CBSA Tips For Easy Travel Between Canada-U.S. This Thanksgiving

Last Updated On 22 November 2022, 4:58 PM EST (Toronto Time)

With the United States Thanksgiving approaching this week, on Thursday followed by Black Friday sale, many Canadian will travel to U.S. Passport Canada recently announced that Canadian citizens aged 15 years and below could cross the U.S. border by land or sea without their passports. 

However, they do need to have one of the following documents if they do not have a valid pass passport:

• Original birth certificate or copies 
• Canadian citizenship certificate 

If you plan to travel to the United States, whether to celebrate thanksgiving or the Black Friday sale, below are CBSA tips on border cross and information on how to return to Canada. 

Travelling to the United States

The ability to travel without a passport is only for minors aged 15 years or under who are Canadian citizens. Others who wish to travel to the United States need proper identification documents. 

If you are planning to travel to the U.S., make sure you have valid identification with you and any minors or children who may be travelling with you. At the border, you must be able to prove that you have the legal right or authorization to enter Canada.

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CBSA Advice on U.S. border crossing 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) cautions all travellers, whether they are going to or coming from the U.S. for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, what to expect when they cross the border.

During the upcoming U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday, The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided the following advice for travellers for an easy border crossing experience. 

• Plan ahead of time and research border wait times. Land travellers are recommended to cross the border at non-peak hours, such as early morning. Mondays after holiday long weekends are typically the busiest, with longer border wait times.
• Use the CBSA Advance Declaration. Travellers travelling at Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Halifax international airports can use the ArriveCAN Advance CBSA Declaration option to submit their customs and immigration declaration to the CBSA before their arrival and save time at the border.
• Check that you are eligible to enter Canada. Foreign nationals must comply with the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations and carry all essential travel and immigration papers. At the time of entrance, a border services officer decides on your admissibility.
• Understand your exemption limitations. Returning residents who plan to make or pick up online purchases should know their personal exemption limits. Check out the CBSA duty and tax estimator to assess taxes on goods purchased in the U.S. and to help you make educated decisions when shopping overseas.
• Prepare to declare. All travellers must declare their products upon entering Canada. It is recommended that gifts not be wrapped if travelling with them. Returning residents should save any receipts for things purchased or received while outside of Canada on hand. Travellers can examine the CBSA’s website for information on firearms and other restricted items.

• Don’t enter with cannabis or cross the border with it. Despite cannabis being legal in Canada, it is still a serious crime to transport cannabis across the border in any form, including oils that contain THC or CBD, without a permit or other authorization from Health Canada. Offenders who do so risk being arrested and prosecuted. Moreover, Health Canada authorization does not include a doctor’s prescription.
• Declare all foods, plants, and animals at the border, including raw meats, fruits, house plants, live animals, and wood products (including firewood and wooden souvenirs). Check the Automated Import Reference System for specific import requirements.
• Importing raw poultry products or byproducts should be avoided. Imports of live birds, bird products, and byproducts from states affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza are currently restricted. Therefore, it is not suggested that you import poultry items into Canada, including turkey, eggs, and chicken. Otherwise, be ready to demonstrate the origin of your poultry product at the border.
• It is advised that when travelling with children, the accompanying adult has a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the youngster. Border officials are constantly on the lookout for missing children. In the absence of a letter, officers may ask additional questions to help determine the child’s relationship with the accompanying adult.

Acceptable identifying and citizenship documents for returning to Canada 

Travellers must demonstrate their eligibility for admission into Canada to a CBSA border services officer (BSO) when they arrive at a Canadian port of entry. It may be done through interrogation and the verification of documents a: For Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and people registered under the Indian Act:

• A valid Canadian passport
• Canadian birth certificate (original or copies)
• permanent residence card 
• citizenship card 
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card

Returning To Canada without a passport 

If you are travelling to or from Canada without a passport, the following documents can serve as proof of identity and citizenship:

• When entering Canada by air (when coming from the United States), land, or sea, a Canadian citizen must provide a NEXUS card.
• FAST card (Free and Secure Trade) provided to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only)
• An emergency travel document for Canadians
• Temporary Canadian Passport
• Canadian citizenship certificate (issued from 1954 to present)
• Enhanced driver’s license issued by a province or territory in Canada
• A province or territory of Canada issues an enhanced identification/photo card.

What’s New In Canada

• 
  New GST Payment to Taxpayers will be going out on October 53 October 2023, 11:00 AM EDT

  The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be sending out the second quarterly HST/GST payment on October 5, 2023, to the eligible Canadian taxpayers.

  The GST/HST credit is a non-taxable amount granted to individuals and families with low and modest incomes four times a year to help balance the goods and services tax and harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) that they pay.

  Learn about

  HST/GST Payment Eligibility

  If you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes at the beginning of the month in which the CRA makes a payment, you are entitled to this credit.

  You must be at least 19 years old in the month before the CRA makes a quarterly payment.

  If you are under the age of 19, you must meet at least one of the following requirements during the same time period:

  • You currently have (or previously had) a spouse or common-law partner.
  • You are (or were) a parent who lives (or was living) with your child.

  How to get GST/HST Credit

  To claim the GST/HST credit, as well as any relevant provincial and territorial credits, you must file a tax return for 2022, even if you did not earn any income in that year.

  If you are a newcomer to Canada (international student, work permit holder, landed permanent resident), then you can claim the GST/HST credit via one of the below-listed two options:

  If you do not have children,

  Send Form RC151, GST/HST Credit and Climate Action Incentive Payment Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada, completed for the year you became a tax-paying resident of Canada.

  If you have children,

  Fill out Form RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application, and send it in to apply for all child and family benefits. To capture your citizenship and residency information, as well as your Statement of Income, you must also fill out Form RC66SCH, Status in Canada and Income Information for the Canada Child Benefits Application.

  How much HST/GST payment can you get?

  For the 2022 base year (payment period from July 2023 to June 2024), you could receive up to:
  
  $496: If you are a single person
  $650: If you are married or have a common-law partner
  $171 for each child under the age of 19

  How is GST/HST payment calculated?

  If the CRA concludes that you are eligible for the GST/HST credit based on your 2022 tax return, you would have received a notification in July 2023.
  
  This notification contains information on how much money you will receive as well as the information needed to determine the amount.
  
  To estimate your GST/HST credit, you can use the official CRA Child and Family Benefits Calculator to see how much you will get.

  What are the GST payment dates?

  
  The HST/GST payment is calculated using information from your 2022 tax return.
  The CRA is paying these four quarterly payments on the below-listed dates:
  July 5, 2023
  October 5, 2023
  January 5, 2023 
  April 5, 2024
  
  When the fifth falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a federal statutory holiday, the payment is made on the last business day preceding the fifth.
  
  If you don’t receive your payment within the 10 working days around the 5th of above listed schedule, then you can call CRA at 1-800-387-1193.

  When does GST come out in October 2023?

  Next GST payment is going out on October 5, 2023. Eligible individuals can receive up to $496, couples can get $650 and an additional $171 if they have children.

  What government payments are in October 2023?

  GST/HST payment on October 5, 2023
  Ontario trillium benefit (OTB) on October 10, 2023
  Advanced Canada workers benefit (ACWB) on October 12, 2023
  Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) on October 13, 2023
  Canada child benefit (CCB) on October 20, 2023

  https://youtu.be/vQlV9X7ojG8?si=GgQSxB7Y7bFoGee2

  ---

  

  

  

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• 
  India Canada Latest News and Updates | Ongoing Diplomatic Issue3 October 2023, 10:23 AM EDT

  This page enlists all the India Canada latest news and updates related to the ongoing diplomatic issue between the two countries.

  We (INC – Immigration News Canada) are updating this page in real-time, as the situation is unfolding with official verified updates from both countries.

  Navigation

  October 3 Update

  https://youtu.be/EggcfnOvLjY?si=iNL_ca9qfJXWUeMw

  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “We’re not looking to escalate; as I’ve said, we’re going to be doing the work that matters in continuing to have constructive relations with India through this extremely difficult time.”

  He also said, “It is important for us to have diplomats on the ground working with the Indian government there to support Canadians and Canadian families.”

  October 2 Update

  As per the Financial Times article on Tuesday, India has instructed Canada to repatriate 41 Canadian diplomats from India by October 10.

  India has stated that there should be 41 fewer Canadian diplomats there than there are now at 62.

  Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said earlier that there was a “climate of violence” and an “atmosphere of intimidation” against Indian diplomats in Canada, where the presence of Sikh separatist groups has frustrated New Delhi.

  PM Trudeau has continued his stand on allegations against India but has also said that they want to constructively work with the Indian government.

  Previous Updates

  September 25 Update

  According to reports, India will deregister more than a dozen owners of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards for spreading pro-Khalistan and anti-India propaganda.

  September 24 Update

  On September 24, 2023, Canada again updated its travel advisory for Canadians, asking them to exercise a high degree of caution.

  

  September 23 Update

  We are only publishing or posting official statements as well as reactions in this ongoing India-Canada diplomatic rift.

  There was actually no official commentary from both sides on the weekend until September 24, 2023.

  September 22 Update

  Canadian PM Justin Trudeau continues his stand, asking India to work constructively to get to the bottom of this matter.

  https://www.youtube.com/live/a8GXc28VYao?si=vTxAZhfNta-vfZQv&t=3003

  PM Trudeau said, “Canada has shared the credible allegations that I talked about on Monday with India. We did that many weeks ago and we are there to work constructively with India. We hope that they engage with us so that we can get to the bottom of this very serious matter.”

  Morning update:

  Canadian government sources are saying that Canada is weighing a response to the visa suspension by India but has made no decision yet.

  It is being reported that India is making an effort to get the U.S. on its side by inviting Joe Biden to be the guest of honour at India’s Republic Day.

  Joe Biden has not yet accepted that invitation, but the Financial Times has reported that Biden did raise the Nijjar murder with Indian PM Narendera Modi directly when he met with him at the G20 Summit.

  CBC News reports that there were several efforts to talk to India even before Prime Minister Trudeau travelled to India and met with Modi at the G20 summit.

  Canada’s national security adviser, Jody Thomas, went there for four days in August and then again a couple of days before the G20.

  Canadian government sources are saying that contrary to what the Indian government is saying in public, Indian authorities have not denied these allegations in private meetings.

  Previous Updates

  September 21 New Canadian Update

  New Update: According to the latest report by CBC News, the Canadian government sources claim there is human and signal intelligence to back up the allegation, including messages between Indian officials and intelligence from an unnamed Five Eyes alliance member, but as of September 21, 2023, the Canadian government has not made the allegation public.

  The U.S. has now said some words as a sigh of relief for Canada, urging India to cooperate with the Canadian investigation.

  U.S. National Security Advisor Mr. Sullivan stated that the United States has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to work with Canada to apprehend those responsible for the gangland-style death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

  https://www.youtube.com/live/Dwruq4RucUE?si=J3d298mSfoUvSIAJ&t=317

  He also said, “We are in constant contact with our Canadian counterparts. We are consulting with them. We support the efforts that they are undertaking in this investigation and we have also been in contact with the Indian government.”

  Mr. Sullivan told reporters. “I firmly reject the idea that there is a wedge between the U.S. and Canada. We have deep concerns about the allegations and we would like to see this investigation move forward and the perpetrators held to account.”

  Morning Update:

  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues his stand on asking India to work with them in the investigation of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s case and Indian involvement.

  Trudeau reiterated his government’s claim that it has “credible” intelligence that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

  https://www.youtube.com/live/GGM6FuV2oMc?si=gWj2c-QxbeIwiFZp&t=491

  PM did not provide a definite answer on whether they will also stop processing Canadian visas in India.

  The Canadian government is decreasing personnel levels at its diplomatic posts in India, citing concerns for the safety of its employees as bilateral tensions remain high.

  The Department of Global Affairs also stated that it expects the Indian government to continue to protect its diplomatic staff.

  “In light of the current environment of heightened tensions, we are taking steps to ensure the safety of our diplomats.”

  With some ambassadors receiving threats on various social media platforms, Global Affairs Canada is examining its personnel complement in India, according to Global Affairs spokesman Jean-Pierre Godbout.

  “As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust our staff presence in India.”

  Mr. Godbout stated that Canada’s high commission, or embassy, in New Delhi, as well as Canadian consulates throughout the South Asian country, remain open.

  “In the context of respect for Vienna Convention obligations, we expect India to provide for the security of our accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, just as we do for theirs here,” he said.

  “Global Affairs Canada will continue to take all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of all our personnel, including locally employed personnel, as well as our operations in India. Decisions are made based on a variety of considerations, including an employee’s professional profile and personal circumstances.”

  Mr. Godbout refused to say how many Canadian employees are being reassigned from Canada’s embassies and consulates in India.

  September 21 New Indian Update

  The Indian High Commission and Consulate in Canada have temporarily halted processing visa applications for Canadians.

  This is due to ongoing security threats being faced by Indian High Commission and Consulate in Canada, causing disruptions in normal functioning

  An Indian government spokesman says this situation will be reviewed on a regular basis.

  Furthermore, the Indian government has informed Canada to have parity in its mutual diplomatic presence.

  https://www.youtube.com/live/6K5jYjUCNjs?si=jDVCKE8GVjfqjazO&t=447

  The number of Canadian diplomats in India is very much higher than the number of Indian diplomats in Canada.

  Details are being worked out and India expects Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence in India.

  Our opinion on this latest update: It will be important to see the Canadian government’s response to India’s commentary on halting visas for Canadians.

  If diplomatic presence in India is reduced, then it will definitely affect the processing of Canadian visas for Indians, including study visas, visitor visas, work visas, and permanent residency visas.

  Stay tuned for the latest news and updates.

  September 20 Canadian update

  On September 20, Immigration Minister Marc Miller corrected his statement on date of Hardeep Singh Nijjar becoming a Canadian citizen, saying that Mr. Nijjar became a Canadian citizen on May 25, 2007.

  He said, “Mr. Nijjar became a Canadian citizen on May 25, 2007, earlier than I stated below. The error in dates is my responsibility to assume. Again, nothing justifies the killing of Mr. Nijjar.”

  Liberal Ministers face questions on the possible link between the Indian government and the June 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C.

  https://youtu.be/kGiR7sthZKI?si=QpVas3DkJjRuxm0a&t=7

  Indian update on September 20

  The Indian government issues a travel advisory for Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada, urging them to exercise the utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities, politically-condoned hate crimes, and criminal violence in Canada.

  The advisory said, “Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.”

  

  They also asked Indian nationals and students from India in Canada to register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites or the MADAD portal, madad.gov.in

  Canadian update on September 19

  On September 19, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said they were not looking to provoke or escalate the situation with India but to encourage the Indian government to cooperate in the ongoing investigation.

  https://youtu.be/6-YX5W5dcfI?si=HVeeHtMbvh6yjyJ_&t=137

  PM Trudeau also asked the Indian government to take things seriously in this matter.

  There was an ongoing viral question by people in Canada saying that Hardeep Singh Nijjar was not a Canadian citizen.

  In response to this, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller first confirmed that Hardeep Singh Nijjar became a Canadian citizen on March 3, 2015.

  In an interview, Stephen Brown, CEO of the National Council for Canadian Muslims and Balpreet Singh, legal counsel for the World Sikh Organization of Canada, called on the Canadian Government to do four more things

  1. Immediate recall of Canada’s Ambassador
  2. Start the process to expel India’s ambassador to Canada
  3. Cease all discussions of trade negotiations with India
  4. Immediate banning of the RSS organization in Canada and the expulsion of all of its Agents from the country

  India’s First Response and September 19 update

  The Indian government released an official statement rejecting all the allegations made by the Canadian government.

  

  Furthermore, they also asked a senior Canadian diplomat in India to leave within the next five days.

  

  Situation Worsens on September 18

  The situation caught fire when Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced that they had expelled a top Indian diplomat from Canada.

  Canada also updated their travel advisory for India, asking Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.

  Previously, this issue got viral when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced possible allegations against Indian interference in Canada, with already fumes around Canada-India relations at the G20 summit.

  https://youtu.be/HHEXaPfCh64?si=05s-eozu-RGSchhh&t=26

  On the first day of the House of Commons on September 18, he said that Canadian intelligence is actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Indian government and the killing of Canadian citizen and Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

  Diplomatic Commentary Began on September 10

  The Canada-India issue of Khalistani Sikhs has always been a topic of discussion, but the situation got highlighted at the September G20 summit in India.

  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised the issue of Indian interference in Canada, especially in relation to the killing of Sikh leaders on Canadian soil.

  https://www.youtube.com/live/1ZqMUn_SRs8?si=Mjdw02lAt7Ip1OtW&t=494

  The situation was still good at that time, with the Canadian PM saying, “We recognize that India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada.”

  Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?

  Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Sikh separatist from India who was active in the Khalistan movement. Nijjar was wanted by Indian authorities and declared a terrorist under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act after allegedly plotting the murder of a Hindu priest in Punjab. On June 18, 2023, Nijjar was shot and killed in British Columbia.

  How will the Canada-India issue affect immigration?

  The Canada-India issue may impact immigration between the two countries. It is advisable to stay updated with the latest news and official statements from the governments involved to understand the specific effects and any changes in immigration policies or procedures.
  
  India has already indicated that they are halting the visa processing for Canadians in Canada due to service disruption.
  
  Canada is yet to respond to this situation, but it does not seem to be in a position to halt visas for Indians.

  Is Canada suspending visas for Indians?

  As of now, Canada has not suspended visas for Indians. According to Canadian government sources, Canada is considering a response to India’s visa suspension but has not yet made a decision.

  ---

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• 
  Canada Sent 17,145 New PR Invites in PNP & Express Entry Draws in Sep 20232 October 2023, 6:17 PM EDT

  Canada sent out 17,145 new permanent residency invitations in the month of September 2023 through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.

  Compared to August 2023, Canada issued 7,575 fewer PR invitations in the month of September, with Ontario PNP sending only 2,677 invitations this time.

  Summary of all the Canada PNPs and Express Entry draws | September 2023

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/canada-pnp-provincial-nominee-program-all-you-need-to-know/

  Express Entry Draws

  The IRCC held five Express Entry draws in September, inviting 8,300 people to submit applications for permanent residence (PR).

  IRCC announced back-to-back ‘no program specified’ rounds of invitations for two consecutive weeks, issuing 6,200 ITAs.

  Date	Round type	Invitations issued	CRS score cutoff
  September 28, 2023	Agriculture and agri-food occupations	600	354
  September 27, 2023	French language proficiency	500	472
  September 26, 2023	No Program Specified	3,000	504
  September 20, 2023	Transport occupations	1,000	435
  September 19, 2023	No Program Specified	3,200	531

  Furthermore, IRCC also introduced category-based Express Entry draws for transport and agriculture/food occupations for the first time ever.

  Express Entry has issued a total of 86,048 invitations to apply for permanent residency so far in 2023.

  Click here for all the Express Entry draws.

  Ontario PNP Draws

  The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced six new provincial nominee program (PNP) rounds of invitations in the month of September.

  In these rounds of invitations, OINP issued a total of 2,677 invitations for permanent residency, with the majority of these going to the Human Capital Priorities stream.

  OINP Express Entry invitations

  OINP Express Entry streams	Date	Invitations	CRS score range	Notes
  Human Capital Priorities stream	September 26, 2023	1,696	350-462	Targeted draw for healthcare-related occupations
  French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream	September 21, 2023	63	348-434	General draw
  French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream	September 7, 2023	300	308-434	General draw

  OINP Expression of Interest Invitations

  OINP Stream	Date issued	Invitations	Score range
  Masters Graduate stream	September 19, 2023	537	41 and above
  PhD Graduate stream	September 19, 2023	71	40 and above
  Entrepreneur stream	September 25, 2023	10	136 to 163

  Click here for latest OINP Draws

  Quebec Arrima Draws

  The Quebec Arrima draws in the month of September sent out a total of 2,451 invitations to apply for permanent residency in two rounds of invitations.

  Quebec Arrima considered profiles having CLB level 7 in French and meeting the below-listed criteria in these draws:

  Date	Invitations	Cutoff Score	Description
  September 21, 2023	1,018	579	Targeted for 27 occupations
  September 7, 2023	1,433	586	General

  Quebec has already issued 14,791 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the 14 Arrima rounds of invitations this year.

  Click here for all the Quebec Arrima Draws.

  Manitoba PNP Draws

  The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) sent out 2,292 permanent residency invitations in four PNP draws in September, as listed below:

  Date	Invitations	Description
  September 29, 2023	42	A special immigration measure for Ukrainians
  September 28, 2023	1,072	Only for Skilled Workers Overseas category
  September 21, 2023	620	All the categories
  September 7, 2023	558	All the categories

  Click here for all the Manitoba PNP draws.

  British Columbia PNP Draws

  The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) sent out more than 834 permanent residency invitations during September 2023, as listed below:

  Date	Invitations	Draw Type
  September 26, 2023	204	Targeted draws for Tech, ECE, Healthcare occupations
  September 19, 2023	225	General and targeted draws
  September 12, 2023	183	Targeted draws for Tech, ECE, Healthcare occupations
  September 6, 2023	222	General and targeted draws

  Click here for all the BC PNP draws.

  Alberta Express Entry draws

  Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) sent out only 476 invitations offering provincial nomination in four Express Entry draws in September, as listed below:

  Date	Invitations	Draw selection criteria	CRS Cutoff
  September 26, 2023	18	Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above	311
  September 14, 2023	142	Family connection and primary occupation in demand, CRS score 300-500	301
  September 12, 2023	16	Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above	327
  September 12, 2023	300	Priority sector – Tourism and hospitality occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500	383

  Alberta has issued a total of 3,487 invitations to apply in 37 Express Entry draws so far in 2023.

  Click here for all the latest Alberta Express Entry draws and processing update.

  Prince Edward Island PNP Draws

  Prince Edward Island PNP sent out a total of 153 permanent residency invitations in September in just one round of invitations in the Critical Worker stream to individuals working for a PEI employer with a minimum EOI score of 55.

  4 Business Work Permit Entrepreneur invitations were issued to profiles with a score of 80 or above.

  In total, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) has issued 2,018 permanent residency invitations so far in 2023.

  How many invitations have the IRCC Express Entry draws issued in 2023?

  86,048 invitations to apply (ITAs) have been issued in 31 Express Entry draws so far in 2023.

  https://youtu.be/XwGUcrSLgHU?si=cDqnHpA4OgLQujk0

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• 
  New Minimum Wage In Ontario and 5 Provinces Effective Today1 October 2023, 9:07 AM EDT

  Six Canadian provinces have implemented the new minimum wage effective today, October 1, 2023, raising the minimum bar to over $15 per hour.

  The minimum wage rates in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island are now raised, benefiting thousands of workers in various industries.

  The minimum wage is the fundamental income that employers are required by law to pay their employees.

  Periodically, these rates are reviewed and adjusted to keep up with the cost of living and to ensure that employees are paid fairly for their labour.

  Jump To

  Province-Wise New Minimum Wages Effective Today (October 1)

  1. Ontario Minimum Wage

  The minimum wage in Ontario has now increased significantly, from the current $15.50 to the new $16.55 per hour. $1.05 raise.

  This modification has increased the incomes of approximately 900,000 workers in the province working on minimum wages, putting $2,200 more in their pockets.

  The next raise for Ontarians is expected to come after 365 days on October 1, 2024, with an expected raise to $17.50 per hour.

  https://youtu.be/0oVNz4_fElY?si=ipEAMfpKqvG-LdGS

  The student minimum wage, which applies to those under the age of 18 who work 28 hours per week or less when school is in session or during summer vacation, will now rise by $1 per hour, from $14.60 to $15.60.

  Homeworkers, who do paid work from their homes for companies, would see their minimum salary rise by $1.15, from $17.05 to $18.20.

  Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides will now earn $77.60 to $82.85 per day while working fewer than five consecutive hours, and $155.25 to $165.75 per day when working five or more hours.

  2. Manitoba’s New Minimum Wage

  Effective today (October 1, 2023), Manitoba has also raised the minimum wage from $14.15 to $15.30 per hour, thereby enhancing the lives of its workers.

  Thousands of Manitobans who depend on minimum-wage jobs to support their families will now benefit from this decision.

  This is the second time that Manitoba has increased the minimum wage in 2023. Previously, they increased the minimum wage from $13.50 to $14.15 on April 1, 2023.

  The province will now resume yearly adjustments based on the province’s CPI, and the following hourly rate revision is anticipated on October 1, 2024.

  3. Saskatchewan Minimum Wage Raise

  Saskatchewan’s minimum wage goes from $13 to $14 per hour, effective today, a raise of $1.

  The purpose of this modification is to improve the financial standing of the lowest-paid workers in the province.

  Saskatchewan is on an annual schedule of revising the minimum wage and is expected to raise it further in 2024 to more than $15 per hour.

  4. Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Increase

  Individuals working at the minimum wage in Nova Scotia are set to hear this good news for the second time this year.

  Nova Scotians will now not be paid less than $15 per hour, a raise of 50 cents since the last revision on April 1, 2023.

  Individuals working at the minimum wage used to earn $13.60 per hour until October 1, 2022.

  So now Nova Scotians working in minimum-wage jobs are earning $1.40 more for every working hour as compared to last year.

  This minimum wage rate would now be updated annually on October 1, 2024, based on inflation plus an additional 1%.

  5. Newfoundland and Labrador New Minimum Wage

  The minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador is now being raised for the second time this year.

  Effective today, the new minimum wage will be $15 per hour, a raise of 50 cents from the last revision.

  Previously, on April 1, 2023, the province increased the minimum wage from $13.70 to $14.50 per hour.

  The official ministry is still considering the Minimum Wage Review Committee’s recommendation to increase minimum wage rates by inflation plus 1% per year after 2024.

  6. Prince Edward Island Minimum Wage Increase

  Effective today, October 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is now $15 per hour, matching other Atlantic provinces.

  

  Previously, PEI raised the minimum wage to $14.50 per hour from $13.70 per hour on January 1, 2023. So, PEI is also raising the minimum wage for the second time in 2023.

  Minimum Wage Next Raise Schedule

  Geography	Minimum Wage as of October 1, 2023	Next Raise Date	Next Raise Estimate
  Ontario	$16.55	October 1, 2024	$17.65
  Manitoba	$15.30	October 1, 2024	$16.00
  Nova Scotia	$15.00	October 1, 2024	$15.50
  Saskatchewan	$14.00	October 1, 2024	$15.00
  Newfoundland & Labrador	$15.00	October 1, 2024	$15.50
  Prince Edward Island	$15.00	October 1, 2024	$15.50
  Canada (Federally regulated private sectors)	$16.65	April 1, 2024	$17.75
  New Brunswick	$14.75	April 1, 2024 (Expected)	$15.50
  Alberta	$15.00	To Be Decided (TBD)	TBD
  British Columbia	$16.75	June 1, 2024	$17.75
  Quebec	$15.25	May 1, 2024	$16.25
  Nunavut	$16.00	April 1, 2024	TBD
  Northwest Territories	$16.05	September 1, 2024	$17.00
  Yukon	$16.77	April 1, 2024	$17.50

  Actual Living Wages Across Canada

  A living wage is the hourly pay that a worker must earn in order to satisfy their basic costs and contribute to their community.

  The provincial government sets the minimum wage for all employers, but a living wage is not the same as the minimum wage.

  However, the living wage shows what people need to earn to pay the actual costs of living in their neighbourhood, and it is based on community-specific data.

  Below are the living wages for major cities and areas across Canada that were recorded in 2022. Data on 2023 living wages will be available in 2024.

  City/Region	2022 Living Wages
  Golden	$25.56
  Greater Victoria	$24.29
  Metro Vancouver	$24.08
  Revelstoke	$23.60
  Halifax	$23.50
  Fredericton	$23.45
  Durham	$23.15
  Halton	$23.15
  Peel Region	$23.15
  Toronto	$23.15
  Kelowna	$22.88
  Southern	$22.55
  Fort McMurray	$22.50
  Calgary	$22.40
  Saint John	$21.60
  Edmonton	$21.40
  Moncton	$20.85
  Nanimo	$20.49
  Northern	$20.40
  Lethbridge	$20.30
  Cape Breton	$20.00
  Guelph & Wellington	$19.95
  Waterloo Region	$19.95
  Niagara Region	$19.80
  Sudbury	$19.70
  Thunder Bay	$19.70
  Ottawa	$19.60
  Kamloops	$19.14
  Kingston	$19.05
  Muskoka	$19.05
  Peterborough	$19.05
  Hamilton	$19.05
  Winnipeg	$18.34
  London & Middlesex	$18.05
  Saskatoon	$16.89
  Thompson	$16.25
  Regina	$16.23
  Brandon	$15.66

  What is the student minimum wage in Ontario?

  The student minimum wage, which applies to those under the age of 18 who work 28 hours per week or less when school is in session or during summer vacation, will increase by $1 per hour, from $14.60 to $15.60.

  How much is the BC minimum wage 2023?

  $16.75 is the minimum wage in BC (British Columbia), effective June 1, 2023.

  What is the Ontario minimum wage in 2023?

  $16.55 is the Ontario minimum wage effective October 1, 2023.

  ---

  https://youtu.be/vYnAmeI0-rU?si=tmkp1_DE1CquZkoA

  

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• 
  New Working Holiday Visa Draws Sent 2,281 Work Permit Invitations30 September 2023, 10:08 AM EDT

  The new Working Holiday Visa rounds of invitations sent out 2,281 invitations to apply for open work permits over the last 2 weeks, as updated on September 29, 2023.

  14,833 spots are still available in the 2023 season for youngsters from 33 eligible countries under the Working Holiday Visa category of International Experience Canada (IEC).

  Additionally, 179 invitations to apply for closed work permits have been issued under the Young Professionals category of the IEC.

  Only 59 closed work permit invitations have been sent under the smallest category of IEC, the International Co-op (Internships).

  Jump To

  IEC 2023 has a processing time of 7 weeks, as per the most recent official update by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

  This article enlists comprehensive details on:

  • the country-wise invitations extended in the past 2 weeks,
  • the total number of invitations issued in 2023 and annual Quota
  • number of candidates in the pool and available spots, and
  • the likelihood of obtaining an invitation in the upcoming week.

  Country-Wise Working Holiday Visa Invitations

  Country	Invitations Sent in Last 2 Weeks	Total Invitations in 2023	Candidates In Pool	Available Spots	IEC 2023 Quota	Chances of receiving an invite next week
  Andorra	0	26	0	14	25	Excellent
  Australia	177	10,205	122	unlimited	unlimited	Excellent
  Austria	0	277	42	0	168	Very Low
  Belgium	11	1,468	118	28	950	Very Low
  Chile	24	4,714	7,705	1,471	4,118	Very Low
  Costa Rica	6	2,060	1,041	6	1,150	Very Low
  Croatia	1	178	3	168	275	Excellent
  Czech Republic	38	1,209	20	277	1,000	Excellent
  Denmark	12	450	4	31	350	Excellent
  Estonia	3	144	5	25	110	Excellent
  France	0	16,885	15,245	88	12,700	Very Low
  Germany	126	5,776	59	727	4,490	Excellent
  Greece	13	428	13	99	378	Excellent
  Hong Kong	1	474	192	7	200	Very Low
  Ireland	117	8,201	87	5,834	10,500	Excellent
  Italy	97	3,039	71	268	1,855	Excellent
  Japan	96	8,334	500	22	6,500	Very Low
  Korea Republic	251	13,188	92	929	8,500	Excellent
  Latvia	0	79	37	0	40	Very Low
  Lithuania	0	398	90	2	185	Very Low
  Luxembourg	3	53	1	40	80	Excellent
  Netherlands	42	1,311	20	44	880	Excellent
  New Zealand	93	2,971	37	532	2,500	Excellent
  Norway	14	177	6	31	130	Excellent
  Poland	36	1,040	10	80	635	Excellent
  Portugal	62	1,344	17	882	1,750	Excellent
  San Marino	0	4	0	22	25	Excellent
  Slovakia	0	555	39	5	323	Low
  Slovenia	6	66	1	51	80	Excellent
  Spain	121	2,711	53	403	1,845	Excellent
  Sweden	22	551	2	296	580	Excellent
  Taiwan	318	6,269	1,480	462	3,425	Very Low
  United Kingdom	591	14,938	238	1,989	10,000	Excellent
  Total	2,281	109,523	27,350	14,833	75,747

  https://youtu.be/HFasfNBpD7U?si=CV1k7np2e1hAdJD3

  Country-Wise Young Professionals Invitations

  Country	Invitations Issued In Last two weeks	Total Invitations in 2023	Candidates In Pool	Available Spots	IEC 2023 Quota	Chances of receiving an invite next week
  Australia	7	193	4	unlimited	unlimited	Excellent
  Austria	0	14	0	7	10	Excellent
  Chile	23	540	10	73	130	Excellent
  Costa Rica	3	221	5	9	98	Excellent
  Croatia	2	15	1	15	20	Excellent
  Czech Republic	5	296	2	2	145	Excellent
  Estonia	1	17	2	2	10	Excellent
  France	77	3,622	56	449	2,550	Excellent
  France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE)	15	549	68	107	600	Excellent
  Germany	17	576	11	68	350	Excellent
  Greece	3	164	3	34	120	Excellent
  Ireland	2	149	0	124	150	Excellent
  Italy	5	203	3	57	130	Excellent
  Latvia	0	10	1	6	8	Excellent
  Lithuania	0	25	0	2	13	Excellent
  Luxembourg	0	3	0	8	10	Excellent
  Netherlands	8	178	2	19	120	Excellent
  Norway	0	11	1	9	15	Excellent
  Poland	1	91	2	74	110	Excellent
  Portugal	0	44	1	186	200	Excellent
  Slovakia	2	61	2	2	25	Excellent
  Slovenia	0	15	0	7	15	Excellent
  Spain	4	192	5	61	150	Excellent
  Spain via ICEX Vives	0	10	0	43	50	Excellent
  Sweden	2	43	0	84	100	Excellent
  Switzerland	1	288	0	3	200	Excellent
  Taiwan	1	172	2	10	73	Excellent
  Total	179	7,702	181	1,461	5,402

  https://youtu.be/fQtFKc1PcEY?si=PAg7FxCNEKwm39eX

  Country-Wise International Co-op (Internships) invitations

  Country	Invitations Issued In Last two weeks	Total Invitations in 2023	Candidates in pool	Available spots	IEC 2023 Quota	Chances of receiving an invite next week
  Australia	0	1	0	Unlimited	Unlimited	Excellent
  Austria	0	2	0	0	2	Excellent
  Chile	0	7	0	1	2	Excellent
  Costa Rica	0	2	0	2	2	Excellent
  Croatia	0	0	0	5	5	Excellent
  Czech Republic	0	1	0	4	5	Excellent
  Estonia	0	0	0	5	5	Excellent
  France	55	4,088	45	464	3,150	Excellent
  Germany	2	122	1	100	160	Excellent
  Greece	0	1	0	2	2	Excellent
  Ireland	0	18	0	38	50	Excellent
  Italy	0	27	0	7	15	Excellent
  Latvia	0	0	0	2	2	Excellent
  Lithuania	0	0	0	2	2	Excellent
  Luxembourg	0	3	0	9	10	Excellent
  Norway	0	0	0	5	5	Excellent
  Poland	0	2	0	3	5	Excellent
  Portugal	0	3	0	49	50	Excellent
  Slovakia	0	0	0	2	2	Excellent
  Slovenia	0	0	0	5	5	Excellent
  Spain	0	5	0	3	5	Excellent
  Sweden	0	16	0	19	20	Excellent
  Switzerland	2	55	0	16	50	Excellent
  Taiwan	0	19	0	2	2	Excellent
  Total	59	4,372	46	745	3,556

  What is a Working Holiday Visa Canada?

  Young people from 33 member countries can work and travel in Canada for any business thanks to the Working Holiday Visa for Canada program.
  
  It is intended to encourage cross-cultural interaction and provide foreign guests with options for temporary work.
  
  Throughout their visit, participants are able to work in a variety of capacities, which enables them to sustain themselves while travelling throughout Canada.

  ---

  

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• 
  Canada Added 700,000 New Temporary Residents in 1 Year29 September 2023, 10:47 AM EDT

  On September 27, 2023, Statistics Canada unveiled the new data reporting number of temporary residents already in Canada on study permits, work permits, and asylum claimants.

  This demographic data reveals a nearly 700,000 increase in the number of temporary residents year-on-year as of the second quarter of 2023.

  

  We expect that this number could easily breach the 2.5 million mark by the end of 2023.

  Reading Points

  No Clear Pathway For Permanent Residency

  These Canadian temporary residents (TRs) are facing uncertainty around options to get Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).

  More than 1 million work permit holders in Canada are looking for permanent residency options through Canada’s economic immigration options.

  However, the number of PR spots through these economic immigration are capped and quite less than number of these TRs in Canada.

  Temporary Resident Type	Q2 2023	Q1 2023	Q4 2022	Q3 2022	Q2 2022
  Total, asylum claimant	256,958	238,186	217,925	192,914	177,281
  Work permit holders only	1,001,479	853,221	766,690	698,522	599,810
  Study permit holders only	582,201	559,428	575,431	537,581	477,491
  Work and study permit holders	273,850	240,653	227,937	213,758	189,862
  Other (mainly refers to family members living with permit holders)	84,191	73,830	68,900	63,972	56,534
  Total Temporary Residents	2,198,679	1,965,318	1,856,883	1,706,747	1,500,978

  Canada has set annual target for all the economic immigration program at 266,210 for 2023 with target of over 301,000 by 2025.

  Furthermore, these temporary residents have to compete with international talent for the same number of PR spots.

  Canada’s flagship program Express Entry has a specific category for individuals having Canadian Experience, but IRCC has not conducted any round of invitations specific for this category since 2021.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/no-cec-express-entry-draw-since-2021/

  So this increase in number of temporary residents across Canada is due to less conversion of TRs to PRs forcing them to extend their stay by enrolling in study programs or gettting LMIA based work permits from within Canada.

  Canadian government also introduced PGWP extension allowing internatioal students on a work permit after graduation to extend their status for another 18 months.

  In layman’s eyes, Canada already has enough temporary residents to fulfill permanent residency targets for next 6-7 years if they don’t invite anyone from outside Canada.

  However, Canadian immigration has now became more competitive with focus on giving permanent residency to individuals having experience in occupations with labour shortage, Francophones, and individuals with high level of education as well as 3-4 years of experience.

  Internationally, educational consultants have already started advising new international students to avoid Canada and choose other developed countries given the economic slowdown and uncetainty around permanent residency options.

  Province-Wise Number of Temporary Residents

  Ontario has the highest number of temporary residents close to 1 million among all the categories.

  Province	Total Temporary Residents	Asylum Claimants	Work Permit Holders	Study Permit Holders	Both Work and Study Permit Holders	Others (mainly refers to family members living with permit holders)
  Ontario	986,863	90,793	419,475	284,739	159,806	32,050
  Quebec	470,976	146,723	200,522	63,799	38,858	21,074
  British Columbia	400,964	11,384	196,259	138,434	38,848	16,039
  Alberta	150,320	5,766	89,575	36,576	11,013	7,390
  Manitoba	60,615	1,434	32,608	18,068	6,652	1,853
  Nova Scotia	45,794	325	20,712	13,619	9,056	2,082
  Saskatchewan	30,704	236	15,512	10,512	2,957	1,487
  New Brunswick	27,458	188	13,864	7,476	4,626	1,304
  Newfoundland and Labrador	12,911	73	6,063	5,017	1,186	572
  Prince Edward Island	9,953	26	5,192	3,702	745	288
  Yukon	1,446	0	1,120	217	80	29
  Northwest Territories	567	7	490	38	20	12
  Nunavut	108	3	87	4	3	11

  Canadian Population Crossess 40 Million

  Increase in temporary residents has also contributed to increase in overall Canadian population surpassing 40 million in July 2023.

  More than 75% of the population reside in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia with Ontario being home to half of it.

  Alberta recorded the highest percentage increase in population in 1 year as of July 2023.

  Geography	Q3 2023	Q3 2022	Year-on-Year Change
  Canada	40,097,761	38,939,056	2.98%
  Ontario	15,608,369	15,145,006	3.06%
  Quebec	8,874,683	8,672,185	2.34%
  British Columbia	5,519,013	5,356,284	3.04%
  Alberta	4,695,290	4,510,891	4.09%
  Manitoba	1,454,902	1,413,409	2.94%
  Saskatchewan	1,209,107	1,178,422	2.60%
  Nova Scotia	1,058,694	1,025,445	3.24%
  New Brunswick	834,691	809,568	3.10%
  Newfoundland and Labrador	538,605	531,583	1.32%
  Prince Edward Island	173,787	167,188	3.95%
  Yukon	44,975	43,905	2.44%
  Northwest Territories5	44,972	44,685	0.64%

  How much is the population of Canada?

  40,097,761 is the population of Canada as per latest official demographic data of Statistics Canada.

  https://youtu.be/Bp7mx_RtBvI?si=PPUyWW0i48D0grr9

  ---

  

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• 
  New Express Entry Draw For Agriculture & Agri-Food Occupations Is Now Out28 September 2023, 2:23 PM EDT

  Today, IRCC unveiled the new Express Entry draw, first-ever, for profiles with experience in agriculture and agri-food occupations.

  Below are the full details of the targeted Express Entry draw for agriculture and agri-food occupations.

  • Number of invitations issued: 600
  • Rank required to be invited to apply: 600 or above
  • Date and time of round: September 28, 2023, at 16:45:09 UTC
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 354
  • Tie-breaking rule: June 12, 2023, at 10:23:21 UTC

  With these new rounds of invitations, Canada will be able to attract the qualified people it needs, with a focus on applicants with expertise in the agriculture and agri-food industries, such as retail and wholesale butchers, farm supervisors, and agricultural service contractors.

  This new Express Entry round of invitations targets individuals with at least 6 months of experience in one of the below-listed occupations.

  82031 – Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services

  • Example job titles:
    • Greenhouse supervisor
    • Grounds maintenance contractor
    • Groundskeeping supervisor
    • Horticulture workers supervisor
    • Interior plantscaping contractor
    • Landscaping contractor
    • Landscaping foreman/woman
    • Landscaping supervisor
    • Lawn care contractor
    • Nursery foreman/woman
    • Park maintenance supervisor
    • Tree service contractor

  82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors

  • Example job titles:
    • Artificial insemination service contractor
    • Crop harvesting service contractor
    • Farm foreman/woman
    • Farm supervisor
    • Feedlot foreman/woman
    • Hog operation supervisor
    • Livestock breeding service contractor
    • Poultry farm foreman/woman
    • Ranch foreman/woman
    • Vegetable farm foreman/woman

  63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale

  • Example job titles:
    • Apprentice butcher – retail or wholesale
    • Butcher – butcher shop
    • Head butcher – wholesale
    • Retail butcher

  Our Expectation from this new Express Entry draw

  We are expecting that the number of invitations may stay between 500 and 700, and the IRCC will be unveiling details of this draw tomorrow.

  With only 3 occupations eligible for the Agriculture and Agri-Food round of invitations, we expect to see the lowest CRS cutoff score ever among the category-based Express Entry draws.

  Canada maintains its commitment to attracting top talent from across the world and assisting in addressing the need for workers in agriculture and agri-food to boost the economy through the Agri-Food Pilot and category-based selection.

  By giving priority to inviting qualified immigrants with past work experience in agriculture and agri-food positions, Canada hopes to address the growing need for talent and staff in critical roles that progress the country’s farming and food processing industries.

  All The Express Entry draws – September 2023

  Date	Round type	Invitations issued	CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited
  September 28, 2023	Targeted for 3 Agriculture and Agri-food occupations	600	354
  September 27, 2023	Targeted for profiles having level 7 in French	500	472
  September 26, 2023	No Program Specified	3,000	504
  September 20, 2023	Targeted for 10 Transportation occupations	1,000	435
  September 19, 2023	No Program Specified	3,200	531

  What is Express Entry?

  Express Entry system is Canada’s most popular and fastest way of geting Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through one of the programs managed by this application management system.
  
  Individuals can immigrate to Canada through its Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and some parts of the Provincial Nominee Program.

  What are Express Entry category-based selections?

  On May 31, 2023, former Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser announced the introduction of a new procedure called category-based selection, which will allow qualified immigrants with work experience in 82 occupations to have better odds of becoming permanent residents filling in the existing labour market gaps in one of the below listed sectors:
  
  1. Healthcare Occupations
  2. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
  3. Trade occupations
  4. Transport occupations
  5. Agriculture and agri-food occupations

  ---

  https://youtu.be/IzfJ8QidomM?si=VWaluiUMGTSeZhrg

  

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• 
  Canada Now Has The Lowest Job Vacancies Since May 202128 September 2023, 10:27 AM EDT

  The new job vacancy data for Canada shows a decrease in available jobs by 43,100 (or 5.8%) to 701,300 in July, continuing a declining trend that began in June 2022.

  In July 2023, there were 273,700 fewer job openings than there were a year earlier, registering a decline of 28.1%, as per the new Statistics Canada report released today, September 28, 2023.

  The total number of job openings in July 2023 was the lowest at 673,400 since May 2021.

  In July, Ontario (-123,900; -33.8%) saw the biggest year-over-year decline, followed by British Columbia (-38,400; -26.0%) and Quebec (-65,800; -26.6%).

  On a monthly basis, the number of job vacancies also fell in Ontario by 27,700 (-10.2%) to 242,600 in July, following some variation in May and June.

  Jump To

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/new-minimum-wage-ontario-and-5-provinces/

  The number of open positions as a percentage of total labour demand (the total of filled and unfilled positions) is known as the job vacancy rate.

  It dropped to 3.9% in July, the lowest level since February 2021.

  The job vacancy rate decreased by 1.6 percentage points on an annual basis as a result of increases in payroll employment (+446,600; +2.7%) and decreases in vacancies (-273,700; -28.1%).

  1.7 unemployed people were available for every open job vacancy in Canada in July 2023, an increase from 1.5 in June and 1.2 at the beginning of the year.

  Since there was little change in the number of jobless people in July, the decline in job vacancies (-43,100; -5.8%) was primarily responsible for the increase in the unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio.

  The job vacancy rate in accommodation and food services reaches its lowest level since January 2020.

  Furthermore, the retail trade also records the lowest number of vacancies since January 2021.

  The number of unfilled retail positions decreased by 10,800 (-12.8%) to 73,100 in July 2023, marking the lowest level since January 2021 (68,000) and the third consecutive monthly decline since March 2023.

  In July, there were 139,200 open jobs in the health and social support sectors, which represented roughly 1 in 5 (19.9%) of all job openings across all industries. This represents a little change from the previous month.

  Highest Job Vacancy Sectors in Canada

  Sector/Industry	Job Vacancies	Job Vacancy Rate
  Health care and social assistance	139,200	5.7%
  Retail trade	73,100	3.5%
  Manufacturing	54,300	3.3%
  Educational services	19,500	1.3%
  Accommodation and food services	79,500	5.7%
  Professional, scientific and technical services	41,400	3.3%
  Construction	61,800	5.0%
  Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services	43,200	4.9%
  Finance and insurance	21,300	2.5%
  Transportation and warehousing	37,900	4.4%
  Wholesale trade	28,500	3.3%
  Other services (excluding public administration)	32,000	5.4%
  Public administration{4}	15,800	2.8%
  Information and cultural industries	9,500	2.5%
  Arts, entertainment and recreation	11,600	3.6%
  Real estate and rental and leasing	9,700	3.2%
  Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting	10,100	4.1%
  Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction	7,600	3.5%
  Utilities	3,100	2.2%
  Management of companies and enterprises	2,200	1.7%

  Province-Wise Job Vacancies

  Provinces and territories	July 2023 Job Vacancies	July 2023 Job Vacancy rate
  Ontario	242,600	3.5%
  Quebec	181,500	4.5%
  British Columbia	109,200	4.3%
  Alberta	80,100	3.8%
  Manitoba	23,700	3.8%
  Saskatchewan	22,200	4.3%
  Nova Scotia	17,100	3.9%
  New Brunswick	11,500	3.2%
  Newfoundland and Labrador	7,400	3.6%
  Prince Edward Island	2,900	3.9%

  Average Weekly Earnings in Canada Continues To Increase

  Average weekly earnings increased by 0.8% (to $1,215) in July compared to a 0.4% monthly increase in May and June.

  The two industries with the biggest gains in July were construction (+1.6% to $1,509) and public administration (+1.9% to $1,553).

  July had a 4.3% year-over-year increase in average weekly earnings, which had increased by 3.7% in June.

  Generally speaking, an increase in the average weekly pay can be attributed to a variety of variables, such as shifts in hours worked, job composition, and wage levels.

  Provinces and territories	July 2023	June 2023	July 2022	June to July 2023 % change	July 2022 to July 2023 %change
  Nunavut	1600.99	1635.57	1522.96	-2.1	5.1
  Northwest Territories	1593.03	1601.51	1542.77	-0.5	3.3
  Yukon	1382.73	1361.82	1340.85	1.5	3.1
  Alberta	1293.23	1281.12	1244.79	0.9	3.9
  Ontario	1242.82	1228.02	1194.35	1.2	4.1
  British Columbia	1230.44	1205.24	1162.26	2.1	5.9
  Newfoundland and Labrador	1204.53	1205.60	1148.34	-0.1	4.9
  Saskatchewan	1173.69	1164.86	1138.92	0.8	3.1
  Quebec	1163.31	1157.72	1119.40	0.5	3.9
  Manitoba	1104.05	1091.90	1056.31	1.1	4.5
  New Brunswick	1102.90	1091.82	1070.83	1.0	3.0
  Nova Scotia	1068.36	1070.35	1027.25	-0.2	4.0
  Prince Edward Island	1019.61	999.88	979.69	2.0	4.1

  How high is the unemployment rate in Canada?

  Canada has the unemployment rate of 5.5% as of August 2023 after increasing by 0.5 percentage points from April to July.

  ---

  https://youtu.be/vK42cC57y3c?si=p2PmP2eHuk3N5mLw

  

• 
  New IRCC Update Shows Surge In Canada Immigration Backlog27 September 2023, 10:59 AM EDT

  The new IRCC update on Canada immigration backlog reveals a 5.25% increase in the backlog of applications under processing, as per data updated on September 26, 2023.

  Every month, IRCC updates this backlog data for the processing inventory they had at the end of the previous month. So this data is the most recent and accurate figure noted on August 31, 2023.

  Temporary residency application processing inventory has now decreased by 6.11% from 1,346,200 applications to 1,264,000 compared to the previous IRCC backlog update.

  Jump To

  Temporary residency applications within IRCC service standards dropped by 14.52%, with most of them converting into backlogs, with the temporary residency backlog number rising by 11%.

  Conversely, the backlog for citizenship applications has dropped drastically by nearly 11% as compared to the last update.

  Backlog number for permanent residency residency applications registered only 0.17% increase; although, there have been increase in the processing inventory by 2.3%.

  New IRCC Update On Processing & Backlog

  Application Type	Overall Processing  Inventory As of August 31	Overall Processing  Inventory As of July 31	Difference
  Citizenship	288,700	296,900	-2.76%
  Permanent Residence	646,000	631,500	2.30%
  Temporary Residence	1,264,000	1,346,200	-6.11%
  Total	2,198,700	2,274,600	-3.34%

  Application Type	Backlog	Percentage Change	Within   Service  Standards	Percentage Change
  Citizenship	60,700	-10.60%	228,000	-0.44%
  Permanent Residence	291,000	0.17%	355,000	4.11%
  Temporary Residence	493,000	10.99%	771,000	-14.52%
  Total	844,700	5.25%	1,354,000	-8.02%

  

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/check-latest-ircc-processing-time-2023/

  All The IRCC Backlog Updates in 2023

  Backlog Update Date	Applications In Backlog	Total Applications Under Processing
  August 31, 2023	844,700	2,198,700
  July 31, 2023	802,600	2,274,600
  June 30, 2023	801,000	2,264,000
  May 31, 2023	820,000	2,248,000
  April 30, 2023	809,000	2,006,000
  March 31, 2023	896,300	2,017,700
  February 28, 2023	910,400	1,962,600
  January 31, 2023	974,600	1,944,500

  What are the IRCC backlog projections by the end of 2023?

  The official IRCC estimates for 2023 predict that backlogs will continue to shrink month by month.
  
  The IRCC has released its official backlog forecasts to the end of October 2023 for the following categories of applications:
  
  20% backlog for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP via Express Entry) and Federal High Skilled, including Express Entry.
  
  Applications for citizenship and spousal sponsorship are backlogged by 19–24%.
  
  20% for work visas and 9% for study visas.
  
  34% for visas for temporary residence or travel.
  
  Please note that if the percentage is 20% or below, then IRCC is fulfilling the service standards for that particular application type.

  What is the difference between backlog data and IRCC Service Standards?

  Understanding the IRCC’s position on the distinction between service standard data and backlog data is crucial.
  
  As an illustration, it usually takes a year to complete an application for spousal sponsorship. If an application is being handled and the 12-month time limit hasn’t been reached, it is “NOT” considered to be in a backlog.
  
  IRCC will consider this as a part of regular processing instead. That spousal sponsorship application would only be considered backlogged if its processing time exceeded the 12-month mark.
  
  The immigration department intends to process 80% of the filed applications in accordance with these service standards.
  
  To learn more about the service standards of the IRCC, click this link.

  What is the latest update on the IRCC backlog in 2023?

  As of August 31, 2023, the IRCC was processing 2,198,700 applications for citizenship, immigration, and visas.
  
  The latest IRCC update on Canada immigration backlog reveals a 5.25% increase in the backlog of applications to 844,700 as of August 31, 2023, as compared to 802,600 as of July 31, 2023.
  
  The backlog for applications for citizenship and permanent residency decreases by over 5% per month, while applications for temporary residency rise by 4.27%.

  ---

  https://youtu.be/gKkdYPqFZMY?si=niNpdGNQvOb0XSmy

  

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• 
  New Ontario Express Entry Draw Invites 1,696 Profiles For PR26 September 2023, 4:45 PM EDT

  Today, a new Ontario Express Entry draw sent out 1,696 invitations for permanent residency under the Human Capital Priorities stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

  Valid Express Entry profiles created between September 26, 2022, and September 26, 2023 with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 350 and 462 are receiving an invitation to accept provincial nominations from Ontario.

  Furthermore, this OINP HCP draw targeted profiles with primary experience in one of the 5 healthcare occupations listed below.

  • NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
  • NOC 31300 – Nursing coordinators and supervisors
  • NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
  • NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
  • NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

  Jump To

  Provincial nomination increases the CRS score by 600 points, so, in simpler words, these profiles now have 45 days to accept the invitation and boost their CRS score.

  Invited profiles accepting this invitation will then have a total CRS score of 969–1038, making their selection guaranteed in the next IRCC Express Entry draw.

  OINP selects the profiles directly from the Express Entry pool of active profiles, usually having the destination province set as Ontario.

  There is no separate process to apply to receive a PNP invitation in the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream, but you need to meet the HCP eligibility criteria.

  OINP HCP Eligiblity Criteria

  Must have

  • A valid Express Entry profile under Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
  • Education level equivalent to a Canadian Bachelor’s or higher (Candidates outside Canada must have equivalent Education Eredential Assessment (ECA).
  • CLB level 7 or higher in the English or French proficiency test. Click here for the CLB-level equivalency chart for IELTS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF.
  • Enough settlement funds to support yourself and your dependent family members. You can prove this with a bank statement, ongoing employment in Ontario, or a job offer in Ontario.
  • Intention to live in Ontario, which can be proved by one or more things listed below:
    • Employment in Ontario
    • job offer or applying for or interviewing for jobs in Ontario
    • study enrollment in Ontario
    • leasing or owning property in Ontario
    • visiting Ontario
    • having professional networks and affiliations, family ties and personal relationships in Ontario

  Ontario Express Entry Draw 2023 summary

  OINP Express Entry Stream	Invitations	CRS Score Range
  Human Capital Priorities stream	14,091	350-516
  French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream	1,490	250–516
  Skilled Trades stream	7,512	291–489

  All The OINP HCP Draws 2023

  Date	Invitations	CRS score range
  September 26, 2023	1,696	350-462
  August 11 – 16, 2023	2084	473-516
  August 16, 2023	751	473-495
  July 20, 2023	902	458-462
  July 20, 2023	159	458-462
  July 6, 2023	748	479-485
  May 8, 2023	2,349	427-482
  May 5, 2023	1,863	475-482
  March 10, 2023	815	479-489
  March 8-9, 2023	822	469-489
  February 2, 2023	1,127	481-489
  February 2, 2023	775	476-489

  When was the latest OINP Express Entry draw?

  The latest OINP Express Entry draw was on September 26, 2023, which invited 1,696 Express Entry profiles with a CRS score between 350 and 462 and experience in one of the below-listed 5 Healthcare occupations:
  
  NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
  NOC 31300 – Nursing coordinators and supervisors
  NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
  NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
  NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

  ---

  

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• 
  Ontario Drive Test Pass Rates | Latest Location Wise List24 September 2023, 10:27 AM EDT

  This article provides the latest Ontario drive test pass rates for full G and G2 driving licenses for all major cities in the province.

  It is always recommended for your own safety to learn all the driving rules and only take a driving test once you are confident and fluent with driving on Canadian roads.

  Jump To

  Stay on top of the latest news and information with INC – Immigration News Canada.

  Location-Wise Ontario drive test pass rates

  The best drive test locations for the G2 and G License Road Test in Ontario based on pass rates are:

  Drive Test Centre	G Full Road Test	G2 Road Test
  Espanola	93.00%	79.00%
  Kapuskasing	91.00%	79.00%
  Sudbury	89.00%	86.00%
  Kirkland Lake	88.00%	73.00%
  Sault Ste. Marie	88.00%	89.00%
  Kenora	84.00%	93.00%
  Timmins	83.00%	75.00%
  Huntsville	82.00%	73.00%
  Winchester	81.05%	80.00%
  Thunder Bay	81.00%	80.00%
  Belleville	80.00%	78.00%
  Chatham-Kent	80.00%	73.00%
  Dryden	80.00%	81.00%
  Cornwall	78.00%	64.00%
  North Bay	78.00%	77.00%
  Fort Frances	77.00%	72.00%
  Sarnia	77.00%	76.00%
  Barrie	76.00%	70.00%
  Orillia	75.00%	74.00%
  Ottawa Walkley	75.00%	70.00%
  Woodstock	75.00%	65.00%
  Kingston	72.00%	74.00%
  Brantford	71.00%	65.00%
  Lindsay	71.00%	68.00%
  Oshawa	71.00%	64.00%
  Stratford	71.00%	76.00%
  Bancroft	70.00%	79.00%
  Clinton	70.00%	65.00%
  Renfrew	70.00%	58.00%
  Burlington	69.00%	64.00%
  Hawkesbury	69.00%	74.00%
  London	69.00%	69.00%
  Peterborough	69.00%	62.00%
  Walkerton	69.00%	68.00%
  Windsor	69.00%	59.00%
  Kitchener	68.00%	69.00%
  Owen Sound	67.00%	63.00%
  Simcoe	67.00%	74.00%
  Smiths Falls	67.00%	63.00%
  St. Catharines	67.00%	69.00%
  New Liskeard	66.00%	60.00%
  Ottawa Canotek	66.00%	68.00%
  Tillsonburg	66.00%	54.00%
  East York	65.00%	56.00%
  Toronto Metro East	65.00%	56.00%
  Pembroke	64.00%	64.00%
  Guelph	63.00%	63.00%
  Orangeville	63.00%	63.00%
  Newmarket	62.00%	74.00%
  Hamilton	61.00%	62.00%
  Brampton	59.00%	47.00%
  Mississauga	57.00%	48.00%
  Oakville	55.00%	57.00%
  Toronto Downsview	55.00%	48.00%
  Toronto Port Union	54.00%	53.00%
  Toronto Etobicoke	47.00%	51.00%

  Just FYI, Guelph is the most favourite location for most of the driving instructors in the Brampton and Etobicoke Area, given the highway maximum speed of 80 km/h and the easily predictable route.

  Making an informed choice on where to take your G2 and G road tests is possible now that you are aware of some statistics about the pass rates for various locations across Ontario.

  Factors that affect G or G2 driving test

  Several factors can affect the pass rates at Ontario DriveTest locations.

  1. Road Test Location: While some testing facilities are located in crowded urban areas, others are in more serene rural settings.

  Since driving in congested city traffic is frequently more difficult than driving in a serene rural environment, this may have an impact on how demanding the test is.

  Furthermore, highway speed limits vary depending on the location; for example, Highway 427 has a speed limit of 100 km/h, but a highway in Guelph has a speed limit of 80 km/h.

  2. Popularity: Some centres could have a reputation for being more forgiving or more challenging, which may affect their pass rates due to increased or decreased test taker volume.

  3. Instructor and school quality: The calibre of driving instructors greatly influences students’ performance on exams.

  Some instructors may not adequately prepare their students for the challenges of the test.

  Guide to get Driver’s License in Ontario

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmzVeIXx-Uo

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whoHgdG4DzM

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTADc13Kd8M

  https://youtu.be/XBVcHQr2KIQ?si=NAoaSbefRRMfdLkp

  What is the easiest location to give a driving test in Ontario?

  Espanola and Kapuskasing have the highest success percentages for the full G Road tests, with pass rates above 90%, while Kenora and Sault Ste. Marie have the highest pass rates for the G2 road test.
  
  However, the actual experience can vary widely based on a variety of circumstances, including personal abilities, knowledge of the regulations, and the state of the roads on the test day.

  What are the best places to take your G or G2 road test in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)?

  East York and Toronto Metro East have the highest pass rates in G2 and the full G driving test in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

  What errors are permitted in the Ontario G2 test?

  The precise number of permitted errors isn’t fixed, though; it depends on the kind and seriousness of the errors.
  
  Small driving mistakes are usually acceptable, but any reckless behaviour, disregard for directions, or infraction of the law will result in failure right away. Additionally, the total number of small errors must stay within allowable bounds, which may differ based on the evaluator’s discretion.

  What is the full G driving test pass rate in Brampton?

  Brampton has a pass rate of 59% for the full G driving test and 47% for the G2 driving test.

  Which locations have the highest G2 passing rate in Ontario?

  Kenora (93%), Sault Ste. Marie (89%), Sudbury (86%), Dryden (81%), and Winchester (80%) have the highest G2 passing rates in Ontario.

  ---

  

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• 
  Universal Eye Care Deemed Essential for Canadians 22 September 2023, 11:14 AM EDT

  Today, Canadians are facing a unique health crisis that continues to baffle researchers and plague the nation’s healthcare system.

  Over eight million citizens are living with at least one of the following major blinding eye diseases: age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

  But despite 75% of visual impairment being avoidable when detected and treated early, over 1.2 million Canadians are living with vision loss.

  This has spurred the country’s vision health stakeholders to urge the Government of Canada to support eye care in its federal budget, seeing as the total cost of vision loss in Canada was $32.9 billion in 2019 and is expected to balloon to $56 billion in 2050.

  More importantly, blindness can negatively impact a person’s financial health and sense of independence.

  Jump To

  So, if a simple and typically inexpensive eye exam can prevent a debilitating and expensive condition such as blindness, why are more and more Canadians suffering from it?

  There are various factors at play here, such as the ripple effects of the global pandemic, accessibility to doctors, and the country’s rapidly aging population.

  There is a clear and immediate need to bridge the gap between those at risk for vision loss—older adults aged 55 and above—and the eye care programs they sorely need.

  Vision issues faced by Canadians 

  Most of Canada’s population is concentrated in urban areas, resulting in an uneven distribution of eye doctors.

  A 2020 study found that the average distribution of optometrists was only 1.70 per 10,000 people.

  In some remote areas, low vision care was attributed to a lack of access to government-insured eye doctors.

  Because optometrists can detect and diagnose vision problems before they progress, it’s critical to address this issue.

  That said, even adding more eye doctors and access to available coverage in certain areas may not help matters.

  According to Clearly’s study on Canadian vision care, almost half of Canadians regularly experience vision issues, but 34% of Canadians are long overdue for an eye exam.

  Their reported symptoms included blurred vision, floaters, and glare at least a few times per month.

  This is concerning because plenty of eye diseases can progress without one noticing vision changes; seeing actual changes in vision merits an eye exam all the more.

  However, there is an even more vulnerable group that the health sector needs to pay closer attention to: Canadian immigrants.

  Immigrants and eye care 

  There are several reasons Canadian immigrants, in particular, need eye care. First, it’s important to note that diabetes is linked to vision loss, particularly macular edema and retinopathy.

  Second, the number of Indians who became Canadian permanent residents increased by 260% from 2013 to 2022.

  In a study of over 1.7 million immigrants to Canada for ethnic differences in prediabetes incidence, South Asians were the highest risk group, with 47.9% incidence in the 50-64 year age range.

  That means this ethnic group has a significantly higher risk of eye problems among the current pool of immigrants.

  Therefore, governments should not only make blanket changes to eye care policies but also provide special attention to minorities and the Canadian provinces where their population incidence is higher.

  Some provinces give Canadian immigrants access to primary healthcare as soon as they land, while in major cities, it may take up to three months.

  Nevertheless, it appears that access is not a concern. New research published in BMC Primary Care has found that recent immigrants are less likely to have a family doctor, which means a lack of familiarity in a new country may impact people’s willingness to see even a general physician, much less an eye doctor.

  To avoid further burdening the healthcare system and worsening the country’s vision crisis, addressing seemingly minor barriers like language, transportation, and a sense of belonging may be necessary to encourage immigrants to prioritize their eye health.

  ---

  

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• 
  New Report On International Students in Canada21 September 2023, 12:55 PM EDT

  Today, Canadian Senate members issued a report describing ways to improve the integrity of the program for international students in Canada.

  While the survey reveals that international students benefit Canada’s economy as well as its social and cultural landscape, there are a slew of integrity challenges inside Canada’s international student program.

  The report emphasizes, “While the Canadian government is being forthright about the highly competitive nature of the permanent residence application process, it could do more to be forthright about the immigration benefits of studying in Canada.”

  https://youtu.be/C6iOJleqw3s?si=NtX3u93kDjxlc-JD

  The report makes the following major recommendations

  National review of the financial sustainability of DLIs

  The report suggests that the Canadian post-secondary education sector is too vulnerable because of its reliance on foreign students for funding.

  If there are any future downward “shifts in global international student trends” away from Canada, or if there are any “diplomatic disputes” that reduce international student enrollment in this country, Canada could be negatively impacted.

  Greater oversight on DLIs including private colleges

  This report suggests that oversight of Canada’s educational institutions could positively impact the lives of international students in this country by ensuring DLIs across the country work tirelessly and constantly to provide international students with a “positive on- and off-campus experience.”

  This is because such scrutiny can result in pro-student policies such as requiring DLIs to demonstrate how they will assist international students in finding housing and jobs, as well as handle other settlement difficulties such as mental health.

  According to the Senate report, “DLIs that do not meet the standard should be subject to losing their ability to welcome additional international students.”

  Raise awareness among international students

  As mentioned above in the section about education brokers, enrolling in PGWP-ineligible programs is a major issue for international students.

  To that end, the research contends that the Canadian government at all levels can do a better job of informing students about which programs are and are not eligible for a PGWP.

  This is significant because “strong motivation exists among international students to obtain PGWPs and permanent residence” after graduation.

  Housing supply for international students

  This recommendation, which necessitates an initial discussion about educational institutions’ ability to support themselves financially outside of international student enrollment, requests that the federal government take the following steps to ensure adequate international student accommodation:

  • Obtaining federal statistics on student housing is critical for making educated decisions.
  • Creating a dedicated funding stream for postsecondary institutions to develop affordable housing choices for students is part of the National Housing Strategy.

  Increase international students’ understanding of their legal rights

  According to the report’s authors, DLIs, as the initial point of contact for many international students in this country, and the Canadian government both need to do a better job of informing international students about their rights regarding housing, employment, and sexual abuse.

  Because many of these infractions occur and go unreported due to a lack of understanding, informing students of their rights and what they can do if they are a victim of these issues will help mitigate future concerns.

  National policy approach for temporary resident to permanent resident paths

  When expressed clearly, this type of national strategy can help limit disappointment among international students while also informing them of the realities of Canadian permanent residence (PR), namely that there are a much smaller number of PR spots in Canada than students may have been told when planning their studies and life in Canada.

  National policy on international student settlement assistance

  This report, like the other national policy suggestion, highlights various advantages of implementing the same method with settlement help for international students. These are some examples:

  • Better care for international students and a better overall experience
  • Addressing the issues raised earlier in the report
  • Providing a means to better educate and prepare international students for life as permanent citizen in Canada
  • Recommendations from the federal government

  Nationwide linguistic standard for DLI entrance

  Standardizing how DLIs convey admission standards will reduce uncertainty among international students and assure more success–both academically and otherwise–when they arrive to Canada.

  Following in the footsteps of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a uniform baseline for international student admission standards could be helpful to all stakeholders.

  Improve the LOA verification process

  This report recommends that IRCC strengthen the verification process for Letters of Admission (LOAs), as this would “strengthen the integrity of the international student program while also saving trouble and resources down the line,” such as IRCC spending time and other resources on court proceedings and deportations later on.

  According to the research, this process can be accelerated by utilizing current technology, such as those presently available in the private sector.

  Amending IRPA and IRPR to further control the conduct of education agents

  A fresh look at reforming Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) can help introduce federal policies to regulate the conduct of unsuspecting and desperate students by overseas education agents and post-secondary institutions.

  This research, for example, advises that “stronger penalties, such as fines and the revocation of DLI status, should be considered for those who violate” new policy measures enacted following the reform of IRPA and Canada’s IRPR.

  Look at further regulations governing international student tuition

  Increased regulations in this situation, according to the report, should take into account factors like lowering the cap on tuition increases for international students.

  This is in line with the report’s first recommendation because it is only possible to do so by reducing DLIs’ reliance on international student fees to pay for operational costs.

  Increase education agent restrictions and sanctions

  To the same extent as recommendation 10, other provinces and territories should follow Manitoba’s lead in adequately regulating foreign educational agents/international student recruiters.

  Manitoba’s International Education Act outlines a variety of measures that govern behaviour and penalties placed on parties who demonstrate poor behaviour, including fines and a code of conduct that can serve as a teaching tool for Canada’s other provinces and territories.

  Will there be a cap on international students in Canada?

  Four members of Canada’s Senate released a report on improving the international student program in Canada and clearly ruled out any question of putting a cap on international students coming to Canada.

  Click here to view full report.

  ---

  

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• 
  New Express Entry Draw For 10 Transport Occupations Is Out Now20 September 2023, 11:46 AM EDT

  Today, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC), announced the first transport Express Entry draw as part of its new category-based selection.

  This round of invitations emphasizes applicants with transportation experience, such as commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers, to help the industry attract the competent talent it requires across the country.

  • Number of invitations issued: 1,000
  • Rank required to be invited to apply: 1,000 or above
  • Date and time of round: September 20, 2023 at 14:04:14 UTC
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 435
  • Tie-breaking rule: June 17, 2023 at 06:44:01 UTC

  Jump To

  The Express Entry system in Canada is now customized to provide a simplified and fast pathway for those with significant subject expertise.

  Canada aspires to fulfill the increasing demand for talent and fill essential positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement by prioritizing the invitation of qualified newcomers with work experience in transportation occupations.

  This targeted Express Entry draw is focused on profiles with at least six months of experience in one of the below-listed 10 occupations.

  10 Occupations eligible for Transport Express Entry draws

  1. 93200: Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
     • Example titles: Aircraft assembler
     • Aircraft assembly inspector
     • Airframe assembler
     • Bench and structural assembler
     • Bench fitter mechanic – aircraft assembly
     • Rigger – aircraft assembly
     • Wing tank mechanic – aircraft assembly
  2. 73300: Transport truck drivers
     • Example titles: Bulk goods truck driver
     • Dump truck driver
     • Flatbed truck driver
     • Heavy truck driver
     • Logging truck driver
     • Long haul truck driver
     • Moving van driver
     • Shunt truck driver
     • Tow truck driver
     • Tractor-trailer truck driver
     • Transport driver
     • Truck driver
  3. 72604: Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
     • Example titles: Chief rail traffic controller
     • Marine traffic regulator
     • Rail traffic controller
     • Train operator
  4. 72603: Engineer officers, water transport
     • Example titles: Chief engineer – water transport
     • Engineer officer – water transport
     • Fourth engineer – water transport
     • Marine engineer officer
     • Second engineer
     • Third engineer – water transport
     • Tugboat engineer
  5. 72602: Deck officers, water transport
     • Example titles: Coast Guard vessel first watchkeeping officer
     • Coast Guard vessel navigation officer
     • Coast Guard vessel watchkeeping officer
     • Deck officer – water transport
     • Ferryboat master
     • Master mariner
     • Ship first mate
     • Ship pilot
     • Ship second mate
     • Ship third mate
     • Ship’s captain
     • Ship’s mate
     • Tugboat captain
  6. 72601: Air traffic controllers and related occupations
     • Example titles: Air traffic controller (ATC)
     • Airport air traffic controller
     • Enroute air traffic controller
     • Flight dispatcher
     • Flight service specialist (FSS)
     • Instrument flight rules air traffic controller
     • Terminal air traffic controller
     • Visual flight rules air traffic controller
  7. 72600: Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
     • Example titles: Air pilot
     • Captain – air transport
     • Check pilot
     • Chief flying instructor
     • Chief pilot
     • Co-pilot
     • Flight engineer
     • Flying instructor
     • Helicopter pilot
     • Pilot instructor
     • Relief pilot
     • Second officer – air transport
     • Test pilot
  8. 72404: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
     • Example titles: Aircraft gas turbine engine technician
     • Aircraft hydraulics mechanic
     • Aircraft inspector
     • Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
     • Aircraft mechanic
     • Aircraft repair and overhaul inspector
     • Aircraft repair shop inspector
     • Aircraft structural repair technician
     • Aircraft systems inspector
     • Aviation mechanical component shop technician
     • Certified aircraft technician
     • Flight test inspector
  9. 72403: Railway carmen/women
     • Example titles: Rail vehicle mechanic
     • Railway car inspector
     • Railway carman/woman
     • Railway carman/woman apprentice
     • Streetcar and subway car mechanic
  10. 70020: Managers in transportation
      • Example titles: Bus company manager
      • Distribution manager – logistics
      • Flight operations manager
      • Freight forwarding manager
      • Marine superintendent
      • Rail operations superintendent
      • Railway freight manager
      • Traffic manager – transportation
      • Transport department manager
      • Transportation manager
      • Urban transit system manager

  Canada confirms its commitment to attracting top global talent and assisting in meeting the economy’s need for transportation workers through category-based selection.

  These category-based selection rounds, as well as general and program-specific invitation rounds, will continue throughout the year.

  Things to Watch out

  It will be important to see the size of this Express Entry draw targeted for transport occupations since it will determine the CRS cutoff score.

  We are expecting the CRS cutoff score to be between 350 and 400, similar to what we saw in targeted trades draw.

  Furthermore, it will be interesting to watch out to see if IRCC will be holding other targeted draws as well as the no program specified draw since there hasn’t been any round of invitations since August 15.

  What is Express Entry?

  Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers.
  
  It is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability.
  
  The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws conducted by the Canadian government.

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• 
  New Ontario-OINP Draw On Sep 19 Sent Out 608 PR Invitations19 September 2023, 5:54 PM EDT

  On September 19, 2023, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program-OINP draw issued 608 invitations to apply for permanent residency (PR) in general draws under two different streams.

  537 invitations have been sent under the Masters Graduate Stream to all the Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles with a score of 41 and above.

  Furthermore, 71 invitations to apply are issued under the PhD Graduate stream to all the EOI profiles with a score of 40 and above.

  Jump To

  Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles created under the above mentioned streams between November 22, 2022, and September 19, 2023, were considered for the OINP draw today.

  Summary of OINP Draws today

  Stream	Invitations	Score range
  Masters Graduate Stream	537	41 and above
  PhD Graduate Stream	71	40 and above

  Invited candidates will now have 14 days to submit their application in support of the information mentioned in their Expression of Interest profile to get permanent residency (PR) in Ontario.

  Reiterating our suggestion for Canada permanent residency aspirants in times of increasing Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in Express Entry draws.

  Rather than purchasing LMIAs or running payrolls, international students seeking PR in Canada can enroll in a Masters degree at one of the qualifying universities, which will:

  • boost their academic performance for future career opportunities
  • offer them the right to remain in Canada as students, and
  • offer a significantly better chance of obtaining permanent residency.

  Because no job offer is required for the OINP Masters Graduate Stream, it is better to spend your money developing your career profile rather than buying employment offers/LMIAs/Payrolls.

  OINP Masters Graduate Stream Draws 2023

  Date	Invitations	Score range
  September 19, 2023	537	41 and above
  August 30, 2023	772	44 and above
  August 1, 2023	755	48 and above
  June 6, 2023	1,175	46 and above
  April 4, 2023	752	52 and above
  January 25, 2023	692	44 and above

  All The OINP Draws 2023

  OINP’s Expression of Interest has issued a total of 12,954 invitations for permanent residency so far.

  The Masters Graduate stream is the largest stream, bagging nearly 4,683 invitations, followed by the Foreign Worker stream with 4,032 invitations so far.

  OINP Streams	Number of Invitations
  Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream	4,032
  Employer Job Offer: International Student stream	2,963
  Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream	807
  Masters Graduate stream	4,683
  PhD Graduate stream	420
  Total 2023 EOI invitations	12,905

  When was the last draw for the Ontario PNP?

  The most recent draw for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was on September 19, 2023, which sent 608 invitations to apply for permanent residency under the Masters Graduate Stream and PhD Stream.

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  https://www.youtube.com/live/5Fw6q7kiPBc?si=6asxRPjOXfeRi4Q6

  

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