Kalsy Immigration Inc.

Another day, another happy client story. Congratulations to our client on his LMIA approval 🎉🥳

Congratulations to our client on work permit approval 🥳🎉

Congratulations to our clients on LMIA extension 🎉🥳

The Canadian Government is considering changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, potentially linking it to areas of labour shortage. The plan may limit overall access to the program but aims to align PGWP eligibility with labour market demands, improving employment outcomes for international students. Currently, PGWP is open to all international graduates from publicly funded programs without work restrictions. The proposed changes could significantly alter this. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requests feedback on which jobs should qualify for PGWP and whether some student groups should be exempt. The government is also considering requiring a job offer for PGWP holders after one year, along with other potential criteria like language skills.

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Canada has begun to limit the practice of flagpoling at 12 ports of entry. Flagpoling, a legal procedure that enables individuals on temporary residence permits to attain same-day immigration services by exiting and re-entering the country within a 24-hour period, is typically performed at designated locations at land border crossings. Despite its legality, the practice has drawn criticism from Canadian and US entities and is now curtailed at 12 crossing points. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced this measure as an attempt to enhance efficiency during high-traffic periods and allow officers to concentrate on high-priority cases such as trade facilitation, high-risk travellers, and asylum seekers.

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Another Sucess Story.. Huge congratulation to our client on getting his Business visitor visa approved 🎉

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has temporarily paused the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream for any Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted after May 17th, 2024. This pause is necessary for the province to manage this stream's high volume of candidates. The NBPNP recommended that foreign nationals and employers with jobs or job offers in NOC TEERs 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 consider the Atlantic Immigration Program as an alternative. Invitations will still be issued to all eligible French-speaking candidates, as evidenced by TEF or TCF language test results, meeting the NCLC 4 proficiency level in all four language competencies, and with a qualifying job or job offer in a TEER 0,1,2,3 or 4 position. The NBPNP Skilled Worker stream will still accept EOIs, which could lead to an invitation when the program reopens.

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On May 3, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued updated requirements for Express Entry proof of funds for 2024. These updates, which are based on 50% of the low-income cut-off totals, are a regular occurrence. Express Entry candidates in the pool can easily adjust their settlement funds in their profiles to meet the new requirements before May 27, 2024, when the changes take effect. Proof of funds is mandatory for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). However, applicants with a valid job offer and work permit for Canada are exempt from providing proof of funds for FSWP and FSTP. Additionally, candidates in the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category are not required to provide proof of funds. The amount of settlement funds required depends on the number of family members in the applicant's household. Per the IRCC website, acceptable proof of funds includes official letters from banks or financial institutions.

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On May 2, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the government is improving the online processing times tool for applications, including Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominees Program, Federal Skilled Workers, Quebec Skilled Workers, citizenship grants, and spouse or common-law partner living inside or outside Canada, and parents or grandparents. The improved tool offers forward-looking processing times to help applicants predict the timeline for a final decision. The monthly estimates aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information for applicants' travel and life plans. The remaining applications will still use historical processing times based on past data.

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On April 29, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the temporary policy allowing students to work over 20 hours off campus weekly will end on April 30, 2024, without extension. From this fall, students can work 24 hours off campus weekly. This ensures students focus on their studies while having work options as needed. During academic breaks, students can work unlimited hours. This change, developed considering student needs, other countries' policies, and research on academic outcomes, strikes a balance between work and study.

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According to Mark Parsons, chief economist at ATB Financial, Alberta's robust economy is drawing people to the province, primarily due to housing affordability. Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, the province's affordable real estate market has been a major attraction, as emphasized in the "Alberta is Calling" ad campaign. This campaign urged Canadians unable to afford a home in their current location to consider moving to Alberta. However, this population influx has increased housing prices and rent, reducing Alberta's real estate affordability. It has also resulted in a family doctor shortage and overcrowded schools. Despite these challenges, ATB Financial forecasts that Alberta's population growth will continue to outpace other parts of Canada.

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On April 11, 2024, the City of Greater Sudbury held a new round of invitations in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) Program. The city considered 24 candidates in this round, including 20 via the Conventional Stream and four via the Francophone Stream. The minimum score for the Conventional stream was 160, while the cut-off score for Francophone candidates was 155. This year, Sudbury invited a total of 351 applicants. So far, the city has recommended around 740 individuals under the RNIP since the program's launch.

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As of April 10, 2024, the Government of Ontario has introduced an updated Employer Form, now known as the Application for Approval of Employment Position for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) Employer: Job Offer stream applicants. This updated form, identifiable by the version code 2024/04 on the bottom left corner of each page, is mandatory for all new applications to the Employer: Job Offer stream from April 10, 2024, onwards. According to the update, all applications submitted with an older form version will be considered incomplete and returned with a fee refund.

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Congratulations to our clients on getting their application approved

Saskatchewan's study permit applications grew by 25.4 percent to 15,054 in April. It is expected to result in around 7,200 study permits for international students in the upcoming year. Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant stated that international students are vital for economic growth and labour market needs. Saskatchewan has launched an automated attestation letter system using MyCreds, a national platform for official academic documents. Over 1,200 attestation letters have been processed from 11 institutions. New Saskatchewan International Student program applications are on hold until January 2026.

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On April 5, 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, announced the finalized provincial and territorial allocations for study permits in 2024. The cap is set at 485,000 permits, with an expected 20% extension rate. This leads to a revised target of 364,000 approved permits. Considering a 60% approval rate, the application cap is 606,000. Exemptions are given to certain groups, resulting in a final target of 236,000 approved permits, roughly equivalent to 393,000 applications. Allocations were distributed based on each region's population share, with adjustments made to limit growth and support immigration goals. Provinces with lower approval rates received additional allocations. The total allocation is approximately 552,000 applications, expected to yield about 292,000 approved permits, a 28% reduction from 2023.

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"Another satisfied client! 🌟 Thank you for trusting us with your application 😊 Your feedback means a lot to us and your satisfaction is always our priority.

Congratulations to our clients on their Intra company transfer extension 🎉

On March 21, 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced plans to increase domestic draws for transitioning temporary residents to permanent ones in Canada. This suggests a possible return of Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. The last CEC draw was on September 14, 2021, with 2000 CEC applicants invited and a CRS cut-off of 462. Since September 2021, IRCC has shifted from CEC to general, PNP, and Category-based draws. The return of CEC draws may not significantly impact the CRS cut-off due to the trend of general draws.

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The Ontario Government will prioritize study permits for postsecondary programs at public institutions, focusing on high-demand areas such as skilled trades, health, STEM, hospitality, and childcare. The province will exclude career colleges from receiving international student applications and prioritize French-language enrollment. According to the new announcement, the number of study permits for each institution in 2024 cannot exceed those issued in 2023, with the ratio of international permits capped at 55%. All public universities, except Algoma University, and 11 of 24 public colleges will maintain 2023 application levels. The most significant decline will be in public-private college partnerships and Conestoga College.

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Congratulations to our client on getting approved for his PR support based LMIA🎉

On March 21, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced plans to increase "domestic draws" for temporary residents in Canada seeking permanent residency. These draws refer to selection rounds, such as Express Entry programs, where candidates are chosen based on criteria like their Comprehensive Ranking System scores, professional experience, or French language skills. The announcement aims to relieve pressure on critical sectors like housing and healthcare by targeting candidates already residing in Canada. This change may result in more opportunities for temporary residents to secure PR, which is believed to improve immigration outcomes. The move is also a strategy to meet immigration targets without adding new entrants to the economy, alleviating pressure on key support sectors.

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On March 22, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that international graduates of public-private curriculum licensing programs will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits from May 15, 2024, instead of the earlier stated date, September 1, 2024. This means students commencing these programs on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for these permits upon graduation. However, they can still apply for different types of work permits. For instance, graduates can apply for a work permit supported by an employer’s approved labour market impact assessment, particularly for occupations facing a labour shortage in Canada.

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Congratulations to our client on his grandmother's visitor visa approval 🎉

Congratulations to our client on Spousal Open Work Permit Approval 🥳

Starting from February 26, 2024, every new application under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) must include a correctly completed Applicant Consent Form after receiving an invitation to apply or a notification of interest. The form must be up-to-date and signed by the applicant, including the applicant’s spouse and dependents, if applicable. The Provincial Government will return nomination applications as incomplete and refund the application fees if the forms are not filled out correctly. Representatives will not be allowed to sign the form on behalf of the applicants.

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The Government of Prince Edward Island released a population framework and updated immigration programs to match provincial needs. The province has seen consistent population growth, and the new framework and program adjustments aim to sustain this growth.

The province's population growth is due to birth and death rates, migration, and immigration. To alleviate public service and infrastructure pressures, the province will reduce its annual federal immigration nominations by 25% for 2024. The remaining nominations will be redistributed to align with nine provincial sectors, focusing on skilled workers in health care, trades, childcare, and other key industries facing labour shortages. This measure addresses gaps and prepares for future needs while growing a sustainable, skilled workforce.

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Statistics Canada's 2022 Longitudinal Immigration Database reveals trends in immigrant retention rates across Canada.

🔸️Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) saw rising retention rates, while the prairie provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba experienced declines.
🔸️Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta displayed the highest five-year retention rates for newcomers who landed in 2016, exceeding 84%, with Ontario leading at 93.1%.
🔸️Saskatchewan and Manitoba witnessed significant drops in retention rates for those landing between 2012-2016.
🔸️New Brunswick reached its highest five-year retention rate in the Atlantic provinces at 56%, and PEI reported an increase, though it still has the lowest retention rate at 30.9%.
🔸️Newfoundland and Labrador's one-year retention rate rose from 55% in 2016 to 66.4% in 2020. While most newcomers settle in larger provinces due to established immigrant communities, rural regions may struggle to maintain a robust labour force.

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As of February 15, 2024, the Government of Canada implemented changes to the post-graduation work permit program (PGWP). From this date forward, students who have completed a master’s degree program, even under two years, can qualify for a 3-year PGWP, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. However, starting September 1, 2024, students enrolled in curriculum licensing agreement programs will no longer be eligible for a PGWP. In addition, the special measures for distance learning and PGWP validity have been extended until August 31, 2024.

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On February 14, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new occupation-specific Express Entry draw and issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates working in healthcare occupations.

In round #284, the cut-off score was 422 points, nine points fewer than in the previous healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw and the lowest ever since IRCC launched the category. The tie-breaking rule for this round was January 30, 2024, at 02:39:54 UTC. As of February 11, 2024, there were 211,273 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 15,270 ITAs in 6 Express Entry draws.

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