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Tag Archives: #internationalstudents

June 25, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

Starting January 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) will introduce three new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams for international graduates:

– Bachelor’s stream
– Master’s stream
– Doctorate stream

These streams are designed to provide clearer pathways for international graduates to gain Canadian permanent residence (PR) and enhance their employment opportunities in B.C.

The provincial government has revealed the following details for this program:

– Launch date: January 2025
– Language requirement: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 8 for all streams
– Eligibility: Graduates of diploma and certificate programs are excluded from these streams but may qualify for other BCPNP pathways.

Bachelor’s Stream

– Targeted at recent graduates with Bachelor’s degrees from eligible institutions
– Requires a full-time, indeterminate job offer

Master’s Stream
– For recent graduates with Master’s degrees from eligible institutions
– Requires a full-time job offer in a skilled occupation, lasting at least one year

Doctorate Stream
– Designed for graduates and PhD candidates from eligible institutions

See below the general eligibility for BCPNP International Graduate Streams:

Candidates must:
– Have a degree, diploma, or certificate from an eligible Canadian institution within the last three years

– Accept a qualifying full-time job offer in B.C., which must generally be indeterminate unless it is a priority technology occupation

– The job offer must fall under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER categories 1, 2, or 3

– Be qualified to work in their chosen occupation in B.C.

– Receive a wage offer consistent with B.C. wage rates

– Demonstrate the ability to support themselves and any dependents

– Meet minimum language requirements (CLB 8 for most streams)

Employers must support the candidate’s application and meet specific criteria.

The BCPNP ranks candidates using a points-based system and requires selected individuals to apply within 30 days.

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

June 24, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

On Friday, June 21, 2024, IRCC Minister Marc Miller announced that international students can no longer apply for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the border. This change, effective immediately, aims to stop “flagpoling,” where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada for quick immigration services, bypassing regular online application wait times.

The Canadian government is encouraging people to apply for permits within Canada instead of at the border. They are working to speed up processing times globally by updating their systems. This change aims to make the process fairer for everyone and reduce the practice of “flagpoling.”

A study permit expires 90 days after finishing a course, and students can apply online for a PGWP to work full-time while awaiting their permit, which they receive by mail.

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

May 16, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

International Students completing their studies in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Canada are now ineligible to apply for a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP). This took effect yesterday, May 15, 2024.

On January 22, 2024, IRCC announced that international graduates of college programs offered through a public-private curriculum licensing partnership would no longer be eligible to apply for PGWP starting September 1, 2024. However, speculation suggests that this date was moved up to May 15, 2024, after IRCC found that some colleges had shifted their fall admissions earlier to evade the new rule.

See below PGWP eligibility requirement:

International students who have attended a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). To be eligible, they must have maintained full-time student status throughout their program and possess a study permit that has been valid for the past 180 days.

Students must also meet one of the conditions below to be eligible for PGWP

Type of institution Required length of program Program outcome
Public post-secondary DLI, such asa college,a trade/technical institution, ora university 8 months or longer Your program must lead to one of the following:a degree (associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate)a diploma or a certificate
Quebec public secondary DLI offers vocational training programs 900 hours or longer Your program must lead to one of the following:a diploma of vocational studies (DVS)an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS)
Quebec collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) 900 hours or longer Your program must lead to one of the following:an attestation of college studies (ACS)a diploma of college studies (DCS)
Quebec provincially subsidized private post-secondary DLIorQuebec provincially subsidized private secondary DLI offering provincially subsidized vocational training programs 900 hours or longer Your program must lead to one of the following:an attestation of college studies (ACS)a diploma of college studies (DCS)You must be enrolled in one of the provincially subsidized study programs. This may not include all study programs offered at the DLI.
Canadian private-designated learning institution authorized by the province to confer degrees. n/a Your DLI must be authorized by the province to confer degrees, including an associate degree a bachelor’s degree a master’s degree or a doctorate
You must be enrolled in one of the study programs leading to a degree, as authorized by the province. This may not include all study programs offered by the private DLI.
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
May 3, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

Are you soon graduating from a Canadian institution? Congratulations in advance! It’s time to apply for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and we’re here to assist you with that.

See below few supporting documents you will need for your PGWP application

1. A valid passport exceeding the expected duration of the PGWP

2. Degree/Diploma or Transcript/Completion letter from your school

3. Valid study permit/visitor record

4. If you choose to go to the border to make your application (not recommended), you must have a valid visitor visa.

Do you need help applying for a PGWP for your loved ones to visit you or a study permit extension or visitor record? 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

May 3, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

Congratulations to all soon-to-be graduates of Canadian institutions! We’ve curated this article with you in mind, anticipating your eagerness to invite loved ones to join in celebrating this significant milestone.

Depending on the nationality of your loved ones, some may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), while others may need a temporary resident visa to enter Canada.

See below few supporting documents they will need from you for this application:

1. Proof of your status in Canada, e.g. a study permit or a PGWP

2. A letter of invitation

3. Proof of enrollment (if you are still studying)

4. Graduation invitation letter (mostly issued by the international center in your school)

5. And most importantly, proof of finances.

Please save this or share this information with someone.

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

April 29, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

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

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

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

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

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

April 8, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

The Immigration Minister, Marc Miller announced the allocation of study permit for all provinces. IRCC made an announcement on the 22nd of January, 2024 that there will be a cap on the the number of international students that will be let into Canada in the year, 2024. To achieve this, all provinces will be given an allocation on the total number of study permits that will be approved, this allocation will be based on the population of the province.

IRCC adjusted allocations for provinces that would receive a lower allocation of study permits to lessen any negative impact.

Provinces that were poised to receive more international students in 2024 than in 2023 had their allocations capped at 10% of their population.

IRCC also topped up the allocations for provinces with an approval rate lower than 60% believing that it will help these provinces reach their expected number of approved study permits.

See below study permit allocation according to province

IRCC does not have the authority to cap the number of approved study permits but the department can cap the number of study permit applications that are processed.

However, basing the cap for study permits on a national approval rate of 60%, IRCC says that the estimated cap of study permits issued is derived from the number of study permit applications it will process. In this situation, the department hopes to process 606,000 applications.

Need 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 28, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

In the city of Calgary, Alberta, you can rent a three bedroom apartment for an average of $2,837 in the city centre. This is according to statistics available on Numbeo.com which are gathered from residents in the city.

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

See below in descending order the list of the cost of renting a similar apartment in the city centre in the province of Alberta:

1. Calgary – $2,837

2. Airdrie – $2,500

3. Edmonton – $2,115

4. Cold lake – $2,000

5. Fort Saskatchewan – $2,000

6. St. Albert – $1,639

7. Medicine Hat – $1,500

8. Grande Prairie – $1,450

9. Lethbridge – $1,125

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

March 28, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

The province of Ontario announced on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 that they will be giving 96% of study permit applications to public funded universities and 4% to private universities, language schools, and other institutions in the province. Career colleges will not receive any applications.

Institutions offering skilled programs such as STEM, Skilled Trades, Health Human Resources, Childcare and Hospitality will be prioritized. French-language enrollment will also be prioritized as employers compete for employees with French-language skills.

This measure is taken by the Ontario government to provide graduate with in-demand jobs and also meet with the demand of the province’s labour market.

See below criteria that will be used to issue applications to the institutions

  • Institution must prioritize programs in the high-demand fields: skilled trades, human resources in health, STEM, hospitality, and child care.
  • an institution cannot exceed the 2023 permission levels.
  • as a last safety measure, the proportion of foreign permits cannot go above 55% of the institution’s first-year domestic enrollment in 2023 (except in high-demand sectors).

IRCC announced putting a cap on study permit applications for international students January of 2024, this cap does not include those enrolled in master’s and doctoral degree programs and those in kindergarten through grade 12.

The allocation of study permits to an individual institution for 2024 and 2025 cannot exceed the number of permits Ontario issued in 2023 and the ratio of international permits cannot exceed 55% (exclusive of high-demand areas) of the institution’s 2023 first-year domestic enrollment.

Applications for 22 out of 23 universities will remain at the 2023 level. Algoma university is the only university to witness a decrease in 2023 applications.

A total of 11 of Ontario’s 24 public colleges will also maintain applications at the 2023 level. Conestoga College and other public-private college partnerships will see a huge decline in application.

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 26, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

As announced by IRCC on the 22nd of January, 2024, all provinces are required to issue Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) based on the allocation of study permits they receive within the newly implemented cap on study permits for 2024.

All provinces were given until March 31, 2024 to begin issuing the letters to international students. New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador have joined British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec on the list of provinces that have carried out this task.

Details on getting a PAL in New Brunswick

IRCC states that New Brunswick has had a PAL process in place since March 18. International students are required to contact their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to find out how to apply.

After application, the DLI will then request for PAL from the province which would take a duration of two weeks to get a response.

On receipt of the PAL document, students can now submit their final study permit application alongside the completed PAL document.

Details on getting a PAL in Saskatchewan

According to IRCC, the PAL process for Saskatchewan has been in place since March 13, 2024. International students are advised to contact their DLI to get their PAL.

No additional details on getting a PAL yet from any of the province’s most prominent post-secondary institutions.

Details on getting a PAL in Newfoundland and Labrador

As of March 19, 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador’s PAL system has been put in place. International students are advised to contact their DLI to apply for their PAL.

Memorial University in St. John’s has the largest number of international students of any DLI in the province. The institution says it will contact admitted students via email to collect any additional information required for the attestation letter process, this will begin with students who intend to start in the May 2024 semester.

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