Canadian Immigration News

A broad range of skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs have been invited to submitted an application to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) in early August, following draws that took place on August 2 and August 9, respectively.

The International Skilled Worker - Occupations In-Demand sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has closed for new applications, just one day after reopening for 1,200 new applications on August 9.

Through this 'base' SINP sub-category, which is not aligned with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system, eligible skilled workers with experience in an in-demand occupation can make an application for a provincial nomination certificate, which may then be followed by an application for Canadian permanent residence. Applicants do not require a job offer.

A popular immigration category is now accepting 1,200 new applications as of August 9. The International Skilled Worker - Occupations In-Demand sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) allows skilled workers with experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan to make an application for a provincial nomination certificate, which may then be followed by an application for Canadian permanent residence. Applicants do not require a job offer in order to make an application.

A total of 2,991 candidates have been issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the second Express Entry draw to occur in August, 2017.

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, has announced that Canada will invest CAD $10 million over a five-year period to provide post-secondary students and mid-career professionals from Southeast Asia access to world-class education in Canada.

Manitoba issued 40 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) in July, 2017 under the Manitoba Business Stream (MPNP-B), part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Candidates invited to apply for immigration to Manitoba on this occasion had between 89 and 97 points under the unique MPNP-B points grid.

A total of 3,264 candidates have been issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the first Express Entry draw to occur in August, 2017. The latest draw, which took place on August 2, saw a minimumComprehensive Ranking System (CRS)score requirement of 441. Therefore, candidates in the Express Entry pool with a score of 441 or above at the time of the draw are now in a position to apply for Canadian permanent resident status.

The government of Canada has announced that the Start-Up Visa program, a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for entrepreneurs launching a company in Canada, will become a regular feature of Canada's immigration landscape in 2018.

In the months ahead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will work to finalize regulations for the permanent program in order to have a seamless transition when the current pilot expires on March 31, 2018.

British Columbia issued a total of 357 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) in draws that took place on July 19 and July 26. The latter draw was a 'tech-only' draw, a new initiative started by BC in May. Non-tech workers and graduates may have been invited to apply on July 19.

A draft version of a new study guide for the Canadian Citizenship exam shows that the government plans on overhauling the book used by prospective Canadians in preparation for the exam.