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Canada Invites 1,391 PNP Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw

The latest results are in from Canada’s Express Entry system where Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just extended invitations for 1,391 hopefuls through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The draw required candidates to hit a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 670. Free assessments for Express Entry applications are currently available. Marking the first draw of the week and the fifth since the beginning of July, the recent PNP-only draw follows close on the heels of an exclusive draw on July 8 for those with French language skills, which invited 3,200 candidates. Another PNP-specific draw on July 2 welcomed 920 hopefuls, where a notable CRS score of 739 was required.

PNP-only draws traditionally command higher CRS scores since candidates who secure a provincial nomination are awarded an extra 600 points. To illustrate, a candidate with an initial CRS score of 300 who succeeds in obtaining a nomination would possess an amplified total score of 900 points.

The Express Entry program serves as Canada’s streamlined system managing three principal economic immigration pathways: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These routes aim to guide eligible candidates towards permanent residency in Canada, assessing them based on key factors such as age, education, work experience, and linguistic ability, which contribute to their overall CRS score. Since its inception in 2015, the system has aimed to expedite processing times with a six-month service standard.

In 2023, category-based selections were implemented to address specific labour market and demographic needs by introducing six categories. These include healthcare, STEM fields, trades, transportation, agriculture and agri-food, and French language proficiency. To participate, candidates must be enrolled in the Express Entry pool, and these draws are not restricted to any one program.

The recent series of Express Entry draws signifies Canada’s ongoing commitment to filling critical workforce gaps and bolstering its demographic fabric through immigration. The continued emphasis on provincial nominations and targeted category draws offers a myriad of opportunities for skilled individuals worldwide who are seeking a new chapter in Canada. For more information please email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com

4 Provinces Announce New Provincial Nominee Program Draws

This week marked a significant milestone for immigration in Canada as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec have all issued nominations for immigration candidates through their Provincial Nominee Programs. While Quebec has a distinct agreement with Ottawa concerning its economic immigration, the rest of the provinces participate in Canada’s PNP, aiming to fulfill local labor market and demographic needs.

In the spotlight, Ontario’s latest PNP draw, conducted on July 25, 2024, welcomed 209 new candidates specifically targeting general practitioners and family physicians with a CRS score range of 395 to 444 who created their Express Entry profiles between July 25, 2023, and July 25, 2024.

British Columbia kept the momentum with two draws held on July 23, 2024. In the general draw, 35 invitations were distributed to candidates from various streams, including Skilled Workers and International Graduates, with required scores starting at 134. A targeted draw the same day saw more than 73 total invitations allocated to those in childcare, construction, healthcare, and veterinary care, with scores staring as low as 80.

Quebec shared details of a previous draw held on June 27, 2024, where it invited 1,528 candidates who demonstrated a proficient level in oral French and scored above 581 points, along with those holding valid job offers outside Montreal. Candidates are now eligible to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate.

Alberta revealed the results of its July 2 draw, where it issued 37 Notifications of Interest for its dedicated healthcare pathway. Candidates must have had CRS scores above 300 to qualify for a notification.

Provincial nominee programs remain a vital pathway for individuals aspiring to contribute to the Canadian economy and gain permanent residence. With frequent draws across various provinces, candidates have ample opportunity to fulfill their Canadian dream.

The provinces continue to select skilled foreign nationals who can address labor market shortages and demographic challenges, reflecting Canada’s commitment to a diverse and robust immigration system.

Stay updated on Canadian immigration developments and discover if you are eligible for these opportunities.

In conclusion, the recent provincial draws signify Canada’s continued investment in attracting skilled workers to address regional labor demands. Candidates are encouraged to stay informed about these opportunities for a chance to secure their future in Canada.

IRCC Issues Invitations to 1,800 Candidates in Express Entry Draw

In a recent burst of activity, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has accelerated its invitation process with several Express Entry draws in quick succession this week. The latest in this series saw the IRCC extend 1,800 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence to candidates proficient in French. These applicants were selected with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of just 400, marking one of the lowest threshold scores set this year for an Express Entry draw.

A day prior to this, the IRCC held a program-specific draw focused on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), handing out 6,300 invitations to candidates, with the lowest non-category specific score for the year sitting at 515. The introductory draw of the week targeted candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with 1,391 invitations sent out, requiring a minimum CRS score of 670. It’s a generally accepted fact that PNP-only draws command higher CRS scores since a nomination from a province bestows an additional 600 points to a candidate’s existing CRS score.

So far, the month’s Express Entry draws have significantly outnumbered previous months, with 19,161 invitations across seven draws issued, making it the busiest month for Express Entry thus far into the year. These draws have covered various categories, including French language proficiency, healthcare, trades, and STEM occupations, among others, reflecting Canada’s diverse industry needs.

The Express Entry system remains a forefront mechanism for Canada’s economic immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Express Entry meticulously scores candidate profiles based on multiple human capital factors and aims to process successful applications within a six-month standard.

Category-based selections are an effort from the IRCC, ongoing since 202olutions for healthcare, various trades, transportation, agri-food sectors, and candidates with strong French language skills, are utilized to address Canada’s workforce shortages and demographically bolster certain sectors.

Conclusion: The IRCC’s latest Express Entry draws signify continued efforts to streamline immigration pathways for skilled workers into Canada. With targets set for specific professions and language proficiencies, these actions illustrate the government’s ongoing commitment to fill labor market gaps and foster a multicultural workforce. Prospective candidates are encouraged to stay informed on the latest draws and updates to enhance their prospects of being selected for Canadian permanent residency. For more information email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com

Should You Pursue Express Entry Post-35?

As the cutoff year of 35 approaches, many individuals considering immigration to Canada believe that their chances of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency under the Express Entry system may dwindle. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), utilized to prioritize Express Entry candidates, indeed assigns a lower score as applicants advance in age beyond 29 years.

Those individuals aged 35 and above are confronted with a reduction in the maximum CRS points they can receive based on their age. For instance, candidates under 29 can achieve up to 110 points without a spouse or up to 100 points with a spouse. However, at age 35, these points drop to 77 and 88 respectively, with an annual decrement subsequently.

Despite the significance of age in calculating CRS scores, there are effective tactics to strengthen one’s profile within the Express Entry framework. It’s crucial for those above the age of 35 to explore category-specific draws, which often have lower CRS thresholds. In the current year of 2024, every category-specific draw featured cut-off scores that were at least 33 points below the general draws’ requirement of 524 points.

In addition, integrating a spouse or common-law partner who also meets the Express Entry eligibility criteria can be beneficial. Pairing up in this system potentially unlocks up to 40 additional CRS points, which are distributed for the spouse’s educational credentials, proficiency in official languages, and Canadian work experience.

Furthermore, enhancing language proficiency paves another avenue for boosting CRS scores. Achieving language levels beyond the Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) minimum can be rewarding. For each language skill achieved above the minimum required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7, additional points are awarded – culminating in a double increase from 16 to 32 points for a CLB 10.

While age is a determinant factor in Express Entry CRS scoring, strategic planning and optimal profiling can mitigate its impact. Older candidates should actively consider category-specific draws, adding a qualifying spouse to their applications, and improving their language proficiency. By adopting these approaches, the prospects of successfully navigating the Express Entry route after the age of 35 are considerably enhanced, offering a viable pathway to Canadian permanent residency.

For more information email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit : What You Need to Know

The PGWP is an open work permit granted to international graduates from Canadian Designated Learning Institutions, pivotal for those seeking to gain work experience relevant to permanent residency pathways. To be qualified for this permit, students must complete at least eight months of post-secondary education and receive a degree, diploma, or certificate from an eligible institution, maintaining a full-time status throughout their studies.

The permit’s cost is CAD $255, with an additional CAD $379 fee for those needing status restoration as a student. Notably, the permit’s duration is congruent with the study program’s length, with a maximum span of three years for programs two years or longer, and the same rule applies to Master’s degrees of eight months or more.

Prospective job seekers can apply for employment before obtaining their PGWP, provided they fulfill certain criteria relating to their student status and work hours. Moreover, those awaiting their PGWP can traverse borders with a valid visa or eTA, and work under certain conditions if re-entry is as visitors.

While an Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) might be necessitated for compliance with programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders can typically work in any field listed under ‘Additional Information’. If the ‘Conditions’ or ‘Remarks/Observations’ section specifies an occupation or location, amendments through a new work permit application within Canada are required.

Crucially, the PGWP allows holders to switch employers, an important factor for meeting the Canadian Experience Class requirements, where only skilled work in specific NOC TEER categories is considered. It’s integral to remember that the PGWP is not renewable; it is a singular opportunity permit.

A comprehensive and current understanding of these changes is critical for those planning their Canadian education and subsequent work journey. To follow the latest updates and gain assistance in such matters, interested parties can reach out to the Cohen Immigration Law Firm or similar entities.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit program’s alterations are significant for international graduates, aligning their opportunities with the Canadian labor market. Understanding these changes is key for leveraging the PGWP toward permanent residence and ensuring a smooth transition into the Canadian workforce. For more information email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com