Last Updated On 28 November 2022, 8:39 PM EST (Toronto Time)
Finally, wait is over. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held a draw after one and half month. Today, BC PNP Draw invited more than 326 applicants for permanent residency (PR) under 5 different categories.
Usually, BC PNP Draws are held every week (mostly on Tuesdays), but the draws were halted to implement new NOC Codes (TEER System). Cut off score in today’s draw dropped across all the categories.
However, this could probably be due to new BC PNP scoring matrix with the implementation on new NOC codes. 253 invitations were sent under General draw (including Tech occupations) to below mentioned categories:
- SI – Skilled Workers with cut off score of 105 – Click here for eligibility
- International Graduate with cut off score of 105 – Click here for eligibility
- SI-Entry Level & Semi-Skilled with cut off score of 82 – Click here for eligibility
- EEBC – Skilled Workers with cut off score of 105; and – Click here for eligibility
- EEBC – International Graduate with cut off score of 105 – Click here for eligibility
Rest of the invitations were sent to below mentioned categories under Targeted draw.
| Number of Invitations | Category | Minimum Score | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) |
| 24 | Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entry Level and Semi-Skilled (includes EEBC option) | 60 | Targeted draw: Healthcare |
| <5 | Entry Level and Semi-Skilled | 60 | Targeted draw: Healthcare: Health care assistants (NOC 33102) |
| <5 | Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option) | 60 | Targeted draw: (NOCs 31103, 32104) |
Previous BC PNP Draw was on October 12, 2022 and invited more than 365 applicants. Click here for details!
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BC PNP Tech Occupations
- 10030 Telecommunication carriers managers
- 20012 Computer and information systems managers
- 21100 Physicists and astronomers
- 21210 Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
- 21211 Data scientists
- 21220 Cybersecurity specialists
- 21221 Business systems specialists
- 21222 Information systems specialists
- 21223 Database analysts and data administrators
- 21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
- 21231 Software engineers and designers
- 21232 Software developers and programmers
- 21233 Web designers
- 21234 Web developers and programmers
- 21300 Civil engineers
- 21301 Mechanical engineers
- 21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
- 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- 21320 Chemical engineers
- 21399 Other professional engineers
- 22110 Biological technologists and technicians
- 22220 Computer network and web technicians
- 22221 User support technicians
- 22222 Information systems testing technicians
- 22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- 50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
- 22312 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- 51111 Authors and writers (except technical)
- 51112 Technical writers
- 51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
- 52119 Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
- 52112 Broadcast technicians
- 52113 Audio and video recording technicians
- 52120 Graphic designers and illustrators
- 53111 Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators
Care economy: Healthcare occupations
- 30010 Managers in health care
- 31300 Nursing coordinators and supervisors
- 31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- 31102 General practitioners and family physicians
- 31110 Dentists
- 31201 Chiropractors
- 31120 Pharmacists
- 31121 Dietitians and nutritionists
- 31112 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
- 31203 Occupational therapists
- 32120 Medical laboratory technologists
- 32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
- 32121 Medical radiation technologists
- 32122 Medical sonographers
- 32123 Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
- 32110 Denturists
- 32111 Dental hygienists and dental therapists
- 32101 Licensed practical nurses
- 32102 Paramedical occupations
- 41300 Social workers
- 42201 Social and community service workers
- 31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- 31101 Specialists in surgery
- 31302 Nurse practitioners
- 31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
- 32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
- 31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
- 31202 Physiotherapists
- 31204 Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- 32120 Medical laboratory technologists
- 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
- 32112 Dental technologists and technicians
- 32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
- 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- 33100 Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
- 31200 Psychologists
- 41301 Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
- 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (only health care assistants / health care aides are eligible under NOC 33102).
How To Apply:
If you are eligible in one of the above mentioned PNP, then you can create an online profile here. Once you create an online profile, you are eligible to be invited in one of the BC PNP draws. If your score is higher than the cut off. Additionally, click here to get more information on BC PNP.
Processing Time:
Estimated processing time for 80% of the applications is 3 months. Furthermore, this processing times are from the date your complete application is submitted after nomination. However, you may need to submit post-nomination request, if any of the following applies to you:
- There is change in your employment status after receiving an invitation in the draw.
- Your work permit will expire within 180 days receiving the nomination.
- Also, if your family structure changes.
- New Minimum Wage In Ontario On October 1
On October 1, minimum wage in Ontario will increase to $16.55 per hour.
It is a 6.8 percent increase above the current wage of $15.50 per hour, which is linked to inflation.
According to the government, someone earning the minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see their salary increase by approximately $2,200 per year.
Special Minimum Wage will also increase
Beginning on October 1, the minimum wage for students will rise from $14.60 to $15.60 per hour for individuals under the age of 18 who work 28 hours or less per week when school is in session or during a school vacation or summer holiday.
Individuals who undertake paid work from home for companies must be paid at least $18.20 per hour, up from $17.05.
While working fewer than five consecutive hours in a day, the minimum salary for hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides will increase from $77.60 to $82.85, and from $155.25 to $165.75 when working five or more hours in a day.
New Minimum Wage in Ontario Not Meeting Living Wage
Ontario should implement a $20 minimum wage, according to labour organizations and opposition opponents.
According to the Ontario Living Wage Network, a living wage in many regions of the province is $19, while it is more than $23 in the Greater Toronto Area.
Below is the breakdown of Living Wages in Ontario as per Ontario Living Wage Network as updated in February 2023.
Community 2022 Rate 2021 Rate % Increase Toronto $23.15 $22.08 4.8% Durham $23.15 $17.80 30.1% Halton $23.15 $20.75 11.6% Peel Region $23.15 $19.80 16.9% Grey & Bruce $20.70 $18.39 12.6% Perth & Huron $20.70 $17.95 15.3% Simcoe County $20.70 $19.05 8.7% Guelph & Wellington $19.95 $18.10 10.2% Waterloo Region $19.95 $17.20 16.0% Haldimand–Norfolk $19.80 $17.35 14.1% Niagara Region $19.80 $18.90 4.8% Sault Ste. Marie $19.70 $16.20 21.6% Sudbury $19.70 $16.98 16.0% Thunder Bay $19.70 $16.30 20.9% Ottawa $19.60 $18.60 5.4% Hamilton $19.05 $17.20 10.8% Hastings & Prince Edward $19.05 $17.95 6.1% Kingston $19.05 $17.75 7.3% Leeds, Grenville, & Lanark $19.05 $18.25 4.4% Muskoka $19.05 $18.55 2.7% Norththumberland $19.05 $18.80 1.3% Peterborough $19.05 $18.35 3.8% Renfrew County $19.05 $17.40 9.5% United Counties of Prescott & Russell $19.05 $17.15 11.1% Chatham–Kent $18.15 $16.33 11.1% Windsor Essex $18.15 $16.60 9.3% London & Middlesex $18.05 $16.55 9.1% St. Thomas & Elgin $18.05 $16.57 8.9% Minimum Wage in Canada and All The Canadian Provinces
Geography Minimum Wage Per Hour Next Raise Date Minimum Wage
after Next RaiseCanada (Federally regulated private sectors) $16.65 April 1, 2024 $17.75 (estimated) Ontario $15.50 October 1, 2023 $16.55 Manitoba $14.15 October 1, 2023 $15.30 New Brunswick $14.75 April 1, 2024 (Expected) $15.50 (estimated) Nova Scotia $14.50 October 1, 2023 $15 Saskatchewan $13.00 October 1, 2023 $15 Newfoundland & Labrador $14.50 October 1, 2023 $15 Alberta $15.00 To Be Decided (TBD) TBD British Columbia $15.65 To Be Decided (TBD) TBD Quebec $14.25 May 1, 2023 $15.25 Nunavut $16.00 To Be Decided (TBD) TBD Prince Edward Island $14.50 October 1, 2023 $15 Northwest Territories $15.20 September 1, 2023 $16 (estimated) Yukon $16.77 April 1, 2024 $17.50(estimated) Labour Minister Monte McNaughton said Ontario is also developing a portable benefits plan that will give health and dental benefits tied to a worker rather than a business.
That program is meant to cover employees without benefits in the gig economy, retail, and hospitality, as well as those who may change occupations during their lifetimes. A task team set to produce a design for it in the summer.
“I’m proud of my record around minimum wage, to increase it to $16.55 an hour, the highest of any province in the country. But I also want to be clear that minimum wage jobs should be a starting point and not an end point. That’s why we’re investing hundreds of millions of dollars to retrain and upskill workers for bigger paycheques.”
Labour Minister Monte McNaughtonHow much is Ontario student minimum wage?
Minimum wage for students will rise from $14.60 to $15.60 per hour for individuals under the age of 18 who work 28 hours or less per week when school is in session or during a school vacation or summer holiday.
- New Express Entry Draw Declares CRS Cutoff At 481
Today, new IRCC Express Entry draw issues 7,000 invitations to apply (ITA) for Canada permanent residency (PR), to applicants having a CRS score of 481 or above.
Express Entry draws are usually held bi-weekly, but today’s draw is the third back-to-back weekly round of invitations.
Details of the IRCC Express Entry draw today
- Date and time of round: March 29, 2023 13:44:01 UTC
- No Program Specified
- Number of invitations issued: 7,000
- Rank required to be invited to apply: 7,000 or above
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 481
- Tie-breaking rule: February 14, 2023 07:35:00 UTC
Just FYI, we now have a dedicated online Express Entry page which is updated as soon as the draw is out. Click here to visit our Express Entry page.
A total of 21,000 invitations to apply have been issued in last 3 consecutive weeks and CRS cut off score has dropped all the way from 490 to 481.
This is the lowest cutoff score since the beginning of “no program specified” draws post pandemic.
However, this could just be the “good days” prior to starting of new “targeted Express Entry draws” this year.
Next Express Entry Draw Prediction
Our CRS cut off score prediction last week just missed by 1 point. We predicted today’s cutoff at 480, but it came at 481.
This prediction is based on our analysis of CRS score distribution in the pool on the draw day and anticipation of new profiles until then.
Similarly, our next draw predication sees the cut off score to be around 476-478 for no program specified draws (if draw is held next week).
If no program specified draw is held after two weeks now, then the cut off is expected to be around 480.
The CRS score distribution of applicants in the Express Entry pool as of March 29, 2023 is shown below.
March 29 CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool
Click here for all the previous Express Entry draws.
Official IRCC processing times for Express Entry – March 23, 2023.
- Canadian Experience Class – 12 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – 30 months
- Federal Skilled Trades Program – 70 months
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry – 11 months
- Canada Budget 2023 New Proposals For Immigration
Today, the finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled Canada budget 2023 amid rising grocery costs.
Budget reiterated that Canada will welcome 500,000 new permanent residents per year by 2025 with the vast majority of whom will be skilled employees.
This will assist in addressing the labour shortages that so many Canadian firms are currently facing.
The budget proposes new funding to improve processing and boost visitors to Canada.
Additionally, it also allocates new funding for promoting francophone funding as well as to support legal aid for Asylum Seekers.
Canada Budget 2023 Proposal for Immigration
Canada budget 2023 proposes $104.3 million for citizenship, visitors, asylum seekers + $123.2 million for promoting francophone immigration.
As per 2022 budget, Canada already has plan to spend $1.6 billion over six years and $315 million ongoing to achieve ambitious target of welcoming 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025.
Moreover, $50 million is also being spend to address immigration backlogs.
Safe and Efficient Citizenship Applications: $10 million over 5 years
Applications for citizenship are screened using name-based searches rather than biometric methods like fingerprints, which are used in visa and permanent residency applications.
Name-based searches take longer and are less precise, resulting in longer processing times.
So, budget 2023 proposes $10 million over five years, beginning in 2023-24, with a remaining amortization of $14.6 million for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to implement biometrics.
Supporting Travel to Canada: $50.8 million in forgone revenue over 4 years
Canada acknowledges that Visitors to Canada generate billions of dollars in revenue. The federal government is dedicated to simplifying and streamlining the application process for anyone wishing to visit Canada, while not compromising national security.
Budget 2023 proposes expanding eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) eligibility to low-risk, trusted travellers from additional visa-required countries.
This will assist to make Canada a more appealing destination for trustworthy travellers while also allowing the government to direct resources where they are most needed, such as screening higher-risk travellers.
This approach will cost $50.8 million in forgone revenue over four years. The list of qualifying countries will be released in upcoming weeks.
Legal Aid for Asylum Seekers: $43.5 million
As per Canadian government, access to legal counsel, information, and guidance guarantees that Canada’s asylum procedure is fair and efficient for all.
In collaboration with provinces and territories, the federal government helps fund legal aid services for asylum seekers who cannot afford it.
Canada budget 2023 proposes to give Justice Canada $43.5 million in 2023-24 to sustain government financing for immigration and refugee legal aid programmes.
Francophone (French-Speaking) immigration: $123.2 million
Budget proposes $123.2 million to enhance Francophone immigration in Canada. Although, it is immigration related, but it falls under the action plan for official languages section of the budget.
This includes assistance to Canadian firms in recruiting French-speaking overseas employees and improved assistance to these immigrants after they arrive.
Grocery Rebate Canada Budget 2023
Most talked across Canada is the “grocery rebate” announced by the minister, which is a one-time payment (a maximum amount of $153 per adult, $81 per child, and $81 for singles).
As a result, eligible couples with 2 children may receive up to $467, while individuals may receive up to an extra $234. Furthermore, Seniors may receive up to $225.
This is expected to benefit For 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families to offset the cost of rising grocery inflation. However, this is too petite amount.
Example explained in the budget on Grocery Rebate eligibility
Sam works part-time as a cook at a restaurant, while Alex works as a clerk at a convenience store. They make $38,000 each year to support their two young children.
Increasing grocery prices have stretched their already limited budget, and they are fighting to make ends meet.
In addition to the improved Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Child Benefit, and GST Credit they already get, the Food Rebate will provide them with $467 to help them afford the healthful food their growing children require.
- Canada Foreign Worker Program Transitioning To LMIA Online Portal Effective April 3
Effective April 3, 2023 the Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will begin shifting to the LMIA Online Portal as the primary means of submitting LMIAs.
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian business or employer require before recruiting a foreign worker.
With positive LMIA, a foreign worker can apply for a work permit and come to Canada for employment.
This change to LMIA Online Portal will streamline processing even further, allowing firms to respond labour market demands more swiftly.
New Extension of Temporary Foreign Worker Program COVID Measures
Furthermore, Minister of Employment, Carla Qualtrough extended below listed temporary measures until October 23, 2023. These measures were introduced during the COVID.
- Allowing employers in seven sectors with demonstrated labour shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction, and food manufacturing) to hire up to 30% of their workforce for low-wage positions through the TFWP;
- extending the validity period of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to 18 months; and
- extending the maximum duration of employment for low-wage positions to two years.
The Canadian labour market remains tighter than it was prior to the pandemic, with the job vacancy rate reaching an all-time high in the third quarter of 2021.
Still unemployment rate in Canada continues to remain near-record low at 5.0%.
As of March 19, 2023, 56.5% more files (108,592) have been processed this year than during the same time period the prior fiscal year (69,379).
Despite the huge rise in demand, national average LMIA processing times improved by more than ten days in fiscal year 2022-23.
LMIA processing times have continued to improve and are now at 29 days nationwide, down from 40 days at the start of this fiscal year.
What is the LMIA Online Portal
The LMIA Online Portal is a trustworthy and secure electronic resource.
It enables Canadian employers and third-party representatives to submit an LMIA application to Service Canada on their behalf.
LMIA Online Portal Features
Employers or third-party representatives can do the following in the LMIA Online Portal after setting up a Job Bank account:
- Submit LMIA application anytime (24×7 = 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Complete or revise an LMIA application at any time prior to submitting it to Service Canada
- Upload supporting documents
- Securely pay LMIA fees
- Receive real-time updates on the status of LMIA application
- Employer can access and follow the status of application, when a third party representative is submitting an LMIA application on employer’s behalf
- View correspondence and decision letters issued by Service Canada,
- Review previously submitted applications,
- Create a new LMIA application by copying the information from a previous application, and
- Contact TFWP system experts for help with technical issues.
“We are taking a balanced approach to adjust the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to meet the changing needs of Canada’s workforce and Canadian employers. Renewing these measures addresses immediate labour shortages, while ensuring Canadians have access to jobs. We’ll continue working with provinces, territories and other partners to build the strong, skilled workforce Canada needs to support our economy.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla QualtroughHow to request an exemption
If applicants meet one of the below listed exemptions, then they may contact edsc.demande.formulaire.ptet-tfwp.form.request@servicecanada.gc.ca to make a request for an exemption and request a PDF LMIA application form.
- business name
- business telephone
- justification(s) for the exemption(s), citing the exception to which applicant is entitled
- the stream(s) applicant want to apply for
If you fulfil the requirements for the exemption, Service Canada will assess your request and make a determination. Email replies will be sent out within two business days.
LMIA Portal Exemptions
In April 2023, all LMIA application forms will be taken down from Canada.ca website.
However, employer or their representative is unable to use the LMIA Online Portal because of the below listed reasons, then they might be granted exemption from submitting the application online.
Exemption 1
Employers or their representative is/are unable get a Job Bank account if they;
- don’t have a SIN
- don’t have a payroll account number associated with CRA business number
Exemption 2
Employers is facing limitations or technical difficulties (example, limited internet or computer access).
Exemption 3
Applicants cannot use the Online Portal due to a system outage. In this situation, a notification outlining the steps to submit an LMIA application during this time will be placed on the Online Portal.
Temporary Foreign Worker LMIA Employers List
Below is the latest official list of Employers who have been issued positive LMIAs so far.
What is LMIA Online Portal?
The LMIA Online Portal is a trustworthy and secure electronic resource. It enables Canadian employers and third-party representatives to submit an LMIA application to Service Canada on their behalf.
Effective April 3, 2023 the Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will be transitioning to the LMIA Online Portal as the primary means of submitting LMIAs.
- Roxham Road Border and Safe Third Country Agreement
The Canadian government has secured an agreement with the United States on irregular migration that now allows Canada to block the Roxham Road unofficial crossing at the Canada-United States border.
On March 24, 2023, Canada and the United States announced the expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) across the whole land border, including internal waterways.
The expansion takes effect on March 25, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. If you crossed the border to seek asylum (refugee) and do not fit one of the Agreement’s exclusions, you will be deported to the United States.
As part of this commitment, Canada will accept an additional 15,000 migrants from the Western Hemisphere on a humanitarian basis over the course of the year.
This is to maintain the expansion of the safe, regular pathways already provided throughout the hemisphere as an alternative to unauthorized migration and as a path to job opportunities.
Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States are among the 23 nations of North America in the Western Hemisphere.
Apart from these, 12 countries from South America also fall in Western Hemisphere. These are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Urugya, and Venezuela.
According to sources, those positions will be new and will not reduce the number of immigrants and refugees that Canada has previously stated it will welcome.
What is Roxham Road Crossing
Roxham Road is an unofficial land border (dirt road) between Canada and United States, which runs through Quebec and New York. It is located around 50 kilometres south of Montreal.
The route serves as a popular unauthorized border crossing for asylum seekers attempting to enter Canada.
Since 2017, Canada has experienced an influx of refugees crossing the border from the United States at different irregular entry sites.
According to federal government figures, more than 39,000 persons sought refuge in Quebec in 2022 after entering the country illegally.
Roxham Road Border Crossing What is Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)?
A safe third country is a country where an individual, passing through that country, could have made a claim for refugee protection.
Canada and United States has a Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) which means any foreign national in the United States cannot enter Canada and seek refuge.
It is illegal for an asylum seeker to cross the border anyplace other than an established port of entry.
However, once a person sets foot on the Canadian soil by any means (such as via Roxham road), then that person is lawfully permitted to apply for asylum and seek refugee status.
Previously, the STCA was only applicable at official border crossings and Roxham road is just an unofficial country-side ditch road connecting two countries.
On March 24 U.S and Canada has expanded this agreement to include all the official and unofficial borders effective March 25.
Now if any foreign national enters Canada from the United States and apply for asylum (refugee status), then Canadian authorities will return them back to the U.S.
Where is the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) applicable now?
The Safe Third Country Agreement applies to refugees seeking entrance into Canada from the United States.
- at Canada-US land border crossings
- after crossing between ports of entry and claiming refugee protection within 14 days of entering Canada
- by train, or
- at airports, only if the person seeking refugee protection in Canada has been denied refugee status in the US and is in transit through Canada after being deported from the US.
Exemptions to the STCA
Exceptions to the Agreement take into account the value of family unity, children’s best interests, and the public interest. There are four different kinds of exceptions:
- Family members.
- Unaccompanied minors.
- Document holders
- Public Interest
1. Family member exemption
Refugee applicants may be eligible for this exemption if they have a family member who:
- is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or a protected person under Canadian immigration legislation
- has made a claim for refugee status in Canada that has been accepted by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
- has had his or her removal order stayed on humanitarian and compassionate grounds
- holds a valid Canadian work permit
- holds a valid Canadian study permit
- is above the age of 18 and has a refugee protection claim that has been referred to the IRB for adjudication.
Below listed relationships meet the definition of a family member:
- spouse
- legal guardian
- child
- father or mother
- sister or brother
- grandfather or grandmother
- grandchild
- uncle or aunt
- nephew or niece
- common-law partner
- same-sex spouse
2. Exemption for unaccompanied minors
Minor refugee claimants who are (under the age of 18) and
- are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- having no spouse or common-law partner, and
- do not have a mother, father, or legal guardian in Canada or the United States.
3. Exemption of document holders
Refugee claimants may be eligible for this category of exceptions if they meet the following criteria:
- possess a valid Canadian visa (other than a transit visa)
- possess a valid work permit possess a valid study permit
- have a travel document (for permanent residents or refugees) or other valid entry document issued by Canada, or are not required (exempt) to get a temporary resident visa to visit Canada yet require a visa granted by the United States to enter the United States.
4. Public Interest Exemption
Public interest exemption applies to asylum seekers if they have been charged with or convicted of an offence that might result in the death sentence in the United States or another nation.
A refugee claimant, on the other hand, is disqualified if he or she has been deemed inadmissible in Canada on security grounds, for breaching human or international rights, or for severe crime, or if the Minister considers the person to be a threat to the public.
Is Roxham road border crossing open?
Roxham Road is no longer open to refugees seeking to enter Canada. The Canadian government and the United States have agreed to block Roxham Road, an illegal border crossing just south of Montreal.
Canada is now turning away asylum seekers trying to enter via Roxham Road.Where is Roxham Road border crossing?
Roxham Road is an unofficial land border (dirt road) that extends across Quebec and New York between Canada and the United States. It is around 50 kilometres south of Montreal.What is Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) Roxham?
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States (U.S.) is part of the Smart Border Action Plan between the two countries.
As per this agreement, refugee claimants are obligated to seek refugee status in the first secure nation they arrive or land in.Source: STCA
- BREAKING: New Canada Immigration Pathway Announced By IRCC
Last Updated On 28 November 2022, 8:39 PM EST (Toronto Time)March 27, 2023 – Today, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Honourable Sean Fraser announces a new Canada Immigration pathway.
Minister offers a keynote talk and unveil new permanent residency (PR) pathway at the Empire Club of Canada in Toronto little late than scheduled time of 11:30 am EST.
Fraser spoke with NGOs, business leaders, and civil society organizations and discuss how Canada’s immigration measures can help employers from different sectors address the labour shortages.
You can select your preferred language below to read the whole announcement for better understanding.
New Immigration Pathway LIVE UPDATES:
Canada announces a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to assist firms in hiring qualified refugees and other displaced people.
The Canadian government is expanding the EMPP by establishing a new federal pathway.
In order to solve specific labour shortages in high-demand industries like healthcare, skilled crafts, and information technology, Canada has set ambitious goals for the EMPP.
During the next years, Canada will expand it further and accept 2,000 eligible refugees and other displaced people.As a result of the uniform qualifying requirements and the requirement to submit only one application, the new federal immigration program application procedure will be simpler and quicker.
The majority of applications will be approved within 6 months, allowing EMPP applicants to travel to Canada and begin employment immediately.This summer will see the launch of this new pathway, which will supplement current EMPP pathways.
The new federal pathway will allow companies additional chances to fill a variety of in-demand positions, including those for teachers, tourist and hospitality employees, truck and delivery service drivers, software engineers, web designers, mechanical and electrical engineers, and long-term care aides.
The EMPP offers EMPP candidates the chance to resume their professions and their lives in safety with their families here in Canada while giving companies another way to meet their labour market demands.The EMPP will also now take a more accommodating stance towards eligibility by allowing other displaced individuals who require international protection and lack a long-term solution to apply.
In the upcoming weeks, more details on the new federal pathway, including eligibility requirements, will be made accessible on the EMPP website.
Employers will be allowed to recruit refugees and other displaced persons who qualify under any National Occupation Classification 2021 category TEER 0-5 according to the new government gateway.
“Canada is a global leader in helping skilled refugees connect with employers struggling to find workers in critical areas, while giving newcomers the opportunity to restart their careers and their lives here in Canada. Our government will continue to develop and scale innovative immigration measures to help employers address their critical labour shortages and provide refugees with the opportunity to live in safety while rebuilding their lives.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Source: Canada immigration official website
Speculations Regarding the Announcement
Below listed were the some speculations around the web regarding today’s announcement:
- While some anticipated that it would have something to do with implementation of Bill C19 and expansion of Express Entry targeted pathway.
- There were also talks about new program for 15,000 migrants on a humanitarian basis from Western Hemisphere including Haiti and Central America based upon recent Biden’s visit to Canada and closure of Roxham road.
- Furthermore, some believed that it could also be related to undocumented foreign workers in Canada to address labour shortages as per the mandate letter.
- Some were expecting new pathway similar to TR to PR for international students and foreign workers.
- There were also some smoke in relation to seven sectors with labour shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction, and food manufacturing) as per ESDC press release just before this announcement.
New Canada immigration pathway has been announced which you can watch at INC News now.
What is the new pathway of PR for Canada?
Canada announces a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to assist firms in hiring qualified refugees and other displaced people.
The majority of applications will be approved within 6 months, allowing EMPP applicants to travel to Canada and begin employment immediately.Will there be a new immigration program in Canada?
Yes, Canada will be launching a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) in summer of 2023 which will have processing time of 6 months.What is EMPP – Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot?
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines economic immigration and refugee resettlement.
It is a pathway for helping talented refugees move to Canada using existing economic immigration programs and provide Canadian employers access to a fresh pool of competent people to fill job opportunities.What is the 2023 2025 Canada immigration plan?
New Canada immigration levels plan of 2023 2025 plans to accept 465,000 new immigrants in 2023, followed by 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Canada immigration news
- IEC 2023 New Round Of Invitations Sent >900 Invites
11th IEC 2023 (International Experience Canada) round of invitations for the week ending March 24 sent more than 900 invitations across three categories.
The 3 categories include the Working Holiday visa category, Young Professionals, and International Co-Op (Internship).
Over 558 invites were sent to candidates in pool from more than 30 different countries under the IEC Working Holiday visa category.
Working Holiday category now has 30,761 available spots for this year.
IEC is now slowing down on the number of invitations since more than 75% of IEC 2023 quota has been exhausted.
Citizens of only 7 countries now have an excellent probability of earning an invitation in the upcoming IEC 2023 Working Holiday category next week.
The countries with high chance of invite next week include Andorra, Croatia, Luxembourg, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Candidates from the other countries in the Working Holiday category have a limited likelihood of earning an invitation based on the number of candidates in the pool and available slots, but they can still participate.
More than 200 invites were sent to the applicants in pool for the IEC 2023 Young Professionals category. Moreover, there are only 3,314 spots left for 2023.
Additionally, 135 invites were given to the candidates under the International Co-op (internship) category.
According to the most recent IRCC official processing update of March 23, the current IEC season has a processing time of less than three weeks.
Below listed is the category-wise data for each country on the number of invitations, applicants in the pool, and available spots.
1. IEC 2023 Working Holiday Visa Category
Country Invitations Issued This Week Total Invitations
Issued In 2023Candidates In Pool Available Spots Andorra 0 10 2 19 Australia 90 3,646 472 Unlimited Austria 0 154 25 0 Belgium 8 682 69 282 Croatia 2 80 1 225 Czech Republic 8 624 49 593 Denmark 4 182 33 212 Estonia 2 80 5 64 France 0 16,885 4,285 0 Germany 40 2,517 316 2,706 Greece 3 228 17 159 Hong Kong 3 240 16 90 Ireland 50 4,676 474 7,625 Italy 20 1,242 141 995 Japan 30 3,111 415 4,049 Korea Republic 100 7,556 1,281 1,696 Latvia 0 72 5 0 Lithuania 5 309 43 21 Luxembourg 2 21 0 65 Netherlands 10 677 71 335 New Zealand 40 1,243 116 1,589 Norway 3 49 6 99 Poland 5 479 53 359 Portugal 15 532 65 1,368 San Marino 0 4 0 22 Slovakia 4 329 23 110 Slovenia 1 28 0 67 Spain 10 1,179 119 1,079 Sweden 23 204 11 466 United Kingdom 80 5,834 746 6,466 Total 558 52,873 8,859 30,761 2. IEC Young Professionals Category
Country Invitations Issued This Week Total Invitations Issued In 2023 Candidates In Pool Available Spots Australia 3 67 3 Unlimited Austria 1 7 1 60 Chile 19 309 8 148 Costa Rica 7 136 0 36 Croatia 0 6 0 17 Czech Republic 6 133 7 62 Estonia 0 3 0 8 France 98 1,644 70 1,218 France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE) 11 203 38 362 Germany 15 206 9 229 Greece 3 95 0 114 Ireland 8 69 2 136 Italy 6 136 2 149 Latvia 0 6 0 6 Lithuania 0 15 0 12 Luxembourg 0 0 0 10 Norway 0 5 0 10 Poland 6 39 2 92 Portugal 0 18 0 191 Slovakia 1 31 0 16 Slovenia 1 4 0 13 Spain 5 95 5 109 Spain via ICEX Vives Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable 47 Sweden 0 16 1 95 Switzerland 9 154 8 93 Taiwan 4 92 5 81 Total 203 3,489 161 3,314 3. IEC International Co-op (Internship)
Country Invitations issued this week Total Invitations Issued In 2023 Candidates In Pool Available Spots France 127 2,683 93 2,330 Ireland 3 10 3 43 Germany 4 51 4 134 Luxembourg 0 3 0 9 Switzerland 0 19 0 37 Taiwan 1 12 1 9 Total 135 2,778 101 2,562
International Experience Canada - Latest Express Entry Draw Issues 7,000 Invitations For All Programs
Today, IRCC Express Entry Draw issues again a record 7,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR) in a surprise round of invitations for all the categories.
The Cutoff score drops by 6 points to 484 in the “no program specified” Express Entry draw today.
Full details of the Express Entry draw today:
- Date and time of round: March 23,2023 12:27:59 UTC
- Immigration Program: No Program Specified
- Number of invitations issued: 7,000
- Rank required to be invited to apply: 7,000 or above
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 484
- Tie-breaking rule: May 19,2022 06:48:41 UTC
IRCC will complete the process of sending out all the invitations by end of the day tomorrow, March 24, 2023.
“No program specified” Express Entry draws consider all the Express Entry profiles from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Moreover, profiles with a provincial nomination are eligible for this all program draw.
Today’s cut off is just in alignment with our last week’s prediction as per the analysis based on CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool.
The next draw is predicted to declare a cut off score of roughly around 480 for no program draws and 671 for PNP only draws.
After the first quarter of 2023, the IRCC will be beginning targeted Express Entry draws with new proposed categories. Learn more here.
Below is the CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of March 22, 2023.
CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of March 22, 2023
Latest Express Entry processing times as of March 23
Below are the official IRCC processing times for Express Entry as of March 23, 2023.
- Canadian Experience Class – 12 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – 30 months
- Federal Skilled Trades Program – 70 months
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry – 11 months
- Canada Population 2023 Approaches 40 Million Due To Immigration
Canada population is estimated to be at 39,566,248 as on January 1, 2023, following a record population rise of 1,050,110 individuals from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023.
Canada’s real-time population clock displayed total population of 39,732,937 as on March 23, 2023.
This is the first 12-month period in Canadian history in which the population increased by more than one million people, and the greatest annual population growth rate (+2.7%) on record since 1957 (+3.3%).
Canada continues to dominate the G7 countries in population growth in 2022.
Canada’s population rose by 273,893 (+0.7%) from October 1 to December 31, 2022, marking the fourth quarter of 2022.
This was the best fourth-quarter growth rate since the same time in 1956 (+0.7%). During the fourth quarter of 2022, immigration accounted for virtually all of the rise (97.7%).
This quarter witnessed the greatest projected net new non-permanent residents (+196,262) of any fourth quarter for which comparable statistics exist, with 83,152 immigrants added.
As per Statistics Canada report, temporary immigration is the most important source of growth in Canada.
Canada accepted 437,180 immigrants in 2022, with a net increase in non-permanent residents anticipated at 607,782.
Both of these figures are the highest on record, indicating greater immigration objectives and a milestone-breaking year for immigration application processing at IRCC.
The net expected number of non-permanent temporary residents in all provinces and territories increased year-over-year in 2022.
Number of new work and study permits as well as the number of asylum seekers increased across Canada in 2022.
Latest Canada Population 2023 (Estimated)
Geography Total Population Net Change Percentage Change Canada 39,566,248 1,050,110 2.73% Ontario 15,386,407 445,495 2.98% Quebec 8,787,554 149,904 1.74% British Columbia 5,399,118 147,540 2.81% Alberta 4,647,178 164,793 3.68% Manitoba 1,431,792 33,489 2.39% Saskatchewan 1,214,618 29,307 2.47% Nova Scotia 1,037,782 35,341 3.53% New Brunswick 825,474 26,229 3.28% Newfoundland and Labrador 531,948 9,447 1.81% Prince Edward Island 173,954 7,096 4.25% Northwest Territories 45,493 -217 -0.47% Yukon 44,238 997 2.31% Nunavut 40,692 689 1.72% Interprovincial Migration In 2022
In total 396,281 Canadians changed their usual place of residence and moved to another province.
Alberta continues to be the top gainer in net interprovincial migration, with Canadian residents moving to the province for better prospects.
Ontario being the largest province by area and population, lost net 52,017 residents to interprovincial migration.
Geography In-Migrants Out-Migrants Net Change Alberta 111,899 66,373 45,526 Nova Scotia 28,928 16,711 12,217 New Brunswick 22,562 13,273 9,289 Newfoundland and Labrador 9,532 7,213 2,319 Prince Edward Island 6,287 4189 2098 British Columbia 69,788 69,307 481 Yukon 1812 1734 78 Nunavut 1623 1581 42 Northwest Territories 1856 2756 -900 Quebec 30,123 33,241 -3,118 Saskatchewan 18,424 24,307 -5,883 Manitoba 13,989 24,121 -10,132 Ontario 79,458 131,475 -52,017
- New Minimum Wage In Canada And 5 Provinces Effective April 1
On April 1, 2023, the federal new minimum wage in Canada will increase from $15.55 to $16.65 per hour in order to keep up with inflation.
As a result, about 26,000 Canadian workers who make less than the current wage will benefit from the raise.
The federal minimum wage in Canada is mandated for all federally regulated private sectors, including banking, postal and courier services, as well as interprovincial air, rail, road, and maritime transportation.
Furthermore, employees in these sectors get higher rate if their provincial or territory minimum pay is greater than the federal minimum wage.
The federal minimum wage in Canada is revised every year on April 1 based on the Consumer Price Index (inflation).
Previously, the federal minimum wage increased from $15 in 2021 to $15.55 on April 1, 2022.
The April 2023 hike in minimum wage is double ($1.10) as compared to that $0.55 raise last year.
New Minimum Wage In Canada Provinces Effective April 1
Apart from the rise in federal minimum wage in Canada, Manitoba and Yukon will also increase their provincial minimum wage effective April 1, 2023.
Minimum wage in Manitoba will increase by $0.65 to $14.15 per hour.
Manitoba’s minimum wage was increased on October 1, 2022 from $11.95 to $13.50 per hour.
Now Manitoba will revert to yearly changes based on province CPI, and it is anticipated that on October 1, 2023, the hourly wage will again increase to $15 per hour.
Furthermore, minimum wage in Yukon will also increase by $1.05 to $16.77 per hour.
Nova Scotia minimum wage is also set to increase to $14.50 per hour.
New Brunswick new minimum wage effective April 1, 2023 will be $14.75 per hour, up from $13.75.
The minimum wage will also rise for Newfoundland & Labrador by 80 cents per hour on April 1, 2023, reaching $14.50 per hour.
New Minimum Wage In Canada
Below listed are the latest minimum wage in Canada as of April 1, 2023.
Geography Minimum Wage Per Hour Next Raise Date Minimum Wage
after Next RaiseCanada (Federally regulated private sectors) $16.65 April 1, 2024 $17.75 (estimated) Ontario $15.50 October 1, 2023 $16.55 Manitoba $14.15 October 1, 2023 $15.30 New Brunswick $14.75 April 1, 2024 (Expected) $15.50 (estimated) Nova Scotia $14.50 October 1, 2023 $15 Saskatchewan $13.00 October 1, 2023 $15 Newfoundland & Labrador $14.50 October 1, 2023 $15 Alberta $15.00 To Be Decided (TBD) TBD British Columbia $15.65 To Be Decided (TBD) TBD Quebec $14.25 May 1, 2023 $15.25 Nunavut $16.00 To Be Decided (TBD) TBD Prince Edward Island $14.50 October 1, 2023 $15 Northwest Territories $15.20 September 1, 2023 $16 (estimated) Yukon $16.77 April 1, 2024 $17.50(estimated) What is Canada’s minimum wage 2023?
$16.65 per hour is the new minimum wage effective April 1, 2023 applicable to for all federally regulated private sectors. The federal regulated private sectors include banking, postal and courier services, as well as interprovincial air, rail, road, and maritime transportation.What is the highest minimum wage in Canada?
Yukon has the highest minimum wage at $16.77 per hour, followed by Federal minimum wage that is $16.65 per hour, and Nunavut which has the minimum wage of $16 per hour.What is minimum wage Ontario 2023 and when will it increase?
Currently, $15.50 is the minimum wage in Ontario.
Minimum wage in Ontario will increase to $16.55 on October 1, 2023.What is the minimum wage in British Columbia?
$15.65 effective since June 1, 2022Federally regulated private sectors
- air transportation, including airlines, airports, aerodromes and aircraft operations
- banks, including authorized foreign banks
- grain elevators, feed and seed mills, feed warehouses and grain-seed cleaning plants
- First Nations band councils and Indigenous self-governments (certain activities)
- most federal Crown corporations, for example, Canada Post Corporation
- port services, marine shipping, ferries, tunnels, canals, bridges and pipelines (oil and gas) that cross international or provincial borders
- postal and courier services
- radio and television broadcasting
- railways that cross provincial or international borders and some short-line railways
- road transportation services, including trucks and buses, that cross provincial or international borders
- telecommunications, such as, telephone, Internet, telegraph and cable systems
- uranium mining and processing and atomic energy
- any business that is vital, essential or integral to the operation of one of the above activities
- Federally regulated public sector (parts II and IV of the Code only):
- the federal public service
- Parliament (such as, the Senate, the House of Commons and the Library of Parliament)
- Private-sector firms and municipalities in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (part I of the Code only)
Canada Minimum wages 2023 - International Nurses To Benefit From Easy Licensing In Nova Scotia
The NSCN has announced a first-of-its-kind licensing procedure for registered nurses (RNs) moving Nova Scotia from other Canadian provinces as well as from 7 countries.
These 7 countries include Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
NSCN (Nova Scotia College of Nursing) is the the provincial regulatory authority responsible for licensure and maintaining professional standards.
RNs from these countries with good standing and character will be eligible for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia immediately with no additional requirements in May 2023.
RNs from the above listed 7 countries and other Canadian provinces will only have to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).
As per the official press release, the new method for registration and licensing for nurses will help in achieving below:
- Effective March 29, 2023 the total processing time for RNs who have valid licences from another Canadian province will reduce from five days to 24 hours.
- Effective May 1, 2023 the duration of the whole application procedure for international RNs (who are in good standing) from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand will decrease from nearly a year to a few weeks.
- RNs from these countries will be able to submit their applications directly to NSCN.
These seven nations account for 87% of the current overseas applicants to NSCN.
- Philippines – 42%
- India – 25%
- Nigeria – 10%
- USA – 6%
- UK – 4%
- 23 other countries – 13%
In 2022, the NSCN enrolled more foreign RNs than it did in any of the preceding three years combined.
As a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner in 2022, the NSCN registered and licensed 282 foreign RNs.
Please note this is NOT an immigration program, rather easing of licensure for internationally trained RNs planning on moving/immigrating to Nova Scotia.
“I am pleased to share what is truly a first-in-the-country approach to licensing international and Canadian nurses in Nova Scotia. The new approach will significantly decrease licensing time; increase licensure of nurses; reduce administrative requirements; and is aligned with new initiatives of health care partners. It’s a safe and faster process for nurses who want to work in our province, which is a good news story for all Nova Scotians.”
Sue Smith, CEO and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of NursingClick here for more details on new registrant portal.
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