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Category Archives: Canadian Experience

New Post graduate work permit extension policy

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new measures for former international students with expired or expiring post-graduation work permits, as well as applicants for the temporary resident to the permanent resident pathway. This is a golden opportunity for PGWP holders to stay in Canada and work towards gaining valuable Canadian experience.

PGWPs are typically one-time events. Graduates of eligible full-time programs from international students can obtain an open work permit for up to three years. The new measure, on the other hand, will allow eligible PGWP holders to extend their work permit or apply for a new open work permit for another 18 months.

Those who are already in Canada will be able to work in the interim while their permit is extended or a new one is issued. Individual applicants will be affected differently by these measures. The following scenarios are provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This policy is only for applicants whose PGWP expired or will expire from September 20, 2021, to December 31, 2022.

Work permit expires from October 2, 2022, to December 31, 2022

Requirements will be changed to conform to the NOC 2021 structure for all 3 Express Entry programs (Canadian Experie

Scenario 1: If applicant’s address is up to date, and passport is valid through April 2024, please be patient and wait. Don’t respond to IRCC when you receive an email from them to confirm your mailing address. An updated work permit will be sent to your mailing address by mid-October.

Scenario 2: If applicant wants to update address and provide new valid passport. Then follow the instructions in the email sent by IRCC to let them know that your mailing address needs to be updated. Applicant’s will receive instructions by email in September on how to update your mailing address and passport validity in their online account. They will get a 2-week window to do so. If applicant update this information, they will receive an updated work permit in the mail by mid-November.

Scenario 3: If applicant won’t be able to update passport validity. Then applicant will need to apply online to extend their work permit. They could receive a work permit extended to passport expiration date or they could wait to apply until they have renewed their passport.

Scenario 4: If applicant do not receive an email from IRCC by mid-September, then they are not eligible to have their work permit extended through this special process for another reason, such as information has been added to their file about admissibility to Canada that will need further review. Applicant may still apply online to extend their work permit.

Work permits expired or will expire from September 20, 2021, to October 1, 2022

PGWP holders whose work permit is expired or will expire from September 20, 2021, to October 1, 2022 will need to apply online for a work permit. If you are currently residing in Canada and your temporary status has expired, you must also apply to have your status restored. You are permitted to restore your status under these unique rules, even if it expired more than 90 days ago.

If a candidate has left Canada and plans to return after being accepted, they may apply from overseas.

Contact us to apply Post graduate work permit extension and open work permit from your family.

Work permits for applicants to the temporary resident to permanent resident pathways

Applicants who are part of the TR to PR pathways and whose permanent residence application has not yet been finalized are eligible to apply for an open work permit. This ensures that they will not lose their status or ability to work while their permanent residence application is being processed. Recognizing that the processing of TR to PR applications will take some time, those applying for an open work permit can now get one with an expiration date of December 31, 2024, as long as their passport is valid until then.

Applicants whose passports expire before December 31, 2024, will not receive this email and will be ineligible to extend the duration of their current work permit through the special measure. They can still apply for a longer work permit, either to match the day their passport expires or after they have updated their passport.

Conclusion

If the individual needs to update their mailing address, or if they choose not to receive an open work permit through this process, they will lose their eligibility for this special measure and they will be required to apply online.

Can X immigration can help you out by providing free assessment and consultation with the most recent updates on PGWP. Contact us to apply for your PGWP and open a work permit for your spouse.

How TEER system will affect Express entry applicants

Canada’s immigration division will transition to the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) system on November 16, 2022. The new TEER system will alter eligibility criteria for some immigration programs in Canada, notably Express Entry.

Currently, NOC skill classes 0, A, or B, which correspond to the NOC 2016, must be used to describe your job experience to be eligible for Express Entry. After the change, the new Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) system will be used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to establish a candidate’s eligibility for work experience.

Updated NOC 2021 eligibility criteria for Express Entry

Requirements will be changed to conform to the NOC 2021 structure for all 3 Express Entry programs (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program). Skill Type and Skill Levels from NOC 2016 will be replaced by TEER Categories from NOC 2021.

Source: Government of Canada

The programs that NOC 2021 will affect are listed below. Due to these modifications, these programs will have new eligibility requirements.

  • Express Entry Federal
    • Skilled Worker Program
    • Canadian Experience Class
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Atlantic Immigration Program
  • Provincial Nominee Program
  • Caregiver program
  • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
  • Agri-Food Pilot
  • Out-of-status construction workers
  • International Mobility Program
  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Professions that will now qualify for Express Entry

Beginning November 16, the following professions will be qualified for Express Entry:

Instructions for Express Entry candidates

Candidates for Express Entry who are currently in the pool as well as those who have not yet applied are given instructions on the IRCC website.

You must update your profile on or after November 16, 2022, if you have already submitted it but you have not yet received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). To make this change, go to the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website and search the NOC 2021 list first. After that, update your profile with your five-digit profession code and TEER Category.

You must locate your occupation’s code on the NOC 2021 list and include it while creating your Express Entry profile if you intend to submit it on or after November 16, 2022. It is not necessary to determine which new code matches the one you already have if you already received ITA before November 16, 2022.

Comprehensive ranking system

The Skill Type/Level update chart will be followed by the points applicant receive in the complete ranking system.

For instance, express entry applicants will still receive 50 points for arranged work in TEER 0, 1, or 3 if they would have received 50 points for arranged employment in Skill Type/Level 0, A, or B.

Conclusion

The decision of IRCC to adopt the 2021 version of (NOC) National Occupational Classification will not only allow multiple immigrants to work and settle in Canada but also make Multiple occupations eligible under Express Entry. For further assistance regarding new changes in Immigration and Policy, you can visit us at Can X immigration.

Contact us to create your Express Entry Profile.

How to get a work permit to work in Canada

Canada invites international talent to help it achieve its economic and social goals by awarding several sorts of work permits. Thousands of work permits are provided to foreign workers each year to meet the country’s economic and labor market needs.

There are several work permit pathways or programs to choose. Nonetheless, these pathways are divided into two categories.

  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
  • International Mobility Program (IMP)
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program addresses Canada’s labor shortages. Employers must first acquire a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) demonstrating that they were unable to fill the post with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) run the TFWP jointly. Employers can only hire foreign workers after acquiring an LMIA from ESDC, which authorizes the foreign national/worker to apply for a Canadian work permit or permanent residency in Canada.

The role of Labour Market Impact Assessments on issuance of work permits-

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document produced by ESDC that evaluates the effects of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market. While the majority of firms who hire foreign labour will need an LMIA, there are several exceptions. These exclusions to the LMIA are based on the following criteria:

  • Greater economic, cultural, or other competitive advantages for Canada and
  • Benefits enjoyed by Canadians and permanent residents.

A positive LMIA means that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill a post, allowing a company to hire a foreign national.  If the LMIA is negative, it means that a Canadian citizen or permanent resident should fill the position.

Getting a Canadian work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The foreign worker can apply for a work permit by submitting their employment offer letter, LMIA and all other supporting documentation to IRCC.

Employer-specific work permits, often known as “closed” work permits, are issued under the TFWP. This means that the foreign worker can only work for the employer that recruited them and for the length of time that the Canadian government has permitted.

International Mobility Program – What is it all about?

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a program to promote Canada’s many economic and social objectives. The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian firms to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis without having to go through Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.

Foreign workers who are eligible under the IMP can apply for a work permit through the IRCC. Some foreign workers may be able to skip this phase entirely and work in Canada for a limited time. 

Either the employer or the foreign worker can lead the process of obtaining a work permit under the IMP. In case an organization or an employer has a vacancy and a foreign worker qualifies for an IMP stream, the foreign worker can be hired.

A Canadian employer must follow these three procedures or criterion in order to hire a foreign worker through the IMP such as:

• Verify that the position or employee in question is eligible for an LMIA exemption.

• Pay $230 CAD employer compliance fee

• Use the IMP’s Employer Portal to submit the official employment offer

Only after completing the above-mentioned three steps will the foreign national be eligible to apply for their own work permit. LMIA-exempt workers may qualify for expedited work permit processing through the Global Skills Strategy if their position in National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level A or 0 and they are applying from outside of Canada.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN X can help you with your work permit application.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Canada’s Best Immigrant Investor Programs

Canada is rated as one of the best countries in the world for business and getting incredible return of investment (ROI). With a stable economy and a pool of talented and skilled workforce, Canada is a real opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs seeking an unparalleled quality of life by getting permanent residency status.

Types of Immigrant Investor Programs – A Glance

Canada received a score of 87.2 making it an attractive destination for business and investment. Global investors can unlock investment opportunities and facilitate expansion in Canada with the following investor programs. 

The Start-up Visa Program

One of the most common ways to bring your businesses to Canada or research about investment opportunities is to apply for a Startup Visa. Its main purpose is to help foreign business owners, investors, and prospective entrepreneurs realize their entrepreneurial aspirations. Entrepreneurs who are willing to establish new, high-growth businesses in Canada, support innovation and create jobs should apply under this program. 

The British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot

British Columbia is an excellent province to invest in Canada, particularly if you want to invest in the technology sector. British Columbia is renowned as one of Canada’s IT hotspots, and it is always on the hunt for the best tech workers from across the world looking for job opportunities in Canada.

The major goal of this business immigration program is to attract new businesses to the province’s smaller municipalities, resulting in increased economic growth and development.

The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that allows overseas entrepreneurs to start a new business or buy an existing business in Saskatchewan province. This program is aimed towards seasoned business owners or senior executives who desire to relocate to Saskatchewan.

The program operates under 3 sub-categories:

  • Entrepreneur Category
  • Farm Owners and Operators – Young Farmer Stream
  • International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

Individuals interested in relocating to a specific Canadian province or territory can apply for permanent residency through provincial nominee programs also known as PNP. Each one of the above Canada Investor Visa programs for immigrants requires the applicant to meet certain requirements to be eligible for business immigration to Canada.

Why invest in Canada

Canada provides lot of opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs for creating job opportunities thereby contributing to the development of Canadian economy. The three main benefits of investing in Canada include:

  • Access to global market

One of the most significant advantages of investing in Canada is its strategic position and favorable trade agreements. It has 14 trade agreements with 51 nations, with a total population of 1.5 billion people. Canada is a global trading hub due to its position, multiple coastline ports, and secure trade infrastructure.

  • Highly talented workforce

Canada has the world’s best-educated workforce and it is always on the lookout for new international talent at all levels. In 2021, the Canadian government plans to welcome 401,000 newcomers, with 232,500 of them coming through federal economic programs including the popular Express Entry stream.

  • Lower Costs and lower risks

Canada is also known for having a low Marginal Effective Tax Rate (METR), which is around 23.8 percent. In fact, it is the lowest of among G7 countries, and it is far lower than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average.

Canada is one of the world’s most politically stable countries, ranking 11th on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and having the safest banks in North America. As a result, your business will have lesser risks and would be lower on cost.

We at CAN X will help you in determining which of Canada’s investor visa options are best suited for your business needs.

Tips for newcomers immigrating to Canada

Canadian immigrants have a plethora of life and career choices. To counterbalance the ageing population, the federal government has implemented a number of immigration programs, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, and others. These programs have resulted in an increase in the number of well-educated, experienced, and skilled people in Canada.

New immigrants experience difficulties settling in and adjusting to life in Canada. Adapting to a new culture, time zone and climate may take a couple of weeks. Here are some tips you can follow to ease up this transition in Canada:

Apply for a SIN number

To work in Canada, you will need your Social Insurance Number, which is a nine-digit number. Your SIN will start with a ‘9’ if you are in Canada on a temporary work permit.

You may get a SIN at any Service Canada office and assuming that there is no rush, you will be able to get your SIN in about half an hour. You should not forget to bring your employment or study permit to your Service Canada appointment.

Purchase a local cell phone plan

The sooner you buy a local phone plan, the more you would be able to avoid your home provider’s expensive roaming charges. There are several options for Postpaid and Prepaid plans. The most popular phone carriers in Canada are Fido, Rogers, Bell, Telus, Virgin Mobile and Freedom.

Build your Network

Use networking tools like LinkedIn to meet people who were born and raised in Canada or have lived there for a long time to gain a better grasp of local culture and market trends. Consult with experts in your field to determine whether any certifications or licenses are required for your job.

To expand your understanding of local best practices, attend conferences, networking events, and workshops near your workplace or residence.

Open a Canadian bank account

It is very important to open up a bank account in Canada so you can manage your bills, debit card payments, and avoid possibly costly withdrawals from your existing account of your home country. Keep in mind that each bank checking accounts also known as ‘current accounts’ frequently come with monthly fees. This will also help you build a good credit history in Canada and facilitate your daily activities. Some of the most popular Banks in Canada include RBC, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust, CIBC and BMO.

Apply for Canadian healthcare

Citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents of Canada may be eligible for public medical care, which varies by province and covers medical expenses. Each family member will receive a provincial or territory government-issued health card only if qualified.

Newcomers to several provinces and territories may be required to wait for a certain period before becoming eligible for public health insurance. You must apply for temporary private health insurance until you are eligible.

Be aware about your rights and duties

One of the most important things for you to learn is about your rights, obligations, advantages, and privileges, even before you arrive in Canada. Permanent Residents (PRs) of Canada have many of the same rights and advantages as citizens of Canada, while temporary residents have different rights.

These rights are defined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which provides legal protection for the people of Canada’s fundamental rights and freedoms.

Get help from organizations for newcomers

Local Newcomers organizations can help you to find a place to live or help you get settled in Canada. You can also reach out to them if you have questions about things like administrative procedures, transportation, the school system or finding a job. 

Moving to a new country is hard. There’s a lot to think about both before and after your arrival in Canada. To ensure your new adventure sail smoothly in Canada, take advantage of all the support available to you.

If you need any immigration help, feel free to contact us.

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