The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) extended its temporary public policy allowing distance learning to be eligible for PGWP (Post Graduation Work Permit) on Friday September 1, 2023.
International students who have completed less than fifty percent of their PGWP-eligible studies outside of Canada will continue to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) until December 31, 2023.
Before the pandemic, all international students were required to complete more than fifty percent of their coursework in Canada, and time spent more than 50% studying online outside of Canada did not contribute toward PGWP eligibility. However, due to the inability to travel during the pandemic, IRCC took out the restriction on online study for students who were already enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs as of March 2020, and students who started PGWP- eligible programs between March 2020 and August 31, 2022.
What this means is that anyone who began their studies abroad prior to August 31, 2022, is eligible to apply the entirety of that time towards eligibility of post-graduation work permit.
However, if a student began their studies between September 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023, only fifty percent of the time can be counted.
Eligible international students who submit an application for the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) before the expiration of their study permit are eligible to work full-time without a work permit while they await a decision on their application after meeting the conditions listed below:
1. Their study permit was valid at the time of applying for PGWP.
2. They have completed a study program eligible for the PGWP.
3. They meet the requirements for off-campus employment without a work permit on their study permit.
4. They did not exceed the maximum number of hours allowed by study permit.
International students whose study program was more than 8 months but less than two years are eligible for PGWP for a duration of 9 months. Students whose study program was 2 years or more are eligible for 3 years PGWP. Also, international students that complete two study programs are eligible for work permit amounting to the length of each program.
Note that you can only apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) once so it is paramount to do it right. Need help with your work permit application or reviewing an application you have already created? Send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com
In the month of August 2023, Canada sent out 24,720 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR) in 36 new rounds of invitations under various Canadian immigration programs.
Comparing the total invitations to July of 2023, there was an over 50% increase in the total number of invitation issued in August 2023.
During the month of August 2023, Ontario issued the most PR invitations, followed by the Express Entry draws and provincial nominee programs of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island.
Below is a summary of new permanent residency invitations issued in the month of August 2023.
Permanent Residency Programs/Streams
Total
Invitations
Number
Of Draws
Ontario PNP or OINP
9,906
12
Express Entry System
8,600
4
Manitoba PNP
1,548
4
Saskatchewan PNP
1,384
1
Quebec Arrima System
1,384
1
British Columbia PNP
861
4
Alberta Express Entry Stream
815
7
Prince Edward Island PNP
222
3
Total
24,720
New Permanent Residency Invitations August 2023
See below breakdown of invitations sent out by Provinces in August 2023
Ontario PNP Draws Summary
A massive 9,906 invitations was sent out in August 2023 by the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program or Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in three Express Entry draws and nine Expression of Interest draws.
It is important to note that interested candidates need to create a profile with OINP to be considered for Expression of Interest draws.
Nevertheless, OINP Express Entry draws directly invites profiles from the Express Entry pool based on Ontario’s labour market needs.
5,679 out of 9,906 OINP invitations this month went out to Express Entry profiles, offering them provincial nominations that will confer 600 additional points.
Other invitations were sent in OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) draws, as listed below:
OINP EOIStream
Date
Invitations
CutoffScore
Description
Masters Graduate Stream
August 30, 2023
772
44 and above
General Draw
Foreign Worker stream
August 15, 2023
375
30 and above
Targeted draw for 54 skilled trades occupations
Foreign Worker stream
August 15, 2023
1,131
46 and above
Targeted draw for 42 health and 11 tech occupations
International Student stream
August 15, 2023
408
61 and above
Targeted draw for 54 skilled trades occupations
International Student stream
August 15, 2023
445
61 and above
Targeted draw for 54 skilled trades occupations
In-Demand Skills stream
August 15, 2023
256
23 and above
Targeted draw for 22 in-demand occupations
Foreign Worker stream
August 1, 2023
1
N/A
Targeted draw for Economic Mobility Pathways
Masters Graduate Stream
August 1, 2023
755
48 and above
General Draw
Phd Graduate Stream
August 1, 2023
84
39 and above
General Draw
OINP Draws August 2023
Express Entry Draw Summary
Express Entry only announced four new rounds of invitations, sending out 8,600 PR invitations as compared to 9,600 in the month of July 2023.
This month was better for profiles created in all the different programs of the Express Entry system, with the no program specified draw sending the most, with 6,300 invitations to apply and the CRS cutoff ranging from 496 to 517.
Also the first targeted Express Entry draw for 10 Trade occupations announcing the lowest CRS cutoff score of 388 was in August. There was a small Francophile draw, inviting 800 profiles with a CRS cutoff score of 435.
Manitoba PNP Draws Summary
After OINP and Express Entry, Manitoba continues to issue the third-highest number of invitations for permanent residency in the month of August 2023.
On August 31, Manitoba PNP announced the first of its kind region-specific draw for Skilled Workers in Manitoba intending to reside outside the Winnipeg Area.
The cutoff score was the lowest at 600 in this August 31st MPNP draw.
Below is the summary of Manitoba PNP Draws announced in August 2023:
Date
Invitations
Cutoff
Score
Category
August 31, 2023
288
600
Skilled Workers in Manitoba (outside Winnipeg Area)
August 25, 2023
22
N/A
A special immigration measure for Ukrainians
August 24, 2023
623
612-724
Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM), International Education Stream (IES), Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO)
August 10, 2023
615
605-708
Skilled Workers in Manitoba (SWM), International Education Stream (IES), Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO)
Total
1,548
Manitoba PNP draws August 2023
British Columbia PNP Draws Summary
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 861 new invitations for permanent residency as compared to 731 in July 2023 under various categories.
The province of British Columbia continued to alternate between general and targeted PNP rounds of invitations weekly. Early Childhood Educators or individuals having experience in Healthcare occupations continue to receive invitations at the lowest cutoff scores.
Below is the summary of BC PNP draws in August 2023:
Date
Invitations
Stream
MinimumScore
Description
Aug 29
>150
Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)
60-88
Targeted draw for Early Childhood Educators, healthcare occupations, 35 Tech occupations, and NOCs 31103, 32104
Aug 22
169
Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)
88-109
General Draw
Aug 22
>56
Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)
60
Targeted draw for Early Childhood Educators, healthcare occupations, and NOCs 31103, 32104,
Aug 15
>153
Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)
60-88
Targeted draw for Early Childhood Educators, healthcare occupations, 35 Tech occupations, and NOCs 31103, 32104
Aug 9
195
Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)
88-110
General Draw
Aug 9
56
Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)
60-88
Targeted draw for Early Childhood Educators, healthcare occupations,
Aug 1
>194
Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)
60-88
Targeted draw for Early Childhood Educators, healthcare occupations, 35 Tech occupations, NOC 31103, 32104
BC PNP draws August 2023
Alberta Express Entry Draws Summary
In August 2023, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held seven Express Entry draws , compared to only three in July 2023.
A total of 815 Express Entry profiles have been invited to claim provincial nominations and grab the opportunity to boost their CRS score by 600 points.
Alberta had already issued 7,121 nomination certificates across all categories as of August 29, 2023.
Below is a summary of all the AAIP Express Entry draws in August 2023:
Date of draw
Invitations
Draw parameters
CRS Score cutoff
August 24, 2023
168
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
302
August 22, 2023
89
Priority sector – Construction occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
303
August 16, 2023
300
Priority sector – Tourism and hospitality occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
408
August 15, 2023
14
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above
326
August 3, 2023
201
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
315
August 1, 2023
32
Priority sector – Agriculture occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
322
August 1, 2023
11
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above
317
AAIP Express Entry draws August 2023
Saskatchewan PNP Summary
The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program or Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) also introduced a first of its kind, never done before in the history of Canadian immigration, that is, country-targeted PNP draws.
SINP sent out 1,384 invitations to apply for permanent residency under the Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry streams, targeting applicants from eight countries with the lowest cutoff score ever of 60.
60 is the minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score required to even qualify to create a profile with SINP.
These countries are India, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, and Ukraine.
Category
Total Candidates Invited to Apply
Other Considerations
Occupations In-Demand
12
Candidates residing in Ireland with experience in select 28 NOC Codes
Express Entry
23
Candidates residing in Ireland with experience in select 28 NOC Codes
Occupations In-Demand
78
Candidates residing in Poland, Czechia, Germany, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Ukraine with experience in select 70 NOC codes
Express Entry
98
Candidates residing in Poland, Czechia, Germany, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Ukraine with experience in select 70 NOC codes
Occupations In-Demand
207
Candidates residing in India with experience in select 26 NOC codes
Express Entry
224
Candidates residing in India with experience in select 26 NOC Codes
SINP draws August 2023
Quebec Arrima Draws Summary
Quebec held only one Arrima draw on August 10th, 2023, inviting 1,384 profiles for permanent residency.
The invitations targeted Arrima profiles with oral French proficiency of level 7 or higher and a score of 591 or higher according to the Quebec score calculator. Compared to the previous Quebec Arrima draw on July 20, 2023, this threshold score decreased by only 5 points.
Quebec has issued 8,489 invitations to apply in nine rounds of the Arrima draws this year.
Prince Edward Island PNP Draws Summary
Prince Edward Island invited a total of 222 candidates in three provincial nominee program draws as listed below:
Date
Labour and Express Invitations
Description
August 3, 2023
58
Targeted at individuals working in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Food Processing, Construction, Hotel/Accommodation, and Agriculture sectors.
August 17, 2023
138
Only Critical Worker Stream targeting individuals working for a PEI Employer with a minimum EOI score of 50
August 31, 2023
22
Targeted at individuals working in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Food Processing, and construction sectors.
PEI PNP Draws August 2023
We hope to see more of Transportation, Agri-related, STEM, Healthcare targeted Express Entry Draws in September of 2023.
Need help 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? Send us an email on eseumohimmigration@gmail.com
MPNP draw (Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program) of 2023, on Thursday August 31, 2023, invited 288 candidates for Permanent Residency (PR) in a first-of-its-kind region-specific draw for Skilled Workers in Manitoba.
A total of 127 invited candidates in this MPNP draw had a valid Express Entry profile as well as a job seeker validation code.
Candidates with MPNP Expression of Interest Profile and current employment in Manitoba who indicated interest in residing in a community outside of the city of Winnipeg were considered in this unique draw.
The invitation was sent to MPNP EOI profiles with a score of 600 or above.
Prior to this Draw, on August 24, 623 applicants were invited for permanent residency under all categories.
Need help creating an express entry profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Send us an email on eseumohimmigration@gmail.com
On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, the new Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program-OINP draw sent out 772 invitations to apply for permanent residency (PR). This was a general draw considering profiles with all the occupations under the Masters Graduate Stream.
Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles created with OINP between November 22, 2022, and August 30, 2023 with a score of 44 and above received the invitation.
Applicants invited have 14 calendar days to submit their complete application after receiving the invitation to apply in the OINP draw of August 30.
Summary Of OINP Masters Graduate Stream 2023
Date
Invitations
Score range
August 30, 2023
772
44 and above
August 1, 2023
755
48 and above
June 6, 2023
1,175
46 and above
April 4, 2023
752
52 and above
January 25, 2023
692
44 and above
OINP Masters Graduate Stream Draws 2023
OINP Masters Graduate Stream is the largest category with the highest number of invitations in 2023 and 2022.
All OINP Expression of Interest Streams Summary 2023
OINP Streams
Number of Invitations
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
4,032
Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
2,963
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
807
Masters Graduate stream
4,146
PhD Graduate stream
349
Total 2023 EOI invitations
12,297
OINP Expression of Interest Streams Summary 2023
International students in Canada looking for PR can proceed with a Masters program in one of the eligible universities, which can help better their future, help to prolong their stay in Canada and put them at a better chance of being a permanent resident.
No job offer needed for the OINP Masters Graduate Stream, it is however advisable to make a wise decision with your resources by advancing your career profile, rather than just buying job offers, LMIAs or running payrolls.
See below full List of eligible Ontario Universities for OINP Masters Graduate Stream
Algoma University
Brescia University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario)
Brock University
Carleton University
Dominican University College
Huron University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario)
King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario
Lakehead University
Laurentian University
McMaster University
Nipissing University
Ontario College of Art & Design University
Queen’s University
Royal Military College of Canada
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
Trent University
University of Guelph
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
University of Ottawa
University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
University of Toronto
University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
University of Waterloo
University of Windsor
Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
Western University
Wilfrid Laurier University
York University
Need help with processing your admission into a Canadian University? Creating a provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Send us an email on eseumohimmigration@gmail.com
In four new Alberta Express Entry draws between August 15-24, 2023, 571 Notification of Interest (NOI) letters offering provincial nomination were sent out. These 4 Alberta PNP draws declared CRS cutoff scores of 302, 303, 408, and 326, meeting specific requirements.
On August 24, the latest Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) draw invited 168 profiles with family connections and primary experience in in-demand occupations with a CRS score of 302 or above. Prior to this, on August 22 89 profiles were invited in construction occupations with Alberta job offers having a CRS score of 303 or above.
The AAIP draw on August 16 sent out 300 invitations to profiles in Tourism and hospitality occupations, with Alberta job offers having a CRS score of 408 or above.
On August 15, only 14 profiles were invited via the dedicated Healthcare Pathway with an Alberta job offer and a CRS score of 326 or above.
Alberta had already issued 7,121 nomination certificates in all the categories as of August 29, 2023.
Alberta has a total quota of 9,750 for 2023; out of which 4,875 are set aside for Express Entry profiles.
See below all the Alberta PNP Draw 2023
Date
Invitations
Draw parameters
CRS Cutoff
August 22, 2023
89
Priority sector – Construction occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
303
August 16, 2023
300
Priority sector – Tourism and hospitality occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
408
August 15, 2023
14
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above
326
August 3
201
Family connection and primary occupation are in demand; CRS score 300-500
315
August 1
32
Priority sector: agriculture occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
322
August 1
11
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above
317
July 18, 2023
14
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above
311
July 13, 2023
142
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
302
July 11, 2023
150
Priority sector – Tourism and hospitality occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
435
July 4, 2023
12
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-1200
354
June 22, 2023
125
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
306
June 21, 2023
19
Designated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-1200
318
June 20, 2023
68
Priority sector – Construction occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
301
June 8, 2023
150
Priority sector – Agriculture occupation and French as a first language, CRS score 300-500
382
June 1, 2023
117
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
304
May 30, 2023
20
Priority sector – Agriculture occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-600
342
May 23, 2023
5
Designated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-1200
401
May 11, 2023
119
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
311
May 9, 2023
175
Priority sector – Tourism and hospitality occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-600
444
May 9, 2023
8
Designated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above
307
April 25, 2023
8
Designated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above
316
April 24, 2023
124
Priority sector – Construction occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500
301
April 20, 2023
152
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
302
April 18, 2023
68
Sector priority – Agriculture occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-700
307
April 5, 2023
53
Designated Healthcare Pathway, Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-600
351
March 30, 2023
150
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
372
March 9, 2023
134
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
301
February 16, 2023
100
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
357
January 23, 2023
154
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
385
January 19, 2023
46
Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500
324
Alberta PNP Draw – 2023
Latest Processing Update On AAIP (Alberta Advantage Immigration Program)
AAIP Stream
Applications in the queue (approximate)
Number of allocations remaining (approximate)
Processing time (estimated average)
The AAIP is assessing applications received before… (approximate)
Alberta Opportunity Stream
Approximately 1,606
Approximately 363 allocations
Approximately 4 months
June 21, 2023
Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway
Approximately 220
To be determined
Approximately 1 month
August 14, 2023
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
Less than 10
Approximately 1,415 allocations
Approximately 1 month
Not currently available
Priority Sectors (construction, agriculture, hospitality and tourism)
Approximately 115
Approximately 688 allocations
Approximately 2 months
August 14, 2023
Alberta Express Entry Stream (family connection and occupation in demand)
Approximately 135
Approximately 502 allocations
Approximately 3 months
August 14, 2023
Rural Renewal Stream
Approximately 478
To be determined
Approximately 2 months
June 26, 2023
Occupations With High Volume of Applications
Profiles with the below listed occupations have a high volume of applications in worker streams and may take longer than usual for processing.
62020 – Food service supervisors
62010 – Retail sales supervisors
63200 – Cooks
13110 – Administrative assistants
12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers
65201 – Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
73300 – Transport truck drivers
21222 – Information systems specialists
21231 – Software engineers and designers
13100 – Administrative officers
Need help 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? Send us an email on eseumohimmigration@gmail.com
On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, British Columbia sent more than 150 invitations to apply for permanent residency (PR) in general and targeted draws.
A total of 102 invitations have been issued in a targeted draw for 35 Tech occupations under all the BC PNP Skills Immigration streams as well as Express Entry streams.
28 invitations have been sent targeted at profiles with experience as Early Childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202). Also, 20 invitations are targeted at profiles in 39 healthcare-related occupations.
The cutoff score remains the same among all the categories of these targeted draws.
Summary of August 22 Draw
Number of Invitations
MinimumScore
Description
102
88
Targeted draw for 35 Tech occupations.
28
60
Targeted draw for Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
20
60
Targeted draw for Healthcare occupations
<5
60
Targeted draw for Veterinarians (31103) and Animal health technologists (32104)
BC PNP Draw August 29
Processing Time For BC PNP
Skills Immigration
3 Months
Post-nomination requests
3 Months
BC PNP processing times
The processing timeframes are based on 80% of cases and begin when the BC PNP receives your complete application after being drawn.
BC PNP Fees 2023
Need help creating a provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Send us an email on eseumohimmigration@gmail.com
The all program Express Entry draw sent out 4,300 invitations to apply for permanent residency (PR) on August 15, 2023
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score drops by 21 points to 496.
Below are the full details of the latest Express Entry draws, as well as all the draws in 2023
Express Entry Program: No Program Specified
Number of invitations issued: 4,300
Rank required to be invited to apply: 4,300 or above
Date and time of round: August 15, 2023 at 14:23:51 UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 496
Tie-breaking rule: August 01, 2023 at 12:59:52 UTC
The CRS cutoff score jumped in the August 1 ‘no program specified’ Express Entry draw because IRCC held this draw after 3 weeks and there was a significant increase in new profiles, but it has now dropped drastically because of the increase in the number of invitations in the August 15 draw.
In the month of August 2023, IRCC sent a total of 8,600 invitations to apply.
The IRCC also introduced its first-ever skilled trades draw this month, targeted at 10 select occupations with the lowest cutoff score of 388.
Latest Express Entry CRS Score distribution
CRS score range
Total Profiles As Of August 15
Total Profiles As Of August 1
601-1200
984
1,308
501-600
2,172
2,019
451-500
55,924
55,295
491-500
2,709
2,286
481-490
6,721
6,236
471-480
19,351
19,398
461-470
14,976
15,100
451-460
12,167
12,275
401-450
53,709
54,173
441-450
11,184
11,293
431-440
11,596
11,721
421-430
9,573
9,618
411-420
10,282
10,369
401-410
11,074
11,172
351-400
61,289
61,438
301-350
31,980
32,077
0-300
5,298
5,219
Total
211,356
211,529
CRS Score Trend In 2023
Immigration Program
Total
Invitations
Average
CRS Score
Lowest
CRS Score
Highest
CRS Score
Trades Targeted Draw
1,500
388
388
388
Targeted Draw for French Speakers
7,600
416
375
439
STEM Targeted Draw
500
486
486
486
Healthcare Targeted Draw
2,000
469
463
476
No Program Specified
60,700
492
481
517
Provincial Nominee Program
2,848
740
691
791
Federal Skilled Worker
3,300
489
489
489
Canadian Experience Class
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
CRS Score Trend In 2023
Need help creating an express entry profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Send us an email on eseumohimmigration@gmail.com
IRCC approved four new English tests for the Canada SDS (Student Direct Stream) study visa on August 10, 2023 but they did not update the GCKey. They seem to be experiencing a system error, and newly approved language tests do not appear as an option for applicants to select in the GCKey.
However, the Canadian Immigration Development is working on resolving the error. An information on how to apply using the new English tests has been updated by IRCC to further assist applicants. IRCC also shared a temporary measure for Study visa applicants.
Candidates can use the below instructions to submit their English tests to have their applications considered for Student Direct Stream (SDS).
When asked if you’ve taken a language test in the past 2 years, select ‘Yes – IELTS’ even if you have CAEL, PTE, CELPIP, or TOEFL results.
When asked if your test results were 6.0 or higher, select ‘Yes.’ Even if you have less than 6 in one or two modules of IELTS Academic.
When you upload your supporting documents, upload your valid test results in the field labelled Proof of IELTS Results, which can be CAEL, PTE, CELPIP, or TOEFL results.
Always remember that for the SDS, IRCC only accepts in-person language examinations. Tests taken online are not accepted.
Need help with your study visa application, creating an express entry profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com
In the just concluded week, the International Experience Canada sent out 996 work permit invites. Out of these, 923 have been sent under the largest IEC category of Working Holiday Visa with the total number of invitations in 2023 now reaching 98,249.
IEC 2023 has also added new spots for Belgium (200), Chile (2,500), and Taiwan (1,000) in the Working Holiday Visa category.
17,220 spots are still available under the Working holiday visa category for 2023, with 24,886 candidates already in the pool from 33 different countries.
A total of 71 invitations have been sent under the Young Professionals category, while just 2 have been issued under the International Co-op (internship) category.
The IEC 2023 season processing time has now improved by 2 weeks to 9 weeks as per the most recent IRCC processing time update.
See below tables listing the breakdown by country and category of invitations sent two weeks back, overall invitations sent in 2023, the number of applicants in the pool, the available spots, and the probability of receiving an invitation this week.
Working Holiday Visa Invitations and Quota
Country
Invitations Issued Last Week
Total Invitations
2023
Candidates
In Pool
Available
Spots
IEC 2023
Quota
Chances of receiving an invite this week
Andorra
0
24
0
15
25
Excellent
Australia
115
9,304
108
unlimited
unlimited
Excellent
Austria
0
271
34
0
168
Very Low
Belgium
0
1,165
247
205
950
Excellent
Chile
0
2,289
8,064
0
1,121
Very Low
Costa Rica
0
1,899
768
93
1,150
Very Low
Croatia
0
161
3
175
275
Excellent
Czech Republic
0
1,074
9
340
1,000
Excellent
Denmark
2
409
3
57
350
Excellent
Estonia
1
129
1
36
110
Excellent
France
0
16,878
12,771
0
12,000
Very Low
Germany
101
5,336
48
984
4,490
Excellent
Greece
7
393
1
111
378
Excellent
Hong Kong
3
457
144
5
200
Very Low
Ireland
74
7,736
46
6,068
10,500
Excellent
Italy
48
2,666
39
443
1,855
Excellent
Japan
110
7,723
97
473
6,500
Excellent
Korea Republic
21
12,185
220
1,511
8,500
Excellent
Latvia
2
76
33
0
40
Very Low
Lithuania
0
394
73
1
185
Very Low
Luxembourg
0
43
2
47
80
Excellent
Netherlands
13
1,196
9
102
880
Excellent
New Zealand
31
2,726
26
685
2,500
Excellent
Norway
4
146
6
49
130
Excellent
Poland
13
967
7
118
635
Excellent
Portugal
27
1,190
13
988
1,750
Excellent
San Marino
0
4
0
22
25
Excellent
Slovakia
5
533
4
18
323
Excellent
Slovenia
1
60
0
53
80
Excellent
Spain
49
2,395
23
544
1,845
Excellent
Sweden
12
486
4
327
580
Excellent
Taiwan
0
4,620
1,911
1,003
3,425
Fair
United Kingdom
284
13,314
172
2,747
10,000
Excellent
Total
923
98,249
24,886
17,220
72,050
Working Holiday Visa Invitations
Young Professionals Invitations and Quota
Invitations
Issued last
Week
Total
Invitations
2023
Candidates
In Pool
Available
Spots
IEC 2023
Quota
Chances of receiving an invitation this week
Australia
5
175
3
unlimited
unlimited
Excellent
Austria
1
14
0
6
10
Excellent
Chile
0
395
74
0
130
Very low
Costa Rica
1
213
2
11
98
Excellent
Croatia
0
11
1
15
20
Excellent
Czech Republic
2
267
6
0
145
Excellent
Estonia
0
15
0
1
10
Excellent
France
24
3,314
64
28
1,950
Very Low
France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE)
0
443
109
50
450
Excellent
Germany
8
520
4
92
350
Excellent
Greece
5
150
0
41
120
Excellent
Ireland
2
138
0
124
150
Excellent
Italy
2
197
0
57
130
Excellent
Latvia
0
9
0
7
8
Excellent
Lithuania
0
22
1
4
13
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
2
1
9
10
Excellent
Netherlands
0
158
4
28
120
Excellent
Norway
0
11
1
9
15
Excellent
Poland
1
87
1
76
110
Excellent
Portugal
0
41
0
188
200
Excellent
Slovakia
0
57
0
0
25
Excellent
Slovenia
2
15
0
7
15
Excellent
Spain
7
210
0
62
150
Excellent
Spain viaICEX Vives
0
10
Not applicable
44
50
Excellent
Sweden
3
37
0
87
100
Excellent
Switzerland
4
278
1
9
200
Excellent
Taiwan
4
167
2
10
73
Excellent
Total
71
6,956
274
965
4,652
Young Professionals Invitations
International Co-op (Internship) Invitations and Quota
Country
Invitations issued last week
Total invitations 2023
Candidates in pool
Available spots
IEC 2023 Quota
Chances of receiving an invite this week
Australia
0
0
0
Unlimited
Unlimited
Excellent
Austria
0
2
0
0
2
Excellent
Chile
0
7
0
0
2
Excellent
Costa Rica
0
2
0
2
2
Excellent
Croatia
0
0
0
5
5
Excellent
Czech Republic
0
1
0
4
5
Excellent
Estonia
0
0
0
5
5
Excellent
France
0
3,914
50
8
2,600
Very Low
Germany
1
113
1
104
160
Excellent
Greece
0
0
0
2
2
Excellent
Ireland
0
18
0
37
50
Excellent
Italy
0
27
0
6
15
Excellent
Latvia
0
0
0
2
2
Excellent
Lithuania
0
0
0
2
2
Excellent
Luxembourg
0
3
0
9
10
Excellent
Norway
0
0
1
5
5
Excellent
Poland
0
2
0
3
5
Excellent
Portugal
0
3
0
49
50
Excellent
Slovakia
0
0
0
2
2
Excellent
Slovenia
0
0
0
5
5
Excellent
Spain
1
5
0
3
5
Excellent
Sweden
0
16
0
19
20
Excellent
Switzerland
0
47
1
21
50
Excellent
Taiwan
0
19
0
2
2
Excellent
Total
2
4,179
53
295
3,006
International Co-op (Internship) invitations
Need help with your temporary or permanent resident visa application, creating an express entry profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Send us an email on eseumohimmigration@gmail.com
In a new IRCC Backlog Update on Thursday August 24, 2023, Canada has been processing a record number of immigration and visa applications which include those for visitor visas, work permits, and study permits with a total application inventory of 2.3 million as of July 31, 2023.
Since the pandemic, the files have been heaping up and IRCC processing involves extensive assessment of applicants on a case-by-case basis, which takes up a great deal of time.
Backlog increases by 4.27% for temporary residency applications, with overall processing inventory mounting to 1,346,200 as compared to the previous backlog update.
The backlog reduces by 5.69% for citizenship and by 4.13% for permanent residency applications, with the overall inventory for these applications reducing by nearly 2%.
Although the backlogs are expected to reduce monthly but there is a high possibility that it will run into 2024.
New IRCC Backlog Update 2023
ApplicationType
OverallProcessing Inventory As of July 31
OverallProcessing Inventory As of June 30
difference
Citizenship
296,900
302,000
-1.69%
Permanent Residence
631,500
644,000
-1.94%
Temporary Residence
1,346,200
1,318,000
2.14%
Total
2,274,600
2,264,000
0.47%
IRCC Overall Processing Inventory
ApplicationType
Backlog
Percentage Change
Within Service Standards
Percentage Change
Citizenship
67,900
-5.69%
229,000
-0.43%
Permanent Residence
290,500
-4.13%
341,000
0.00%
Temporary Residence
444,200
4.27%
902,000
1.16%
Total
802,600
0.20%
1,472,000
0.64%
IRCC Backlog data as of July 31, 2023
The Canadian government is facing backlash for welcoming a staggering increase in the record number of permanent and temporary residents every year amid the housing crisis.
2023 IRCC Monthly Backlog Data
Date
Backlog
Total Applications Under Processing
July 31, 2023
802,600
2,274,600
June 30, 2023
801,000
2,264,000
May 31, 2023
820,000
2,248,000
April 30, 2023
809,000
2,006,000
March 31, 2023
896,300
2,017,700
February 28, 2023
910,400
1,962,600
January 31, 2023
974,600
1,944,500
Canadian Immigration Backlog in 2023
See below the IRCC’s official backlog projections for various application types by the end of September 2023
20% backlog for Federal High Skilled and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP via Express Entry)
24–26% backlog for Citizenship and spousal sponsorship applications.
17-20% for study permits and work permits.
36% for temporary resident visas or visitor visas.
Anything equal to or below 20% means IRCC is meeting the service standard for that business line.
Canada is still on course to welcome a total number of 465,000 applicants this year.
Need help creating an express entry profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Send us an email on eseumohimmigration@gmail.com
