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British Columbia and Manitoba Issue Invitations to PNP Candidates

In recent immigration events, the provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba have extended exclusive invitations through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to candidates looking to settle within their borders. Provincial Nominee Programs serve as the provinces’ vehicle for attracting immigrants that match specific economic and labor market needs, operating under the shared jurisdiction of immigration matters between the federal government and provincial administrations.

Each year, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) establishes the Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines the admission of new permanent residents. In 2024, the plan has pegged the number for PNP admissions at a robust 110,000. Accordingly, the IRCC delegates a certain allocation to each participating province for them to nominate immigrants who they believe will contribute positively to their economies.

For the period spanning June 29 to July 5, 2024, British Columbia issued invites to over 72 prospects under its BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). The invitations, directed at skilled workers and international graduates, were dispersed across various sectors. Tech workers were notably the largest group with 36 invitations, requiring a minimum score of 122 in the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) – a scoring methodology akin to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) but exclusive to BC PNP. Childcare (14 invites, 95 minimum score), construction (13 invites, minimum of 98), healthcare (9 invites, 106 minimum score), and veterinary care domains (under 5 invites, 80 minimum score) were also represented in the draw.

Simultaneously, Manitoba conducted its own PNP draw on July 4, extending 126 letters of advice to candidates across two streams within the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Of these, 85 went to International Education stream affiliates, while 41 landed with Skilled Workers Overseas – the latter needing to meet a minimum score of 709 as part of the province’s Strategic Recruitment Initiatives.

These recent PNP draws signify the commitment of these provinces to tailor their immigration policies to the needs of their economies, seeking out the skills and experiences most in demand. For candidates around the world, these programs represent vital pathways to fulfilling their Canadian immigration aspirations.

The latest PNP draws in British Columbia and Manitoba illustrate ongoing efforts to attract skilled immigrants, fostering provincial economic growth and addressing specific labor shortages. As Canada continues its tradition of welcoming immigrants, individuals keen on immigration should keep abreited of such opportunities, exploring various provincial programs that could serve as gateways to their Canadian dream.

For more information email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com

New Provincial Nominee Program Pathway for Law Enforcement Careers

The province of Alberta announced the inception of a cutting-edge pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) specifically designed for law enforcement professionals. This initiative, a key part of the 11 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada, is crafting a permanent residency (PR) route aiming to bolster Alberta’s police services. The introduction of this stream is in response to the significant reduction in local interest in policing careers. Consequently, this strategic PNP segment is intended to fortify recruitment efforts for public safety and to proactively mitigate crime in Alberta.

Scheduled to begin accepting applicants this year, the launch date remains to be established. The new law enforcement pathway will assign 50 Provincial Nominee Program nominations for the year, and it aligns with the Express Entry system. Thus, candidates must satisfy the comprehensive requirements of the Express Entry program to qualify for PR status.

Eligibility is clearly defined by the AAIP. Candidates are required to obtain a valid job offer from an employer who holds membership within the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP). Additionally, candidates must fulfill the rest of the criteria set forth by the Express Entry system. Suitable occupations that may benefit from this pathway include both commissioned and non-comissioned police officers, those in related public protection services, police investigators and various specialized law enforcement positions.

The AAIP serves as a robust economic immigration mechanism, allowing the Government of Alberta the capacity to handpick and nominate candidates for PR, mainly based on their ability to mitigate the province’s labour market shortages and demographic needs. The program includes various avenues tailored to individuals who can meet these provincial demands, encompassing streams like the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Accelerated Tech Pathway, among others.

Each stream of the AAIP has specific criteria for eligibility. Some provincial nominee program streams also necessitate an existing provincial connection, such as having a job offer, familial connections, or an educational history within Alberta. Due to high demand, Alberta has recently implemented new guidelines for application submission to streamline processing times. These modifications affect the Alberta Opportunity Steam, Rural Renewal Stream, and Accelerated Tech Pathway, capping monthly application acceptances.

Conclusion:

Alberta’s latest initiative through the AAIP enriches its commitment to public safety by welcoming and integrating vital law enforcement professionals into its community fabric. Potential candidates with the requisite skillset and desire to contribute to Alberta’s protection services are encouraged to explore this new avenue for achieving their immigration goals. Interested individuals are invited to seek additional information to take the first steps towards their Canadian immigration journey.

For more information email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com

Master the IELTS Listening Test with These 8 Essential Tips

If you’re on the path to sit for the IELTS exam, honing in on the listening component is crucial for your success. Often overshadowed by the speaking section, the listening part of the test can significantly impact your results. To guide you along, the IELTS authorities have distilled eight impactful tips that have proven successful for a multitude of test-takers, helping them shed their nervousness, boost their self-assurance, and ultimately, achieve their target scores.

Regular Engagement with English Listening Activities:
Consistent exposure to English through various mediums such as radio, podcasts, television, and films is the cornerstone of effective listening practice. Engage your mind and make a habit of absorbing the language, allowing for the development of neural connections integral to comprehension.
Vigilant Listening During the Test:
During your IELTS test, focus is key. With each audio snippet playing just once, it is imperative to listen intently. Read instructions carefully to understand the specifics of when the audio will initiate and the expectations post-playback.
Mastering the Art of Notetaking:
It’s challenging to retain all details from auditory information, especially under exam conditions. Taking concise notes becomes vital. Familiarize yourself with shorthand techniques and practice these during everyday listening opportunities.
Stay Calm and Keep Listening:
Fretting over missed words or sentences can obstruct overall understanding. Mental composure ensures that you grasp the main points, so even if you stumble, continue with your note-taking without losing focus on subsequent information.
Proceeding to the Next Question:
Time management is essential in certain parts of the IELTS Listening Test. If you come across a particularly puzzling question, don’t hesitate to move on. Time permitting, you can revisit any question before the section concludes.
Embrace Educated Guessing:
Answer every question, as there are no deductions for incorrect answers. Eliminate obviously incorrect choices to improve your odds when guessing.
Clock Watching:
The test interface includes a timer; make it a point to check it periodically. Efficient time distribution is necessary to address all questions comfortably within the time constraints.
Review Before Submission:
Always verify that you have selected an answer before advancing. In certain test segments where returning to a question isn’t possible, this becomes even more critical.

Conclusion:
Keep in mind that you are not alone in this journey toward your IELTS goals. For additional guidance and resources including free webinars, practice exams, and expert tips, make sure to explore the preparation resources on the IELTS website. Armed with these strategies and resources, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the listening component of the IELTS Test.

Express Entry Draw on July 2 2024

In the latest update from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a new Express Entry draw was conducted, resulting in invitations for 920 applicants via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To qualify for consideration, individuals needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 739. Those who wish to migrate to Canada can evaluate their qualifications for Express Entry without cost.

This newest invite follows a series of three prior draws targeting specific programs in the past month, with the most recent on June 19, inviting 1,499 PNP nominees who required a minimum CRS score of 663. Additionally, a draw on May 30 welcomed 2,985 candidates, marking the first program-specific draw since May 10, 2023. A separate draw included 3,000 individuals from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on May 31.

Program-specific draws focus on candidates in the Express Entry pool who are applying through channels like the CEC, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). PNP-only draws, in particular, are for candidates who have obtained a nomination through an Express Entry aligned PNP stream, also known as enhanced nomination.

IRCC has been focusing on normalizing the high numbers of temporary residents in the country since January. By offering more pathways for permanent residency (PR) to those in Canada with work or study permits, or visitor visas, IRCC aims to convert these temporary residents into permanent ones. This strategy is not only to hit the yearly “Federal High Skilled Workers” targets set in the Immigration Levels Plan but also to diminish the overall count of temporary residents within Canada.

Express Entry serves as the application management system that debuted in 2015, aiming to streamline the application procedure for hopeful migrants with sought-after skills or attributes for the Canadian labour force. The system processes applications from the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC efficiently. Candidates are evaluated on various human capital facets including age, experience, language skills, and occupation, which are then synthesized into a CRS score. A higher CRS score augments the chances of receiving an ITA.

Furthermore, category-based selection introduced last year identifies prospects with specific in-demand skills, like healthcare, STEM, trade, and transport occupations, along with agriculture, agri-food, and French-language proficiency. Such draws, unlike program-specific ones, often present opportunities to those with CRS scores lower than the general draw average.

IRCC’s continued efforts to manage immigration effectively are evident in their recent Express Entry draws, with a particular emphasis on the PNP and CEC pathways. These initiatives aim to streamline the process for skilled workers and temporary residents to become permanent residents, supporting Canada’s workforce needs while also managing the population of temporary residents in the country. Those interested in Canadian immigration are encouraged to stay informed and assess their eligibility for upcoming Express Entry draws.

Provincial Nominee Program Draws Announced in 4 provinces

The recent rounds of selections through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have seen a flurry of activity, with four of Canada’s provinces—British U.S, Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta—extending invitations to a diverse pool of candidates. These invitations are an important step for individuals aiming for permanent residency in Canada, with each province having its own set of selection criteria designed to fulfill its unique labor market requirements.

The British Columbia PNP conducted draws through various streams targeting skilled workers, international graduates, and semi-skilled workers. Invitations spanned multiple categories, with a notable draw on June 25th resulting in 35 invitations across five streams. Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, including candidates under the Express Entry-aligned sub-streams, saw an additional draw the same day, directing ITAs to individuals with experience in in-demand occupations.

Moving to the prairies, Manitoba’s PNP (MPNP) rounds on June 21st and June 25th collectively issued invitations to 413 hopeful candidates. The Skilled Worker Overseas and International Education Stream featured prominently, with specific occupation-related criteria playing a crucial role in the selection process. Noteworthy is the emphasis on healthcare occupations, reflecting a robust demand for healthcare professionals within the province.

In the French-speaking province of Quebec, the Minister of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) extended invitations to 1,470 candidates under its provincial nominee program on June 17th. Proficiency in French and the attainment of specific score benchmarks were central to the invitations, with opportunities available for those with or without job offers outside Montreal.

Highlighting the demand for healthcare professionals, Alberta’s latest draw in the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), aligned with the Express Entry system, focused on healthcare candidates with a job offer in the province. With a modest minimum score requirement, 73 candidates received notifications of interest through the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway on June 18th.

The PNPs’ continuous activity underscores the commitment of Canadian provinces to attract skilled individuals contributing to their economic and cultural fabric. Explore eligibility for Canadian immigration and stay updated with the latest news and insights in the field of Canadian immigration.

In conclusion, the recent PNP draws underscore Canada’s dynamic immigration landscape, prioritizing a range of skills and experiences to support growth and labor needs. Candidates are encouraged to assess their eligibility and stay abreast of ongoing updates to capitalize on opportunities within Canada’s diverse provinces.