July 19th, 2023 at 07:09 pm
Canada New Visa: Express Entry, Open Work Permits & Free Travel | Canada Immigration
Updates on Canadian visas are announced. Canadian immigration officials have made several pronouncements.
Many people who have been planning or working toward immigrating to Canada are curious about the situation. Gathering all the information in one place might be difficult because updates come from several sources.
Express Entry and Category-Base Draws
The rapid entry and high comprehensive ranking system (CRS) scores necessary for invitations are two current hot subjects in Canadian immigration. The Canadian government has moved its attention to Express Entry’s category-based drawings. They have prioritized inviting highly trained people from the specific industries in Canada that are experiencing a labor shortage.
Sectors receiving invites with priority include
- Healthcare
- STEM professions
- Construction
- Transportation, particularly long-haul truck drivers
- Agriculture and agri-food
- French speakers
Recent Draws and Programs
Canada has held draws with a focus on National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for jobs in the STEM fields and the healthcare industry. Invitations have been sent to applicants with cut-off scores ranging from 463 to 486 as a consequence of these drawings.
To draw highly talented people, Canada has also launched several programs, like the International Mobility Program for workers and in-demand professions and the Digital Nomads Program, which enables tourists to work remotely while seeing Canada.
Additionally, the startup visa program provides investors and entrepreneurs with a direct route to permanent residence.
Open Work Permits and Study Opportunities
The Canadian government has implemented policies to help citizens with work permits. Foreign workers with active work visas can now continue their education without needing a study visa. Foreign workers can broaden their skill sets and improve their prospects of making the transition to permanent residency thanks to this temporary arrangement.
For caretakers, farm workers, and other people pursuing educational credentials for permanent residency, this adjustment is very advantageous.
Eligibility Expansion of Visa-Free Travel
In a recent statement, Canada expanded the electronic travel authorization (ETA) program to include 13 additional nations, enabling citizens of these nations who qualify to visit Canada without a visa. However, there are some limitations, such as not being eligible for the ETA if you previously held a Canadian visa or are now in possession of a US non-immigrant visa.
Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization
Canada has extended the emergency travel authorization for Ukrainians and their family members through July 15, 2023, in response to the current crisis in Ukraine. Ukrainian citizens may now apply for a visa and visit Canada up until March 31, 2024, thanks to this extension.
Strengthening Family Reunification
Additionally, the Canadian government has put up initiatives to improve family reunification. Now, spouses of spousal sponsorship candidates from outside of Canada are qualified for quicker visiting visa processing.
In addition, people requesting permanent residency in Canada can also apply for spousal open work permits. If a person’s open work permit is due to expire by the end of August 2023, they may be able to extend it for an extra 18 months.
Through category-based draws, open work permits, study opportunities, and family reunification policies, the most recent changes to Canada’s immigration system offer a variety of possibilities and avenues for people desiring to move to the country.
Canada wants to solve the skills gap in the job market, entice talent, and support nuclear families. To successfully manage the immigration process, it’s crucial to stay up to speed with the official government websites and obtain professional counsel.
Overview of the Most Recent Express Entry Results July 11
On July 11, IRCC held an all-program draw and invited 800 applicants. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 505, which is lower than the 511 needed for candidates in the July 4 draw but much higher than the three category base selection invites from the previous week.
IRCC Draws (July 4 to 7)
IRCC held draws last week, from July 4 to 7, on four consecutive days. The 700 invited candidates required a minimum CRS score of 511 to join in the invitations sent out on July 4. The needed CRS score for this particular all-program draw in 2023 was the highest one to date.
On July 5, the anticipated first-ever round of invitations for candidates with work experience and specific scientific, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs occurred during the second draw of the week. 500 applicants with a minimum CRS score of 486 were invited by IRCC. This draw’s date and time were made known by IRCC a week in advance.
With a cut-off CRS score of 463, the third draw from last week invited 1,500 applicants on July 6 for a category-based selection draw for healthcare professionals.
On July 7, the fourth draw of the week took place. 2300 individuals with a minimum CRS of 439 and strong French language proficiency received IDAs.
IRCC Draws (June 27-28)
In an all-program draw on June 27, IRCC welcomed 4,300 candidates. A CRS of 486 was necessary for these applicants. IRCC released the first-ever ITAs for category-based selection on June 28. 500 people in total applied for permanent residency having work experience in healthcare occupations and a minimum CRS score of 476.
Category-Based Selection
On May 31, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, declared that the IRCC had completed the categories for category-based selection. These categories were anticipated after Bill C-19 received the Royal Ascent in the Canadian Parliament in June and was eventually passed into law.
According to the law, the Immigration Minister has the power to extend invitations to potential immigrants for economic reasons who will help Canada’s economy and spread the French language outside of Quebec.
This indicates that rather than depending on a person’s overall CRS score, the minister can invite newcomers based on particular qualities like language proficiency or work experience. Following talks with stakeholders and the provincial and territorial governments to determine the most significant labor market shortages in Canada, the categories’ decision evolved.
They are as follows;
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Strong French language proficiency
Further Requirements
These categories’ chosen candidates must still be qualified for the Express entrance program. A high CRS score is also advantageous because candidates will still compare to one another. By the end of 2023, the IRCC intends to admit 82,880 new permanent residents to Canada via Express entry, under the immigration levels plan 2023–2025.
The number increases to 109,020 in 2024 and to 114,000 in 2025. The new Express entry categories will make sure that immigrants to Canada are assisting in achieving these goals while enhancing the workforce in Canada.
Visit Newsnowgh.com for the most up-to-date information on changes to visa criteria, prospective paths to obtaining legal residency, and others.