canada | Page 7 of 26 | Bison Immigration Consulting

PGWP Expiring? Alternative Work Permit Pathways for International Graduates

PGWP Expiring? Alternative Work Permit Pathways for Graduates Ineligible for Canada’s PGWP

For international graduates facing the expiration of their Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) or those who are no longer eligible, multiple pathways exist to secure a work permit in Canada. Here, we explore a variety of work permit options:

Free Trade Agreement-Based Permits: These permits cater to nationals from countries with free trade agreements with Canada, such as the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Eligibility depends on specific provisions within each agreement.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permits: Young nationals from countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements may qualify if they are under 35 (or 30, depending on the country). Three types of IEC permits include Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Applicants under TFWP require a job offer backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that confirms the role won’t adversely affect Canada’s labor market.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Offers a route to permanent residency and allows for a work permit if the candidate secures a job offer in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces from designated employers.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Nominees or candidates under PNPs may qualify for work permits with a provincial support letter. Certain temporary measures allow for PNP candidates to obtain work permits, though these are subject to change.
Spousal Open Work Permits: Available to spouses of Canadian post-secondary students or those sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, provided specific conditions are met.

It is essential for graduates to weigh these options against their unique circumstances and consider the varying eligibility criteria.

In conclusion, while the recent changes to PGWP eligibility might initially appear as a setback, these alternative pathways provide ample opportunities for international graduates to work in Canada. Each option comes with its own set of eligibility requirements, making it crucial for applicants to thoroughly research and pursue the best fit for their situation. Exploring these work permits could be a strategic step toward establishing a successful career in Canada.

Please email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com for more information

New Brunswick Suspends Multiple Permanent Residence Pathways

New Brunswick has temporarily halted several of its immigration streams as the allocation quotas for the year have been fulfilled. As of November 15, the following programs are suspended: the New Brunswick Atlantic Immigration Program, the New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot, and the Exploratory Visit Connection under the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative.

New Brunswick Atlantic Immigration Program

Suspended Until: End of Year

The New Brunswick government has announced a pause in accepting and processing Employer Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). However, applications for candidates who have already submitted full Employer Designation applications will continue to be processed. Additionally, individuals who have received an employer-issued Invitation to Apply (ITA) can still proceed to submit their Employer Designation application. Candidates should keep an eye on the province’s official website for updates. The AIP is a pathway designed for skilled workers looking to settle in Atlantic Canada, requiring candidates to have a job offer from a designated employer in the area. Those interested might consider exploring options in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, where the AIP remains active.

New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot

Suspended Until: End of Year

Issuance of new nomination certificates under this pilot has been paused. Candidates with an ITA can still submit their complete nomination application. However, applicants whose 90-day eligibility period expires before nominations resume in January will need to find other immigration pathways. This pilot program caters to international graduates from select one-year and two-year courses leading to careers in key sectors such as education, IT, and healthcare. It is available specifically for graduates from certain private career colleges in New Brunswick not eligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Exploratory Visit Connection under New Brunswick Strategic Initiative

Suspended Until: Further Notice

No new ITAs will be issued under the Exploratory Visit Connection, but current EOIs remain valid for 365 days and may be considered if the stream reopens within that timeframe. EOIs submitted before March 12, 2024, will not be reviewed. This initiative is aimed at French-speaking foreign nationals and involves a mandatory exploratory visit to New Brunswick, requiring a stay of at least five full business days for employment-focused research.

Conclusion

New Brunswick’s decision to pause these programs highlights the importance of monitoring program availability and adapting plans accordingly. Candidates should explore alternative options in surrounding provinces and check back for updates early in 2025.

Please email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com

Manitoba Launches Pilot Pathway to Permanent Residency

On November 15, the Manitoba government introduced an exciting initiative to tackle labour shortages in the rural west-central area of the province. The three-year West Central Immigration Initiative pilot aims to support economic growth by collaborating with seven rural municipalities and the Gambler First Nation community. This initiative reflects Manitoba’s dedication to welcoming newcomers and addressing local demands for skilled workers.

The partnered regions in this initiative are the

– Municipality of Russell-Binscarth
– Rural Municipality of Yellowhead
– Municipality of Roblin
– Rural Municipality of Ellice-Archie
– Rural Municipality of Riding Mountain West
– Rossburn Municipality, Prairie View Municipality, and
– Gambler First Nation.

A recent survey of 85 employers in these areas highlights a need for approximately 240-300 new workers over the next three years. This demand arises from new job opportunities, workforce replacements, retirements, and general growth. Manitoba’s Minister of Labour and Immigration, Malaya Marcelino, emphasized the pilot’s role in aligning with community growth goals and labour market planning while reinforcing the province’s reputation as a hospitable location for skilled workers.

The West Central Immigration Initiative builds upon past successes in Manitoba’s regional immigration efforts. The province has similar programs like those in Winkler-Stanley, Morden, and the Parkland region. Minister Marcelino also hinted at future collaborations with other rural communities in Manitoba to continue this trajectory of proactive regional development.

Immigration pilots like this are unique because they are temporarily designed to address immediate regional or sector-specific labour shortages. They involve cooperation between different levels of government, such as federal, provincial, and local entities. Eligibility for these pilots often varies, with some requiring job offers and others relying on factors like work experience, language proficiency, or educational credence. Such pilots have the potential to be extended into permanent programs if successful. A case in point is the Atlantic Immigration Program, which evolved from the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

In contrast to pilots, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are indefinite and broader in scope. PNPs allow provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on the state’s economic and community requisites rather than specific localized requirements.

In conclusion, the new pilot in Manitoba is a vital step towards addressing labour market gaps while fostering inclusive economic growth. Such initiatives not only benefit local communities by supplying needed skilled workers but also offer international individuals a pathway to enrich their lives in Canada.

For more information please email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com

IRCC’s Growing Backlog and New Reduction Plans for 2025

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been grappling with an ever-increasing backlog of applications, with recent data revealing over a million unprocessed requests. As of September 30, 2024, the backlog soared to 1,097,000 applications, marking a 1.73% increase from August. Despite processing a total of 1,353,600 applications within IRCC’s service standards, progress is slow in curbing the backlog.

IRCC identifies applications as backlogged if they lie beyond their service standards, which dictate suitable processing timelines for each application type. These standards vary per application pathway. For instance, the agency strives to process the majority of Express Entry applications within six months. However, growing demand may make it challenging to maintain these timelines, thereby lengthening processing periods for certain categories.

As of late September, IRCC’s permanent residency inventory stood at 816,000 applications, with 510,800 processed within service standards. The remaining 305,200 applications fell into the backlog. Breakdowns show that 17% of Express Entry applications are delayed, slightly better than the 20% target but higher than the 15% projection. Meanwhile, Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications experienced a 23% backlog, against a 20% projection. The backlog for family sponsorship (spouses, partners, and children outside Quebec) was aligned with the projected 15%.

The temporary resident status backlog is particularly concerning, with 72% of 1,411,700 applications delayed. Study permits alone see a backlog of 36%, while work permits hit 47%.

In attempts to mitigate the backlog, IRCC has introduced several measures following the Immigration Levels Plan announcement on October 24, which outlined reduced targets for permanent resident admissions over the next three years. Interestingly, this plan also marks the first to include temporary resident targets, which could alleviate the current backlog. Moreover, an October Study Permit Pilot Project aims to expedite judicial reviews for rejected study permits, curtailing the review period from 14-18 months to under five months. IRCC is also prioritizing essential workers’ applications and extended post-graduation work permits for master’s graduates from two to three years.

In conclusion, while IRCC grapples with a growing backlog, its multifaceted approach demonstrates a commitment to improving processing times and curbing application delays. These measures, alongside newly set targets, are crucial steps towards achieving streamlined immigration procedures in Canada.

For more information email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com

New Changes to Canadian Study Permit Application Process as IRCC Ends SDS

As of November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially halted the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a decision which immediately affects study permit applications submitted under this method. Additionally, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream for Nigerians seeking study permits is no longer available. All future applications will need to comply with the regular study permit procedure.

Introduced in 2018, the SDS was designed to speed up the permit process for international students from 14 select countries, such as India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Requirements for SDS applicants usually included a language proficiency test and a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD, among other study permit criteria.

The SDS program was known for its higher approval rates and quicker processing times in comparison to the standard process. With its closure, applicants should now anticipate potentially longer processing times, which can vary based on the applicant’s country of origin. For instance, as of November 8, the average processing duration for applications from India is approximately eight weeks.

In recent developments for 2024, Canada’s government has implemented strategies to manage the number of temporary residents, including holders of study and work permits. Over the past year, IRCC has introduced measures such as capping new study permits at 437,000 in 2025, inclusive of master’s and PhD students; revisiting language and study field criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP); and restricting spousal work permits for international students. Additionally, there have been updates to the cost-of-living requirements needed for a Canadian study permit.

These recent changes reflect Canada’s aim to streamline its international student program while balancing workforce needs and the country’s capacity to accommodate international residents. Applicants who were considering the SDS should now adapt to the standard process, planning accordingly to meet IRCC’s criteria for studying in Canada.

If you are considering studying in Canada, it is important to explore all available options and stay abreast of the latest immigration updates to ensure a smooth application process.

For more information please email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com