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Category Archives: express entry

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.

Express Entry : Canada invited 681 PNP candidates on October 13, 2021 draw

A total of 681 candidates who had already received an additional 600 points with a provincial nomination were invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency in the Express Entry draw which took place on October 13, 2021. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 720. In the previous PNP only draw, minimum cut off was 742 points and 761 candidates were invited by IRCC.

What is Express Entry?

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

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Express Entry streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs

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

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

PNP has two (2) steps

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

All Canadian Provinces have their unique immigration programs that can either support a Federal Immigration application via ‘Express Entry’ or through a stand-alone PNP application. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives provinces and territories an active role in immigrant selection as it authorizes them to nominate for permanent residence individuals who will meet specific local labour market needs.

Need help staying in Canada!

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

Express Entry : Canada invited 761 PNP candidates on September 29, 2021 draw

A total of 761 candidates who had already received an additional 600 points with a provincial nomination were invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency in the Express Entry draw which took place on September 29, 2021. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 742. In the previous PNP only draw, minimum cut off was 732 points and 521 candidates were invited by IRCC.

What is Express Entry?

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

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Express Entry streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs

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

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

PNP has two (2) steps

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

All Canadian Provinces have their unique immigration programs that can either support a Federal Immigration application via ‘Express Entry’ or through a stand-alone PNP application. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives provinces and territories an active role in immigrant selection as it authorizes them to nominate for permanent residence individuals who will meet specific local labour market needs.

Need help staying in Canada!

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

Welcoming Parents and Grandparents to Canada through PGP 2021

Canada has announced the Parents and Grandparents program through which Canadians and Permanent Residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) expects to draw 30,000 people from the lottery over the course of two weeks. The IRCC Web site only takes into consideration individuals who filed an interest for sponsorship form between midsummer EDT on 13 October 2020 and midday EDT on 3 November 2020.

An IRCC directive stated, to avoid utilizing outdated forms or following previous instructions, IRCC advises candidates to wait until they get an ITA before filling out an application. Those who apply but do not receive an ITA will not be repaid their application fees.

Application process for parents and grandparents program

Upon receiving the ITA, – the applicant needs to complete two applications that include-

  • Application for Request of sponsorship
  • Parents’ and grandparents’ application for permanent residency

These two requests can be submitted simultaneously online. The applicant needs to pay an application fee, biometric fee and other fees. The application fees can be paid online that include the following payments such as-

  • Sponsor processing fees, which means fees for the sponsored people and their employees
  • Entitlement to permanent residence fee

The applicant shall also pay the biometric fee charged on filing the application. However, after the application is filed, biometrics is collected. The applicant may also need to pay fees to third parties for carrying out Medical examination and issuing of Police Certificate.

The family members may be asked to provide their biometrics through a letter after paying the biometric fees. The family members are given 30 days to provide biometrics at the nearest collection point. In addition, pursuant to COVID-19, IRCC has put in place particular arrangements or measures for biometrics collecting.

IRCC provides a period of 60 days to receive completed sponsorship applications from invited sponsors. Sponsored parents and grandparents will become permanent residents of Canada and as such would be eligible for all benefits, including free health care.

There exists a high demand among Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their loved ones and receiving a PGP invitation is tough. Previously, IRCC has received about 100,000 website visits displaying interest for submitting sponsor forms within minutes of the policy being launched.

If I receive a PGP 2021 invitation, what should I do?

It is critical that you meet the eligibility requirements for the PGP 2021. The following conditions must be fulfilled to meet the PGP eligibility criterion:

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a member of a status First Nations.
  • You must also show that you have the Minimum Necessary Income to IRCC (MNI). Your notifications of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the tax years 2020, 2019, and 2018 must be submitted.

In case you fit the criteria and want to move further, you will have 60 days to submit your complete sponsorship application to IRCC, with the necessary payment. PGP is emerging as an opportunity to reunite families as part of family reunification program assisting applicants on humanitarian grounds.

Individuals who live in Quebec and who want to sponsor a parent or grandparent need to have their income assessed by the Quebec Immigration Ministry, which is based on the province’s income standards.

How Can X Immigration can assist you?

If you have been invited to sponsor, please contact us it would be our privilege to paly a part in reuniting families.

To help you with your PGP 2021 application, we will –  

  • Our experienced RCIC consultants will provide free consultation and help you understand the PGP program
  • We will answer all queries from you (sponsor) and the applicant (parents and grandparents)
  • Verify that you meet the PGP 2021 eligibility requirements
  • Gather all required paperwork, supporting documents and fill out necessary application forms
  • Submit your application to IRCC within the 60-day period
  • Keep you informed about the status of your application
  • Communicate with Canadian government on your behalf