Express Entry Draw Sent 4,750 New Invites For PR-November 23

Last Updated On 26 November 2022, 6:54 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Today, Express Entry Draw invited 4,750 profiles to apply for permanent residency (PR). Applicants having a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491 or above received the invitations.

CRS cut off score has reduced by only 3 points as compared to Express Entry draw on November 9, 2022. Furthermore, number of invites remained same as in the previous draw. This is the 11th all program Express Entry draw this year.

Below are the details of new All Program Express Entry draw.

• Number of invitations issued: 4,750
• Rank required to be invited to apply: 4,750 or above
• Date and time of round: November 23, 2022 15:42:46 UTC
• CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 491
• Tie-breaking rule: October 13, 2022 11:22:17 UTC

All program Express Entry draws include all the the Express Entry profiles under Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Additionally, it also consider profiles under any of the aforementioned categories having a provincial nomination.

Next Express Entry draw cut off is projected to be around 485 as per CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of November 22, 2022 listed below.

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• Targeted Express Entry Draws In 2023 – All You Should Know!

CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of November 22, 2022

Latest processing time for Express Entry as of November 22

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry – 14 months
• Canadian Experience Class – 19 months
• Federal Skilled Worker Program – 27 months
• Federal Skilled Trades Program – 49 months

Full List Of Canada Express Entry Draws In 2022

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry system is the fastest way to get Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). It has processing time of 6 months after submission of documents following the ITA.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based methodology, is used by Express Entry to rate applicant profiles. The highest-scoring applicants are given an Invitation to Apply (ITA), after which they can submit an application for permanent residence.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) all use Express Entry as their application management system (FSTP).

Candidates for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) who are in the Express Entry pool are already qualified for at least one of these programmes.

• 
  STEM Targeted Express Entry Draw Sent 5,900 PR Invites | Dec 88 December 2023, 1:54 PM EST

  As we expected, IRCC finally conducted the second STEM-targeted Express Entry draw, sending out 5,900 invitations to apply for permanent residency (PR).

  The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff was 481 targeting 24 STEM occupations; a 5-point drop from the first STEM Express Entry draw on July 5, 2023.

  Below are the details of the STEM Express Entry draw today:

  • Category: STEM occupations
  • Number of invitations issued: 5,900
  • Rank required to be invited to apply: 5,900 or above
  • Date and time of round: December 8, 2023, at 03:02:52 UTC
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 481
  • Tie-breaking rule: November 25, 2023, at 09:48:36 UTC

  IRCC has now sent out 11,650 invitations to apply for permanent residency in three Express Entry rounds of invitations this week.

  Below are the other two Express Entry draws held this week:

  Description	December 7	December 6
  Draw type	French focused	General or all program draws
  Invitations	1,000	4,750
  CRS Cutoff	470	561
  Tie-breaking rule	October 3, 2023, at 04:45:27 UTC	November 8, 2023, at 06:00:13 UTC

  Jump To

  Full list of 24 STEM occupations eligible for Express Entry draw today

  NOC Code	Occupation
  20010	Engineering managers
  20011	Architecture and science managers
  20012	Computer and information systems managers
  21200	Architects
  21201	Landscape Architects
  21202	Urban and land use planners
  21203	Land surveyors
  21210	Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
  21211	Data scientists
  21220	Cybersecurity specialists
  21221	Business systems specialists
  21222	Information systems specialists
  21223	Database analysts and data administrators
  21230	Computer systems developers and programmers
  21231	Software engineers and designers
  21232	Software developers and programmers
  21233	Web designers
  21234	Web developers and programmers
  21300	Civil Engineers
  21310	Electrical and electronics engineers
  21311	Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
  21321	Industrial and manufacturing engineers
  21322	Metallurgical and materials engineers
  41400	Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers

  CRS Score Distribution in the Pool

  CRS score range	Number of candidates
  601-1200	4,525
  501-600	5,457
  451-500	60,014
  491-500	6,634
  481-490	10,335
  471-480	17,312
  461-470	14,165
  451-460	11,568
  401-450	53,502
  441-450	10,885
  431-440	11,111
  421-430	9,973
  411-420	10,608
  401-410	10,925
  351-400	58,457
  301-350	30,148
  0-300	5,267
  Total	217,370

  ---

  

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• 
  Canada Immigration Paradox of Potential and Limited Prospects8 December 2023, 10:27 AM EST

  Canada is often celebrated as a land of opportunities, a place where the promise of a better life attracts thousands of highly skilled immigrants each year.

  The country’s immigration policies have long been lauded for their welcoming stance, prioritizing those with the skills and expertise that could enrich the nation’s workforce.

  However, the reality is far more complex than the shining facade might suggest and most often, readers for such truthful writing are scarce.

  Despite its reputation for being immigrant-friendly, Canada has faced a paradox when it comes to highly skilled immigrants: there aren’t always enough job prospects to match their qualifications and aspirations.

  This paradox is also resulting in increased reverse immigration or high-skilled individuals moving to other countries for better prospects.

  This article explores the various aspects of this paradox, delving into the reasons behind the shortfall in job prospects for highly skilled immigrants in Canada.

  From credential recognition challenges to sector-specific barriers, we will investigate the factors that contribute to this issue and highlight potential solutions.

  The Immigration Boom

  Canada’s highly skilled immigration program is a pivotal part of its demographic strategy and economic growth.

  On November 1, Canada kept the annual immigration target stable for the next 3 years, but still, they are historical record high numbers.

  In recent years, the nation has actively encouraged highly skilled immigrants to settle within its borders, often prioritizing them over other immigration streams.

  The Express Entry system, for instance, awards points based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, favouring those who excel in these categories.

  The influx of highly skilled immigrants has indeed been substantial. This policy approach has allowed Canada to attract talent from around the world and mitigate its aging population and labour shortages.

  This strategy, in theory, benefits both Canada and the immigrants who arrive with hopes of contributing to the nation while securing a prosperous future for themselves and their families.

  

  The Skill Mismatch

  One of the fundamental reasons high-skilled immigrants face challenges in the Canadian job market is the “skill mismatch.”

  This phenomenon occurs when the skills and qualifications of immigrants do not align with the demands of the Canadian labour market.

  High-skilled immigrants, despite their expertise and qualifications, often find it difficult to secure employment commensurate with their educational and professional backgrounds.

  Credential Recognition Challenges

  One of the key obstacles for highly skilled immigrants is the recognition of their foreign credentials.

  Many arrive in Canada with internationally recognized degrees, work experience, and qualifications, only to discover that their accomplishments are not automatically acknowledged within the Canadian system.

  Credential recognition can be a lengthy and costly process, causing significant delays in securing employment.

  The issue of credential recognition is especially prominent in regulated professions like medicine, engineering, law, and teaching.

  To practice these professions in Canada, foreign-trained individuals must navigate a complicated and often time-consuming process to have their credentials assessed and possibly complete additional training or examinations.

  As a result, many highly skilled immigrants are forced to take jobs far below their qualifications simply to make ends meet, leading to underemployment.

  Sector-Specific Barriers

  Sector-specific barriers also play a crucial role in limiting job prospects for highly skilled immigrants.

  Many industries in Canada are highly regulated and closed to outsiders, making it difficult for immigrants to enter certain fields, even if they possess the requisite qualifications.

  The healthcare sector, for example, faces significant barriers for internationally trained doctors, who may need to pass challenging exams and undertake lengthy internships before they can practice in Canada.

  This not only delays their entry into the workforce but also incurs additional costs.

  

  Lack of Experience in Canada

  Another barrier high-skilled immigrants face is the often elusive “Canadian experience.”

  Many employers in Canada prefer candidates with domestic work experience, which can be an unattainable catch-22 for newcomers.

  Without Canadian experience, immigrants may be overlooked for job opportunities, preventing them from gaining the local experience necessary to establish their careers in Canada.

  Recently, Ontario has proposed to ban the requirement of Canadian work experience on job postings, but a lot still needs to be done.

  Discrimination and Bias

  While Canada prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive nation, discrimination and bias against immigrants persist in the labour market.

  Some highly skilled immigrants report facing stereotypes, cultural bias, or discrimination in the hiring process.

  Employers may undervalue the international experience and qualifications of immigrants, choosing instead to hire candidates with domestic backgrounds.

  Yes, that is true. Many highly skilled immigrants encounter resistance from their peers or experience criticism for being newcomers.

  Struggle for Survival Jobs in Canada

  Due to the difficulties high-skilled immigrants face in securing jobs in their respective fields, many resort to “survival jobs.”

  These jobs are typically low-skilled, low-paying positions that do not utilize their qualifications or skills.

  Immigrants may take such jobs to support themselves and their families while they continue to search for opportunities in their chosen fields.

  This situation leads to underemployment, where individuals are working well below their potential to just make ends meet.

  The Economic Consequences

  The challenges faced by highly skilled immigrants in Canada have significant economic consequences.

  While these immigrants are undoubtedly assets to the Canadian workforce, their underutilization results in a loss of productivity and economic potential.

  When talented individuals are not able to contribute their skills effectively, Canada misses out on the innovation and growth that high-skilled immigrants could bring.

  Moreover, high-skilled immigrants who find themselves underemployed often experience lower income levels, leading to a reduced standard of living and a reliance on social services.

  This situation not only impacts the immigrants and their families but also the Canadian economy as a whole.

  Ineffectively utilizing the skills of highly skilled immigrants is not only a missed opportunity but also a waste of resources.

  Potential Solutions

  Addressing the issue of limited job prospects for highly skilled immigrants in Canada requires a multifaceted approach.

  Several potential solutions could help bridge the gap between the qualifications and aspirations of immigrants and the realities of the Canadian job market:

  1. Improved Credential Recognition: Simplifying and expediting the credential recognition process, particularly in regulated professions, can reduce barriers for highly skilled immigrants.
     • Collaborative efforts between professional bodies, educational institutions, and governments can play a pivotal role in achieving this.
  2. Mentorship Programs: Implementing mentorship programs that connect high-skilled immigrants with Canadian professionals in their respective fields can provide valuable guidance and help them understand the nuances of the local job market.
  3. Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity: Encouraging employers to adopt more inclusive hiring practices and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in the workplace can help reduce discrimination and bias.
  4. Streamlining the Canadian Experience Requirement: Employers should consider the international experience of high-skilled immigrants as valuable and relevant, reducing the emphasis on Canadian experience in job requirements.
  5. Supportive Government Initiatives: Government programs that provide financial incentives to employers who hire highly skilled immigrants or subsidize the cost of credential recognition can stimulate better employment prospects.
  6. Sector-Specific Reforms: Reviewing and potentially easing regulations in highly regulated sectors to enable faster integration of highly skilled immigrants into the workforce
  7. Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the contributions of highly skilled immigrants and dispelling myths and stereotypes can help build a more inclusive society.

  Conclusion

  Canada’s paradox of having a shortage of job prospects for highly skilled immigrants despite actively attracting them is a complex issue with profound economic and social consequences.

  Addressing this paradox requires a concerted effort from the government, employers, professional bodies, and the existing immigrant community itself.

  Otherwise, highly skilled immigrants will even contribute more to reverse immigration, with not enough options to integrate into the Canadian community due to one reason or another.

  Canada needs immigration and cannot survive without immigrants. Furthermore, Canada cannot afford to lose immigrants who are already contributing to the economy.

  Article Navigation

  What are the new Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026?

  The new Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 aims to welcome around 1.5 million immigrants to Canada.
  
  The plan includes the following targets:
  
  485,000 permanent residents in 2024
  500,000 permanent residents in 2025
  500,000 permanent residents in 2026

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• 
  New Express Entry Draw Issues 4,750 PR Invitations | Dec 66 December 2023, 2:30 PM EST

  Finally, a new Express Entry draw today sent out 4,750 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in a ‘no program specified’ round of invitations.

  The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score increases by 61 points to 561 as compared to the last ‘no program specified’ Express Entry draw.

  Full details of the new Express Entry draw today:

  • Number of invitations issued: 4,750
  • Rank required to be invited to apply: 4,750 or above
  • Date and time of round: December 6, 2023 at 16:27:26 UTC
  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 561
  • Tie-breaking rule: November 08, 2023 at 06:00:13 UTC

  The CRS cutoff score increased because IRCC skipped the last biweekly round of invitations due to a technical glitch in the profile builder and this is the first draw since October 26, 2023.

  Click here to check out Express Entry draw history since 2015.

  Jump To

  Latest CRS Score Distribution in the Pool: December 5

  CRS score range	Number of candidates
  601-1200	4,525
  501-600	5,457
  451-500	60,014
  491-500	6,634
  481-490	10,335
  471-480	17,312
  461-470	14,165
  451-460	11,568
  401-450	53,502
  441-450	10,885
  431-440	11,111
  421-430	9,973
  411-420	10,608
  401-410	10,925
  351-400	58,457
  301-350	30,148
  0-300	5,267
  Total	217,370

  How do the Express Entry draws work?

  The Express Entry system manages applications for permanent residence in two steps.

  Firstly, individuals express their interest in immigrating to Canada by completing an online profile, which is screened electronically to determine if the individual is eligible for at least one of the skilled immigration programs managed by the system.

  The profiles of individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of these skilled immigration programs are placed in the Express Entry pool and assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on information in their profile.

  Candidates in the pool are ranked according to their CRS score. Potential candidates can estimate their scores prior to completing an online profile using a CRS tool.

  Secondly, rounds of invitations are regularly published on the IRCC’s website, specifying the number of invitations for permanent residence that will be sent to candidates in the EE pool on a specific date, known as Express Entry draws.

  General invitation rounds are solely based on CRS scores, but some rounds of invitations are now category-based, targeting profiles with at least 6 months of experience in certain jobs or high proficiency in the French language.

  After receiving an invitation to apply

  ITAs are sent to candidates who are eligible to be invited in each round, in order of decreasing CRS score rank, until the maximum number of invitations set out in a draw is reached.

  The profiles of candidates who do not receive an invitation to apply (ITA) or decline an ITA remain in the pool for up to 12 months.

  Candidates that receive an ITA have 60 days to either submit an online application for permanent residence to IRCC or decline the invitation (which means their profile would re-enter the pool).

  Candidates who receive an ITA but take no action within the 60-day period are withdrawn from the pool.

  Upon receipt of all the documents by IRCC, an immigration officer assesses the application to verify the applicant’s CRS score, program eligibility, and admissibility.

  If the immigration officer is satisfied that all conditions have been met and that the applicant is not inadmissible, they are approved for a permanent resident visa.

  Applicants and their accompanying family members become permanent residents when they land in Canada.

  What is the processing time for Express Entry?

  The processing time for Express Entry applications varies and can be subject to change.
  
  The IRCC service standard is to process 80% of the Express Entry applications within 6 months, but currently most of the CEC and FSW applications are being processed within 5 months.
  
  However, processing times can vary depending on factors such as the specific immigration program, the number of applications received, and the completeness of the application.

  What are the category-based Express Entry draws?

  Canada implemented a new Express Entry draws called category-based selection on May 31, 2023, which will allow qualified immigrants with work experience in 82 occupations to have a better chance of becoming permanent residents by filling existing labour market gaps in one of the sectors listed below:
  
  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/lzxM3im8Lxs?si=gwHfFBUWEQbaJu-1

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• 
  Evolution of Express Entry Draws in 2023 and Your Odds5 December 2023, 9:09 AM EST

  The Express Entry draws in 2023 have been a roller-coaster ride for Canada permanent residency aspirants, witnessing first-ever introduced changes and rising cutoff scores.

  Category-based Express Entry draws became reality on June 28, 2023, with the first round of invitations focusing on healthcare occupations.

  Furthermore, the recent pause on draws since October 26. The problem with the pause in Express Entry draws is that the chances of an invitation to apply go even further away from the grasp of skilled immigrants inside and outside Canada with high hopes.

  The Express Entry has now shifted to even more highly skilled individuals with a stronger than ever profile in education, work experience, and high language proficiency.

  In this in-depth article, we delve into the complexities of Express Entry draws in 2023, exploring patterns, changes, and the influence on the dreams of individuals looking to make a new life in Canada.

  Evolution of Express Entry Draws in 2023

  As we enter the last month of 2023, Express Entry draws continue to be competitive and unpredictable for selecting candidates.

  Several factors contribute to the changing landscape of draws, influencing the frequency, size, and the required minimum CRS score for an ITA.

  Rising CRS Cutoff Score

  The CRS cutoff score in no program-specified draws is making ‘higher highs’ and ‘higher lows’.

  Once the CRS cutoff score drops into the territory of 500 due to predominantly skipping draws, the cutoff score jumps significantly.

  In 2023, we saw the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score of 531 in a ‘no program specified’ draw ever witnessed in Express Entry history.

  IRCC has not held any draws since October 26; chances are higher that we can see a cutoff score beyond 540 for all program draws.

  Targeted Draws

  Individuals with experience in 82 targeted occupations or with French fluency were rightly optimistic to at least bag an invitation to apply (ITA) with a low CRS score.

  Applicants in the pool with experience in agriculture, agri-food, and skilled trade occupations got invitations with a CRS score less than 390.

  Similarly, STEM, healthcare, and francophile rounds of invitations recorded a low CRS cutoff in comparison to ‘no program specified’ draws.

  Highest Number of Invitations in No Program-Specified Draws

  IRCC has issued 95,221 invitations to apply (ITAs) so far in 2023.

  38,925 invitations to apply have been issued since the introduction of targeted draws in the last week of June and out of them, around 55% are issued in non-program-specified draws.

  Almost half of the invitations have been attributed to category-based selections, which is the clear reason for the rise in the CRS cutoff score in ‘no program specified’ draws.

  Draw Type	Invitations	CRS Cutoff Score
  No program-specified draws	22,025	481-531
  Francophone invitations	7,700	375-486
  Healthcare invitations	5,600	431-476
  Trade invitations	1,500	388
  Transport invitations	1,000	435
  Agriculture and agri-food invitations	600	354
  STEM invitations	500	486
  Total	38,925

  Always remember that the above targeted selection criteria were chosen in 2023 and will again be reviewed in 2024. So, there could be the addition or deletion of occupations or sectors.

  Express Entry Glitches

  Technical glitches continue to haunt the Express Entry system, creating uncertainty for most applicants in the pool with the absence of draws throughout November 2023.

  With this absence, expectations are high that the 531 CRS cutoff record will now be breached in any of the upcoming ‘no program specified’ rounds of invitations.

  Express Entry glitches are not new and their occurrence in November could be a coincidence from last year and this year.

  Last year, the IRCC adapted the new 2021 national occupation classification (NOC) system and as a result, there was a technical glitch causing a pause on Express Entry draws.

  This year again, there was a pause, comparatively longer in November, because of a technical glitch affecting the profile builder.

  The Impact on Prospective Immigrants

  The developing landscape of draws in 2023 provides both opportunities and considerations for persons navigating the Express Entry system.

  Understanding the important patterns might assist potential immigrants’ strategies as they prepare and optimize their profiles.

  Building an Express Entry profile is free, and if you are eligible for one of the programs, do make your profile.

  However, candidates in the pool with a CRS score below 490 and not qualifying for any category of Express Entry draws need to work on increasing their score in one way or another to ensure their selection.

  Below is what we are suggesting for candidates in the pool based on their CRS score:

  CRS Score Range	Strategy
  530+	Wait for next draws
  500-530	Maintain your profile and watch out for PNPs or any opportunity to boost your CRS score
  <500	Work on increasing your CRS score to 500+ or work on: 1. qualifying for one of the category-based draws 2. exploring provincial nominee programs (PNPs) to get nominations 3. getting certificate of qualification 4. getting job offer from Canadian employer

  Suggestions for category-based draws

  Express Entry Category	Odds
  STEM	Expectations are high for STEM-targeted draws, but CRS cutoff score could also be high in the 470–490 range, depending on the size of draw
  Healthcare	Draws after regular interval are expected, but CRS cutoff score may rise as compared to previous healthcare draw
  French	This is our second-best category and if your CRS score is 400 or even less, then you still have odds of receiving a provincial nomination
  Transport	Less frequent draws are expected given the less occupations qualifying for transport draws
  Skilled Trades	Best category of all, with a CRS cutoff score expected to be lower than other categories and high chances of receiving a provincial nomination.
  Agriculture and Agri-food	Less frequent draws are expected

  Conclusion

  The journey for prospective immigrants is characterized by optimism, strategic planning, and adaptability as Express Entry draws continue to shape the immigration landscape in Canada.

  From a Canadian government standpoint, Express Entry is now proving to welcome newcomers, scoring even more on skills and experience, but retaining such highly skilled immigrants continues to be challenging.

  For those aspiring to make Canada their home, the dynamic nature of the draws emphasizes the importance of being proactive, strategic, and well-informed.

  

  What is Express Entry?

  The Canadian government uses Express Entry, an online system, to manage applications for permanent residence under specific economic immigration programs.
  
  The system operates on a regular basis, with candidates in the Express Entry pool receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) depending on their CRS scores.
  
  The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system that assesses candidates based on a variety of variables, such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
  
  During Express Entry drawings, the highest-ranking candidates obtain ITAs, allowing them to apply for permanent residency.
  
  Click here for more details on the Express Entry system.

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• 
  2 Canada Immigration Programs Opening to New Applicants in 20244 December 2023, 9:37 AM EST

  There are two Canada immigration pathways that will start accepting permanent residency applications from new applicants in January 2024, with a limited number of spots.

  These pathways offer permanent residency (PR) for applicants meeting certain requirements and have a limited number of spots every year.

  It is always good to prepare ahead of time to ensure that applicants meet all the requirements with supporting documents to bag a spot in one of these programs.

  Caregivers Pilot Programs

  Home Support Caregiver Pilot and Home Childcare Provider Pilot are two much-awaited programs every year, with a limited number of spots.

  These spots are filled quite quickly after the program opens for new applications.

  Both of the pilot programs had a total cap of 5,500 applications in different categories in 2023.

  

  Furthermore, IRCC has reduced the eligibility requirement to 12-month experience for in-Canada caregiver provider pilots from their previous 24-month experience.

  There are two categories under both the caregivers pilots, as listed below:

  Gaining Experience Category	Direct to Permanent Residency (PR) Category
  This category is for applicants if they have not worked “OR” have less than 24 months of experience in any of the occupations under NOC 44100 or NOC 44101. *For in-Canada caregivers, this requirement is 12 months of experience.	This category is for applicants if they have total of 24 months or more experience (in last 36 months) in any of the occupations under NOC 44100 or NOC 44101 *For in-Canada caregivers, this requirement is 12 months of experience.
  Eligible candidates get work permit to accumulate 24 months of experience in Canada and can than apply for Direct Permanent residency after gaining the full experience and becoming eligible under Direct to Permanent Residency Category *For in-Canada caregivers, this requirement is 12 months of experience.	To apply for PR, applicants need: 1. At least 24 months of full-time work experience in Canada in the last 36 months 2. Post-secondary education of at least 1 year 3. Any past experience or training that demonstrates candidate is able to do the work described in job offer. *For in-Canada caregivers, this requirement is 12 months of experience.
  To apply for a work permit, applicants need: 1. A valid full-time job offer (IMM 5983 E) 2. CLB level 5 in English or French (IELTS = Reading 4 and rest of the modules 5) 3. Post-secondary education of at least 1 year 4. Any past experience or training that demonstrates the candidate is able to do the work described in the job offer

  Occupations Eligible for Caregivers Program

  Home child care providers (NOC 44100)	Home Support Worker Pilot (NOC 44101)
  Babysitter Child care live-in caregiver Child care provider – private home Nanny Parent’s helper Babysitter – fitness centre Babysitter – shopping centre	Attendant for persons with disabilities – home care Family caregiver Home support worker Live-in caregiver – seniors Personal aide – home support Personal care attendant – home care Respite worker – home support

  Click here for more information on the caregiver pilot program.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/new-change-to-in-canada-caregiver-work-experience-requirement/

  Agri-Food Pilot

  The annual cap for another attractive, but with limited spots, immigration program, Agri-Food Pilot, will reset on January 1, 2024.

  IRCC processes a maximum of 2,750 permanent residency applications every year under the Agri-Food Pilot.

  This pilot will be extended until May 14, 2025, with new changes on May 18, 2023.

  Furthermore, family members of applicants who have received an acknowledgement of receipt letter are eligible to apply for an open work permit.

  The Agri-Food Pilot Program provides a path to permanent residency for individuals with at least 1 year of cumulative, non-seasonal, full-time work in the past 3 years in one or more of the below-listed occupations.

  • NOC 63201: Butchers, retail and wholesale
  • NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
  • NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
  • NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
  • NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
  • NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
  • NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
  • NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
  • NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
  • NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
  • NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
  • NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
  • NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
  • NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
  • NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers

  Agri-Food Pilot has quite low language proficiency requirements for CLB Level 4 in English and French.

  In terms of education, only a high school diploma is necessary, according to education credential assessment (ECA).

  Canada is now also accepting a union reference letter in case an employer is not providing the experience letter.

  Click here for more information on Agri-Food Pilot.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/new-changes-to-agri-food-pilot-program/

  What are the two Canada immigration programs opening to new applicants in January 2024?

  What is the new Canada immigration levels plan for 2024?

  The new Canada immigration levels plan aims to welcome over 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
  
  This includes various immigration programs such as economic, family, and refugee categories.
  
  Click here for a detailed distribution of quotas for 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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• 
  IRCC Silent on 6 Important Imminent Canadian Immigration Matters1 December 2023, 9:38 AM EST

  We have now entered the last month of 2023, and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is still silent on the important imminent immigration matters.

  The Canadian immigration department has always been criticized for a lack of communication regarding the upcoming changes and often delayed announcements to cover the tracks.

  However, the department has been lagging behind lately more than ever on imminent immigration matters and for not conducting the ‘flagship’ permanent residency rounds of invitation via the Express Entry system.

  In this article, we outline six ongoing issues that Canadian immigration applicants are facing, as well as the anticipated new changes that are awaited to be announced by the end of 2023.

  No Express Entry Draws Since October 26

  Canada usually announces express entry draws on a biweekly basis. Occasionally, they would miss out on a draw, but now it has been 5 weeks without any rounds of invitations.

  Initially, there was a technical glitch in the profile builder, which was expected to be the reason for the absence of biweekly draws, but on November 16, it was officially reported that the glitch had been resolved.

  However, the immigration department again tweeted that the glitch with the profile builder continues on November 28.

  The absence of Express Entry rounds of invitations has created uncertainty among the candidates who have an active profile and are awaiting the next round of invitations.

  The CRS cutoff score is expected to jump to its highest level ever if there is no large-sized draw in the upcoming weeks.

  New English Language Proficiency Test for Immigration and Citizenship

  In February and May 2023, the department confirmed that they are expected to start accepting PTE Core English proficiency tests in late 2023 for Canadian immigration and citizenship applications.

  We believe it cannot be more late in 2023 as we have entered the last month of the year, but there has been no update on the effective date for inclusion of this new English test for Canadian permanent residency programs other than “late 2023.”

  Neither did the department share what the PTE score equivalency would be with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.

  Currently, only IELTS and CELPIP are the two designated English tests approved for Canadian immigration.

  Click here for the PTE Core equivalency chart with CLB levels as per our expectations.

  The new IRCC Client Experience Platform

  The Global Case Management System (GCMS), the current IT processing platform, was first created two decades ago on the basis of process flows originally meant for paper applications.

  A contract for a new client experience platform, which will alter how clients engage with the department online, was awarded on July 14, 2023.

  This new client experience was expected to begin rolling out to a subset of clients by the end of 2023 and eventually provide all clients with a single window for immigration programs and services.

  As per the November 23 update, “transformation is underway,” and still, there is little known to immigration consultations, lawyers, and applicants as to what exactly to expect going forward.

  No Update on PGWP Extension 2024

  The Canadian immigration department has been providing PGWP extensions since the COVID pandemic to international graduates in Canada.

  PGWP is the post-graduation work permit that is offered only once in the lifetime of an international student after completing their study in Canada.

  However, it has been extended for existing PGWP holders 3 times now because of limited permanent residency prospects for them and also to help Canadian employers have access to workforce.

  International graduates on PGWPs are now uncertain whether they will get another extension for 2024 or not.

  There is still no official communication from the immigration minister or the department on whether they will provide another extension or not.

  No update on full-time work policy for International Students

  International students and an advocacy organization are pushing the Canadian government not to reinstate the 20-hour per week ban on full-time employment.

  The existing interim arrangement that allows international students to work full-time will be phased out on December 31, 2023.

  Tens of thousands of Canadian students are waiting for a decision on the 20-hour work limit.

  There is no update from IRCC other than the department’s spokesperson saying, “The program is currently under review, and decisions to extend or expand will be communicated publicly.”

  Express Entry Category-Based Selection Criteria For 2024

  IRCC is yet to open 2023–2024 consultations for determining Express Entry categories through category-based selection next year.

  2022-2023 consultations were opened between November 29, 2022, and January 16, 2023.

  A website page with information on enhancements being considered was made public, which linked to an online questionnaire.

  With last year’s consultations opening between November 2022 and January 2023, IRCC was eventually able to announce actual category-based selection criteria on May 31, 2023.

  The first category-based round of invitations was not announced until June 28, 2023.

  So this is also going past the due date for IRCC if they would like to follow the same consultation process in determining the new categories or even keeping the same categories.

  Summarizing the IRCC matters listed above

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/all-eyes-on-new-immigration-minister-marc-miller-to-fix-ircc/

  ---

  

• 
  Why There Is No Express Entry Draw30 November 2023, 9:21 AM EST

  There has been no Express Entry draw this week so far, while we are all expecting a round of invitations since the last one was on October 26, 2023.

  The usual frequency of Express Entry draws is every two weeks. However, IRCC has skipped biweekly draws in the past too, so it is not new.

  In this article, we pin-point two possible reasons for the ‘no Express Entry draw‘ announced this week.

  2 Possible reasons for no express entry draw

  Express Entry System Glitch

  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has added a new address field of ZIP/PIN/postal code to profiles in the Express Entry profiles for primary applicants.

  This new field is also added to the dependent family member’s section if you have a spouse or dependent added as a family member.

  This has resulted in Express Entry profiles being struck as “in progress” for these sections.

  Users have also reported that the system is not updating even after they updated the new address fields. The IRCC is currently working on resolving this glitch.

  So this could be the major reason why IRCC has not held any Express Entry draws this week.

  As per the latest official IRCC update of November 29, the issue regarding the Express Entry profile builder still persists.

  Some applicants have been unable to submit their Express Entry applications due to technical problems with the online form. This is affecting applicants with dependent children who are over the age of 18 and reside in Canada. We’ve contacted all affected applicants directly and…

  — IRCC (@CitImmCanada) November 29, 2023

  As a result, IRCC has sent an email to all the affected candidates who received an invitation to apply on September 26th, September 27th, and September 28th giving them more time to submit the application.

  • 11/26/2023 expiry changed to 01/26/2024
  • 11/27/2023 expiry changed to 01/27/2024
  • 11/28/2023 expiry changed to 01/28/2024

  As per the official IRCC email, there is no date yet for a fix, but the department is working urgently to fix the issue.

  Previously, on November 16, IRCC said the technical glitch with the Express Entry builder is now resolved.

  🇨🇦 Finally, IRCC has resolved the technical glitch in the #ExpressEntry profile builder.
  
  🇨🇦 Invited candidates in previous Express Entry draws can now submit their applications 👇 https://t.co/oAMASrC0h9

  — INC – Immigration News Canada 🇨🇦 🍁 (@CanadaImmigra20) November 16, 2023

  This is expected to be the major reason for no Express Entry draw this week.

  Updating Certificate of Qualification Occupations

  Another possible reason could be that IRCC has updated the list of occupations eligible for a certificate of qualification by removing truck drivers from it.

  A certificate of qualification (COQ) gives 50 additional points to Express Entry profiles and with this new update, truck drivers who have marked ‘yes’ to COQ will have to change it back to ‘no.’

  Truck drivers are part of category-based Express Entry draws for the transportation sector and this could also be the reason that IRCC wants to give truckers ample time to update their profiles.

  Although an update to this list by the IRCC could be because some profiles in the Transport Occupations targeted draw on September 20 might have been incorrectly invited due to the addition of 50 points for COQ.

  An initial assessment of those submitted applications could have warranted the IRCC removing truck drivers from the COQ list since they did not qualify for these 50 points.

  Express Entry Next Draw Prediction

  We expect that the glitch affecting the Express Entry system will be resolved soon and the draws will resume.

  Whatever the reason, there was no express entry draw this week, but the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff will definitely increase as compared to what we would have seen this week.

  Progress on decreasing the CRS cutoff score has again hit a roadblock and we can expect an Express Entry draw next week.

  Fingers crossed and we hope that IRCC does not skip the draw next week because it will then cause a further increase in the CRS cutoff score.

  Express Entry 2023 Summary

  Draw Type	Invitations	CRS Cutoff Score
  No program-specified draws	70,625	481-531
  Francophone invitations	7,700	375-486
  Healthcare invitations	5,600	431-476
  Federal Skilled Worker	3,300	489
  PNP only	4,396	691-791
  Trade invitations	1,500	388
  Transport invitations	1,000	435
  Agriculture and agri-food invitations	600	354
  STEM invitations	500	486

  ---

  

  canada immigration news, immigration news canada,

• 
  Canada Should Extend International Students Full Time Work Policy28 November 2023, 10:10 AM EST

  International students and an advocacy group are urging the Canadian government to continue allowing them to work full-time and not re-impose the 20-hour per week restriction.

  On November 15, 2022, certain foreign students were temporarily permitted to work full-time without any restriction on the number of working hours.

  With the rising cost of living, these students were able to meet their ends and Canadian employers were able to access full-time workers to alleviate the labour shortage.

  The current temporary policy allowing international students to work full-time will end on December 31, 2023.

  Tens of thousands of students in Canada are anxiously awaiting a ruling on the 20-hour work limit.

  Will the policy extend?

  Former Immigration Minister Sean Fraser stated in 2022, “With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth.”

  He said, ‘This is a win-win situation for not only International students but also Canada.” 

  On extension of this policy, Minister Fraser said, “I believe in real-world data. So we are going to see how it addresses the labour shortage in the economy, and we may extend the policy next year.”

  According to one of the international students, IRCC sent email survey requests to students who were eligible to work full-time inquiring about their experiences with the full-time work policy, which was open until September 11, 2023.

  

  So we can say that IRCC is reviewing this full-time work policy to see its impact on the Canadian economy in addressing labour shortages and feedback from international students.

  And, if there is an extension, we may see an update coming from IRCC just prior to its end or at the beginning of 2024 since the department is usually lagging behind in extending the policies.

  If extended, the policy should also include the students who came to or are coming to Canada in 2023 and 2024.

  Most of the international students have always worked more than 20 hours on cash payments.

  This cash payment is unaccounted for tax purposes and the Canadian government has always been losing tax revenue from international students’ cash payments.

  Canada should even make this full-time work permit policy permanent for foreign students, which will eventually increase tax revenue significantly from these students.

  Plight of International Students

  International students are hopeful that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will reconsider and make the temporary suspension of the job requirement a permanent element of the international study program.

  In an interview with the CBC, James Casey, a policy and research analyst at the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), claimed that rising rents and other living costs disproportionately affect international students because they are not eligible for federal or provincial loans, grants, or housing vouchers.

  At least some overseas students are seeking assistance from food banks.

  “It’s a very dire situation that speaks to the huge gap between what life is for an international student in this country versus the average Canadian student,” Casey was quoted as saying.

  Many overseas students, according to Casey, share beds and single rooms and end up homeless.

  

  “If this decision is not made permanent, we’re going to have mass amounts of international students being caught up in human trafficking and exploitative labour practices.”

  The Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC) has listed four reasons why the 20-hour work limit should be lifted on its website:

  1. Typical job structure

  An eight-hour work shift is typical. Migrant student workers who work a third shift are effectively working four out of every twenty-four hours.

  Two shifts total 16 hours, which is just insufficient, and part-time work is commonly defined as three days per week.

  The 20-hour work limit effectively forces people to participate in irregular employment that is not protected under labour law.

  2. Already working more than 20 hours per week

  International tuition grows every year, and migrant students must work to survive, especially in light of global inflation.

  Many are forced to work more than 20 hours per day, increasing their vulnerability to labour exploitation and making it more difficult to pay taxes.

  3. There is already a precedent

  International students in key industries in Canada will be able to work an unrestricted amount of hours beginning in 2020.

  Australia has lifted the 20-hour limit on study permit holders as of February 2022.

  4. Flexibility and self-determination

  There are ups and downs in the academic cycle. Migrant students want to be able to work more during low-intensity periods and not at all during test season.

  By removing the restriction, students get the flexibility and freedom to make their own choices.

  https://youtu.be/qYKTIY9lazo?si=vSzpcuFDfBJKhacE

  Article Navigation

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  canada immigration news, immigration news canada, new ircc update, new ircc news, international students full-time work policy, international students Canada,

• 
  Visitors inside Canada can apply for Work Permit until 202524 November 2023, 9:04 PM EST

  Foreign nationals who are visiting Canada on a tourist or visitor visa can continue to be eligible to apply for work permits until February 28, 2025.

  All the individuals reaching out to inquire about this topic: Yes, you can apply for a work permit from within Canada, but you need to fulfill the requirements to support your work permit application.

  Anyone having a visitor visa and currently in Canada doesn’t mean they can just apply for a work permit by simply submitting any application to IRCC.

  Such interested visitor visa holders need to satisfy all the work permit criteria, including a supporting Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a valid job offer (if offered, the job is LMIA-exempt) by the Canadian employer.

  Jump To

  A temporary public policy initially announced in 2020 was extended on February 28, 2023, by the former immigration minister Sean Fraser.

  As per the policy, foreign nationals who are visiting Canada and obtain a valid job offer will be able to apply for and receive a work visa without leaving the country.

  Visitors applying under this public policy who have held a work permit within the last 12 months may also request interim work authorization to begin working for their new employer sooner.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/ircc-makes-new-extension-for-visitors-to-work-permit-policy-by-2-years/

  The purpose of this policy

  Keeping this interim policy in place gives Canadian firms another option, as many are facing major worker shortages in this era of economic development.

  Prior to this temporary policy adjustment, anyone wishing to work here had to apply for their initial work visa from outside Canada.

  If they were already inside the country with visitor status when they were authorized for a work permit, they would have to leave before their work permit could be issued.

  Leaving Canada is no longer necessary with this policy in effect.

  Initially, this policy was only for the visitors who came before August 24 2020 and have a job offer in addition to other requirements.

  But then this policy was amended to allow all visitor visa holders entering Canada without considering their date of entry.

  Eligibility Criteria To Apply

  An applicant looking forward to benefiting from this temporary public policy must:

  • have a valid visitor status in Canada on the day they apply
  • have a job offer backed by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment
  • submit an application for an employer-specific work permit before February 28, 2025, and
  • satisfy all other standard admissibility requirements

  Candidates with visitor status who have already held a work permit in the last 12 months under this temporary policy are also eligible if they meet the below-listed criteria:

  • When you apply, you must be physically present in Canada.
  • You must remain in the country while your application is being processed.
  • You will not be eligible for this public policy if you depart while your application is being processed.
  • While applying for a work permit, you must be a visitor with valid status.
  • If your visitor status has expired, you must restore it before applying for a work permit.
  • applied for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025
  • had a valid work permit in the 12 months before to applying for a new work permit

  Visitors inside Canada who have held a valid work permit in the last 12 months can follow particular guidelines to obtain interim work permit.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/lmia-approved-jobs-in-canada-here-is-how-to-find-one/

  Eligibility Requirements For Interim Authorization To Work

  Interim Work Authorization is only granted to visitor visa holders who have held a valid work permit in the previous 12 months under this temporary arrangement.

  After submitting an application for a work permit under this policy, applicants must complete the IRCC Web form with the message that IRCC has specified below.

  When you fill out the Your Inquiry section, you must copy the text below.

  Priority Code VISIT2WORK2020: I am requesting consideration under the Temporary Public Policy to Exempt Certain Visitors in Canada from Immigration Requirements during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and ask that the applicable exemptions be granted until a decision is made on my work permit application or it is withdrawn.
  My previous work permit number [U#########] expired on [Date].
  I have submitted my application for a work permit online. OR I have submitted my application on paper and the postal/courier tracking number is NUMBER.
  I intend to work for [employer NAME] / [occupation] as specified in the aforementioned work permit application.
  I understand that providing false, misleading or incorrect information is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and may result in enforcement measures against me.

  Make sure you fill out the sections in square brackets, including the

  • dates
  • work permit number (begins with a “U”)
  • name of your employer
  • title of your job

  After completing the webform, you must wait for an email from IRCC informing you that you can start working.

  This will be your interim work authorization before getting the work permit and this process could take up to 30 days (6 weeks).

  What is the Canada visitor visa to work permit processing time?

  Most of the online work permit applications from inside Canada are taking an average of 135 days as per the most recent official IRCC processing update.
  
  Paper-based applications are being processed in an average of 17 days after being received by the IRCC.

  ---

  

  Canada immigration news, visitor visa to work permit, converting visitor visa to work permit,

• 
  Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs In The Greater Toronto Area23 November 2023, 10:24 AM EST

  Toronto is often described as the financial capital of Canada, as it is one of the largest business hubs.

  However, the cost of living in Toronto is far greater than the average cost of living in other parts of the country.

  Here is the list of the 10 highest-paying jobs in the Toronto area within each growing sector. 

  Healthcare 

  The demand for healthcare workers has drastically increased with the increase in population across Canada.

  Similarly, in Toronto, the healthcare industry continues to grow and provides several opportunities to move up in your career. Some of the highest-paying titles in healthcare are: 

  • 1. Surgeon: Average annual salary of $196,401 per year
  • 2. Orthodontist: Average yearly pay of $179,925 per year

  Business and Finance 

  Careers in business and finance are beneficial as they provide management and leadership roles.

  Moreover, the business and finance industries are generally lucrative. High-paying jobs in this field are: 

  • 3. Marketing Director: Average annual salary of $171,401 per year
  • 4. Investment Manager: Average yearly salary of $95,915 per year

  ---

  • You may also like:
  • Toronto Police Is Hiring Now With Starting Salary At $67,680
  • Know Tips To Get Canadian Job Offer From Outside Canada

  ---

  Information Technology 

  The fastest-growing industry in Toronto that continues to be in demand is IT or information technology.

  Additionally, as most things move to a digital landscape, all industries need tech-savvy employees. Below are high-paying tech jobs in Toronto. 

  • 5. Developer: The average annual salary is $114,400 per year.
  • 6. Software Engineers: average yearly pay of $124,005.50 per year

  Legal Sector

  Another high-paying industry is the legal industry. However, being a very competitive field, there are not as many job opportunities as before.

  Nevertheless, if you are passionate about law, below are some high-paying legal jobs you could consider: 

  • 7. Lawyer: The average yearly salary is $102,474 per year.
  • 8. Paralegal: average annual wage of $78,059 per year.

  Construction 

  Although construction may not be as attractive as other industries, it continues to be one of the highest-paying jobs. Additionally, you can earn higher wages as you get promoted to a managerial position. 

  • 9. Construction Manager: Average annual salary of $98,253 per year
  • 10. Civil Engineer: Average yearly salary of $84,000 per year

  What comprises of the Greater Toronto Area?

  The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) includes the following municipalities: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Aurora, Newmarket, and Pickering.

  What are the 10 highest-paying jobs in the Greater Toronto Area?

  Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs in the Greater Toronto Area:
  
  1. Surgeons with average annual salary of $196,401
  2. Medical Directors with average yearly pay of $171,401
  3. Marketing Directors get paid an average annual salary of $140,137
  4. Investment Managers have an average yearly salary of $95,915
  5. Developers get average annual salary of $114,400
  6. Software Engineers have average yearly pay of $110,930
  7. Lawyers get paid an average of $102,474 per year
  8. Paralegals get average annual wage of $78,059
  9. Construction Managers get paid annual salary of $98,253
  10. Civil Engineers have an average yearly salary of $84,000
  
  Please note that these professionals get paid even more with experience and above listed are just the average salaries.

  ---

  

  Navigation to top

  Canada immigration news, immigration news canada, jobs in Toronto area,

• 
  Canadian Immigration Backlog Reaches Highest Level in 9 Months22 November 2023, 10:18 AM EST

  The great Canadian immigration backlog is rising and has now reached the highest level since February 2023, heading towards the 1 million mark.

  So, if you have applied for or are thinking of applying for immigration or a visa to Canada, then you may have to wait a bit longer or are already waiting longer than usual.

  The IRCC backlog is defined as any citizenship, immigration, or visa application taking longer under processing than the normal immigration department’s service standard.

  Click here for application-category-wise IRCC service standards.

  The Canadian immigration backlog has been continuously rising since April 30, 2023, up until the latest available official data as of October 31, 2023, updated by the IRCC yesterday.

  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports that there were 936,500 overall citizenship, immigration, and temporary visa applications in backlog, were taking longer than normal IRCC processing service standards.

  Click here for application-category-wise IRCC service standards.

  Canadian Immigration Backlog Month-on-Month Comparison

  Application Type	Backlog Oct 31	Backlog  Sep 30	Difference Since September 30	%Age Change Since September 30
  Citizenship	56,400	58,200	-1,800	-3.09%
  Permanent Residence	287,500	284,600	+2,900	1.02%
  Temporary Residence	592,600	585,700	+6,900	1.18%
  Total	936,500	928,500	+8,000	0.86%

  IRCC updated this data today, November 21, 2023 for the application processing inventory as of the end of the previous month.

  IRCC aims to process 80% of the applications within the set service standards set by the department and any application exceeding this service standard time is labelled as backlog.

  Click here for application-category-wise IRCC service standards.

  Overall, IRCC was managing a total of 2,166,800 applications among all the categories as of October 31, 2023.

  Application Type	Within Service Standards October 31	Within Service Standards  September 30	Percentage Change Since September 30
  Citizenship	214,800	216,400	-0.74%
  Permanent Residence	351,500	362,300	-2.98%
  Temporary Residence	664,000	687,700	-3.45%
  Total	1,230,300	1,266,400	-2.85%

  The backlog decreased among citizenship applications, while it grew for both permanent residency and temporary residency applications as compared to last month’s update.

  IRCC Backlog Comparison in 2023

  The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been processing more than 2 million applications at any given point since March 2023.

  The below table lists all the official IRCC immigration backlog data reported since January 2023 and the percentage change month-on-month.

  Backlog Update Date	Applications  In Backlog	Total Applications  Under Processing	Backlog Net %Age Change month-on-month
  October 31, 2023	936,500	2,166,800	+0.86%
  September 30, 2023	928,500	2,194,900	+9.9%
  August 31, 2023	844,700	2,198,700	+5.2%
  July 31, 2023	802,600	2,274,600	+0.2%
  June 30, 2023	801,000	2,264,000	-2.3%
  May 31, 2023	820,000	2,248,000	+1.4%
  April 30, 2023	809,000	2,006,000	-9.7%
  March 31, 2023	896,300	2,017,700	-1.5%
  February 28, 2023	910,400	1,962,600	-6.6%
  January 31, 2023	974,600	1,944,500	+6.1%

  

  What is the latest backlog of the IRCC 2023?

  The IRCC was processing 2,166,800 applications for citizenship, immigration, and visas as of October 31, 2023.
  
  According to the most recent IRCC statement on the Canada immigration backlog, there is an increase in the backlog of applications to 936,500 as of October 31, 2023.

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  canada immigration news, immigration news canada, new ircc update, new ircc news, IRCC backlog, immigration, refugees, and citizenship Canada,

• 
  Will there be New PGWP Extension 2024 for International Students?21 November 2023, 9:14 AM EST

  International students in Canada are having high hopes for another PGWP Extension 2024 policy just to allow them to continue to work because of limited permanent residency (PR) options.

  There were nearly 2.2 million temporary residents in Canada at the end of the second quarter of 2023, out of which more than 1 million were on work permits.

  This number has almost doubled in one year, from around 600,000 at the end of the second quarter of 2022.

  Recently, Immigration Minister Marc Miller also acknowledged that international students should understand that there are limited permanent residency options.

  Usually, PGWP is issued only once to international students after they graduate from a Canadian education institution without any room for extension.

  However, Canada introduced a temporary PGWP extension policy during the COVID outbreak, allowing international students on postgraduate working permits to extend their status for 18 months.

  This policy was then reintroduced in 2022 and 2023.

  The most recent and currently active PGWP extension 2023 policy allows international students to extend their work permits for up to 18 months if their status has expired or is expiring prior to December 2023.

  Jump To

  This also includes the previous international students who got their extension under the 2022 policy to benefit again with an additional 18-month work permit.

  Need for PGWP Extension in 2024

  PGWP must expire by December 2023 in order to be eligible for the 2023 extension policy.

  On the other hand, permits for students in the same program and intake have different expiration dates.

  This has led to a rift among the students, and some are not handled fairly or with due process when their PGWP expires in January 2024 or later.

  Usually, international students depend on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category of Canada’s flagship permanent residency pathway, the Express Entry system.

  IRCC used to hold CEC-specific rounds of invitations where international students with skilled experience of 1 year or more in Canada were the ideal candidates.

  However, IRCC has not held any CEC-only rounds of invitations since September 2021 and has now switched to category-based draws.

  Canada is currently having the highest number of temporary residents ever in the Canadian history.

  As a result, international graduates are now facing high competition and limited options to transition to permanent residency (PR).

  On October 27, 2023 Marc Miller announced that they will be reviewing the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and better aligning it with regional and Francophone immigration objectives, as well as the demands of the Canadian labour market, in the coming months.

  But meanwhile, international talent in Canada already supporting the economy needs to be retained with a new extension policy in 2024.

  Will there be a PGWP Extension 2024 policy?

  At this time, there is no official news or confirmation whether there will be another PGWP extension policy for work permits expiring in 2024.

  However, international students are have high hopes for the Canadian immigration minister to reintroduce the PGWP extension policy again, giving them more time to stay and work in Canada.

  Usually, IRCC does not announce such policies until the last moment or even after the expiration of a current policy.

  The PGWP Extension 2023 policy was announced in March 2023, three months after the previous policy ended in December 2022.

  However, IRCC did allow the international students whose PGWP expired and was also beyond the 90-day restoration period to benefit from the new 2023 policy.

  Nothing definite can be said at this point in time about whether there will be a PGWP extension in 2024 or not, which is unfortunate but customary for IRCC to not communicate things in advance.

  International students with expiring post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) at the beginning of 2024 should now start exploring alternative options to continue staying in Canada to be on the safe side.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/international-students-canada-pr-options/

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  canada immigration news, immigration news canada,

• 
  Express Entry Draw History and Latest Analysis | Nov 202320 November 2023, 10:35 AM EST

  Canada aspirants often confuse Express Entry draw invitations with the annual immigration targets and assume that IRCC will not hold any other round of invitations because the yearly quota has been reached.

  However, this is not how Express Entry invitations and the annual immigration level plan work. Annual targets are not equal to the number of invitations issued in a particular year.

  Canada is aiming to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents (PRs) via the Express Entry system as per the new immigration levels plan for 2024–2027.

  But this doesn’t mean that IRCC will only be sending 110,770 invitations to apply in 2024.

  Jump To

  The annual immigration targets set by Canada are for the number of new permanent residents who activate their permanent residency at any Canadian port of entry, not the ones who are even approved.

  Furthermore, these also include temporary residents in Canada who get permanent residency via Express Entry and confirm their PR online or at any port of entry.

  Express Entry Draw History Since 2015

  https://youtu.be/adpX-wUVzJQ?si=S3qpomzpkZXeUSid

  The Express Entry system was introduced in 2015, with the first round of invitations announced on January 31, sending only 779 invitations to apply with a CRS cutoff score of 886.

  There have been a total of 272 Express Entry draws since 2015.

  In 2015, Express Entry sent a total of 31,063 invitations to apply with lowest CRS cutoff score of 450 and all were ‘no program specified draws.’

  The number of invitations to apply has continued to increase since then, with the highest (114,224) invitations to apply sent in 2021.

  This includes the largest single draw of 27,332 invitations for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with a CRS cutoff score of 75.

  Prior to that, IRCC sent out 107,350 invitations in 2020. This was the actual year with the highest number of invitations and consistent draws for all categories.

  Year	Number of Invitations	Annual Express Entry Targets	Overall Annual Permanent Resident Targets
  2024	To be announced	110,770	485,000
  2023	95,221	82,880 (additional 25,000 allocated to Tr to PR)	465,000
  2022	46,539	55,900 (additional 40,000 allocated to Tr to PR)	431,645
  2021	114,224	108,500	401,000
  2020	107,350	91,800	341,000
  2019	85,300	81,400	330,800
  2018	89,800	74,900	290,000
  2017	86,023	73,700 (2017 targets included Atlantic Immigration Pilot)	300,000
  2016	33,782	58,400	300,000
  2015	31,063	68,000–74,000	260,000-285,000

  It is evident from the above table that the number of invitations has exceeded the annual targets in recent years, except in 2022, 2016, and 2015.

  Historical Lowest CRS Cutoff Scores

  The lowest CRS cutoff score was noted in a Federal Skilled Trades (FST) draw on May 26, 2017 of 199, but IRCC is no longer holding any FST draws now other than the skilled trades category-based draws.

  Among the new category-based Express Entry draws, the Trades-targeted draw has the lowest CRS cutoff score of 388 in 2023.

  ‘No Program Specified’ Express Entry draw on May 31, 2017 recorded the lowest CRS cutoff score of 413, issuing 3,877 invitations to apply.

  Canadian Experience Class draws recorded the lowest CRS cutoff score of 357 in June and July of 2021, other than the 75 cutoff score in an unexpected CEC draw during the same year.

  Provincial Nominee Program draws had the lowest CRS cutoff score of 673 in November 2017 and 674 in February 2022, and one of the lowest cutoffs at 691 in May 2023.

  Should We Expect More Express Entry Draws in 2023?

  IRCC has a service standard of processing Express Entry applications within 6 months and the current official processing time shows 80% of the CEC and FSW applications are being processed within 5 months.

  IRCC should be conducting more Express Entry draws in 2023, given that most of the candidates who submitted their applications after August–September 2023 will be processed in 2024 and contribute to next year’s immigration targets.

  Furthermore, all the new invitations to apply sent in the upcoming draws of this year will be processed in 2024 only and have nothing to do with the 2023 targets.

  So there should be more draws, but the CRS cutoff score is expected to be high because there has been no Express Entry draw since October 26.

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• 
  Canada Opens New PR Pathway for Colombians, Haitians & Venezuelans18 November 2023, 10:02 AM EST

  Canada’s new PR pathway is now open for applications from Colombian, Haitian, and Venezuelan foreign nationals seeking Canadian permanent residency.

  Originally, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this dedicated humanitarian pathway on October 10, 2023.

  This new PR pathway will welcome up to 11,000 people who have family in Canada and meet the below-listed requirements.

  Learn More About

  Eligibility Criteria for New PR pathway

  Colombian, Haitian, or Venezuelan nationals currently residing in South or Central America, Mexico, or the Caribbean who have a Canadian citizen or permanent residency family member in Canada.

  Family members include a spouse, common-law partner, child (of any age), grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling.

  These Canadian family members must agree to support them and their family members as an anchor for one year.

  The pathway to support migrants from the Americas is now open for applications. We’re determined to uphold our humanitarian tradition and support those in need, particularly in light of the current global migration crisis. #cdnpoli https://t.co/0U1SXS5Sty

  — Marc Miller ᐅᑭᒫᐃᐧᐅᓃᐸᐄᐧᐤᐃᔨᐣ (@MarcMillerVM) November 17, 2023

  Special Support fo Eligible Applicants

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will support the eligible applicants by:

  • waiving the Right to Permanent Residency Fee, all application costs, and biometric fees
  • offering pre-departure medical care to help preserve your health and ensure safe travel to Canada
  • provide you the equivalent of three months of financial aid once you arrive in Canada, to assist you in settling
  • give you free settlement services before and after you come to assist you in assimilating into Canadian society and the labour force

  Canada is also welcoming workers from the Americas by bringing in an additional 4,000 people through existing temporary worker programs, such as the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.

  Need for This PR Pathway

  Illegal migration across Central America has increased significantly. As a result, there has been an increase in migrant smuggling, physical insecurity, and exploitation of people passing through the region.

  This new PR pathway is part of Canada’s commitment to welcome 15,000 Western Hemisphere migrants on a humanitarian basis during Joe Biden’s visit to Canada in March 2023.

  https://www.tiktok.com/@immigrationnewscanada/video/7214974996190432518?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7276584235283301894

  These policies are intended to reduce migratory pressures in the Western Hemisphere.

  For some individuals uprooted by political, social, and economic insecurity, the new humanitarian channel offers an alternative to irregular migration north through Central America.

  The IRCC will continue to assess the pathway’s progress and make adjustments as needed to achieve these objectives.

  How do I apply for this new PR pathway?

  You must apply online through the IRCC portal. Your anchor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member) must sign a statutory declaration stating their willingness to support you in Canada.

  Click here for more details on this program and how to apply.

  What is Canada’s annual immigration target for 2024?

  Canada intends to accept 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, 500,000 in 2025, and 500,000 in 2026 through various immigration programs for skilled workers, family sponsorship, and humanitarian basis.

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• 
  New List of Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada, Ontario, Alberta, & Quebec15 November 2023, 12:04 PM EST

  A new list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada by the auto insurance fraud prevention organization was released on November 14.

  The organization also released regional breakdowns for Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, and Atlantic provinces for the top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2022.

  Jump To

  Auto thefts reached all-time highs in 2022, with Ontario growing by 48% and Quebec increasing by 50%, putting Canada at the forefront internationally as a source country for illegal commerce.

  In 2022, private auto insurers in Canada paid out $1.2 billion in theft claims for the first time in history.

  Canadians are paying more to cover the costs of auto theft at a time when inflation and affordability are putting extra strain on consumers.

  In Canada, auto insurance depends on the vehicle’s make and model and it’s involvement in collisions as well as thefts in a particular postal code.

  Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada

  Rank	Make/Model	Number of Thefts	Number of Vehicles Insured	Most Stolen Model Year
  1	Honda CR-V	5,620	469,144	2020
  2	Dodge RAM 1500 Series	2,600	508,061	2022
  3	Ford Fl50 Series	1,833	615,740	2020
  4	Lexus RX Series	1,815	93,766	2020
  5	Toyota  Highlander	1,759	117,663	2021
  6	Honda Civic	1,493	705,056	2019
  7	Jeep Grand Cherokee	1,349	120,387	2021
  8	Land Rover Range Rover	1,343	34,201	2020
  9	Chevrolet/GMC  Silverado/ Sierra 1500 Series	1,260	595,816	2006
  10	Jeep Wrangler	1,189	132,219	2021

  Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Ontario

  Rank	Make/Model	Number of Thefts	Number of Vehicles Insured	Most Stolen Model Year
  1	Honda CR-V	2,684	224,311	2020
  2	Lexus RX Series	1,707	57,753	2020
  3	Dodge RAM 1500 Series	1,405	195,873	2022
  4	Toyota  Highlander	1,344	60,326	2021
  5	Land Rover Range Rover	1,225	20,743	2020
  6	Ford F150 Series	901	214,067	2020
  7	Jeep Grand Cherokee	766	47,981	2021
  8	Jeep Wrangler	689	63,443	2021
  9	Honda Civic	630	318,551	2019
  10	Acura ROX	459	37,235	2021

  Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Alberta

  Rank	Make/Model	Number of Thefts	Number of Vehicles Insured	Most Stolen Model Year
  1	Dodge RAM 1500 Series	373	91,771	2014
  2	Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/	349	37,685	2007
  3	Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/	336	95,362	2005
  4	Ford F150 Series	315	106,175	2018
  5	Ford F350 Series	289	22,527	2006
  6	Dodge Ram 2500 Series	119	20,683	2001
  7	Honda Civic	117	49,935	2000
  8	Jeep Grand Cherokee	106	32,231	2021
  9	Ford F250 Series	106	7,196	2004
  10	Honda CR -V	103	48,023	1999

  Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Quebec

  Rank	Make/Model	Number of Thefts	Number of Vehicles Insured	Most Stolen Model Year
  1	Honda CR-V	2,689	115,895	2020
  2	Acura ROX	653	15,895	2020
  3	Honda Civic	506	224,688	2019
  4	Dodge RAM 1500 Series	504	79,019	2020
  5	Jeep Wrangler	433	28,048	2021
  6	Toyota RAV 4	425	124,357	2019
  7	Jeep Grand Cherokee	420	22,808	2021
  8	Toyota  Highlander	344	17,386	2021
  9	Ford Fl50 Series	256	91,166	2019
  10	Hyundai Tucson	242	63,450	2021

  Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Atlantic Canada

  Rank	Make/Model	Number of Thefts	Number of Vehicles Insured	Most Stolen Model Year
  1	Dodge RAM 1500 Series	81	45,193	2017
  2	Chevrolet/GMC  Silverado/ Sierra 1500 Series	73	70,794	2018
  3	Ford Fl50 Series	71	54,817	2010
  4	Honda Civic	67	71,077	2017
  5	Honda CR-V	62	46,090	2020
  6	Toyota Corolla	41	55,847	2010
  7	Hyundai Elantra	41	39,000	2017
  8	Toyota RAV4	28	43,462	2015
  9	Nissan Rogue	20	22,382	2016
  10	Toyota Tacoma	20	18,344	2017

  https://youtu.be/T5XJrJTG-BQ?si=5LrhVc4FHa0YWSdK

  What are the most stolen vehicles in Ontario?

  1. Honda CR-V (2020): 2,684 thefts
  2. Lexus RX Series (2020): 1,707 thefts
  3. Dodge RAM 1500 Series (2022): 1,405 thefts
  4. Toyota Highlander (2021): 1,344 thefts
  5. Land Rover Range Rover (2020): 1,225 thefts
  6. Ford F150 Series (2020): 1,225 thefts
  7. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2021): 766 thefts
  8. Jeep Wrangler (2021): 689 thefts
  9. Honda Civic (2019): 630 thefts
  10. Acura RDX (2021): 459 thefts

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