Tag: IRCC News

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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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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.

Apply GCMS Notes from IRCC

Apply GCMS Notes from CBSA

Apply GCMS Notes from IRCC and CBSA

Apply for full case files with GCMS Notes

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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

Apply GCMS Notes from CBSA

Apply GCMS Notes from IRCC and CBSA

Apply for full case files with GCMS Notes

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Express Entry Rounds of Invitations- Transport Occupations

Latest CRS- Express Entry Score

Canada launched Transport Category based Express Entry. Here is a summary of the latest Express Entry invitation round held on September 20, 2023:

AspectData
ProgramTransport Occupations (2023-1)
Number of invitations issued1,000
Rank required to be invited to apply1,000 or above
Date and time of roundSeptember 20, 2023, 14:04:14 UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited435
Tie-breaking ruleJune 17, 2023, 06:44:01 UTC

In this round, 1,000 invitations were issued for candidates in the Transport Occupations program. To be invited, candidates needed to have a ranking of 1,000 or higher, and the lowest-ranked candidate who received an invitation had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 435. 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 June 17, 2023, at 06:44:01 UTC.

Check all Express Entry Draw CRS scores

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

Apply GCMS Notes from CBSA

Apply GCMS Notes from IRCC and CBSA

Apply for full case files with GCMS Notes

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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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Canada Considers Limiting International Students

Canada Considers Limiting International Students

The Canadian government is now considering a cap on international students as an option to address the housing crunch. This decision reflects the delicate balance that needs to be struck between meeting labour needs and ensuring adequate housing for all residents.

While this situation unfolds, international students planning to apply for a study visa for Canada should stay updated on the latest policy changes. It’s important to remember that while these changes may affect work opportunities, the primary purpose of a study visa is to pursue education in Canada.

Canada, known for its open approach to immigration, is currently facing a unique challenge. The country’s welcoming stance towards international students, seen as a solution to the labour shortage, is now being reconsidered due to the worsening housing crunch1.

The Government of Canada had previously announced the temporary lifting of the 20-hour-per-week cap on the number of hours that eligible post-secondary students are allowed to work off-campus while class is in session2. This measure, effective from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, was aimed at addressing the labour shortage and aiding economic recovery2.

However, this influx of international students, coupled with other non-permanent arrivals, has led to a rapid population growth. This growth is driving up rents in the country’s biggest cities and exacerbating the housing shortage1. The vacancy rate on rental buildings is now below 2% — the lowest since 20011.

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Express Entry Rounds of Invitations- All Category- August 2023

Express Entry Rounds of Invitations- All Category Draw for August 2023

In the latest Canada Express Entry draw held on August 15, 2023, a substantial number of 4,300 candidates were issued invitations to apply for permanent residence. This draw, which targeted candidates with no specified program, featured a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 496 points or above. The draw continued the trend of inviting a large number of candidates, reflecting Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants from around the world.

Key details of the draw are as follows:

  • Category: No Program Specified
  • Number of Invitations Issued: 4,300
  • Rank Required to be Invited: 4,300 or above
  • Date and Time of Round: August 15, 2023 at 14:23:51 UTC
  • CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 496
  • Tie-breaking Rule: August 01, 2023 at 12:59:52 UTC

The CRS cut-off of 496 points indicated that candidates with competitive qualifications and skills were invited to apply for permanent residency. The tie-breaking rule ensured that candidates with the same CRS score were prioritized based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

DateCategoryTotal ITAsMinimum CRS RequiredTie-breaking Rule
August 15, 2023No Program Specified4,300496August 01, 2023 at 12:59:52 UTC
August 3, 2023Trade Occupations (2023-1)1,500388June 07, 2023 at 07:03:08 UTC
August 2, 2023French Language Proficiency (2023-1)800435July 31, 2023 at 09:57:30 UTC
August 1, 2023No Program Specified2,000517July 30, 2023 at 13:25:02 UTC

This draw follows previous draws in August, which saw invitations issued under different categories such as Trade Occupations, French Language Proficiency, and the general “No Program Specified” category. Canada’s Express Entry system remains a dynamic and accessible pathway for skilled workers and their families to establish themselves in the country.

The diversity of categories and the consistent invitation of candidates with varying CRS scores highlight Canada’s dedication to selecting candidates who possess the skills and attributes that align with the nation’s economic and labor market needs. As a result, candidates who received invitations have the opportunity to contribute to Canada’s economy and society while enjoying the benefits of permanent residency.

Candidates who received invitations in this latest draw can now proceed with their application process for permanent residence. As they navigate through the application requirements and procedures, they move closer to realizing their goal of becoming permanent residents of Canada, a nation known for its inclusivity, opportunities, and high quality of life.