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asylum seekers and refugees in 2023

Ottawa will spend $1Billion on asylum seekers and refugees in 2023

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Funding for accommodations and temporary healthcare coverage for asylum seekers and refugees in 2023 will increase significantly. It is anticipated that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will spend one billion dollars in the upcoming fiscal year, including $530 million, to provide asylum seekers with short-term accommodations.  In addition, the government has announced a new plan to spend $469 million on temporary health insurance for asylum-seekers and refugees. Since 2017, IRCC has provided $551.6 million to the provinces and municipalities through its Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) to reduce pressures on asylum-related housing issues. Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) The boost in spending on accommodation and healthcare for asylum seekers and refugees came only three days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden signed the most recent Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), which was done to close a loophole that had previously allowed migrants to enter Canada along its nearly 8,900 km border with America without authorization. After talks at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles in June of last year, Trudeau and the American president reached a deal. Canada made a commitment at the time to accept 4,000 more immigrants annually by 2028. Any migrants trying to get into Canada illegally will be returned back to the United States, according to the most recent STCA agreement signed between the two countries. Once there, individuals can legally ask for asylum in Canada. STCA exceptions for asylum seekers and refugees in 2023 If you tried for asylum (refugee status) and did not qualify for an exception set out in the Agreement, you will be sent back to the United States. The STCA has a number of exceptions that take into consideration family unity, the best interests of children, and the public interest.  Four types of exceptions include:        Family member exceptions Unaccompanied minors exception Document holder exceptions Public interest exceptions A refugee claimant must still meet all other eligibility criteria established by Canada’s immigration laws, even if they fall under one of these exceptions.   39,000 immigrants entered Canada via Roxham Road last year The STCA, which was first signed in 2004, only applied that policy to legitimate border crossings, allowing migrants to freely enter Canada through unofficial crossings like Roxham Road and stay there while they wait for hearings or decisions on their cases. According to reports, 39,000 migrants entered Canada illegally across Roxham Road last year. That wave of unauthorized immigrants seems to have halted due to the new STCA.    Also, read; The new Canada-U.S. border deal will cost Canadian taxpayers at least this much   Want to know more details about “Ottawa will spend $1Billion on asylum seekers and refugees in 2023” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associate

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Agri-Food Pilot Program extension

IRCC announced the Agri-Food Pilot Program extension

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On May 8, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the Agri-Food Pilot Program extension until May 14, 2025. The annual occupational caps have also been removed to allow more candidates to apply.  Changes to the pilot will be introduced in stages by the end of the year, which include: expanding open work permit access to family members of all participants,  allowing unions to attest to a candidate’s work experience,  providing an option for applicants to meet job offers or education requirements, and accepting work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers.   The government is aware of the importance of strengthening the labor market needs of the agri-food industry and connecting Canada’s food supply system. The ability of Canadian farmers and food processors to hire and retain a qualified workforce is a key component in their success. Sean Fraser, the minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, said about this measure: “In order for planting, harvesting, and food processing activities to continue throughout the year, our farmers and food processors depend on the regular entrance of foreign workers. They need our continuous support in order to attract and keep these talented workers. We can be confident that our food security, economy, and living standards for Canadians across the country will continue to grow and prosper as long as we extend the Agri-Food Pilot and help these sectors find the workers they need.”    Eligibility Requirements for Agri-food Pilot Program The following eligibility requirements must be met by applicants in order to be eligible for the Agri-food pilot program: Work experience: 12 months of full-time, continuous employment in a Canadian occupation that qualifies under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, such as processing meat products, caring for livestock, growing mushrooms, or managing greenhouse vegetables; Job Offer: Have a full-time, permanent work offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries or occupations outside of Quebec; Language: English or French proficiency at the Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 is necessary; Education: High school diploma or its equivalent in Canada.   What is the Agri-food Pilot Program? For agricultural workers in Canada, the Agri-Food pilot program offers a path to permanent residence. Workers have had to rely on temporary, seasonal work permits to find employment in recent years due to shortages of labor in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industries.  By providing a path to Canadian permanent residence that allows workers and their families to stay and work in Canada for as long as they like, the pilot program aims to bring in and attract individuals.     Want to know more details about “IRCC announced the Agri-Food Pilot Program extension” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Immigration is expected to increase

Immigration is expected to increase Canada’s population to 40 million in June 2023

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According to recent statistics, Immigration is expected to increase Canada’s population is expected to reach 40 million in June 2023. This growth is mainly attributed to the influx of immigrants into the country. Canada has been welcoming thousands of immigrants annually, with a target of admitting over 500,000 annually by 2025.  The Canadian government has implemented policies and programs to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs worldwide. These efforts have attracted a diverse pool of immigrants to Canada, contributing to the country’s economic growth and cultural diversity. The population of Canada increased by over one million people for the first time in a 12-month period, indicating the greatest annual population growth rate (+2.7%) since records began in 1957 (+3.3%). Canada continues to dominate the G7 countries in population growth in 2022, and as well in 2023. From October 1 and December 31, 2022, the population of Canada increased by 273,893 (+0.7%), making it the fourth quarter of 2022. Last week, Canada’s chief statistician, Anil Arora, took the number as his starting point on stage to show Canada’s growing society. By historical standards and in comparison to the rest of the world, Canada’s population is growing comparatively quickly, and nearly all of that growth is due to immigration. It’s also significant to remember that thousands of Canadians leave the nation every year, either permanently or temporarily. A “population clock” created by Statistics Canada allows you to see it happen in real-time. It indicates that a few thousand people enter Canada daily, mostly as immigrants or temporary residents. And since the GTA is the center of the country’s vibrant and dynamic diversity, what is true for the entire country is even more true for the GTA. Arora noted in the esteemed, yearly Manion address to public officials that the consequences are broad and profound, particularly for the economy. Honourable Sean Fraser, the minister of immigration, is traveling across the country with his team in search of innovative strategies for the future, feasible short-term solutions, and immediate solutions to bring to his cabinet colleagues. Also Read: OTTAWA ANNOUNCED $65 MILLION IN FUNDING TO IMPROVE SETTLEMENT  SERVICES   The Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2023 to 2025 Canada’s 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan was announced by Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. In order to manage the social and economic challenges Canada will confront in the next decades, the plan supports immigration as a strategy to help businesses attract workers and to attract the skills needed in important areas, including health care, skilled trades, manufacturing, and technology. The most immigrants Canada has ever received in a single year were almost 405,000 last year. With targets of 465,000 permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025, the government continues to pursue this ambition. The plan also places a greater priority on attracting immigrants to different parts of the country, particularly rural and small-town regions. We regularly share updated immigration news, want to keep updated, add the latest immigration news in your feed: https://immigrationmatters.info/feed    Want to know more details about “Immigration is expected to increase Canada’s population to 40 million in June 2023” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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replace retiring farmers

Canada will require 30,000 immigrants to replace retiring farmers

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The Canadian farming industry is facing a significant challenge – approximately 40% of farmers in Canada are expected to retire within the next ten years and Canada will require to replace retiring farmers, with 66 percent of them needing a succession plan. This means the country will soon face a shortage of farmers, which could seriously impact the economy and food security in the long run.  To address this challenge, a proposal has been made to update Canada’s immigration programs and allow 30,000 new immigrants to focus on farming. The agriculture industry is also expected to see a decrease of 24,000 workers engaged in farming, nursery, and greenhouse activities.   Despite having one of the most diverse agricultural industries in the world, each region and operation has a drastically different level of demand for foreign labor. Higher-skilled farm operators from countries like India, the Netherlands, China, the US, and the UK have long been welcomed in Canada. The Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) program, which remains a crucial source of low-skilled labor, is just a short-term solution to a persistent challenge, the report stated, therefore new rules are required in the case of immigration of low-skilled migrants.   Co-author of the report and director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, Evan Fraser, Said; “We’re talking about completely new types of agriculture, such as the explosion of the greenhouse industry and the emergence of the vertical farming industry.” According to a CBC News report, Canada started an agriculture-specific immigration pilot program in 2020 to provide non-seasonal workers with expertise with a road to permanent residency. The initiative will end in May 2023. In the province of Ottawa, more than 1,500 individuals had been admitted as of February 2023.   Canada Agri-food Pilot Program (AFP) The Agri-food Pilot Program Program (AFP) is an economic pilot program created to help fill the labor shortage in the Canadian agri-food sector, particularly in the year-round production of mushrooms and greenhouse crops, meat processing, and livestock raising, as well as to draw in experienced, non-seasonal workers who can settle in Canada.  To be eligible to apply for the AFP Program, foreign nationals must have a job offer in a qualifying occupation and industry combination and also meet the minimum requirements for language ability, education, work experience, immigration status (if applicable), and settlement funds (if required).   Agri-Food Immigration Pilot: Eligibility Requirements To be taken into consideration for Canadian permanent residency under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFP), applicants must satisfy the following requirements. 12 months of non-seasonal, full-time employment in Canada in one of the approved occupations under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. a level 4 in either English or French on the Canadian Language Benchmark. the equivalent of a high school degree or greater. an indeterminate job offer for full-time, non-seasonal work in Canada, outside of Quebec, at or above the prevailing wage. We can help you if you want to be a farm owner or looking to immigrate to Canada as a farm worker.    Want to know more details about “Canada will require 30,000 immigrants to replace retiring farmers” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Sponsorship Agreement Holders SAHs

Ottawa increased opportunities for Sponsorship Agreement Holders SAHs

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Ottawa increased opportunities for Sponsorship Agreement Holders SAHsn February 17, 2023, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced that the number of refugees that sponsorship agreement holders (SAHs) have increased to 13,500 in 2023. Since introducing a cap in 2012, this figure has skyrocketed tenfold, with 12,150 additional spaces for SAHs.  With the additional cap spaces, new SAHs can get their operations up and running while existing organizations can further expand. SAHs cover all aspects of a sponsorship project, from identifying refugees in need to submitting applications on their behalf and providing them with essential support when they arrive.   Opportunities for Sponsorship Agreement Holders SAHs The Government-Assisted Refugee Program (GAR) and the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program, Canada’s other two resettlement programs, are strengthened by the PSR Program. They are one of the many ways Canada is striving to meet its target of admitting more than 83,500 privately sponsored refugees by 2025. Collectively, they assist Canada in receiving more refugees each year than the Government of Canada could settle alone. – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship  “Our government is raising the maximum number of refugees that sponsorship agreement holders may support to 13,500, a 10-fold increase from the cap’s initial implementation in 2012. The news made today will help these community organizations continue their crucial job of assisting refugees from all across the world in settling in Canada. I want to express my gratitude to our partners for continuing to support our program. We appreciate what you do because your effort reflects Canadians‘ kindness.”   The PSR and BVOR programs in Canada The PSR and BVOR programs in Canada serve as role models for other nations. Canada promotes and supports the implementation and growth of community sponsorship programs designed to meet local needs through its involvement in the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI). Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, and most recently the United States have all benefited from GRSI funding for the development of programs. By using the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program, you can connect with a refugee who needs to be resettled in Canada immediately. This special collaboration between the Canadian government and local citizens has the potential to assist in bringing 1000 more refugees to safety in Canada each year! The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program A ground-breaking scheme for resettling refugees in Canada is the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program. Citizens and permanent residents of Canada are able to help in the resettlement of refugees from other countries through the PSR program. Citizens and residents who are members of organizations, associations, and groups may sponsor refugees abroad in any of the following ways: A Group of Five  A Community Sponsor A Sponsorship Agreement Holder Instead of utilizing government finances, the PSR system makes use of the desire and resources of religious organizations, ethnic and racial communities, families, and other charity causes. Typically, these groups and organizations raise money or utilize their own resources to help the sponsored person or family for the duration of their first year in Canada.  Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)  Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) is a program that accepts contributions. Income support and help with a variety of immediate required services are its two main parts. For the first 4-6 weeks of a newcomer’s arrival in Canada, Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) provide immediate and critical services. Included in activities are the following: engaging with foreigners at the airport or their final location in Canada offering temporary housing aiding in obtaining permanent housing, offering a basic orientation to Canada, life skills training, and financial orientation, and referring to further settlement programs   Want to know more details about “Ottawa increased opportunities for Sponsorship Agreement Holders” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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Canadian businesses increase average wages to attract more workers due to the severe labor shortages, Canadian employers offer higher wages to employees to attract more workers. In 2022, average wages increased by 3.4 percent to hit $1,173.90 weekly. With the labor market in Canada being so competitive, foreign nationals have a unique chance to seize this opportunity and gain permanent residency through the numerous economic immigration programs.  According to the latest update from Statistics Canada, job vacancies stayed high in December, with overall job vacancies at 848,800. While the number of job vacancies in transportation, warehousing, finance, and insurance declined, healthcare and social assistance experienced a surge in open positions. Canadian businesses increase average wages in the following sectors: Industries that produce products and services Health care and social assistance Finance and insurance Construction  Payroll Employment in Goods and Service producing sectors: In December, the services-producing sector increased payroll employment by 72,400 (+0.5%). Payroll employment in the goods sector increased by 13,600 (+0.4%),  Health care and social assistance payroll employment increase:  Health care and social assistance payroll employment increased by 26,500 (+1.2%) in December. This was the fourth consecutive month of increase. Seven provinces increase in payroll employment in this industry in December 2022, with Quebec (+8,800; +1.7%), Ontario (+5,600; +0.7%), British Columbia (+4,600; +1.5%), and Alberta (+3,800; +1.6%) taking the lead. There was a small decline in Newfoundland and Labrador (-100; -0.3%). General medical and surgical hospitals have seen the biggest rise (+6,900; +1.2%), followed by outpatient care centers (+3,700; +2.3%), and individual and family services (+3,100; +1.7%). These three industries made up about 40% of total payroll employment in the sector. Payroll employment in the finance and insurance sector:  With continued month-over-month growth in the industry, payroll employment in the finance and insurance sector increased by 13,800 (+1.7%) in December, capping off 2022. Payroll employment in the industry increased on a yearly basis by 59,000 (+7.6%) in December. Gains from month to month were centered in Ontario (+6,700; +1.7%) and Quebec (+4,800; +2.8%) in December. On a national level, payroll employment increased in 7 out of the 11 industries in the sector in December, with insurance carriers (+4,100; +2.6%), agencies, brokerages, and other insurance-related businesses (+2,400; +2.5%), and intermediation and brokerage of securities and commodity contracts (+2,100; 4.0%) leading the way. Increases construction payroll employment: Construction payroll employment rose for the fourth straight month in December (+11,500; +1.0%), bringing the year-to-date increases to 40,600 (+3.6%) since September. Alberta (+2,500; +1.4%) and Ontario (+4,800; +1.2%) registered the biggest monthly gains in construction in December. Highway, street, and bridge construction (+2,700; +4.9%), foundation, structure, and building contractors (+2,600; +1.9%), and building machinery contractors (+2,100; +0.7%) all led to the sector's monthly gains nationally. The only sector to experience a month-over-month decline in December was residential building construction (-2,400; -1.4%), which coincided with a 2.1% decline in residential building investments during the same month. Average wages increased by 3.4% Average weekly wages increased by 3.4% to $1,174 in December on an annual basis, which is less than the 4.0% growth recorded in November. The largest proportional increase in average weekly earnings was reported in the: Newfoundland and Labrador (+6.7%, to $1,177), New Brunswick (+4.6%, to $1,078) and Quebec (+4.5%, to $1,130).    Job vacancies up in health care and social assistance  In December, there were 149,800 job vacancies in the health care and social assistance sectors, an increase of 18,200 (+13.8%) that more than recorded for the drop in November (-19,400; -12.8%). Since the start of the pandemic, job openings in the sector have more than doubled, accounted 17.7% of all vacancies in December, up from 13.6% in February 2020. From February 2020 to December 2022, payroll employment in social assistance and health care increased as well, but at a much slower rate. As a consequence, the sector's job vacancy rate increased from 3.5% in February 2020 to 6.2% in December, which was the third-highest of all sectors. 5 top sectors for job vacancies  Job vacancies held steady in 14 sectors in December, including 5 sectors that together accounted for nearly half (49.0%) of all vacancies in the month: accommodation and food services (108,800 job vacancies); retail trade (100,200); construction (77,400); manufacturing (71,700); and professional, scientific, and technical services (58,100). Want to know more details about “Canadian businesses increase average wages to attract more workers” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

Canadian businesses increase average wages to attract more workers

Uncategorized, Work in Canada /

Canadian businesses increase average wages to attract more workers due to the severe labor shortages, Canadian employers offer higher wages to employees to attract more workers. In 2022, average wages increased by 3.4 percent to hit $1,173.90 weekly. With the labor market in Canada being so competitive, foreign nationals have a unique chance to seize this opportunity and gain permanent residency through the numerous economic immigration programs.  According to the latest update from Statistics Canada, job vacancies stayed high in December, with overall job vacancies at 848,800. While the number of job vacancies in transportation, warehousing, finance, and insurance declined, healthcare and social assistance experienced a surge in open positions.   Canadian businesses increase average wages in the following sectors: Industries that produce products and services Health care and social assistance Finance and insurance Construction    Payroll Employment in Goods and Service producing sectors: In December, the services-producing sector increased payroll employment by 72,400 (+0.5%). Payroll employment in the goods sector increased by 13,600 (+0.4%),    Health care and social assistance payroll employment increase:  Health care and social assistance payroll employment increased by 26,500 (+1.2%) in December. This was the fourth consecutive month of increase. Seven provinces increase in payroll employment in this industry in December 2022, with Quebec (+8,800; +1.7%), Ontario (+5,600; +0.7%), British Columbia (+4,600; +1.5%), and Alberta (+3,800; +1.6%) taking the lead. There was a small decline in Newfoundland and Labrador (-100; -0.3%). General medical and surgical hospitals have seen the biggest rise (+6,900; +1.2%), followed by outpatient care centers (+3,700; +2.3%), and individual and family services (+3,100; +1.7%). These three industries made up about 40% of total payroll employment in the sector.   Payroll employment in the finance and insurance sector:  With continued month-over-month growth in the industry, payroll employment in the finance and insurance sector increased by 13,800 (+1.7%) in December, capping off 2022. Payroll employment in the industry increased on a yearly basis by 59,000 (+7.6%) in December. Gains from month to month were centered in Ontario (+6,700; +1.7%) and Quebec (+4,800; +2.8%) in December. On a national level, payroll employment increased in 7 out of the 11 industries in the sector in December, with insurance carriers (+4,100; +2.6%), agencies, brokerages, and other insurance-related businesses (+2,400; +2.5%), and intermediation and brokerage of securities and commodity contracts (+2,100; 4.0%) leading the way.   Increases construction payroll employment: Construction payroll employment rose for the fourth straight month in December (+11,500; +1.0%), bringing the year-to-date increases to 40,600 (+3.6%) since September. Alberta (+2,500; +1.4%) and Ontario (+4,800; +1.2%) registered the biggest monthly gains in construction in December. Highway, street, and bridge construction (+2,700; +4.9%), foundation, structure, and building contractors (+2,600; +1.9%), and building machinery contractors (+2,100; +0.7%) all led to the sector’s monthly gains nationally. The only sector to experience a month-over-month decline in December was residential building construction (-2,400; -1.4%), which coincided with a 2.1% decline in residential building investments during the same month.   Average wages increased by 3.4% Average weekly wages increased by 3.4% to $1,174 in December on an annual basis, which is less than the 4.0% growth recorded in November. The largest proportional increase in average weekly earnings was reported in the: Newfoundland and Labrador (+6.7%, to $1,177), New Brunswick (+4.6%, to $1,078) and Quebec (+4.5%, to $1,130).      Job vacancies up in health care and social assistance  In December, there were 149,800 job vacancies in the health care and social assistance sectors, an increase of 18,200 (+13.8%) that more than recorded for the drop in November (-19,400; -12.8%). Since the start of the pandemic, job openings in the sector have more than doubled, accounted 17.7% of all vacancies in December, up from 13.6% in February 2020. From February 2020 to December 2022, payroll employment in social assistance and health care increased as well, but at a much slower rate. As a consequence, the sector’s job vacancy rate increased from 3.5% in February 2020 to 6.2% in December, which was the third-highest of all sectors.   5 top sectors for job vacancies  Job vacancies held steady in 14 sectors in December, including 5 sectors that together accounted for nearly half (49.0%) of all vacancies in the month: accommodation and food services (108,800 job vacancies); retail trade (100,200); construction (77,400); manufacturing (71,700); and professional, scientific, and technical services (58,100).   Want to know more details about “Canadian businesses increase average wages to attract more workers” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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Ottawa online survey of Francophone temporary residents outside of Quebec

Ottawa online survey of Francophone temporary residents outside of Quebec

Uncategorized, Work in Canada /

Ottawa online survey of Francophone temporary residents outside of Quebec On February 20, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited French-speaking or bilingual temporary residents outside of Quebec to participate in an online survey to research their application process.  The survey will allow the Government of Canada to collect feedback from newcomers on their experiences and challenges as French-speaking or bilingual temporary residents outside Quebec.  The survey is voluntary and confidential and will not affect any participants’ past, current or future applications. IRCC will use all collected data for research purposes only.   Details of Ottawa online survey of Francophone  The government understands that immigration is crucial to maintaining the vitality of minority Francophone communities around the country. French-speaking immigrants made up 3.61% of all immigrants admitted to Canada outside of Quebec in 2020, an increase from prior years, although they made up 2% of all immigrants from January to October of the following year. In order to meet the 4.4% target for the admission of immigrants who speak French by 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a number of initiatives, including giving candidates who speak French and are bilingual extra points under the Express Entry system. As part of the temporary residence to permanent residency pathway for vital workers and recent international graduates currently in Canada, the department launched temporary dedicated streams for French-speaking and bilingual candidates in 2021. Immigration is one of many important factors that can boost the viability of Francophone minority communities across the nation, and IRCC fully supports the government’s commitment to enhancing the Official Languages Act. Francophone Mobility  The Canadian government’s Francophone Mobility Program offers work visas to French-speaking foreign nationals who intend to reside and work in a Francophone community outside of Quebec. You must have a job offer with a National Occupation Code skill level of 0, A, or B in order to qualify (NOC).    Francophone Immigration Target by 2023  By 2023, the government hopes to reach its target of 4.4% for immigrants from outside Quebec who speak French. This target, which was established in 2003 with the help of local stakeholders, reflects the percentage of the Francophone population in Canada outside of Quebec as of the 2001 Census.   While the majority of applicants come from outside the country, the changing COVID-19 status has had an impact on both the number and percentage of French-speaking admissions. Prior to COVID-19, projections of the target population were made, but the impact’s full scope is yet unclear.   Want to know more details about the “Ottawa online survey of Francophone temporary residents outside of Quebec” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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top source country of newcomers to Canada according to the new reports published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in 2022, around 46% of landed immigrants in Canada were from Asian countries. India remains the primary source of newcomers to Canada, accounting for over a quarter (25%) of all permanent residents in the country.  Last year, 118,095 Indians landed as permanent residents - an impressive six-fold increase compared to Canada’s second-highest source country for new immigrants - China. In 2022, there were only 31,815 Chinese landed immigrants in Canada. Top source country of newcomers to Canada  The countries listed below are the sources of new immigrants to Canada in 2022: Country Total immigrants for 2022 Percentage of immigrants India 118,095 27% China 31,815 7.2% Afghanistan 23,735 5.4% Nigeria 22,085 5.05% Philippines 22,070 5.04% France 14,145 3.2% Pakistan 11,585 2.6% Iran 11,105 2.5% United States of America 10,400 2.3% Syria 8,500 1.9% Provinces in Canada for Permanent Residents in 2022  In 2022, Ontario kept attracting the largest number of permanent residents, but this percentage decreased (-6.7%) from 2021 to 2022. In terms of landed immigrants, Ontario is followed by Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. In comparison to 2021, Québec increased by 3.4%, Saskatchewan by 2.2%, and Alberta by 1.4%. However, compared to 2021, immigration to British Columbia was down 3.1%. Province Permanent Residents in 2022 % of all PRs in 2022 Ontario 184,725 42.2% Quebec 68,685 15.7% British Columbia 61,215 14% Alberta 49,460 11.3% Manitoba 21,645 4.9% Saskatchewan 21,635 4.9% Nova Scotia 12,650 2.8% New Brunswick 10,205 2.3% Newfoundland and Labrador 3,490 0.7% Prince Edward Island 2,665 0.6% Yukon 455 0.1% Northwest Territories 235 0.0% Nunavut 45 0.0% China, the Philippines, and India complete the top three countries for newly arrived international students in 2022. More than half of the international students who entered Canada last year were from India. In addition, as of December 2022, there were 319,130 Indian students studying and living in Canada. India has three times as many students as China, the second-largest source country. Nearly 100,000 Chinese students were registered in Canadian universities. The largest province, Ontario, continues to welcome more than 400,000 international students. When compared to the total number of all the other Canadian provinces, this number is even higher. Additionally, this number is twice as large as British Columbia, the 2nd province. 377,785 international students were registered in educational institutions across other Canadian provinces in 2022. Want to know more details about “India is the top source country of newcomers to Canada” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates. Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs. For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

India is the top source country of newcomers to Canada

Study in Canada, Uncategorized, Visit Canada, Work in Canada /

top source country of newcomers to Canada according to the new reports published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in 2022, around 46% of landed immigrants in Canada were from Asian countries. India remains the primary source of newcomers to Canada, accounting for over a quarter (25%) of all permanent residents in the country.  Last year, 118,095 Indians landed as permanent residents – an impressive six-fold increase compared to Canada’s second-highest source country for new immigrants – China. In 2022, there were only 31,815 Chinese landed immigrants in Canada.   Top source country of newcomers to Canada  The countries listed below are the sources of new immigrants to Canada in 2022: Country Total immigrants for 2022 Percentage of immigrants India 118,095 27% China 31,815 7.2% Afghanistan 23,735 5.4% Nigeria 22,085 5.05% Philippines 22,070 5.04% France 14,145 3.2% Pakistan 11,585 2.6% Iran 11,105 2.5% United States of America 10,400 2.3% Syria 8,500 1.9%   Provinces in Canada for Permanent Residents in 2022  In 2022, Ontario kept attracting the largest number of permanent residents, but this percentage decreased (-6.7%) from 2021 to 2022. In terms of landed immigrants, Ontario is followed by Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. In comparison to 2021, Québec increased by 3.4%, Saskatchewan by 2.2%, and Alberta by 1.4%. However, compared to 2021, immigration to British Columbia was down 3.1%. Province Permanent Residents in 2022 % of all PRs in 2022 Ontario 184,725 42.2% Quebec 68,685 15.7% British Columbia 61,215 14% Alberta 49,460 11.3% Manitoba 21,645 4.9% Saskatchewan 21,635 4.9% Nova Scotia 12,650 2.8% New Brunswick 10,205 2.3% Newfoundland and Labrador 3,490 0.7% Prince Edward Island 2,665 0.6% Yukon 455 0.1% Northwest Territories 235 0.0% Nunavut 45 0.0%   China, the Philippines, and India complete the top three countries for newly arrived international students in 2022. More than half of the international students who entered Canada last year were from India. In addition, as of December 2022, there were 319,130 Indian students studying and living in Canada. India has three times as many students as China, the second-largest source country. Nearly 100,000 Chinese students were registered in Canadian universities. The largest province, Ontario, continues to welcome more than 400,000 international students. When compared to the total number of all the other Canadian provinces, this number is even higher. Additionally, this number is twice as large as British Columbia, the 2nd province. 377,785 international students were registered in educational institutions across other Canadian provinces in 2022.   Want to know more details about “India is the top source country of newcomers to Canada” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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LMIA exemption codes

Ottawa introduced a new update regarding the LMIA exemption codes

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Ottawa introduced a new update regarding the LMIA exemption codes on December 16, 2022, the Government of Canada introduced a new program delivery update regarding the labor market impact assessment (LMIA) exemption codes under the International Mobility Program (IMP).    According to the update, the government added new LMIA-exemption codes to GCMS and the Employer Portal and changed individual country free trade agreement codes. Some LMIA-exemption codes also have now newly created codes for the different categories. In addition, exemption codes have been amended on the instruction pages, and where further updates are in process, a flag has been added to alert the immigration officers.   LMIA exemption codes The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) Sections 204 to 208 give the regulatory authority to grant a work permit to an individual who is exempted from the need for a labor market effects assessment (LMIA).  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has policies that define certain conditions as compliant with sections 204 through 208 of the IRPR. In order to record the different eligibility requirements or criteria for those individual conditions, the Department has created LMIA exemption streams (through special administrative codes). There is a list of LMIA exemption codes. A25.2 Public policies R204: International agreements or arrangements R205: Canadian interests R206: No other means of support R207: Permanent residence applicants in Canada R207.1: Vulnerable workers R208: Humanitarian reasons International Mobility Workers Unit (IMWU): port of entry (POE) assistance   The International Mobility Program (IMP) Employers in Canada are able to hire foreign workers on temporary work visas according to the International Mobility Program (IMP), which excludes the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This could have a lot of benefits for both employers and employees, who would like a simpler, quicker hiring process. The International Mobility Program promotes Canada’s broader economic and cultural goals, in contrast to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which issues work permits based on the state of the labor market in particular conditions. The following positions are exempt from the LMIA requirement: Provide Canada-wide advantages in terms of its economy, culture, or other competitive factors, and give Canadian citizens and permanent residents benefit in return. The following types of workers are eligible for the International Mobility Program (IMP): Those who enter Canada in accordance with trade agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) or the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) (CETA). Those entering Canada on an open work permit. Those entering Canada as intra-company transferees.   The foreign national will only be qualified to apply for their own work permit after completing these three processes. If a worker is LMIA-exempt and applies from outside of Canada, they may be eligible for accelerated work permit processing through the Global Skills Strategy if their position is NOC Skill Level A or 0.   To find out more details about “Ottawa introduced a new update regarding the LMIA exemption codes” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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the Express Entry draw of 2023

IRCC invited 5,500 candidates in the Express Entry draw of 2023

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IRCC invited 5,500 candidates in the Express Entry draw of 2023. On January 18, 2023, IRCC held an unexpected the Express Entry draw of 2023, making it the second in two consecutive weeks. Express Entry draw #238 issued 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to all-program candidates under Express Entry. In round #238, the cut-off score was 490 points, 17 points fewer than the previous draw! The tie-breaking rule for this round was November 24, 2022, at 21:14:59 UTC.    As of January 18, 2023, there are 240,013 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool, 3,242 fewer than the previous update. In 2023, Canada issued 11,000 ITAs through Express Entry, and this is the quickest Express Entry start ever since the system was launched.   There was no particular program targeted by the draw of January 18, 2023. This means that candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP) were eligible to receive invitations. A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 490 points was also required for invited candidates. The difference from the previous draw is 17 points.   Details of the Express Entry draw of 2023 As the second Express Entry round of invitations in the same week, the draw was surprising. On January 11, the IRCC had just conducted a draw for which it had also invited 5,500 candidates. The CRS cut-off score decreased by 17 points between draws, falling to 507 for last week’s draw.    The score for this draw was originally published by IRCC as 507, but it has now been revised to the accurate 490. The first draw since November 23, 2022, was held last week. Every two weeks on Wednesdays, Express Entry draws often actually occur. The IRCC has not explained why there was a break in draws during this time.   You can also read more details about the First Express Entry Draw of 2023 by Clicking here   What is an Express Entry?  For skilled workers in Canada or abroad, Express Entry offers a path to permanent residency. Express Entry will produce fast processing times of six months or less for possible skilled foreign workers. These federal economic immigration programs’ applications for permanent residency are managed by Express Entry.   the Federal Skilled Worker Program. the Federal Skilled Trades Program. the Canadian Experience Class.   Through their Provincial Nominee Programs, provinces and territories can also select candidates from Express Entry to fill positions on the local labor market. You Create an Express Entry profile and include details about your skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and any other information to show your interest in immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker.   To find out more details about “IRCC invited 5,500 candidates in the Express Entry draw of 2023” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates. Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2022 Gunness & Associate

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