Canada is making some major updates to immigration rules, and if you’re an international student or a temporary worker, these changes could directly affect you. The government’s 2026–2028 plan is all about bringing in people with the skills Canada needs most while making the system smoother for those already living here. Let’s break down what’s happening in simple terms.
Temporary Foreign Workers: Easier path to Permanent Residency
If you’re a temporary worker in Canada, here’s the good news: the government is creating a faster route to permanent residency.
Up to 33,000 temporary workers could get a shot at permanent residency over the next couple of years.
This pathway is aimed at people who already have Canadian work experience, pay taxes, and contribute to their communities.
Certain sectors, like tech, healthcare, construction, and agriculture, will have special programs to help workers stay in Canada long-term.
At the same time, the number of new temporary worker permits will be slightly reduced, and the rules will be stricter in areas with higher unemployment. This is to make sure workers are filling jobs where Canada really needs them.
International Students: Fewer, but smarter options
Canada is also changing the way it admits international students. This is what’s happening:
The total number of new student permits is being cut by almost half, from over 300,000 to around 155,000. That means it’s going to be more competitive.
Master’s and PhD students will not count toward this cap, making it easier for graduate students to study in Canada.
These students also won’t need a Provincial Attestation Letter anymore, simplifying the application process.
Another important point is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Some programs were at risk of losing eligibility, but a number of them will still allow students to work in Canada after graduation, at least until early 2026.
Choosing a PGWP-eligible program is now more crucial than ever for students who want to work in Canada after studying.
Reason why these changes matter
The Canadian government is shifting its approach: instead of just accepting large numbers of students and workers, it’s focusing on people who:
Have skills in high-demand areas
Already contribute to Canada’s economy
Can settle and integrate long-term
For students and workers, this means planning ahead is key. Picking the right programs or jobs could make a big difference in your ability to live and work in Canada permanently.
In a nutshell
Canada is making its immigration system smarter and more focused. Temporary workers in key sectors have a better chance of getting permanent residency, and graduate students have a simpler path to study and work here. But with fewer study permits overall, it’s a competitive environment.
If you’re planning to come to Canada as a student or worker, focus on programs and jobs that are eligible for the new pathways, and keep an eye on announcements in early 2026.
Canada is clearly signaling: quality and skills matter more than numbers.
Need help with making the right decisions and assistance with putting the right applications forward, then you should be speaking to a professional consultant, Book a 30-minute or 60-minute consultation session with Ese Umoh Immigration and Consulting, let’s guide you through seamlessly.
In the week ending June 1, 2024, the International Experience Canada (IEC) 2024 season sent out 4,603 work permit invitations, compared to just 2,669 invitations the previous week.
4,152 invitations were sent for the Working Holiday category, which has 33,394 candidates from 34 countries. As of May 31, there are 19,285 spots available for working holiday visas. The Young Professional category sent 323 invitations, and the International Co-op (internship) category sent 128 invitations.
See below latest IEC 2024 Invitations
1. IEC 2024 Working Holiday
Participants selected from eligible countries in the Working Holiday category receive an open work permit, enabling them to work for nearly any company in Canada. This category suits you if you:
– Lack a job offer.
– Seek employment with multiple Canadian employers.
– Wish to work in various locations, earning money to support your travels.
Country
Invitations issued last week
Available Spots
Candidates in Pool
2024 Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Andorra
0
15
0
25
Excellent
Australia
512
0
171
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
12
22
8
168
Excellent
Belgium
37
7
38
750
Very low
Chile
3
4
8,992
725
Very low
Costa Rica
1
0
2,257
80
Very low
Croatia
4
245
4
275
Excellent
Czech Republic
26
613
7
1,000
Excellent
Denmark
28
146
7
350
Excellent
Estonia
2
61
3
110
Excellent
Finland
3
0
3
Unlimited
Excellent
France
136
60
17,876
7,000
Very low
Germany
216
2,218
57
4,490
Excellent
Greece
13
18
3
160
Excellent
Hong Kong
23
9
7
200
Excellent
Iceland
0
110
0
120
Excellent
Ireland
178
7,963
51
10,500
Excellent
Italy
134
632
62
1,750
Excellent
Japan
378
1,735
138
6,500
Excellent
Latvia
2
2
17
45
Very Low
Lithuania
12
28
4
188
Excellent
Luxembourg
2
63
1
80
Excellent
Netherlands
2
3
172
500
Very low
New Zealand
124
1,296
45
2,500
Excellent
Norway
7
73
3
135
Excellent
Poland
27
328
16
635
Excellent
Portugal
39
1,298
18
1,750
Excellent
San Marino
0
24
0
25
Excellent
Slovakia
20
97
5
315
Excellent
Slovenia
4
58
3
80
Excellent
South Korea
1,203
138
636
10,000
Low
Spain
112
78
48
875
Very good
Sweden
24
405
3
580
Excellent
Taiwan
49
6
2,432
940
Very Low
United Kingdom
819
1,530
307
9,000
Excellent
Total
4,152
19,285
33,394
61,851
2. Young Professionals Category:
In the Young Professionals category, selected candidates from eligible countries receive an employer-specific work visa. To qualify for this category, applicants must have:
– A genuine job offer from a Canadian company that supports their professional advancement.
– The commitment to work for the same employer in the same location.
Country
Invitations issued last week
Available Spots
Candidates in Pool
2024 Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Australia
10
0
6
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
1
4
0
10
Excellent
Chile
5
0
202
20
Very low
Costa Rica
0
0
144
18
Very low
Croatia
0
17
0
20
Excellent
Czech Republic
8
17
2
145
Excellent
Estonia
3
5
0
10
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
Unlimited
Excellent
France
142
1,074
61
2,200
Excellent
France
8
773
71
1,000
Excellent
Germany
25
146
5
350
Excellent
Greece
6
7
3
38
Excellent
Ireland
8
121
5
150
Excellent
Latvia
0
0
0
3
Excellent
Lithuania
1
5
0
10
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Netherlands
0
0
16
100
Very low
Norway
1
10
0
15
Excellent
Poland
8
86
7
110
Excellent
Portugal
2
190
0
200
Excellent
Slovakia
9
1
1
30
Excellent
Slovenia
0
11
0
15
Excellent
South Korea
29
792
9
1,500
Excellent
Spain
10
7
7
70
Excellent
Spain — IECX Vives
0
49
0
50
Excellent
Sweden
3
81
0
100
Excellent
Switzerland
12
64
3
200
Excellent
Taiwan
-1
0
19
50
Very Low
United Kingdom
33
698
15
900
Excellent
Total
323
4,168
576
7,324
3. International Co-op (Internship)
In the International Co-op (Internship) category, participants are issued an employer-specific work visa. This category suits you if you:
– Are a post-secondary student with a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada.
– Will fulfill your educational requirements through this work placement or internship.
– Intend to work for the same employer in the same location throughout your stay in Canada.
Country
Invitations issued last week
Available Spots
Candidates in Pool
2024 Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Australia
0
0
0
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Chile
0
4
0
5
Excellent
Costa Rica
1
0
0
2
Excellent
Croatia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Czech Republic
0
4
0
5
Excellent
Estonia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
Unlimited
Excellent
France
108
1,780
33
3,800
Excellent
Germany
3
104
4
160
Excellent
Greece
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Ireland
0
34
0
50
Excellent
Latvia
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Lithuania
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Norway
0
4
0
5
Excellent
Poland
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Portugal
0
50
0
50
Excellent
Slovakia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Slovenia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
South Korea
1
198
0
500
Excellent
Spain
2
2
0
15
Excellent
Sweden
0
20
0
20
Excellent
Switzerland
3
26
0
50
Excellent
Taiwan
3
5
0
100
Excellent
UK
7
90
1
100
Excellent
Total
128
2,364
38
4,905
Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a study visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application post receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com
In latest International Experience Canada (IEC) invitation sent in the just concluded week, a total of 2,036 candidates were sent work permit invitations under various categories.
A sum of 1,776 profiles from 32 eligible countries in the Working Holiday Visa category received open work permit invitations. Currently, there are 32,556 candidates in this category, with 21,801 spots still available for the year. In this category, candidates from eligible countries can work with any Canadian company
Closed work permits were issued to 190 profiles in the Young Professional category. As of now, there are 4,953 spots available for upcoming draws in this category for the year.
90 invitations to apply for closed work permits were sent out in the International Co-op Internship category.
See below Working Holiday Visa Canada invitations based on countries and categories
Country
Invitations since last week
Available Spots
Candidates in pool
2024 Quota
Chances of receiving an invite this week
Andorra
1
15
0
25
Excellent
Australia
219
0
186
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
3
35
7
168
Excellent
Belgium
28
52
24
750
Excellent
Chile
6
6
8,604
725
Very low
Costa Rica
32
2
2,127
80
Very low
Croatia
6
245
0
275
Excellent
Czech Republic
14
644
11
1,000
Excellent
Denmark
13
170
5
350
Excellent
Estonia
2
61
0
110
Excellent
Finland
0
0
2
Unlimited
Excellent
France
200
151
16,892
7,000
Very low
Germany
106
2,451
71
4,490
Excellent
Greece
6
56
3
160
Excellent
Hong Kong
11
27
7
200
Excellent
Iceland
1
112
0
120
Excellent
Ireland
117
8,129
66
10,500
Excellent
Italy
58
751
53
1,750
Excellent
Japan
182
2,321
150
6,500
Excellent
Latvia
2
1
12
45
Very Low
Lithuania
7
44
6
188
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
66
0
80
Excellent
Netherlands
-1
0
130
500
Very low
New Zealand
54
1,434
43
2,500
Excellent
Norway
3
80
7
135
Excellent
Poland
14
357
10
635
Excellent
Portugal
19
1,351
23
1,750
Excellent
San Marino
0
24
0
25
Excellent
Slovakia
12
114
10
315
Excellent
Slovenia
2
58
2
80
Excellent
South Korea
116
51
1,454
10,000
Very Low
Spain
52
135
40
875
Excellent
Sweden
10
433
10
580
Excellent
Taiwan
80
55
2,243
940
Very Low
United Kingdom
401
2,370
358
9,000
Excellent
Total
1,776
21,801
32,556
61,851
See below Young Professional Categories Invitation
Candidates under the Young Professionals category can only work with the employer that has provided the job offer.
Country
Invitations since last week
Available Spots
Candidates in pool
2024 Quota
Chances of receiving an invite this week
Australia
5
0
6
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
0
4
1
10
Excellent
Chile
0
0
193
20
Very low
Costa Rica
2
0
136
18
Very low
Croatia
0
17
0
20
Excellent
Czech Republic
2
27
3
145
Excellent
Estonia
0
7
1
10
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
Unlimited
Excellent
France
67
1,221
58
2,200
Excellent
France: VIE
26
800
59
1,000
Excellent
Germany
16
168
8
350
Excellent
Greece
2
6
6
38
Excellent
Ireland
10
123
3
150
Excellent
Latvia
0
0
0
3
Excellent
Lithuania
1
2
2
10
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Netherlands
9
0
6
100
Very low
Norway
2
10
0
15
Excellent
Poland
2
94
2
110
Excellent
Portugal
0
191
0
200
Excellent
Slovakia
1
4
1
30
Excellent
Slovenia
0
11
0
15
Excellent
South Korea
12
1,316
13
1,500
Excellent
Spain
8
5
5
70
Excellent
Spain: ICEX Vives
0
49
0
50
Excellent
Sweden
0
88
4
100
Excellent
Switzerland
8
78
9
200
Excellent
Taiwan
0
1
8
50
Very Low
United Kingdom
17
721
27
900
Excellent
Total
190
4,953
551
7,324
See below International Co-op Internship category:
This category includes eligible candidates who are post-secondary students receiving a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada. They must demonstrate that they will complete their studies by fulfilling this work placement or internship.
Country
Invitations since last week
Available Spots
Candidates in pool
2024 Quota
Chances of receiving an invite this week
Australia
1
0
0
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Chile
0
4
0
5
Excellent
Costa Rica
0
1
0
2
Excellent
Croatia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Czech Republic
0
4
0
5
Excellent
Estonia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
Unlimited
Excellent
France
57
1,905
60
3,800
Excellent
Germany
2
112
5
160
Excellent
Greece
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Ireland
0
34
0
50
Excellent
Latvia
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Lithuania
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Norway
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Poland
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Portugal
0
50
0
50
Excellent
Slovakia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Slovenia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
South Korea
2
497
1
500
Excellent
Spain
1
2
0
15
Excellent
Sweden
0
20
0
20
Excellent
Switzerland
3
32
0
50
Excellent
Taiwan
2
6
0
100
Excellent
United Kingdom
2
92
2
100
Excellent
Total
70
2,807
68
4,905
According to IRCC recent update, the current processing time of IEC 2024 is 5 weeks.
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
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
On Monday, April 15, 2024, IRCC announced a new 2-year innovation stream pilot via the Global Hypergrowth project . With this new innovation, specific Canadian companies can now employ foreign workers on work permit without Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The global hypergrowth project is a service put up by the Canadian government to help businesses in Canada develop faster
The family members of these foreign workers will also be eligible to work for almost any employer in Canada.
The Innovation Stream is scheduled to continue for two years, ending on March 22, 2026.
See below the Eligibility Requirements for the Innovation Stream Pilot
To apply for a work permit under the Innovation Stream Pilot:
1. Foreign nationals inside or outside Canada need a job offer from one of the eligible employers under the Global Hypergrowth Project.
2. Applicants need to fill out their work permit application using the IRCC Secure Account.
3. The job offer must fall under a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation as per the National Occupational Classification.
4. Offered wages by the company must be equal to or higher than the median hourly wages set for the region. Also, if the position is covered by a bargaining agreement the wage offered must meet the standards outlined in that agreement. The job offer should state that the employer will review wages on the first day of work and annually by January 1 to ensure they remain competitive throughout employment.
5. Immigration officers must be satisfied that applicants have the skills, for the job they are applying for. Applicants must meet the education and experience requirements specified in the National Occupational Classification for their offered occupation.
See below full list of Companies in Canada Eligible To Hire Through Innovation Stream
Presently, only eight companies are eligible to hire foreign nationals (inside or outside Canada) without needing an LMIA via the Innovation Stream:
1. Ada Support Inc.
2. AlayaCare
3. CellCarta
4. Clarius Mobile Health
5. Clio
6. Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG)
7. Lightspeed Commerce
8. Vive Crop Protection
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
The requirements for Alberta Tourism and Hospitality stream has been released.
This immigration stream targets most occupations classified under TEER 4 and 5 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC).
To qualify for this stream, candidates must have language proficiency in either English or French of only CLB level 4 which is equivalent to the popular IELTS test of 4.5 bands in listening, 4 in speaking and writing, and 3.5 in reading.
See below requirements for the Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream:
1. Candidates must have a minimum of high school education in Canada or must have completed a high school education outside Canada that has been certified by the Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
Tradespeople with a valid Alberta Qualification Certificate or a trade certificate recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) are also eligible.
2. When submitting application and when it’s being evaluated by AAIP, candidates must have a valid job with an eligible employer in the tourism and hospitality sector as well as reside and work in Alberta. Candidates must also possess a current work permit issued in line with a favourable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for a job that qualifies.
3. To be eligible to apply, candidate must have worked full-time (30 hours per week);
in one of the qualified occupations for at least six consecutive months,
or
a minimum of 780 hours with an authorized employer in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Additionally, the experience at work:
must have been for the same company as the one you are currently working for in Alberta;
ought to have been paid;
if completed in Alberta or Canada, must have received approval from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada with a valid temporary residency status.
4. To be eligible, candidate must have a legitimate full-time work offer or employment contract in an eligible occupation and for the same Albertan company as your current job, also the necessary 780 hours of work experience over the course of six consecutive months.
Your eligible Albertan employer must also sign your job offer, stating that it meets the following requirements:
continuous, paid work under an employer-employee relationship
full-time work, defined as a minimum of 30 hours per week
employment for 12 months or more
Wages and benefits must meet or exceed the requirements set out in your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
OR
meet or exceed the lowest starting wage for your occupation across all industries in Alberta as set out on the Alis website.
See below List of Eligible Occupations for Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream
Occupation
Noc Code
TEER Category
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness
54100
4
Restaurant and food service managers
60030
0
Accommodation service managers
60031
0
Food service supervisors
62020
2
Chefs
62200
2
Cooks
63200
3
Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses
64300
4
Bartenders
64301
4
Hotel front desk clerks
64314
4
Tour and travel guides
64320
4
Outdoor sports and recreational guides
64322
4
Food and beverage servers
65200
5
Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
65201
5
Support occupations in accommodation, travel, and facilities set-up services
65210
5
Light-duty cleaners
65310
5
Specialized cleaners
65311
5
Janitors, caretakers, and heavy-duty cleaners
65312
5
Dry cleaning, laundry, and related occupations
65320
5
See Below Eligible Sector Association
The Albertan employer must be a member of one of these approved sector associations.
Sector association
Sector
Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA)
Accommodations
Alberta Bed and Breakfast Association (ABBA)
Accommodations
Restaurants Canada
Food and Beverage
Indigenous Tourism Alberta
Indigenous Tourism
Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO)
Recreation and Entertainment
Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA)
Recreation and Entertainment
Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG)
Recreation and Entertainment
Alberta Golf Association
Recreation and Entertainment
Convention Centres Canada (CCC)
Meetings, Conventions, and Incentive Tourism
Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA)
Tourism and Hospitality
Alberta Hospitality Association
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism HR Canada
Tourism and Hospitality
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
Tourism and Hospitality
See below Eligible Industries and Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB)
The Albertan employer must be a member of an authorized sector association at the time of the application.
WCB industry code
Eligible WCB industries and exempt activities
Sample activities
80701
Museums/Art Galleries
Art Galleries, Art Museums, Interpretive Centres, Museums
80703
Zoos/Game Farms
Game Farms and Zoos
85300
Bowling Alleys/Billiard Parlours
Billiard parlours, Bowling Alleys, and pool halls
85900
Golf Clubs/Ranges
Operation of Driving Ranges and Golf Courses
85904
Ski Resorts/Gondolas
Operation of Chairlifts, Gondolas, Ski Instruction, Ski Resorts
85916
Casinos/Dance Halls
Casino Halls and Dance Halls
85919
Arenas/Stadiums
Arenas, Stadiums, and Race Tracks
85925
Travel Agency/Motor Association
Operation of Wildlife and Wilderness Associations, Tour Guides, Tourist Promotion, Park Associations
87501
Restaurants/Catering
Operation of Coffee Shops, Drive-In Restaurants, Restaurants, Take-Out Services, and Bartending Services
87503
Hotels/Convention Centres
Operation of Bed and Breakfasts, Cabins and Motels, and Convention Centres
87600
Sports and Recreation
Operation of Amusement Parks and Recreation Resorts, Hot Air Ballooning, Boats, Pleasure and Water Tours, Campsites
89702
Property Management/Hostels
Operation of Hostels, Bingo Halls, and Airports
87508
Private Clubs
Private Clubs, Sporting Clubs, Fitness Clubs and Gun Clubs
Multiple
Operation of a Curling Rink
Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries and codes
Multiple
Operation of an Ice Skating Rink
Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries and codes
Multiple
Operation of a Cricket Field
Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries and codes
Multiple
Operation of a Convention Bureau
Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries and codes
Multiple
Operation of an Information Bureau
Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries and codes
Multiple
Promotions, sports and entertainment
Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries and codes
Multiple
Professional sports
Activity is identified within multiple WCB industries and codes
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
In the just concluded week, February 24, 2024, International Experience Canada (IEC) invited 3,737 candidates for an open work permit under the Working Holiday Visa round of invitations.
251 closed work permit invites have been sent under the Young Professionals category, while only 53 closed work permit invites have been sent under the International Co-op category.
A total of 35 countries are eligible for this round of invitation.
See below IEC 2024 Working Holiday Visa Invitations
Country
Invitations last week
Available Spots
Candidates in pool
Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Andorra
0
16
0
25
Excellent
Australia
202
0
172
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
8
6
4
100
Excellent
Belgium
21
247
31
750
Excellent
Chile
100
272
7,073
725
Very low
Costa Rica
7
41
1,779
80
Very low
Croatia
1
254
4
275
Excellent
Czech Republic
19
760
15
1,000
Excellent
Denmark
5
258
9
350
Excellent
Estonia
12
77
3
110
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
TBA
Excellent
France
1,212
3,587
16,957
7,000
Very low
Germany
117
3,267
120
4,490
Excellent
Greece
7
112
3
180
Excellent
Hong Kong
14
87
15
200
Excellent
Iceland
0
117
1
120
Excellent
Ireland
162
9,029
171
10,500
Excellent
Italy
73
1,057
60
1,750
Excellent
Japan
204
4,023
156
6,500
Excellent
Latvia
4
3
15
40
Fair
Lithuania
8
75
8
175
Excellent
Luxembourg
1
75
0
80
Excellent
Netherlands
27
4
37
430
Excellent
New Zealand
63
1,871
62
2,500
Excellent
Norway
14
96
2
135
Excellent
Poland
18
477
19
635
Excellent
Portugal
24
1,513
25
1,750
Excellent
San Marino
0
24
0
25
Excellent
Slovakia
9
177
10
315
Excellent
Slovenia
2
66
1
80
Excellent
South Korea
632
2,374
531
10,000
Excellent
Spain
71
282
47
800
Excellent
Sweden
14
496
9
580
Excellent
Taiwan
263
402
2,014
940
Very Low
United Kingdom
423
4,829
386
9,000
Excellent
Total
3,737
35,974
29,739
61,640
See below IEC 2024 Young Professionals Invitations
Country
Invitations last week
Available Spots
Candidates in pool
Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Australia
3
0
5
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
1
57
2
60
Excellent
Chile
5
9
164
20
Very low
Costa Rica
2
0
121
15
Very low
Croatia
0
17
0
20
Excellent
Czech Republic
0
76
5
145
Excellent
Estonia
0
8
1
10
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
TBA
Excellent
France
83
1,629
75
2,200
Excellent
France
4
885
59
1,000
Excellent
Germany
16
257
18
350
Excellent
Greece
4
3
3
10
Excellent
Ireland
6
127
9
150
Excellent
Latvia
1
6
1
8
Excellent
Lithuania
0
14
1
20
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Netherlands
5
133
2
170
Excellent
Norway
0
12
0
15
Excellent
Poland
0
101
1
110
Excellent
Portugal
0
195
0
200
Excellent
Slovakia
5
13
2
30
Excellent
Slovenia
0
13
0
15
Excellent
South Korea
9
1,371
12
1,500
Excellent
Spain
12
76
5
120
Excellent
Spain – ICEX Vives
0
49
7
50
Excellent
Sweden
3
91
1
100
Excellent
Switzerland
11
137
5
200
Excellent
Taiwan
7
29
11
50
Excellent
UK
42
791
24
900
Excellent
Total
219
6,109
534
7,478
See below IEC 2024 International Co-op (Internship) Invitations
Country
Invitations this week
Available Spots
Candidates in pool
Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Australia
0
0
0
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
0
20
0
20
Excellent
Chile
1
2
0
5
Excellent
Costa Rica
0
5
1
5
Excellent
Croatia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Czech Republic
0
4
0
5
Excellent
Estonia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
TBA
Excellent
France
123
2,566
89
4,250
Excellent
Germany
4
128
4
160
Excellent
Greece
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Ireland
0
40
1
50
Excellent
Latvia
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Lithuania
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Norway
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Poland
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Portugal
0
49
0
50
Excellent
Slovakia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Slovenia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
South Korea
0
499
0
500
Excellent
Spain
1
28
0
30
Excellent
Sweden
0
20
0
20
Excellent
Switzerland
0
39
2
50
Excellent
Taiwan
0
10
0
100
Excellent
UK
2
95
2
100
Excellent
Total
131
3,562
99
5,402
A total of 35,974 spots are available for open work permit under the IEC 2024 Working Holiday Visa category , while only 29,739 candidates are in the pool. There are still opportunities for individuals from eligible countries to apply for the Working Holiday Visa and take advantage of the available spots.
The processing timeframe for IEC 2O24 is two weeks. Processing only commences when completed applications are submitted.
If you require assistance with obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or if you need professional help with 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 reviewing an application you prepared yourself, you can book a consultation or send an email to info@eseumohimmigration.com
In the just concluded week, the Working Holiday Visa Category of International Experience Canada (IEC) sent a total of 4,655 invitations to apply for open work permit in a working holiday visa round of invitation.
The Young Professional category and International Co-op (Internship) category received 274 and 237 closed work permit invitations respectively in the same week.
Currently, there are 35 eligible countries under the Working Holiday Visa category. A total of 29,713 eligible candidates are in the pool with an available slot of 38,668.
See below invitations sent under the Working Holiday Visa Category
Country
Invitations sent last week
Available spots
Eligible candidates in pool
Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Andorra
0
20
0
25
Excellent
Australia
370
0
145
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
16
12
5
100
Excellent
Belgium
81
271
13
750
Excellent
Chile
100
355
6,891
725
Very low
Costa Rica
10
47
1,717
80
Very low
Croatia
5
255
1
275
Excellent
Czech Republic
25
774
16
1,000
Excellent
Denmark
20
262
4
350
Excellent
Estonia
0
83
4
110
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
TBA
Excellent
France
570
4,487
17,500
7,000
Very low
Germany
226
3,364
94
4,490
Excellent
Greece
13
117
5
180
Excellent
Hong Kong
16
96
9
200
Excellent
Iceland
0
117
0
120
Excellent
Ireland
335
9,135
120
10,500
Excellent
Italy
127
1,106
56
1,750
Excellent
Japan
409
4,207
153
6,500
Excellent
Latvia
5
6
17
40
Fair
Lithuania
18
78
7
175
Excellent
Luxembourg
2
76
1
80
Excellent
Netherlands
59
24
15
430
Excellent
New Zealand
126
1,922
44
2,500
Excellent
Norway
0
105
5
135
Excellent
Poland
43
487
13
635
Excellent
Portugal
28
1,525
18
1,750
Excellent
San Marino
0
24
0
25
Excellent
Slovakia
15
181
9
315
Excellent
Slovenia
4
67
1
80
Excellent
South Korea
1,014
2,968
469
10,000
Excellent
Spain
104
334
59
800
Excellent
Sweden
15
505
7
580
Excellent
Taiwan
150
532
2,014
940
Very Low
UK
749
5,126
301
9,000
Excellent
Total
4,655
38,668
29,713
61,640
See below invitations sent under the Young Professionals Category
Country
Invitations since last two weeks
Available Spots
Eligible candidates in pool
Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Australia
7
0
1
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
0
57
0
60
Excellent
Chile
5
11
162
20
Very low
Costa Rica
2
2
113
15
Very low
Croatia
0
17
0
20
Excellent
Czech Republic
18
76
5
145
Excellent
Estonia
1
8
0
10
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
TBA
Excellent
France
129
1,679
66
2,200
Excellent
France – VIE
5
890
50
1,000
Excellent
Germany
23
264
12
350
Excellent
Greece
6
4
4
10
Excellent
Ireland
13
128
4
150
Excellent
Latvia
2
6
1
8
Excellent
Lithuania
3
15
0
20
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Netherlands
6
135
3
170
Excellent
Norway
0
12
0
15
Excellent
Poland
2
100
0
110
Excellent
Portugal
2
194
0
200
Excellent
Slovakia
3
16
5
30
Excellent
Slovenia
1
13
0
15
Excellent
South Korea
22
1,373
7
1,500
Excellent
Spain
9
81
8
120
Excellent
Spain ICEX Vives
0
49
7
50
Excellent
Sweden
1
92
3
100
Excellent
Switzerland
6
147
13
200
Excellent
Taiwan
8
32
5
50
Excellent
UK
0
815
17
900
Excellent
Total
274
6,226
486
7,478
See below Invitations for International Co-ops (Internships)
Country
Invitations since last week
Available Spots
Eligible candidates in pool
Quota
Chances of being invited to the next round
Australia
2
0
0
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
0
20
0
20
Excellent
Chile
1
2
1
5
Excellent
Costa Rica
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Croatia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Czech Republic
1
4
0
5
Excellent
Estonia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Finland
0
0
0
TBA
Excellent
France
218
2,665
91
4,250
Excellent
Germany
9
130
3
160
Excellent
Greece
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Ireland
1
40
0
50
Excellent
Latvia
0
2
0
2
Excellent
Lithuania
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
10
0
10
Excellent
Norway
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Poland
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Portugal
1
49
0
50
Excellent
Slovakia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
Slovenia
0
5
0
5
Excellent
South Korea
2
498
0
500
Excellent
Spain
0
29
2
30
Excellent
Sweden
0
20
0
20
Excellent
Switzerland
2
39
0
50
Excellent
Taiwan
0
10
0
100
Excellent
UK
0
95
1
100
Excellent
Total
237
3,663
98
5,402
A total 5,166 invitations to apply under the IEC 2024 season was sent in the just concluded week. IRCC takes three weeks to process an application when submitted.
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
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is set to commence a new stream in the tourism and hospitality sector. Effective from March 1, 2024, applications sent under the tourism and hospitality sector will be accepted by Alberta Immigration.
This development will definitely increase the employment rate in the province and boost its economy.
To be eligible for the Tourism and Hospitality stream, applicants must have the following qualification:
Applicants must hold a legitimate full-time, non-seasonal employment offer from an authorized company in the relevant industry.
Applicants must have satisfied the requirements to permanently establish themselves in Alberta and have worked for a tourist or hospitality company for at least six months.
Below are the current Alberta Immigration Program Pathways for Permanent Residency:
1. Alberta Express Entry Stream
2. Accelerated Tech Pathway for Express Entry
3. Alberta Opportunity Stream (Temporarily paused)
4. Religious Workers Eligibility program
5. Rural Renewal Stream
6. Rural Entrepreneur Stream
7. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
8. Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Alberta Opportunity Stream Program has been temporarily put on hold. However, applications received before the program was suspended will be reviewed while applications that were drafted and not filed or awaiting fee approval will not be accepted until further notice from AAIP.
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
On Saturday February 10, 2024, two new changes were made to the Canada Agri-Food pilot for permanent residency.
Firstly, candidates who reside in Canada at the time of application can choose to meet either the job offer or the educational requirement
Secondly, the IRCC now credits work experience obtained under an open work permit toward the work experience criteria for vulnerable workers
See below the eligibility requirements for applicants in Canada or outside Canada intending to apply for permanent residency under the Agri Food Pilot:
Applicants must have at least a cumulative of one year, non-seasonal, full-time experience in the following three years—that is, at least 1,560 hours over 52 weeks.
Applicant must be skilled in one or more of the Agri food jobs that qualify in one of the relevant industries.
This expertise must have been obtained over the course of a minimum 12-month LMIA-based work visa.
Applicants must have received an offer for a full-time, permanent non-seasonal position in a qualifying occupation in one of the qualified Agri-food industries.
The applicant must have a standard education on same level with a high school diploma in Canada.
Applicants must have enough settlement money to support themselves and their families if they intend to move with them. However, applicants do not need to present a settlement money if they are currently employed in Canada under a work permit.
Applicants must have a valid temporary resident status if they already reside in Canada.
Applicants must reach the required minimum Agri-food pilot language score in the table below:
Language Tests
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
CELPIP
4
4
4
4
IELTS GT
3.5
4.0
4.5
4.0
TEF Canada
121-150
181-225
145-180
181-225
TCF Canada
342-374
4-5
331-368
4-5
See below Occupations Eligible for Agri-Food Pilot
For meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
NOC 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale
NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
No. 84120: Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
For greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
No. 84120: Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
For animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 and 1129)
NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
No. 84120: Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
NOC 85101: Harvesting Labourers
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
