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Category Archives: immigration

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.

Demand for Red Seal Trades in Canada

The red seal trades also known as “designated trades” are certain types or kinds of compulsory trades that are part of Red Seal Program in Canada. There are about 55 different trades that come under Red Seal Trades and includes all kinds of occupations with each one deemed as designated Red Seal Trade. Red Seal trades account for over 80% of all enrolled apprentices in Canada.

A Red Seal endorsement is added to a tradesperson’s provincial/territorial trade certificate once they pass the Red Seal exam. The Red Seal, which is affixed to a provincial or territorial trade certificate, indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge necessary to meet the national standard in that trade.

Demand for Red Seal Trades – An Outlook

Employer’s value the Red Seal endorsement because it fosters excellence, instills pride in talented people, and makes it easier for them to move about.

Apprentice Demand in Red Seal Trades, published by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA), forecasts that 163,785 new journeypersons will be required between 2021 and 2025 to maintain workforce certification levels across 56 Red Seal trades in Canada.

Canada will require 375,026 apprentices over the next five years to meet this anticipated demand. The following red seal trades are in demand that include:

  • Auto service tech
  • Boilermaker
  • Bricklayer
  • Carpenter
  • Construction electrician
  • Cook
  • Hairstylist
  • Heavy-duty equipment tech
  • Millwright
  • Mobile crane operator
  • Plumber
  • Refrigeration/AC mechanic
  • Sheet metal worker
  • Steamfitter/pipefitter and
  • Welders are among the 15 Red Seal trades highlighted in the 2021 report.

Over the next five years, demand for boilermakers will far outstrip supply across the country. Plumbing appears to be in line with demand, while HVAC mechanics and steamfitter/pipefitter credentials will be relatively plentiful, according to the forecast.

With Seven Hundred Thousand skilled tradesmen anticipated to retire by 2028, the pipeline will be strained with skilled labour actively leaving the market without enough apprentices in the pipeline to replace them.

Immigrants make up only 8.7% of apprenticeships, although accounting for 20% of the population. Canada is falling short of its goal of importing 3,000 qualified tradesmen into the country each year, with only 2,365 entrants satisfying the federal skilled trade program’s qualifications. The Government of Canada invests extensively in apprenticeships through grants, loans, and tax credits, as well as employment insurance benefits during in-school training, project finance, and aid for the red seal program. Over the next five years, Canada is likely to suffer a shortage of at least 10,000 workers in recognized red seal trades, with a tenfold increase when 250 provincially regulated trades are factored in.

As a result, the Canadian government is collaborating with provinces and territories to standardize apprenticeship-training standards in Red Seal Trades. The Government of Canada expects to double the incentive to $10,000 in its Budget- 2021 for firms who hire Canadians from under-represented groups, such as women and people with disabilities, to improve diversity in Red Seal Trades. The Canadian government has waived the Canada Apprentice Loans until March 31, 2023. These initiatives will help to guarantee those who choose to pursue a career in the skilled trades to receive the assistance they require.

Benefits of red seal certification for immigrants

Obtaining the Red Seal certification can be beneficial to tradesmen who are considering moving to Canada. It can aid in obtaining a work visa or applying for permanent residence, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. The Red Seal lends legitimacy to the tradesperson by validating their expertise and knowledge, making them a more viable immigrant candidate.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN X can help you with your immigration journey.

Contact us for a free consultation.

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.

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.