Category: Canada

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Important Update: New IMM1294 Canada Study Permit Application Form Effective December 1, 2023

New IMM1294 Canada Study Permit Application Form Effective December 1, 2023

Ottawa, Canada – In a significant update for international students, the Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the release of a new version of the study permit application form (IMM1294). This change, effective December 1, 2023, mandates all applicants to use the latest version of the form for their study permit applications.

The IRCC has been actively working towards streamlining the application process for international students. This new form is part of these efforts, designed to make the process more efficient and user-friendly.

Applicants who are planning to apply through the IRCC secure account must ensure they are using the updated version of the form. The IRCC has clearly stated that any applications submitted on or after December 1, 2023, using the old version of the IMM1294 form will not be processed.

The updated form and additional details about the application process are available on the official website: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html. Applicants are encouraged to visit the site for the most current information and guidance.

The IRCC’s commitment to facilitating a smooth transition for international students is evident in this update. The new form is expected to reduce processing times and improve the overall experience for applicants.

International students contribute significantly to Canada’s cultural diversity and economic vitality. The government’s focus on enhancing the application process underscores Canada’s position as a welcoming destination for students from around the globe.

The IRCC advises all potential applicants to review the new form and related instructions carefully to ensure their applications meet all the necessary requirements. For assistance, applicants can reach out to IRCC support services or consult with educational consultants specializing in Canadian study permits.

As the December 1 deadline approaches, students and educational institutions are gearing up to adapt to this change, marking a new chapter in Canada’s approach to international education.

Click here download latest Study Permit Application Form IMM1294

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Canada to Reinstate 20-Hour Work Week Limit for International Students in 2024

Canada to Reinstate 20-Hour Work Week Limit for International Students in 2024

Ottawa, Canada – The Canadian government will be reinstating the 20-hour per week work limit for international students from January 1, 2024. This follows the conclusion of a pilot program that temporarily allowed eligible students to work beyond this limit.

Background of the Pilot Program In the fall of 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser introduced a pilot program that lifted the 20-hour work week cap for eligible post-secondary students. This initiative, aimed at providing international students with more opportunities to gain work experience in Canada and to support the country’s post-pandemic economic growth, started in November 2022 and is set to conclude on December 31, 2023.

Who Could Work More Than 20 Hours Per Week From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students could work more than 20 hours per week off campus during class sessions if they met certain conditions:

  1. For those who applied for a study permit (or extension) on or before October 7, 2022:
    • Study permit holders.Those with expired permits but maintaining status and studying full-time (or part-time in the final academic semester).Approved for a study permit but haven’t arrived in Canada yet.
    Additional Requirements:
    • Present in Canada or re-entered by December 31, 2023.
    • Specific work conditions printed on the study permit.
  2. For study permit extension applicants after October 7, 2022:
    • If the original study permit expires between November 15, 2022, and December 31, 2023, they could work more than 20 hours until the permit’s expiration.
    Additional Requirements:
    • Application for the original permit received on or before October 7, 2022.
    • Full-time (or part-time in final semester) study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
    • Specific work conditions on the study permit.

Return to Pre-Pandemic Rules With the program ending, international students will again be limited to working 20 hours per week during school terms. This reinstatement may impact students financially, as the cost for international students for an undergraduate degree program in Canada is significantly higher compared to Canadian students.

No Official Confirmation on Permanent Policy Changes As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding any permanent changes to this policy. The program’s future, including any potential extensions or expansions, will be communicated publicly by the Canadian government. International students and employers are advised to stay informed about any updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Advisory for International Students Students are encouraged to plan accordingly and keep abreast of any new information regarding work permit regulations and study permits in Canada.

Note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

If you have applied through Express Entry and still waiting for your decision, please get GCMS notes to know where is your application is stuck.

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Express Entry Invitation Round Summary – October 26, 2023

Express Entry Invitation Round Summary - October 26, 2023

Here is a summary of the latest Express Entry invitation round held on October 26, 2023, for the Healthcare Occupations program (2023-1):

AspectData
ProgramHealthcare Occupations (2023-1)
Number of invitations issued3,600
Rank required to be invited to apply3,600 or above
Date and time of roundOctober 26, 2023, 13:28:39 UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited431
Tie-breaking ruleMay 24, 2023, 19:47:51 UTC

In this round, 3,600 invitations were issued for candidates in the Healthcare Occupations program (2023-1). To be invited, candidates needed to have a ranking of 3,600 or higher, and the lowest-ranked candidate who received an invitation had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 431. In the event of multiple candidates having the same lowest score, the tie-breaker was determined by the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles, with a tie-breaking rule set on May 24, 2023, at 19:47:51 UTC.

If you have applied through Express Entry and still waiting for your decision, please get GCMS notes to know where is your application is stuck.

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Express Entry Invitation Round Summary – October 25, 2023

Express Entry Invitation Round Summary - October 25, 2023

Here is a summary of the latest Express Entry invitation round held on October 25, 2023, for the French language proficiency program (2023-1):

AspectData
ProgramFrench Language Proficiency (2023-1)
Number of invitations issued300
Rank required to be invited to apply300 or above
Date and time of roundOctober 25, 2023, 15:48:39 AM UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited486
Tie-breaking ruleSeptember 30, 2023, 04:22:17 AM UTC

In this round, 300 invitations were issued for candidates in the French Language Proficiency program (2023-1). To be invited, candidates needed to have a ranking of 300 or higher, and the lowest-ranked candidate who received an invitation had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486. In case of multiple candidates having the same lowest score, the tie-breaker was determined by the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles, with a tie-breaking rule set on September 30, 2023, at 04:22:17 AM UTC.

If you have applied through Express Entry and still waiting for your decision, please get GCMS notes to know where is your application is stuck.

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New Fast-Track Canada Work Permit Program: From Philippines (CAN Work)

CAN Work- New Fast-Track Canada Work Permit Program From Philippines

The Canadian government has launched the CAN Work Philippines pilot program to facilitate the hiring of foreign workers from the Philippines by Canadian employers. This program, which coincides with the Philippines-Canada Friendship Week, is designed to streamline work permit processing for eligible Canadian employers recruiting from the Philippines.

Key highlights of the program include:

Location: The pilot program is operated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through its visa office in Manila, Philippines.

Efficiency: It aims to make the process of hiring foreign workers more efficient by allowing Canadian employers to schedule group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for potential employees.

Eligibility: The pilot program is open to Canadian employers who are recruiting workers from the Philippines. Employers must either be hiring approximately 50 or more workers or recruiting for critical occupations in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and agri-food.

Fair and Ethical Recruitment: To participate in the program, employers must demonstrate their commitment to fair and ethical recruitment guidelines, as published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Financial Support: IRCC is providing $200,000 to the IOM to support the adoption of fair and ethical recruitment standards in the Philippines. This funding will be used to collaborate with the Government of the Philippines, conduct training sessions, and promote the IOM’s Fair and Ethical Recruitment Due Diligence Toolkit to organizations involved or interested in recruiting talent in the country.

Importance of the Philippines: The Philippines is a significant partner in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and a major source of newcomers to Canada. This initiative aims to strengthen social ties between the two nations, address labor shortages in Canada, and establish Canada as an attractive destination for global talent.

The CAN Work Philippines pilot program reflects Canada’s commitment to efficiently managing the process of hiring foreign workers while ensuring ethical recruitment practices and addressing labor shortages in critical sectors of the Canadian economy.

Important Note:

If you have applied for a visa and still waiting for your decision or your visa application has been denied, please get GCMS notes to know where is your application is stuck. You can apply for GCMS notes from outside or inside Canada (Philippines, UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Kuwait, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and other 180 countries) through gcmsapply.com.

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Rounds of Invitation- September 2023- Express Entry- Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations program

Rounds of Invitation- September 2023- Express Entry- Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations program

Here is a summary of the latest Express Entry invitation round held on September 28, 2023, for the Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations program (2023-1):

AspectData
ProgramAgriculture and Agri-Food Occupations (2023-1)
Number of invitations issued600
Rank required to be invited to apply600 or above
Date and time of roundSeptember 28, 2023, 16:45:09 UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited354
Tie-breaking ruleJune 12, 2023, at 10:23:21 UTC
Rounds of Invitation- September 2023- Express Entry- Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations program

In this round, 600 invitations were issued for candidates in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations program (2023-1). To be invited, candidates needed to have a ranking of 600 or higher, and the lowest-ranked candidate who received an invitation had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 354. In case of multiple candidates having the same lowest score, the tie-breaker was determined by the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles, with a tie-breaking rule set on June 12, 2023, at 10:23:21 UTC.

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Rounds of Invitation- September 2023- Express Entry- French Proficiency

Rounds of Invitation- September 2023- Express Entry- French Language Proficiency

Here is a summary of the latest Express Entry invitation round held on September 27, 2023, for the French language proficiency program (2023-1):

AspectData
ProgramFrench Language Proficiency (2023-1)
Number of invitations issued500
Rank required to be invited to apply500 or above
Date and time of roundSeptember 27, 2023, 14:17:04 UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited472
Tie-breaking ruleAugust 16, 2023, 09:00:14 UTC
Rounds of Invitation- September 2023- Express Entry- French Proficiency

In this round, 500 invitations were issued for candidates in the French Language Proficiency program (2023-1). To be invited, candidates needed to have a ranking of 500 or higher, and the lowest-ranked candidate who received an invitation had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 472. In case of multiple candidates having the same lowest score, the tie-breaker was determined by the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles, with a tie-breaking rule set on August 16, 2023, at 09:00:14 UTC.

If you have applied through Express Entry and still waiting for your decision, please get GCMS notes to know where is your application is stuck.

Apply GCMS Notes from IRCC

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Apply GCMS Notes from IRCC and CBSA

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Express Entry Launches Transport Category-Based Selection for Immigration

New Express Entry Launches Transport Category-Based Selection for Immigration

Ottawa, September 18, 2023 – In a significant move aimed at addressing labor shortages and supporting Canada’s economic goals, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today the initiation of the first round of invitations for Express Entry’s Transportation category-based selection. This new approach, implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will focus on attracting skilled talent with expertise in the transportation sector, including commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers.

Canada’s Express Entry system, a flagship application management system for permanent immigration, has been revamped through category-based selection, introduced on May 31, 2023. This process prioritizes candidates with specific work experience or French language proficiency, aligning with the country’s economic priorities.

Minister Marc Miller stated, “As Canada grows its economy, we’re committed to improving transport and infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers across the country. Category-based selection helps us invite newcomers with experience in transport occupations to fill significant labor gaps and ensure the future success of the Canadian transport sector. I look forward to welcoming more skilled workers to our country, as their knowledge and expertise are invaluable, to meet our labor market needs.”

This innovative approach is expected to bolster the transportation sector, which is vital to Canada’s economy. The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “The transportation sector is crucial to our economy, and if we want to keep things moving, we need to invest in the people that move travelers and transport our goods. With this new initiative, we are helping address a critical skills shortage while also attracting new, talented people to communities across Canada. Truck drivers, pilots, aviation mechanical engineers, and seafarers play a critical role in our economy and Canadians’ lives. Filling vacancies in these professions will boost economic growth and create stronger and more resilient supply chains.”

Express Entry’s category-based selection rounds, including those for transport occupations, will continue throughout the year, alongside general and program-specific invitation rounds.

Quick Facts:

  • Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for permanent immigration through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.
  • In June 2022, changes were made to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
  • On May 31, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, former Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of category-based selection, a new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents.
  • The categories were determined following extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders, and the public, as well as a review of labor market needs. A complete list of eligible jobs for the new categories is available on the IRCC website.
  • Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec establishes its own immigration levels. From 2018 to 2022, admissions under the federal high-skilled programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, accounted for 34% to 40% of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.

Canada’s commitment to attracting top global talent and addressing labor shortages through category-based selection reflects its dedication to building a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.

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Parents and Grandparents Canada Visa Program Set to Reopen This Fall

Parents and Grandparents Program Set to Reopen This Fall

Ottawa, August 8, 2023 – The Parents and Grandparents Program exemplifies Canada’s dedication to maintaining intact families. This program assists Canadian citizens and permanent residents in bringing their families to Canada. The government is demonstrating its commitment to family reunions by inviting more parents and grandparents than ever before.

This year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will take sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents. They anticipate receiving up to 15,000 applications. Beginning on 10 October 2023, IRCC will begin inviting approximately 24,200 individuals who have expressed interest in sponsorship, with the expectation that 15,000 of them will submit applications. These invitations will be mailed over the course of two weeks.

If you submitted your name in 2020 but were not invited in 2021 or 2022, do not lose hope. This year, the IRCC will select candidates from the list for 2020 rather than creating a new one. They performed the same action in 2021 and 2022. If you fall into this category, keep a watch on your email for an invitation.

Those fortunate enough to be invited in 2023 can register online via the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal to keep things simple and expedient. It is part of Canada’s strategy to streamline and modernize the immigration process.

There is an alternative for those who did not receive an invitation but still want their parents and grandparents to visit. They may request an enhanced visa. This visa allows family members to enter and remain for an extended period. You can remain in Canada for up to 5 years at a time and extend your stay by up to 2 years without leaving the country.

Want more information on prior Parents and Grandparents Program admissions? Check out the new report on their website titled “The Parents and Grandparents Program: Intake Report, 2014 to 2019.” By the end of this year, they will have published a report spanning the years 2020 to 2021.

Consequently, if you wish to reunite with your family in Canada, the Parents and Grandparents Program could be your ticket. Prepare for your opportunity this autumn!

If you are still waiting for you decision on immigration application or you have received a refusal, please get GCMS notes.

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List of Documents Required at Port of Entry for New International Students

Documents Required at Port of Entry for New International Students

In a crucial guide for incoming international students, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has compiled a comprehensive list of seven essential documents that new students must possess to avoid potential immigration delays or even the risk of being returned to their home countries. As the fall 2023 intake approaches, students are urged to ensure they have the following documents before embarking on their journey to Canada:

  1. Acceptable Travel Documentation: A valid passport is a must-have for entry into Canada.
  2. Letter of Introduction or Study Permit: Students must possess either the letter of introduction from the port of entry, which was sent by the visa office upon approval of the study permit, or a valid study permit if already obtained.
  3. School’s Letter of Acceptance: A copy of the official letter of acceptance from the educational institution must be on hand.
  4. Study Visa Foil or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): A valid study visa foil stamped in the passport or an eTA is necessary for visa-exempt countries.
  5. Proof of Sufficient Funds: Students need to provide proof of financial sustainability during their stay, often demonstrated through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
  6. Clean Criminal and Immigration Record: Students must not have any criminal or immigration-related convictions, unless a pardon or rehabilitation has been granted.
  7. Valid Immigration Medical Exam Results: Being in excellent health and having valid immigration medical exam results at the time of entry is essential. If the medical exam expires before entering Canada, a new one is required.

CBSA advises students to keep these documents in their handbags and refrain from placing them in checked luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) by New International Students

1. When can new students come to Canada on a study visa?
There is no specific timeframe set for new international students with study visas to travel to Canada. Those with valid stamped visas and complete documentation can settle into the Canadian community at any time. However, engagement in work or studies is only allowed once their courses officially begin.

2. I have a connecting flight with a short layover. Should I be concerned about missing my second flight due to immigration procedures?
During peak seasons, such as the fall 2023 intake, there is a higher probability of missing connecting flights due to immigration procedures. It is advisable to contact your airline for potential alternative flights or consider booking a new one after completing the immigration check.

3. Can I do my immigration check at the final destination airport?
No, all new immigrants or temporary visa holders must complete the immigration check at the first Canadian port of entry, regardless of their final destination within Canada. This can be an airport, land border, or waterway entry point.

4. What should I do if a CBSA officer denies issuing a study permit at the airport?
If you are denied a study permit at the airport, the actions to take depend on the reason for denial. If a required document is missing, you may request entry as a visitor, given you have a valid visa. However, for serious offenses or fraudulent documents, individuals may be sent back to their home countries. Remember, CBSA officers have discretion in their decisions, so cooperation and courtesy are crucial.

International students are encouraged to follow the Canada immigration website for all the correct information and updates before finalizing a decision. Study permit: Prepare for arrival – Canada.ca