Posted on June 8, 2023June 8, 2023 by admin

Express Entry Draw: June 2023- Week 1

Canada has invited 4,800 candidates to apply for permanent residence in the first Express Entry draw of June 2023. The draw was held on June 8, 2023, and was an all-program draw, meaning that candidates from all three Express Entry programs were eligible.

Minimum CRS 486

CRS Cut-off Score and Tie-breaking Rule

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) in this draw was 486. Following the most recent draw on May 24, where 4,800 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 488 were invited in an all-program draw, this marks the initial draw of June. Notably, the minimum CRS score requirement of 488 in this draw is higher than the previous all-program draw on April 26, which required a minimum CRS score of 483.

The tie-breaking rule for this draw was May 19, 2023 14:04:00 UTC. This means that candidates with a CRS score of 486 or higher who submitted their profile before this date and time received an ITA in this draw.

Posted on June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 by admin

Canada visa-free travel for 13 new countries

Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, made an announcement in Winnipeg today regarding the introduction of visa-free travel. As a result of this announcement, citizens from 13 countries will now have the ability to travel to Canada by air without the need for a Temporary Residence Visa. However, it’s important to note that this privilege applies only to travelers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa within the past 10 years or who currently possess a valid non-immigrant visa from the United States. The eligible countries whose passport holders can take advantage of this new policy include:

Philippines
Morocco
Panama
Antigua and Barbuda
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Argentina
Costa Rica
Uruguay
Seychelles
Thailand

Canada offers visa-free travel to over 50 countries, although most of them require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they are arriving by air.

However, citizens of the United States do not need an eTA or a visa to enter Canada, unless their intention is to work or study in the country.

For nationals of countries that are not exempt from obtaining a visa, they must apply for a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa.

A TRV allows individuals to visit Canada for a period of up to six months, although the duration may vary for certain foreign nationals.

It’s important to note that arriving in Canada with a TRV does not grant permission to work or study in the country. Upon entry, individuals may be asked to provide evidence that their visit to Canada is temporary, such as for tourism or visiting family.

Posted on June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 by admin

Minister Fraser Clarifies How IRCC Uses AI in Application Processing

The Canadian government’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has been harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline and enhance its application processing system. In a recent announcement, Minister Fraser shed light on how AI is being utilized to improve the efficiency and accuracy of immigration procedures.

Traditionally, the immigration process has been a complex and time-consuming journey for both applicants and government officials. However, with the integration of AI technology, the IRCC aims to revolutionize the way immigration applications are handled, creating a more efficient and responsive system.

Minister Fraser emphasized that the use of AI in immigration processing does not replace human decision-making but rather augments it. The technology acts as a supportive tool, helping officials sift through vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make more informed decisions.

One of the key advantages of incorporating AI into the immigration system is the ability to expedite processing times. AI algorithms can quickly analyze large volumes of applications, identifying potential issues or irregularities that require further attention. By automating certain tasks, such as document verification and risk assessment, the IRCC can accelerate the overall processing timeline, reducing wait times for applicants.

Moreover, the integration of AI ensures greater consistency and fairness in decision-making. Human bias, which can inadvertently influence judgments, is mitigated as AI systems rely on objective criteria and predefined rules. This ensures that applicants are evaluated based on their qualifications, skills, and eligibility, leading to a more transparent and equitable process.

In addition to efficiency gains, AI also strengthens security measures within the immigration system. The technology can effectively detect patterns associated with fraud, forgery, or identity theft, enabling officials to identify high-risk cases and allocate resources accordingly. By fortifying the system’s security, the IRCC aims to protect the integrity of the immigration process and maintain public trust.

Minister Fraser was quick to address concerns regarding the use of AI, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding privacy and maintaining strict data protection protocols. He stated that while AI technology requires access to personal data to perform its functions, the IRCC ensures that all data is handled in accordance with Canadian privacy laws and regulations. The privacy of applicants is a top priority, and robust measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of sensitive information.

Looking ahead, Minister Fraser expressed the government’s ongoing commitment to harnessing AI’s potential to improve immigration services continually. The IRCC will continue to invest in research and development, working closely with industry experts and stakeholders to refine the AI systems and address any potential biases or limitations.

As the world rapidly evolves, AI presents a remarkable opportunity for the IRCC to enhance its processes and deliver a more efficient, transparent, and fair immigration system. The integration of AI technology promises to streamline application processing, reduce wait times, strengthen security measures, and ensure the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

Posted on June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 by admin

IRCC Announces New Selection Categories for Express Entry Candidates

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, has announced the launch of category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be focusing on Express Entry candidates who have a strong French language proficiency or work experience in the following fields:

Healthcare
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
Transport
Agriculture and agri-food

The new selection categories are aimed at attracting skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy and help fill labour shortages in these fields.

The new selection categories will be implemented through category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates. The draws will be conducted on a regular basis and will focus on candidates who have a strong French language proficiency or work experience in the above-mentioned fields.

The new selection categories are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers to Canada and help fill labour shortages in key sectors of the economy.

You can find a complete list of eligible occupations under the new categories here.

Posted on May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 by admin

Canadian Work Experience Requirement Removed for Engineers in Ontario

In a significant development for engineers in Ontario, the provincial government has made a crucial policy change by eliminating the Canadian work experience requirement. This landmark decision is expected to create new opportunities for foreign-trained engineers seeking employment in the province. In this post, we’ll delve into the details of this news and discuss the implications for engineers aspiring to work in Ontario.

The Ontario provincial government recently announced a major policy change that is set to benefit foreign-trained engineers. As per the new regulations, the requirement for Canadian work experience has been removed, opening up opportunities for engineers from around the world to secure employment in the province.

Previously, foreign-trained engineers faced significant barriers when attempting to work in Ontario. The requirement of Canadian work experience often made it challenging for these highly skilled professionals to find suitable employment. This policy change aims to address this issue and make the province more accessible for internationally educated engineers.

The elimination of the Canadian work experience requirement is expected to have several positive implications. Firstly, it will attract a larger pool of skilled engineering professionals to Ontario, enhancing the diversity and talent within the province’s engineering sector. This influx of international expertise can lead to innovative solutions and advancements in various industries.

Moreover, this change will not only benefit the engineers themselves but also the province’s economy as a whole. Ontario relies heavily on engineering expertise across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and technology. By removing the work experience barrier, the government is fostering a more competitive and inclusive job market, ultimately contributing to economic growth.

It’s worth noting that while the Canadian work experience requirement has been eliminated, other criteria, such as education and language proficiency, still apply. Foreign-trained engineers will still need to meet the standards set by the province’s engineering regulatory body, which evaluates qualifications and grants licenses to practice engineering in Ontario.

Foreign engineers interested in working in Ontario should ensure they fulfill the necessary educational requirements and possess the required language proficiency. They can then proceed with the licensing process, which involves submitting the appropriate documentation and passing the examinations conducted by the regulatory body, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).

In conclusion, the removal of the Canadian work experience requirement for engineers in Ontario marks a positive step towards attracting international talent and promoting a more inclusive job market. This change provides foreign-trained engineers with an equal opportunity to contribute their skills and expertise to the province’s flourishing engineering sector. By embracing diversity and talent from around the world, Ontario is poised to benefit from innovative solutions and further economic growth in the years to come.