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Category Archives: Permanent Residence

Mission Ambedkar  /  Blog  /  Permanent Residence
11 Jun 2020
Express Entry Draw: Lowest CRS since 2017 for CEC candidates

Express Entry Draw: Lowest CRS since 2017 for CEC candidates

Categories canada, Canadian Experience, COVID-19, express entry, immigration, immigration news, International Students, IRCC, ITA, News, Permanent Immigration, Permanent Residence, students 0 Comments

A total of 3,559 candidates were invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence in the Express Entry draw which took place on June 11, 2020. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 437 which is the lowest CRS score recorded for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates since 2017. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now issued a total of 46,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA’s) in 2020 through the Express Entry system.

Current cut-off CRS score of 437 is a decrease of 3 points from the previous CEC draw held on May 28, 2020 which had a minimum score of 440. Today’s CEC draw was the second invitation round in 24 hours to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry. Yesterday, IRCC issued 341 ITA’s to Express Entry candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum CRS score for these candidates was 743. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates receive an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is usually sufficient to trigger an invitation to apply (ITA) at the next round of invitations.

Since March 18, 2020, the Government of Canada has held thirteen Express Entry draws and invited provincial nominees and Canadian Experience Class candidates only, which shows the first quarter of the year 2020 has been great for Express Entry besides COVID-19 pandemic. Canada remains on pace to achieve its Express Entry target of 85,800 ITAs in 2020, with 46,000 ITAs so far. Still ahead of the number of ITAs issued at this time last year and the year before.

As per Government of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2020-2022, Canada will welcome 341,000 new permanent residents in 2020, 351,000 in 2021, and 361,000 in 2022.

Express Entry is the application process for skilled workers in Canada or Overseas who want to settle in Canada permanently. Interested Candidates are required to submit an online application to express their interest by creating Express Entry (EE) profile and, providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education and some other details. After submitting the profile, candidates get a score to determine their place in the pool using the point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS system considers skills, work experience, language ability, education and other factors (e.g. having a sibling in Canada, Canadian education or a valid job offer in Canada, etc.) to award points. Highest ranking candidates from Express Entry pool are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Care!

11 Jun 2020
Canada invites 341 PNP candidates in latest express entry (EE) draw

Canada invites 341 PNP candidates in latest express entry (EE) draw

Categories canada, Canadian Experience, COVID-19, express entry, immigration, immigration news, International Students, IRCC, ITA, News, Permanent Immigration, Permanent Residence, PNP, students 0 Comments

A total of 341 candidates who had already received an additional 600 points with a provincial nomination were invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence in the Express Entry draw which took place on June 10, 2020. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 743. Since March 18, 2020, the government of Canada has held thirteen Express Entry draws and invited provincial nominees and Canadian Experience Class candidates only, which shows the first quarter of the year 2020 has been great for Express Entry besides COVID-19 pandemic.

PNPs have been active over the past few weeks, with PNP draws taking place in most Canadian provinces. All the provinces together have issued more than 2000 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination since the start of May.

Express Entry is the application process for skilled workers in Canada or Overseas who want to settle in Canada permanently. Interested Candidates are required to submit an online application to express their interest by creating Express Entry (EE) profile and, providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education and some other details. After submitting the profile, candidates get a score to determine their place in the pool using the point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS system considers skills, work experience, language ability, education and other factors (e.g. having a sibling in Canada, Canadian education or a valid job offer in Canada, etc.) to award points. Highest ranking candidates from Express Entry pool are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

The Provincial Nominee Class (PNC) allows provincial and territorial governments to choose immigrants according to the economic needs of the province or territory. Nine Canadian provinces and two territories have provincial nominee programs which:

  • establish its own standards and processes by which it chooses its nominees,
  • try to nominate those candidates who would be most likely to settle effectively into the economic and social life of the region.

PNC has two (2) steps

  1. First apply to the province or territory where you want to live and be nominated
  2. After a province or territory nominates you, you must apply to IRCC for permanent residence. An IRCC officer will then assess your application based on Canadian immigration rules.

Each participating province and territory have at least one immigration stream that is connected to the Express Entry system and allows it to nominate Express Entry candidates for permanent residence in that province or territory. Express Entry candidates who are nominated by a province or territory receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, moving them to the front of the line for an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Contact us for consultation and assistance!

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Or you may want to be a Canadian Citizen. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Care!

09 Jun 2020
Canada will begin virtual citizenship ceremonies soon

Canada will begin virtual citizenship ceremonies soon

Categories canada, Citizenship, Coronavirus, COVID-19, immigration, immigration news, IRCC, News, Permanent Residence 0 Comments

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) temporarily cancelled all citizenship ceremonies and tests more than two months ago as a part of special measures introduced in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The government stated that these events would be rescheduled “in the near future” but did not provide a date for their re occurrence. However, newcomers to Canada who were about to officially become Canadian citizens and whose ceremonies have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic may soon be able to take the oath of citizenship virtually. The virtual citizenship events would be designed to “protect the integrity of the legal process and reflect the importance of the occasion”.

Benefits of Canadian citizenship

The Canadian passport is among the strongest in the world. There are several advantages of being a Canadian Citizen. Becoming a Canadian citizen comes with benefits and advantages those are not usually available to temporary and permanent residents.

Freedom to travel other countries without visa: For the most part, Canadians can travel anywhere in the world without worrying about visa restrictions. Canada recognizes dual citizenship, so if your country of birth also recognizes dual citizenship, then you may find yourself in the privileged position of holding two passports.

Right to vote and run for political office: Canadian citizenship comes with the right to vote in federal and provincial elections. Canadian citizens may play a vital role in influencing federal and provincial politics. Canadian citizens may hold a political office and represent Canadian constituents on issues like taxes, education and foreign policy.

Not to worry about losing status: Permanent residents must comply with certain residency requirements to maintain the status whereas, Canadians citizens can spend as much time as they like outside of Canada with no immigration and/or Canadian residency requirements and/or consequences. In addition, Canadian citizens will not ordinarily lose citizenship if convicted of a crime, while permanent residents will face deportation if the crime is considered serious enough to merit this consequence.

More job opportunities: Canadian citizens may qualify for certain federal and provincial jobs those require citizenship as well as jobs requiring security clearances. On the other hand, permanent residents may find themselves with employment choices that are limited by their status.

Don’t need to renew the immigration documentation: Permanent Resident cards are valid only for five years. Permanent Resident (PR) cards are required for international travel and may be requested by employers or other government agencies as a proof of permanent resident status. Therefore, permanent residents are in the unenviable position of needing to file a new application for a Permanent Resident Card and pay a new fee every five years. Canadian citizens have no similar obligation. A Citizenship Certificate is valid for indefinitely and Canadian citizens who wish to travel internationally need only renew their passports every ten years.

Citizenship fee set to be waived

An application fee of $530 and a “Right of Citizenship Fee” of $100 are required as part of the application process. However, the currently ruling Liberal Party of Canada has promised to ensure that permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship free of charge.

In order to be eligible for Canadian citizenship the following requirements must be met:

  • Applicants must have Canadian permanent resident status and have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the past five years before applying (unless there are exceptional circumstances). Children under 18 must also have permanent resident status, but do not have to satisfy the three-year requirement.
  • Applicants must be able to speak either one or both of Canada’s two official languages (English or French) well enough to communicate in Canadian society. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 54 must submit proof of language proficiency.
  • Applicants cannot have a criminal history considered prohibitive to granting Canadian citizenship (as decided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC).
  • Applicants must be aware of the rights and responsibilities of citizens and have a basic knowledge of Canada’s geography, political system, and history.
  • Applicants must submit a formal application to IRCC and pay a government processing fee and a right of citizenship fee.

Eligible candidates can apply for Canadian citizenship. Once approved, they will be required to take a citizenship test (for applicants between 18 and 54 only). Successful applicants must then attend a citizenship ceremony where they receive a certificate of Canadian citizenship and officially become new Canadian citizens.

Canadian citizenship will not be granted to applicants who:

  • Do not meet the minimum required residency days in Canada;
  • Cannot speak either English or French;
  • Do not pass their citizenship test and/or interview; or
  • Cannot provide the required proof of residency documentation.

There are also multiple legal and criminality issues that may make you ineligible for Canadian citizenship. If any of the following apply to you, you may not qualify for citizenship:

  • You have had your citizenship taken away within the past five years;
  • You have been convicted of a criminal offence in the past three years;
  • You are in prison, on parole or on probation;
  • You are under removal order from Canada;
  • You are under investigation for or have been convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity.

Check if you are eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship!

Contact us for assessment and more information

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. You may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Or you may want to be a Canadian Citizen. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Care!

 

09 Jun 2020
IRCC policy updates for international students amid Coronavirus pandemic

IRCC policy updates for international students amid Coronavirus pandemic

Categories Biometrics, canada, Canadian Experience, Citizenship, Coronavirus, COVID-19, express entry, immigration, immigration news, International Students, IRCC, IRCC Web Form, News, Permanent Immigration, Permanent Residence, PGWP, Skilled Worker, Spouse, students, Study Permit, TFW, visit, Work Permit 0 Comments

Canada introduced travel restrictions and temporary changes to immigration policy to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) remains committed to serving the needs of international students and other temporary and permanent residents. Summary of important developments related to international students and immigration during the current coronavirus pandemic is as follows:

I have a study permit or work permit that will expire in the coming weeks and I am unable to obtain a new passport or access required documents. Will I be given an extension?

International students in Canada should apply online to renew their permit in order to trigger implied status. This would allow them to continue studying or working in Canada while their application is being processed.In addition, applicants who are unable to access required documents or get their biometrics, must attach a explanatory letter detailing the situation. If the application is incomplete, it will not be refused, and the applicant will be given 90 days to submit their documents.

Will my study permit take longer to be processed with all the service disruptions in place due to COVID-19?

IRCC will still process study permit applications, but there may be some processing delays.

I have had my May intake acceptance deferred to September. Will I need a new Letter of Acceptance?

If you are in Canada at the time of deferral, you must begin your studies within 150 days from the date of deferral, or the following semester, whichever comes first. If this is not possible, you will have to change your status (for example, to a visitor status), or leave Canada.

I have a study permit or have been approved for one, and will start online courses in summer or fall 2020. Will this affect my future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility?

You may begin your classes while outside Canada and complete up to 50% of your program. In this case, you will remain eligible for the PGWP and you will not have any time deducted from the length of your future PGWP, up to December 31, 2020.

I do not have a study permit. Can I still start my studies online from abroad?

Yes! You may start your studies online from abroad without having a study permit. However, in relation to your studies contributing to your future PGWP eligibility, you would need a study permit or a study permit approval.

If I am starting my courses online, do I have to be a full-time student to maintain future PGWP eligibility?

Yes! You are expected to study full-time unless your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is currently unable to offer full-time study.

I am a new graduate with implied status awaiting a decision for my PGWP application. I also have a job offer letter. Will I be allowed to come to Canada?

If your study permit is no longer valid, you will need to have a Letter of Introduction to be exempt from the travel restrictions. A Letter of Introduction is the letter you receive from IRCC once you have been approved for the PGWP.

What would be the impact to my PGWP eligibility if my courses moved online and will now account to more than 50% of my overall study?

If you were already in Canada and your course or program has moved online due to COVID-19, you may still be eligible for the PGWP, even if your online study now accounts for more than 50% of your overall study.

If I start my studies online from abroad without an approved study permit, will this time be included towards a future PGWP application?

No! Time spent studying online from abroad without a valid study permit or approval will not count towards your eligibility for PGWP.

I am an international student and I have accessed the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Will I still be eligible to apply for PGWP or Permanent Residence (PR)?

If you have accessed CERB, this will not affect your eligibility for PGWP or PR.

My son, daughter or dependent is a minor with a valid study permit. Am I allowed to come to Canada?

Immediate family members of residents who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents are exempt from the travel restrictions and may be able to come to Canada. However, before coming to Canada, you must first obtain authorization from IRCC to be able to board a flight. To do this, submit a request by sending an email to: IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In addition, if you do not already have a temporary visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you will first need to apply for one.

Can I work full-time if my semester is suspended?

A suspended semester is not considered a scheduled break. Therefore, you will only be able to work the same number of authorized hours detailed on your study permit.

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Care!

05 Jun 2020
BC-PNP-EXTENDS-THE-TECH-PILOT-TO-2021

BC PNP extends the tech pilot to 2021

Categories BC PNP Tech Pilot, bcpnp, canada, express entry, immigration, immigration news, International Students, IRCC, News, Permanent Immigration, Permanent Residence, Skilled Worker 0 Comments

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech Pilot has been extended for another year, until June 2021, to provide B.C. tech employers with the continued ability to recruit and retain international talent when local skilled workers are unavailable. The Pilot will continue with the existing criteria that allows tech workers with eligible job offers in one of 29 tech occupations to continue to apply to the BC PNP to become permanent residents.

BC PNP Tech Pilot

The BC Provincial Nominee Program Tech Pilot offers an expedited immigration pathway for people with tech skills applying to be permanent Canadian residents who will contribute to B.C.’s shared prosperity. B.C. is developing the highest quality local talent by introducing students to tech earlier, expanding tech training and education in post-secondary institutions and creating work experience opportunities. Beyond accessing the skills and talent of B.C. workers, companies need to be able to attract skilled workers from around the world. Tech entrepreneurs and skilled workers from other countries can help grow B.C.’s technology sector, leading to more jobs for British Columbians.

In support of these priorities, the Tech Pilot has supported over 4,200 tech workers to be nominated for permanent residence since its launch in May 2017. The pilot helps ensure the technology sector can attract and retain the talent it needs to sustain and grow the sector further. The BC PNP Tech Pilot helps employers address their talent needs by providing a fast-tracked, permanent immigration pathway for in-demand foreign workers and international students.

BC PNP Tech Pilot Features

The BC PNP Tech Pilot key features are based on service, timeliness, prioritization, and engagement in response to the needs of the industry:

  • Service: A dedicated BC PNP concierge for tech employers provides tailored information and navigation assistance for immigration programs and processes.
  • Timeliness: Weekly invitations to apply are issued to qualified skilled tech workers, minimizing the wait for employers and their prospective employees.
  • Prioritization: Tech applications are prioritized during processing to meet the sector’s fast-paced demands.
  • Engagement: Continuous support is provided to tech sector employers through proactive engagement activities and participation at key industry events.

Eligible Tech Pilot occupations

The complete list of the 29 in-demand tech occupations can be downloaded from here. Technology companies hiring for occupations that are not eligible for the BC PNP Tech Pilot are still able to connect with the concierge service regarding their specific needs.

Tech Pilot job offers

If your employee applies with a valid job offer under one of the 29 eligible occupations, their job offer must be for at least one year (365 days), and the job offer must have at least 120 days remaining at the time of application to the BC PNP.

BC PNP Tech Pilot process

Weekly invitations

BC PNP issue weekly invitations to qualified registrants who have valid job offers in the 29 key technology occupations. The free registration process includes providing information about your company as the supporting B.C. employer. In order to be issued an invitation to apply, both you and your employee must meet all program requirements at the time of registration. Meeting program requirements does not guarantee that your employee will be invited to apply.

Priority processing

The Government prioritize applications in the 29 key technology occupations. Once your employee submits a complete application, their file will be assigned within the next business day to a dedicated Tech Pilot processing team. Processing times for 80% of BC PNP applications is 2-3 months from receipt. Tech Pilot applications are typically processed in shorter timeframes.

Engagement and outreach

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness will continue to proactively support technology employers and industry stakeholders. Staff conduct outreach activities and provide individualized services to employers. These BC PNP Tech Pilot services are in addition to the benefits that are available to all users of our program, such as:

  • pathways that don’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
  • work permit support letters for nominees so they can apply for a new work permit or renew their current work permit and continue to work throughout the permanent residence process with the federal government
  • client support services through email and phone

BC PNP concierge services

If you are an employer in B.C.’s technology sector and have more questions, please contact the BC PNP concierge: PNPTechEmployers@gov.bc.ca

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Care!

 

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