Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, on Wednesday March 6, 2024, announced new Canada immigration pilots for rural and francophone minority communities. This Rural Community Immigration Pilot will be fully in effect by fall 2024.
The immigration minister also stated the importance of the RNIP (Rural Northern Immigration Pilot) and its success.
As of the end of January, the minister emphasized that 5,158 newcomers obtained permanent residency through this pathway, with approximately 87% of respondents from surveys indicating that they remained in these communities.
IRCC is working towards adding more communities to be included in this program with the goal to guarantee that programs that alleviate labour shortages and assist local businesses in finding the labour they require will still be available in rural regions.
The programs will offer pathways to permanent residence for new comers who would want to settle down in these rural communities permanently and are also able to meet their urgent labour shortages. The francophone program also aims to ensure the development of francophone minority towns and increase the number of French speaking immigrants settling in these communities outside of Quebec.
The IRCC will commence the community application process this spring for the communities participating in the pilots. Further details will be provided in the months ahead.
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
On February 13, 2024, the Canadian province of Quebec started issuing an updated letter attesting to the issuance of the Quebec acceptance certificate for studies. This letter enables candidates to apply for a study permit in accordance to the Federal government’s instructions which were released on January 22, 2024.
At this point, you don’t need to do anything further to get this letter from the province. If, however, you need an updated letter of attestation to submit your application for a study permit with the federal government. See below steps to take:
-Complete the form you will find on their website using the link below:
-Then select the subject “CAQ-Updated Letter of Attestation” in the menu for the form and make sure to indicate the email address you used when you created your arrima account.
-In your message, you must indicate that you would like to receive an updated Letter of Attestation to submit your application for study permit and provide your file number. This is indicated in the right corner of the letter that you initially received.
-A new letter of attestation will be placed in your file within 10 working days
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
As of March 4, 2024, British Columbia has initiated the issuance of Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL). PAL is a verificaton letter provided to institutions by the provincial government, which then distribute it to international applicants.
International students wishing to study in the province are required to include PAL, received from the British Columbia government, along with their study permit application. This serves as evidence of their acceptance into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) within the province.
Following the announcement of the cap for intake of international students in 2024 by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), British Columbia has been allocated a total of 83,000 undergraduate study permit applications by IRCC. The province highlights that, according to past acceptance rates, the federal government anticipates approximately 50,000 approved study permit applications for 2024 as a result. The province stated that letters will be distributed 53% for public institutions and 47% for private institutions.
This requirement by IRCC does not affect primary and secondary students, master’s and doctoral degree students, students already in Canada with a valid study permit or Canada work permit holders and their in-Canada family members, also students already in Canada applying for an extension as well as students whose application was received before 8:30am EST on January 22, 2024 before the announcement on cap for study permit applications was made by IRCC.
British Columbia is leading the way as the first province to initiate the issuance of attestation letters as the deadline provided by IRCC is March 31, 2024.
Need professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited 2,583 candidates for permanent residency in an Express Entry draw on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Profiles in the Express Entry pool between March 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024, experienced in one of the 49 skilled trade occupations with a CRS score of 350-424 were targeted in this round of invitation.
See below OINP Express Entry Draw for Eligible Skilled Trade Occupations
NOC 72010: Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
NOC 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
NOC 72012 – Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
NOC 72013 – Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
NOC 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
NOC 72021 – Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
NOC 72022 – Supervisors, printing and related occupations
NOC 72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
NOC 72101 – Tool and die makers
NOC 72102 – Sheet metal workers
NOC 72103 – Boilermakers
NOC 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
NOC 72105 Ironworkers
NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
NOC 72203 – Electrical power line and cable workers
NOC 72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
NOC 72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
NOC 72300 – Plumbers
NOC 72301 – Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
NOC 72302 – Gas fitters
NOC 72310 – Carpenters
NOC 72311 – Cabinetmakers
NOC 72320 – Bricklayers
NOC 72321 – Insulators
NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
NOC 72403 – Railway carmen/women
NOC 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
NOC 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics
NOC 72423 – Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
NOC 72500 – Crane operators
NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers
NOC 73101 – Tilesetters
NOC 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
NOC 73111 – Glaziers
NOC 73113 – Floor covering installers
NOC 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
NOC 73201 – General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
NOC 73202 – Pest controllers and fumigators
NOC 73209 – Other repairers and servicers
NOC 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
NOC 73402 – Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
NOC 82031: Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com
This update is in response to a rise in asylum petitions filed by Mexican citizens that are denied, withdrawn or abandoned. The new changes will apply even if you have already booked your trip to Canada so this is very important.
According to IRCC, having pre-booked travel reservations or a previously valid electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) does not ensure approval for a new eTA or visa.
Mexican citizens can reapply for a new eTA if they fall into any of these categories:
frequently fly to Canada and have had a visitor visa to Canada in the last ten years
or currently possess a valid non-immigrant visa to the United States.
If they do not have any of the above, they require a visa.
Mexican citizens who have valid Canadian work or study permits are unaffected. Their eTA will not be cancelled and they will be able to continue traveling to Canada.
Mexican citizens residing in Canada without a Canadian study or work permit are allowed to stay for the duration of their permitted stay. However, when they leave Canada and intend to return, they must obtain a visa or a new electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if eligible.
Due to the new entrance regulations, Mexican visitors may experience delays upon arrival at Canadian airports. It’s important for Mexican visitors to be aware of these regulations and plan accordingly for potential delays when traveling to Canada.
Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, IRCC issued 1,470 invitations to apply for permanent residency to skilled workers in an Express Entry draw.
The Express Entry draw results indicate promising opportunities for skilled individuals seeking permanent residency in the country. It’s a positive development for both the applicants and Canada’s immigration system overall.
Summary of the latest Express Entry Draw: February 28, 2024
Number of invitations issued: 1,470
Rank required to be invited to apply: 1,470 or above
Date and time of round: February 28, 2024
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 534
Tie-breaking rule: January 16, 2024
See below CRS Score Distribution in the Pool
CRS score range
Number of candidates
601-1200
965
501-600
9,567
451-500
59,371
491-500
7,574
481-490
10,095
471-480
17,137
461-470
13,373
451-460
11,192
401-450
50,695
441-450
10,265
431-440
10,474
421-430
9,110
411-420
10,407
401-410
10,439
351-400
56,178
301-350
29,305
0-300
5,406
Total
211,487
Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com
British Columbia issued invitations to apply for permanent residency to more than 188 candidates in targeted invitation rounds on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
See below latest BC PNP Draw
Date
Draw type
Stream
Minimum Score
Number of invitations
February 27, 2024
Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)
65
45
Targeting 25 Construction occupations
80
12
Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations
65
41
Targeting 35 tech occupations
108
90
Veterinary care
65
<5
The processing time for BC PNP Skills Immigration and Post-nomination requests remains at 3 months each. Applications undergo processing only upon submission and receipt of completed applications by BC PNP.
See below BC PNP Fees 2023
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
As of February 26, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has implemented a new requirement for its application process. Moving forward, all applicants are mandated to include a consent form along with their applications. This form likely signifies the applicant’s acknowledgment and authorization for the processing of their application by the OINP. Applicants are advised to ensure compliance with this updated procedure to avoid any delays or complications in the processing of their immigration applications.
The consent form must be completed, correctly dated, signed by the applicant, signed by the applicant’s spouse and dependents (if applicable) and uploaded with other documents in the application.
See below important changes to note for OINP applications:
The PDF Attestation form for OINP Expression of Interest system stream applications is no longer required.
The Applicant Consent form must be completed after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or a Notification of Interest (NOI).
This form cannot be signed by your representative on your behalf.
Applicants must carefully review the stream-specific document checklist to ensure that the mandatory documents are submitted when applying to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Need help obtaining a visitor visa to visit Canada, or professional help putting in a study visa application, work permit application, Expression of Interest, creating an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply or even just reviewing an application you prepared yourself? Book a consultation or send us an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com
Canada made multiple changes in the beginning of the year in a bid to improve the welfare of international students. Some of these changes included an increase in the cost of living which took effect from January 1, 2024, also the requirement of a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where the student will reside. A cap was also placed on the number of international students received annually thereby reducing the number of temporary residents by limiting the eligibility for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
These changes have been contested by international students who have complained about the PGWP and SOWP.
Recently, the Immigration Minister, Marc Miller extended the full-time work policy for eligible international students to April, 30, 2024, this is to enable the students sustain their cost of living.
Not all students are eligible to work, only study permit applicants meeting the below criteria are eligible until April 30, 2024:
If study permit application (or extension) was received by IRCC by October 7, 2022
If any of the following apply to you, you may work off campus for more than 20 hours per week between November 15, 2022, and April 30, 2024:
You are a full-time student at a DLI with a study permit (or part-time if it’s your last semester of study).
Despite the expiration of your study permit, you have kept your status and are enrolled full-time (or part-time if it’s your last semester) in classes at a DLI.
If study permit application (or extension) was received by IRCC between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023
If any of the following apply to you, you may work off campus for more than 20 hours per week between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024:
You are a full-time student at a DLI with a study permit (or part-time if it’s your last semester of study).
Despite the expiration of your study permit, you have kept your status and are enrolled full-time (or part-time if it’s your last semester) in classes at a DLI.
Although your study permission has been granted, you have not yet entered Canada.
Any individual who has submitted a study permit application or extension to IRCC after December 7, 2023, is ineligible to work more than 20 hours.
IRCC is however considering increasing the off-campus working hours for students to 30 hours weekly while class is in session.
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
