Weekly Canadian News: Trade Occupation Draws | PNP Draws | Updates on Quebec Family Sponsorship

 

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) in the second Express Entry draw of the week. 

A total of 1,800 ITAs were issued in a category-based selection draw for trade occupations. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 436 to be considered. 

This is the first draw for trade occupations since December 2023. According to an IRCC memo released last April, trade occupation draws will account for 5% of all ITAs in category-based selection draws this year.

Earlier this week, on July 2, IRCC held a draw exclusively for candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), inviting 920 individuals. To be considered, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 739. 

This draw is part of a recent trend of program-specific draws that began earlier this year. Since May 30, IRCC has conducted four such draws, with three focusing on PNP candidates.

Quebec's Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration has introduced a cap on family sponsorship applications, effective from June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026. 

This cap limits the number of applications to 13,000-

• 10,400 for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children aged 18
• 2,600 for parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives. 

Once the cap is reached, the Ministère will stop accepting applications for the remainder of the period. Want to learn more about these caps and whether IRCC might implement similar measures? 

Listen to our expert RCIC as they explain Quebec's recent changes and discuss the potential for similar actions from IRCC. Watch the video. 

This year has brought significant changes to the landscape of studying in Canada as a foreign student, underscoring an important reality: permanent residence (PR) is not guaranteed for international students or graduates. 

While Canada provides various pathways to work and potentially settle permanently after graduation, achieving PR is not a given, especially considering Canada's evolving immigration priorities. International students graduating from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must navigate several challenges to obtain PR, even if they are strong candidates. 

Firstly, graduates often need work experience to qualify for many economic PR programs. This is typically achieved through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing graduates to work for most employers across Canada. PGWPs are generally issued in accordance with the length of study, but potential changes to this program may be on the horizon. After gaining eligibility, graduates must apply to relevant PR programs. 

Many opt for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) within the Express Entry system, designed for those with Canadian education and work experience. Alternatively, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) might offer another route, with some streams specifically targeting international graduates. 

The transition to PR involves wait times and a prioritization system based on Canada's labor market and demographic needs. Recent changes to the Express Entry system favor candidates with French language skills or experience in five in-demand sectors, over those with higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. Similar dynamics apply to various PNP streams, where professional experience and demographic traits can influence PR status. These factors can complicate an international graduate's quest for PR. 

If a graduate does not obtain PR within the validity of their PGWP and cannot secure a new temporary residence status, they must leave Canada. Although their Express Entry profile remains valid if eligibility criteria are met, this poses another hurdle for those seeking to stay in Canada.

Are you keeping up with the latest developments in Canadian immigration? Our newest video, prepared by our licensed RCIC, provides essential updates on trade and PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) draw news.

Also, don’t miss out on crucial information that could affect your plans to move to Canada. Click to watch now and stay ahead of the curve with our expert analysis and updates. Watch the video!

Were you selected in these draws? Want to proceed with the PR process but do not know how? Consider connecting with us and we will help you in your PR journey.