Canada Workers Benefit Increased In 2022: Know What It Means

minimum wage Canada Workers Benefit

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


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 TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Citizenship grant23 monthsNo Change
    Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)*14 monthsNo Change
    Resumption of citizenship30 monthsNo Change
    Renunciation of Citizenship14 monthsNo Change
    Search of citizenship records16 monthsNo Change
    New PR card29 days– 3 Days
    PR card renewals63 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 TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada16 monthsNo Change
    Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada13 monthsNo Change
    Parents or Grandparents PR39 monthsNo Change

    Canadian Passport Processing times 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From
    Last Week
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services)10 business daysNo Change
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre)20 business daysNo Change
    In-Canda Urgent pick-upBy the end of next business dayNo Change
    In-Canada Express pick-up2-9 business daysNo Change
    Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada20 business daysNo Change

    Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Canadian Experience Class (CEC)12 monthsNo Change
    Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)30 monthsNo Change
    Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)70 months (not updated
    by IRCC since March 1)
    No Change
    Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry11 monthsNo Change
    Non-Express Entry PNP20 monthsNo Change
    Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW)20 monthsNo Change
    Quebec Business Class
    entrepreneurs (Quebec)
    investors (Quebec)
    self-employed persons (Quebec)
    67 monthsNo Change
    Federal Self-Employed43 monthsNo Change
    Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)24 monthsNo Change
    Start-Up Visa33 monthsNo Change

    Temporary Residence Application Processing times 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Visitor visa outside CanadaVaries 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 UK
    Visitor visa inside CanadaOnline: 11 days
    Paper-Based: 33 days
    No Change
    Parents or Grandparents Super VisaVaries 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 UK
    Study Permit Outside Canada9 Weeks– 1 Week
    Visitor Extension (Visitor Record)Online: 183 days
    Paper-Based: 85 days
    + 2 Days (Online)
    No Change for Paper-Based
    Study Permit Inside Canada2 Weeks– 1 Week
    Study Permit ExtensionOnline: 69 Days
    Paper-Based: 99 Days
    – 8 Days (Online)
    No Change for Paper-Based
    Work 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 Weeks
    No 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 UK
    Work Permit Inside CanadaOnline: 148 Days
    Paper-Based: 25 Days
    – 3 Days (Online)
    – 3 Days for paper-based
    International Experience Canada (Current Season)4 Weeks+ 1 Week
    Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP)23 Days+ 2 Days
    Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)5 minutesNo 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.


    Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser - Check Processing times
  • 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

    IRCC Express Entry draw - CRS Distribution

    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.

    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 Budget 2023
  • 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

    StreamNumber of nominations
    Express Entry Skilled Trades stream3,196
    Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream2,370
    Masters Graduate stream1,480
    Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream885
    Employer Job Offer: International Student stream771
    Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream583
    PhD Graduate stream303
    Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream159
    Entrepreneur stream3
    Grand total9,750

    Top 20 Occupations Nominated

    Top 20 occupationsNumber of nominations
    NOC 2173 – Software engineers and designers729
    NOC 7231 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors636
    NOC 7237 – Welders and related machine operators397
    NOC 7246 – Telecommunications installation and repair workers383
    NOC 2174 – Computer programmers and interactive media developers341
    NOC 2172 – Database analysts and data administrators301
    NOC 124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers292
    NOC 213 – Computer and information systems managers261
    NOC 6332 – Bakers260
    NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting233
    NOC 7311 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics191
    NOC 601 – Corporate sales managers187
    NOC 2175 – Web designers and developers167
    NOC 7245 – Telecommunications line and cable workers155
    NOC 1121 – Human resources professionals153
    NOC 7271 – Carpenters144
    NOC 122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers142
    NOC 2171 – Information systems analysts and consultants139
    NOC 7305 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators138
    NOC 631 – Restaurant and food service managers124
    All other occupations4,377
    Total9,750

    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 birthNumber of nominations
    India5,524
    China1,155
    Nigeria446
    Iran293
    Pakistan165
    Lebanon162
    Brazil150
    South Korea126
    Vietnam105
    Portugal91
    All other countries1,533
    Total9,750

    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

    DateExpress Entry CRS ScoreNumber of InvitesOccupations Invited
    December 19, 2022484 – 490936Data 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, 2022496 and above1,179Data 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, 2022455 – 600773NOC 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 nurses
    February 8, 2022463 – 467622Data 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, 2022464 – 467502NOC 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 nurses

    Express 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

    DateExpress Entry CRS ScoreNumber of InvitesOccupations Invited
    December 13, 2022341 – 49016041220 – 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 occupations
    September 23, 2022326 and above363NOC 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 assessment
    June 21, 2022440 and above356NOC 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 Nurses
    June 9, 2022481 and above153NOC 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 nurses
    April 28, 2022460 – 467301All the French Speaking Express Entry Profiles with CRS cut off score of 463 – 467
    February 8, 2022463 – 467206All the French Speaking Express Entry Profiles with CRS cut off score of 463 – 467

    OINP Update
  • 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 login

    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 Qualtrough

    How 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.

About Shanvi Kaur 109 Articles
Shanvi Kaur is a content writer at Immigration News Canada. She moved to Canada as an immigrant and now focuses on bringing the latest news to immigrants to make their journey easier in Canada!