CEC DrawsI Learn French for beginners GuideI SOWP changes annouchedI Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: ReviewI Changes to support international students in Canada

Canadian Experience Class Draw – January 23, 2025



On January 23, 2025, IRCC conducted a draw under the Express Entry system, inviting 4,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 527 were selected in this round. The CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 527, and in case of a tie, invitations were extended based on the earliest submission date of the Express Entry profiles.


This draw marks a significant opportunity for skilled foreign workers with Canadian work experience to further their immigration journey. The Canadian Experience Class provides a pathway for candidates who have already gained valuable work experience in Canada, allowing them to contribute to the country’s economy while also fostering their long-term settlement in Canada. With 4,000 invitations issued, this round continues Canada's ongoing efforts to meet its immigration goals for 2025.


Important IRCC Updates on Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) – Watch Now!



We’re excited to share an insightful new video from our RCIC, covering the latest updates from IRCC regarding the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). This is a must-watch for anyone interested in staying informed about important changes that could impact your immigration plans. The video offers a clear breakdown of recent policy updates, the application process, and any new requirements you need to know. Whether you're applying for a SOWP yourself or assisting someone else, this video will provide valuable guidance to navigate these changes.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to watch and gain a better understanding of how these updates may affect you. Stay ahead of the curve and make sure your applications are as smooth and informed as possible.


Watch the video now!


Eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 Occupations for Spousal Open Work Permits


On January 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released an updated list of TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations that continue to qualify for a spousal open work permit (SOWP). The new rules, effective January 21, restrict eligibility to the spouses of foreign workers employed in specific occupations, including TEER 0, TEER 1, and selected TEER 2 and TEER 3 roles. To qualify, the foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for an SOWP.


Here's the list of occupations included for Teer 2 and Teer 3. Check the updated list of occupations to ensure your eligibility

Occupation CodeOccupation Title (High-skilled occupations - Teer 2)
22100Chemical technologists and technicians
22101Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
22110Biological technologists and technicians
22111Agricultural and fish products inspectors
22112Forestry technologists and technicians
22113Conservation and fishery officers
22114Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
22210Architectural technologists and technicians
22211Industrial designers
22212Drafting technologists and technicians
22213Land survey technologists and technicians
22214Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology
22220Computer network and web technicians
22221User support technicians
22222Information systems testing technicians
22230Non-destructive testers and inspectors
22231Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
22232Occupational health and safety specialists
22233Construction inspectors
22300Civil engineering technologists and technicians
22301Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
22302Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
22303Construction estimators
22310Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
22311Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
22312Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
22313Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
32100Opticians
32101Licensed practical nurses
32102Paramedical occupations
32103Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
32104Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
32109Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
32110Denturists
32111Dental hygienists and dental therapists
32112Dental technologists and technicians
32120Medical laboratory technologists
32121Medical radiation technologists
32122Medical sonographers
32123Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
32124Pharmacy technicians
32129Other medical technologists and technicians
32200Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
32201Massage therapists
32209Other practitioners of natural healing
42102Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces
42202Early childhood educators and assistants
72010Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
72011Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
72012Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
72013Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
72014Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
72020Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
72021Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
72022Supervisors, printing and related occupations
72023Supervisors, railway transport operations
72024Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
72025Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations
72100Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
72101Tool and die makers
72102Sheet metal workers
72103Boilermakers
72104Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
72105Ironworkers
72106Welders and related machine operators
72200Electricians (except industrial and power system)
72201Industrial electricians
72202Power system electricians
72203Electrical power line and cable workers
72204Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
72205Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
72300Plumbers
72301Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
72302Gas fitters
72310Carpenters
72311Cabinetmakers
72320Bricklayers
72321Insulators
72400Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
72401Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
72402Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
72403Railway carmen/women
72404Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
72405Machine fitters
72406Elevator constructors and mechanics
72410Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
72411Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators
72420Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
72421Appliance servicers and repairers
72422Electrical mechanics
72423Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
72429Other small engine and small equipment repairers
72500Crane operators
72501Water well drillers
72600Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
72601Air traffic controllers and related occupations
72602Deck officers, water transport
72603Engineer officers, water transport
72604Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
72999Other technical trades and related occupations
82010Supervisors, logging and forestry
82020Supervisors, mining and quarrying
82021Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
82030Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
82031Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services


Occupation CodeOccupation Title (High-skilled occupations - Teer 3)
33100Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
33101Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33102Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33103Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33109Other assisting occupations in support of health services
43100Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
43204Operations Members of the Canadian Armed Forces
53200Athletes
53201Coaches
73100Concrete finishers
73101Tilesetters
73102Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
73110Roofers and shinglers
73111Glaziers
73112Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
73113Floor covering installers
73200Residential and commercial installers and servicers
73201General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
73202Pest controllers and fumigators
73209Other repairers and servicers
73300Transport truck drivers
73301Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
73310Railway and yard locomotive engineers
73311Railway conductors and brakemen/women
73400Heavy equipment operators
73401Printing press operators
73402Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction
83100Underground production and development miners
83101Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
83110Logging machinery operators
83120Fishing masters and officers
83121Fishermen/women


This change replaces the previous eligibility criteria, which allowed spouses to apply for an SOWP regardless of the foreign worker’s occupation. The updated list of eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations includes a wide range of technical, healthcare, and trade-related positions.

If you’re applying for a spousal work permit, check the updated list of occupations to ensure your eligibility and start preparing your application today.

This change replaces the previous eligibility criteria, which allowed spouses to apply for an SOWP regardless of the foreign worker’s occupation. The updated list of eligible TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations includes a wide range of technical, healthcare, and trade-related positions.

If you’re applying for a spousal work permit, check the updated list of occupations to ensure your eligibility and start preparing your application today.


How to learn French for Canadian Immigration - Guide and Material for Beginners



Are you planning to apply for Canadian immigration? One of the key factors that can boost your chances of success is proficiency in French! We’re excited to share a brand new YouTube video, “How to Learn French for Canadian Immigration – Guide and Material for Beginners.” 


Whether you’re just starting out or looking for tips to improve your skills, this video offers practical advice and useful resources to help you on your French learning journey. 


Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) breaks down the essential steps to get started, introduces helpful study materials, and shares strategies that can make your learning experience more effective. Whether you're preparing for the language requirements of Express Entry or other immigration programs, this video is your perfect guide to get ahead. 


Don’t miss out—watch the video now and take your first step toward French fluency for Canadian immigration!


IRCC's 2025 Study Permit Allocations and Changes to Support International Students



Over the past year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented significant changes to improve the international student experience and strengthen its programs to meet the evolving needs of Canada. In 2024, IRCC introduced a cap on study permit applications to preserve program integrity and ease pressures on housing, healthcare, and other services. This cap has reduced the number of international students by approximately 40%, alleviating strain on rental markets, particularly in areas with large student populations.


Looking ahead to 2025, IRCC has set a target of issuing 437,000 study permits, marking a 10% decrease from the 2024 cap. Most applicants must now submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), including master’s and doctoral students, as well as most applicants applying from within Canada. However, exchange students are exempt from this requirement. Primary and secondary school students, certain Government of Canada priority groups, and those applying for study permit extensions at the same institution and level remain exempt from PAL/TAL submission.


The allocation of study permits across various provinces and territories has been finalized, with graduate students receiving a targeted allocation of 73,282 permits. IRCC continues to collaborate with provinces and territories to enhance the International Student Program.


Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: A Landmark Year in 2024



The year 2024 marked a transformative period for Alberta's Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), with notable achievements and significant changes. The program issued 9,942 nominations, surpassing its 9,750 nomination target, with over 85% of nominations going to temporary foreign workers (TFWs) already in the province. AAIP also supported foreign workers by issuing 777 work permit support letters to those whose work permits were expiring in 2024, facilitating their transition to permanent residency.


A major development was the introduction of new immigration streams, including pathways for the tourism, hospitality, and law enforcement sectors. To manage rising demand, AAIP implemented a monthly intake system and launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for worker streams. Furthermore, temporary measures were enacted to assist those affected by Alberta's wildfires.

Additionally, the Alberta is Calling program incentivized skilled tradespeople with a $5,000 tax credit to support the province’s growing housing and infrastructure needs.


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