The Canada workers benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit that helps individuals with a low income. Recently, the federal government made some changes to these benefits. The changes are a part of the new Affordability Plan.
The Department of Finance said that the CWB would increase in 2022. This can impact around three million Canadians. It will be a huge support for low-income workers in Canada. The Government said that with these benefits, eligible workers can get additional $1,200 this year. Moreover, as a couple you can get additional $2400.
It is expected that these changes will cost around $1.7 billion in 2022. However, these changes are essential to beat the inflation. It will help the government to make Canada a little more affordable for everyone.
So, if you are not sure about these benefits or the eligibility, don’t worry, we have got you covered. The article enlists everything you should know about the Canada Workers Benefits including eligibility and how to apply.
What is Canada Workers Benefit?
These benefits are for individuals and families working but earning a low income. CWB is divided into two parts-
- Basic amount
- Disability Supplement.
You get these benefits when you file your income tax return. Also, if you are eligible, you can get almost half of these benefits in advance. So, you may not need to wait for your tax time.
Who is eligible For Canada Workers Benefit?
To be eligible for these benefits you—
- Should be earning working income
- Be a resident of Canada throughout the year
- Lastly, you need to be 19 years of age OR be living with your spouse or common-law partner
However, you cannot apply for these benefits if you are—
- A full-time student
- Confined to prison
- Don’t pay tax in Canada
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How to Apply?
To get the CWB you can either-
- Apply online. Make sure you follow the instructions in your certified tax software
- Or, you can apply it on paper. If you are doing it through paper, you need to fill out and submit Schedule 6, Canada workers benefit.
To get the disability supplement-
- If you or your eligible spouse is eligible for the disability tax credit, the applicant should claim the basic amount and the disability supplement.
- However, if both of you are eligible, only one can claim the basic amount. But, each of you needs to claim the disability supplement on a separate Schedule 6.
- Check New IRCC Processing Times As of March 29
This page contains a list of the new updated official IRCC processing times as of March 29, 2023, as well as a comparison to the previous week’s processing timings.
For over a year, we’ve been tracking and publishing these processing times for our readers, which are officially updated weekly by the IRCC.
Please carefully read the following information to properly understand what these processing timeframes mean.
In early 2022, the IRCC upgraded its processing tool to include accurate information on typical processing durations rather than just service standard timelines.
These processing timelines are meant to offer potential immigrants and visa applicants to Canada an indication of how long it may take for a decision to be reached on their application.
These timelines are based on data collected for 80% of previously processed applications over the last 6 months and are meant to offer the most recent weekly processing timings.
This does not guarantee that your application will be processed in the same amount of time.
Because it is an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, the processing time for your application may be longer or shorter than displayed.
Please keep in mind that the processing time begins when the IRCC receives the application and concludes when the immigration officer determines whether or not to accept the application.
Citizenship & PR cards IRCC Processing Times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Citizenship grant 23 months No Change Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)* 14 months No Change Resumption of citizenship 30 months No Change Renunciation of Citizenship 14 months No Change Search of citizenship records 16 months No Change New PR card 29 days – 3 Days PR card renewals 63 days – 3 Days *Citizenship certificate (evidence of citizenship): Applications from countries other than Canada and the United States may be processed more slowly.
The IRCC is currently sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizenship applicants who applied between February 13th, 2023.
Family Sponsorship Processing times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada 16 months No Change Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada 13 months No Change Parents or Grandparents PR 39 months No Change Canadian Passport Processing times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From
Last WeekIn-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services) 10 business days No Change In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre) 20 business days No Change In-Canda Urgent pick-up By the end of next business day No Change In-Canada Express pick-up 2-9 business days No Change Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada 20 business days No Change Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 12 months No Change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 30 months No Change Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 70 months (not updated
by IRCC since March 1)No Change Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry 11 months No Change Non-Express Entry PNP 20 months No Change Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) 20 months No Change Quebec Business Class
entrepreneurs (Quebec)
investors (Quebec)
self-employed persons (Quebec)67 months No Change Federal Self-Employed 43 months No Change Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) 24 months No Change Start-Up Visa 33 months No Change Temporary Residence Application Processing times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Visitor visa outside Canada Varies by country
India: 25 Days
Nigeria: 357 Days
United States: 14 Days
Pakistan: 235 Days
Philippines: 29 Days
UAE: 319 Days
Bangladesh: 239 Days
Sri Lanka: 125 Days
United Kingdom: 31 Days– 12 Days for India
+ 6 Days for Nigeria
– 3 Days for United States
+ 114 Days for Pakistan
– 1 Day for Philippines
– 4 Days for UAE
+ 99 Day for Bangladesh
+ 23 Days for Sri Lanka
+1 Day for UKVisitor visa inside Canada Online: 11 days
Paper-Based: 33 daysNo Change Parents or Grandparents Super Visa Varies by country
India: 123 Days
Nigeria: 686 Days
United States: 192 Days
Pakistan: 422 Days
Philippines: 226 Days
UAE: 327 Days
Bangladesh: 253 Days
Sri Lanka: 307 Days
United Kingdom: 190 Days– 4 Days for India
+ 6 Days for Nigeria
+ 71 Days for United States
– 40 Days for Pakistan
– 5 Days for Philippines
+ 1 Day for UAE
No Change for Bangladesh
– 11 Days for Sri Lanka
+ 8 Days for UKStudy Permit Outside Canada 9 Weeks – 1 Week Visitor Extension (Visitor Record) Online: 183 days
Paper-Based: 85 days+ 2 Days (Online)
No Change for Paper-BasedStudy Permit Inside Canada 2 Weeks – 1 Week Study Permit Extension Online: 69 Days
Paper-Based: 99 Days– 8 Days (Online)
No Change for Paper-BasedWork Permit Outside Canada* Varies by country
India: 8 Weeks
Nigeria: 26 Weeks
United States: 10 Weeks
Pakistan: 47 Weeks
Philippines: 9 Weeks
UAE: 37 Weeks
Bangladesh: 46 Weeks
Sri Lanka: 19 Weeks
United Kingdom: 12 WeeksNo Change for India
+ 1 Week for Nigeria
– 4 Weeks for United States
+ 1 Week for Pakistan
– 1 Week for Philippines
– 2 Weeks for UAE
+ 7 Weeks for Bangladesh
+ 1 Week for Sri Lanka
No Change for UKWork Permit Inside Canada Online: 148 Days
Paper-Based: 25 Days– 3 Days (Online)
– 3 Days for paper-basedInternational Experience Canada (Current Season) 4 Weeks + 1 Week Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) 23 Days + 2 Days Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) 5 minutes No Change *Applications for critical occupations are being prioritized at this time. If you are not applying for a position in an essential occupation, your processing time may be longer than stated above.
- 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.
- Ontario-OINP Official Data On Top 20 Nominated Occupations
On March 23, 2022, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) released important data about the 2022 selections.
The OINP reached the annual PNP allocation of 9,750 nominations in December 2022.
This is an important data as it helps understand permanent residency (PR) seekers their chances of selection this year.
Apart from the international students and work experience holders in Canada, OINP is also a great option for Express Entry applicants (inside or outside Canada).
More than 60% of the nominations in 2022 were issued directly to the Express Entry profiles.
Furthermore, OINP has much higher PNP allocation (16,500) this year making the program even more attractive.
Overview of All the OINP Nominations
The OINP nominated people with employment offers from approximately 1,300 employers across all industries in Ontario in 2022.
Manufacturing, construction, and professional, scientific, and technical services were the main industries sponsored by the OINP in 2022.
OINP directly sent 13,057 invites to Express Entry profiles. Out of these, 6,149 received the nomination.
More than 50% of these were Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades category. These Express Entry profiles had CRS score as low as 266.
So, OINP turned out to be a good option for FST applicants as there was no dedicated Express Entry draw for them since 2020.
Overall 40% of the nominations across all streams were issued to to individuals with work experience or a job offer in a skilled trade occupation.
Those with work experience or a job offer in a high-tech occupation received around 25% of all nominations.
The program nominated around 150 health care employees, including over 75 nurses and personal support workers.
Ontario PNP Nominations By Stream
Top 20 Occupations Nominated
Top 20 occupations Number of nominations NOC 2173 – Software engineers and designers 729 NOC 7231 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 636 NOC 7237 – Welders and related machine operators 397 NOC 7246 – Telecommunications installation and repair workers 383 NOC 2174 – Computer programmers and interactive media developers 341 NOC 2172 – Database analysts and data administrators 301 NOC 124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers 292 NOC 213 – Computer and information systems managers 261 NOC 6332 – Bakers 260 NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting 233 NOC 7311 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 191 NOC 601 – Corporate sales managers 187 NOC 2175 – Web designers and developers 167 NOC 7245 – Telecommunications line and cable workers 155 NOC 1121 – Human resources professionals 153 NOC 7271 – Carpenters 144 NOC 122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers 142 NOC 2171 – Information systems analysts and consultants 139 NOC 7305 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators 138 NOC 631 – Restaurant and food service managers 124 All other occupations 4,377 Total 9,750 Top 10 OINP Countries By Birth
In 2022, nominations were sent to citizens from approximately 120 different countries.
The most nominations were given to candidates from India, China, and Nigeria.
Country of birth Number of nominations India 5,524 China 1,155 Nigeria 446 Iran 293 Pakistan 165 Lebanon 162 Brazil 150 South Korea 126 Vietnam 105 Portugal 91 All other countries 1,533 Total 9,750 Ontario Entrepreneur Stream Update
The Entrepreneur Stream issued 3 nominations in 2022. At the end of the year, 17 more applicants were in the compliance monitoring process for the stream.
An additional 151 applications are being processed in the stream. Five entrepreneurs have been nominated and are operating their businesses in Ontario as of December 2022.
OINP expects that by establishing their enterprises in the province, the 17 new applicants will spend approximately $10,248,746 million and employ 67 Ontarians.
Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream Full List Of Occupation Invited
Date Express Entry CRS Score Number of Invites Occupations Invited December 19, 2022 484 – 490 936 Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
Web designers (NOC 21233)
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers (NOC 21311)September 28, 2022 496 and above 1,179 Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
Web designers (NOC 21233)
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers (NOC 21311)February 22, 2022 455 – 600 773 NOC 0114 – Other administrative services managers
NOC 0122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers
NOC 0124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
NOC 0125 – Other business services managers
NOC 0211 – Engineering managers
NOC 0311 – Managers in health care
NOC 0601 – Corporate sales managers
NOC 0631 – Restaurant and food service managers
NOC 0711 – Construction managers
NOC 0731 – Managers in transportation
NOC 0911 – Manufacturing managers
NOC 1121 – Human resources professionals
NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting
NOC 2161 – Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
NOC 3231 – Opticians
NOC 3233 – Licensed practical nursesFebruary 8, 2022 463 – 467 622 Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
Web designers (NOC 21233)
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers (NOC 21311)January 12, 2022 464 – 467 502 NOC 0114 – Other administrative services managers
NOC 0122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers
NOC 0124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
NOC 0125 – Other business services managers
NOC 0211 – Engineering managers
NOC 0311 – Managers in health care
NOC 0601 – Corporate sales managers
NOC 0631 – Restaurant and food service managers
NOC 0711 – Construction managers
NOC 0731 – Managers in transportation
NOC 0911 – Manufacturing managers
NOC 1121 – Human resources professionals
NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting
NOC 2161 – Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
NOC 3231 – Opticians
NOC 3233 – Licensed practical nursesExpress Entry Skilled Trades Stream Full List Of Eligible Occupations
The occupation of interested applicants’ Express Entry profile just has to fall into one of the key NOC 2021 groupings listed below.
- Major Group 72, technical trades and transportation officers and controllers, excluding Sub-Major Group 726, transportation officers and controllers
- Major Group 73, general trades
- Major Group 82, supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production
- Major Group 83, occupations in natural resources and related production
- Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers
- Major Group 93, central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
- Minor Group 6320, cooks, butchers and bakers
- Unit Group 62200, chefs
Express Entry French-Speaking Stream Full List Of Occupation Invited
Date Express Entry CRS Score Number of Invites Occupations Invited December 13, 2022 341 – 490 160 41220 – Secondary school teachers
41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
41200 – University professors and lecturers
63202 – Bakers
63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale
72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
72106 – Welders and related machine operators
72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
72024 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
72310 – Carpenters
72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
72311 – Cabinetmakers
72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
72101 – Tool and die makers
73110 – Roofers and shinglers
73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
73111 – Glaziers
73100 – Concrete finishers
72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
72201 – Industrial electricians
72421 – Appliance servicers and repairers
72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
72302 – Gas fitters
72320 – Bricklayers
72300 – Plumbers
72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
82020 – Supervisors, mining and quarrying
73402 – Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupationsSeptember 23, 2022 326 and above 363 NOC 0213 – Computer and Information Systems Managers
NOC 2147 – Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers)
NOC 2172 – Database Analysts and Data Administrators
NOC 2173 – Software Engineers
NOC 2174 – Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
NOC 2175 – Web Designers and Developers
NOC 3011 – Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
NOC 3111 – Specialist physicians
NOC 3112 – General practitioners and family physicians
NOC 3113 – Dentists
NOC 3114 – Veterinarians
NOC 3121 – Optometrists
NOC 3122 – Chiropractors
NOC 3124 – Allied primary health practitioners
NOC 3125 – Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
NOC 3131 – Pharmacists
NOC 3132 – Dietitians and nutritionists
NOC 3141 – Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
NOC 3142 – Physiotherapists
NOC 3143 – Occupational therapists
NOC 3144 – Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
NOC 3212 – Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants
NOC 3214 – Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
NOC 3216 – Medical sonographers
NOC 3217 – Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c.
NOC 3219 – Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)
NOC 3221 – Denturists
NOC 3222 – Dental hygienists and dental therapists
NOC 3223 – Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants
NOC 3231 – Opticians
NOC 3232 – Practitioners of natural healing
NOC 3233 – Licensed Practical Nurses
NOC 3236 – Massage therapists
NOC 3237 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessmentJune 21, 2022 440 and above 356 NOC 2173 – Software Engineers
NOC 0213 – Computer and Information Systems Managers
NOC 2172 – Database Analysts and Data Administrators
NOC 4031 – Secondary school teachers
NOC 2147 – Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers)
NOC 2174 – Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
NOC 2175 – Web Designers and Developers
NOC 4032 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
NOC 3233 – Licensed Practical NursesJune 9, 2022 481 and above 153 NOC 4031 – Secondary school teachers
NOC 5125 – Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters
NOC 4032 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nursesApril 28, 2022 460 – 467 301 All the French Speaking Express Entry Profiles with CRS cut off score of 463 – 467 February 8, 2022 463 – 467 206 All the French Speaking Express Entry Profiles with CRS cut off score of 463 – 467
- 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.
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