Here's a summary of the most important headlines from this week.
- Travel ban extended until August 31
- Canada looking at exempting students from travel restrictions
- Nonetheless, Canada has had several PNP draws this week
- Spousal Open Work Permit Pilot now permanent.
Ontario holds Tech draw
In its latest Tech draw, Ontario invited 1,288 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence through its Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream. Invited candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of between 463 and 477.
A job offer is not required to be eligible. However, invited candidates must have had experience in one of six in-demand occupations, as well as an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is the system that the federal government uses to manage applications for permanent residence. Some provinces, including Ontario, also use the system to manage some provincial programs.
Largest Saskatchewan PNP draw since beginning of pandemic
The province of Saskatchewan invited 502 immigration candidates in its latest Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) draw. The draw was the largest since travel restrictions were put in place in March to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Candidates needed to have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI). The EOI is an online form a candidate must fill out to show their interest in applying for the SINP. The minimum provincial score required in the latest draw was 70.
B.C. holds Tech Pilot and Entrepreneur draws
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 46 invitations to immigration candidates in its latest Tech Pilot and Entrepreneur draws.
Candidates were invited through the province’s Express Entry B.C., Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur streams. The minimum required provincial score to receive an invitation was 80.
Canada extends travel restrictions until August 31
Canada extended its travel restrictions for another month. The travel restrictions were introduced in March to slow the spread of COVID-19. Due to high levels of COVID-19 abroad, it is difficult for Canada to open its borders. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members are exempt from the travel restrictions. In addition, some temporary foreign workers and international students may also come to Canada. Certain people approved for permanent residence may also travel.
Canada considers exempting students from travel restrictions
The Canadian government is looking at ways to allow more international students into Canada for the fall 2020 semester. Since travel restrictions were introduced in March, international students were among those banned from entering the country to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Spousal open work permit pilot now permanent
Canada has made the Open Work Permit Pilot (OWPP) into a permanent program. This means that spouses and partners of Canadian citizens can continue to work as they wait for a decision on their permanent residence application.