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Tag Archives: NOC 2021

Canada to Expand Transitions to Permanent Residency

Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, has proposed expanding options to permanent residence for international students and temporary foreign employees. The new five-pillar approach intends to increase the number of foreign workers and international students who transition to permanent residence and have substantial work experience in fields where there is a persistent labor shortage.

The strategy was developed in response to Motion 44 proposed by Randeep Sarai, Liberal Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre in May of 2022. The motion requested that the government develop and publicly release a plan to expand economic immigration to meet labor needs with workers of all skill levels.

Temporary foreign workers and international students are essential contributors to the Canadian economy, which is why the government is working to create more avenues to permanent residency. Foreign workers contribute to economic recovery and growth by addressing immediate labor needs, providing a diverse variety of skill levels and educational backgrounds, and supporting company expansion, innovation, and productivity. International students are an important source of talent, helping to expand Canada’s labor force, enhance productivity, and offset the impact of the country’s ageing population.

Five Pillar Strategy

Pillar 1

The enhanced immigration levels targets set in the Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2024 are intended to give Canada with a larger, permanent labor supply. This strategy expands chances for more temporary workers to become permanent residents, thereby addressing labor market shortages and fueling our post-pandemic economic growth.

Pillar 2

Through recent changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Express Entry system will be reformed, including increased flexibility in immigration selection tools under Express Entry. The Department will also review the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System criteria, specifically the points awarded for Canadian work experience and education, language proficiency, and a job offer. These revisions set the stage for the upcoming version of Express Entry, which will include more options for workers of all skill levels to transfer to permanent residence.

Pillar 3

This includes implementing changes to permanent economic immigration plans to aid in the transition of workers in high-demand occupations from temporary to permanent residence. On November 16, IRCC plans to adopt the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021. This new occupation classification system will make 16 new occupations eligible for Express Entry while eliminating three previously eligible occupations. The government also intends to improve newcomers’ access to information to ensure that they meet the necessary qualifications and connect them to federal, provincial, or territorial immigration programs; remove barriers for physicians and other high-demand workers; and improve pilot programs to support permanent residency pathways for caregivers and agri-food workers.

Pillar 4

IRCC will support communities in attracting and retaining newcomers, including through Francophone immigration. The government aids Francophone minority groups outside of Quebec with initiatives targeted at attaining the 4.4% French-speaking immigration objective by 2023. A new Municipal Nominee Program is also being developed to assist municipalities in attracting and retaining newcomers to meet their local labor needs. In addition, the government is continuing to collaborate with provinces, territories, and Canadian employers on pathways to permanent residencies, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Pillar 5

IRCC has reporting a decrease in its August 31 inventory. Still, Canadian immigration backlog is at 2.6 million. The government plans to “modernize the immigration system through technology advances”.  The government is expanding processing capacity, improving client experience, and modernizing the immigration system. These measures are aimed at ensuring that newcomers are welcomed as permanent residents as soon as feasible.

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Canada: Dream destination for Indian students

A recent report by the Canadian Bureau for International Education found that the number of international students in Canada has been on the rise in recent years. And it’s no surprise because, with its reputation for quality education and welcoming culture, Canada is an attractive destination for students worldwide. Thousands of Indian students are choosing to call British Columbia and Canada home, which has caused a significant increase in new study visa applications since 2015.

Overseas students are granted a variety of Canadian study permits. India and South Asia have historically been significant contributors to Canadian immigration; more than 5% of British Columbians are Punjabi native speakers. However, postsecondary education and the promise of the Canadian dream have recently been the most important drivers of immigration.

Source: IRCC Canada

Applications for student visas from India were almost on a level with those from China in 2015. Seven years later, applications from India accounted for about half of all student visa applications between January and June, while those from China, the country that sent the second-highest number of international students, remained largely steady.

In British Columbia, there were nearly 509,000 university students. according to a ministry spokesperson, during the 2020/21 academic year. 151,185 of those students were international students. According to a 2017 report, British Columbia was home to one-quarter of all international students in Canada.

Quality of Canadian education

One of the biggest reasons is the quality of Canadian education. Canada has some of the world’s top universities, and many are located in major cities like Toronto, Surrey, Vancouver, and Montreal. Another reason why Indian students are coming to Canada is because of the lower cost of living. As in Canada, the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are generally lower than in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom which makes it easier for Indian students to afford their studies. Canada is a very multicultural country, and many Indians are living here already. This makes it easier for Indian students to adjust to life in Canada and feel at home here.

Source: World’s Highest and lowest tuition fees I Statista

Work opportunities in Canada

Indian students are increasingly choosing to study in Canada, attracted by the country’s reputation for quality education and its opportunities for post-graduation employment. Canada is now the second most popular destination for Indian students after the United States.

The biggest factor is the chance to gain international experience and exposure. By studying abroad, students can develop skills and networks that will be valuable no matter where their career takes them. Canada offers the PGWP as part of its efforts to attract and retain international students. The PGWP is a non-restricted work permit that allows international graduates to work for any Canadian employer without the need for a job offer.

Canada is also seen as a welcoming and diverse place to live and study. Indian students feel at home in Canada’s multicultural environment, and appreciate the fact that they can continue to practice their own culture and traditions while also learning about others. Canadian universities offer excellent educational programs that are highly regarded around the world. Students know that by studying in Canada they will receive a top-quality education that will prepare them well for their future careers.

The work opportunities available to graduates of Canadian universities are another big attraction for Indian students. Canada has a strong economy and is always looking for skilled workers to fill jobs in a variety of industries.

Immigration policies of Canada

Canada has more relaxed immigration policies than many other countries. This means that it is easier for Indian students to get a student visa to come to Canada. Additionally, the cost of living and tuition in Canada is often cheaper than in other developed countries.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a more efficient and faster application process for a Canadian study visa. Residents of seven countries are currently served by the SDS program (China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Vietnam, Antigua & Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago).

Finally, Canada is a multicultural country with a large Indian population, which can make Indian students feel more at home.

Indian students who come to study in Canada can be sure that they will receive a world-class education and have the opportunity to build a successful future in this great country. Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN X IMMIGRATION can help you with your Study Visa with a free assessment and consultation.

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.