince George as well as Salmon Arm, you can rent a three bedroom apartment for as low as $1,800 on the city centre. This is according to statistics available on Numbeo.com gathered from the residents of the city.

See below in descending order the full list of the cities where you can rent a 3 bedroom apartment for $2,550 or lower in the city centre in the province of BC:

  1. Maple Ridge – $2,550
  2. Courtenay – $2,500
  3. Powell River – $2,500
  4. Vernon – $2,350
  5. Penticton – $2,312
  6. Cranbrook- $ 2,269
  7. Chilliwack – $2,225
  8. Williams Lake – $1,900
  9. Prince George – $1,800
  10. Salmon Arm – $1,800

Unfortunately, accommodation affordability cannot be the only factor you consider when moving to a new city. For the next month, we will review these factors and recommend cities based on statistics to help you make an informed decision.

Did we leave out any? Would you like to ask some questions? Are you interested in studying in Canada? Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Start the journey by sending an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com