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27 Jul 2021

Relaxed travel restrictions to boost immigration in Canada

Author admin Categories Immigrate to Canada

In May 2021, Canada welcomed 17000 new immigrants, the lowest number recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IRCC has been observing a slow immigration rate straight from the past four months, whereas the year started extremely well.

The number of new immigrants welcomed to Canada start declining gradually as per the following table:

MonthNumber of Immigrants Welcomed
January24,680
February23,395
March22,425
April21,155

Until May 2021, Canada has welcomed 108,000 immigrants, which is a low number as per the set targets under Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023.

Canada set the target of inviting 401,000 new immigrants each year starting from 2021. This is the most striving target ever set by IRCC for welcoming aspiring migrators in Canada to support economic recovery after COVID 19 pandemic.

Canada was targeting to welcome 341,000 new immigrants in 2020, but only 184,000 immigrants entered the country due to travel constraints and other coronavirus-related troubles since March 2020.

Before the pandemic hit the country, between 25,000 and 35,000 immigrants used to enter Canada every month. During the spring and summer months, the number of immigrants used to be high. These are the months with favourable weather conditions, and the academic and business calendar starts in September in Canada.

However, only 4,100 new arrivals were registered in April 2020 and continued to be under 20,000 each month for the rest of 2020.

Currently, IRCC is focusing on processing the permanent residence applications for those who are already living in Canada and have applied through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and other programs. Through the Express Entry draws, candidates falling under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are invited. Total 93,842 candidates are already invited to apply for PR in 2021 which is double the figure in 2020. IRCC also brought up new PR streams for up to 90,000 international graduates and workers, and it is expected that about 40,000 of these applications will be processed by the end of 2021.

As the immigration target is high, in the coming years more and more applications will be accepted. To apply for one of the programs leading to Canadian Permanent Residency, contact Options Abroad powered by a board of experienced IRCC members, immigration lawyers, and leading visa and immigration experts.

23 Jul 2021
Largest Expression of Interest draws ever held by Ontario

Largest Expression of Interest draws ever held by Ontario

Author admin Categories Immigrate to Canada

Three major PNP draws inviting international workers, students, and applicants with a job offer in rural communities on July 13, 2012, were held by the Ontario province.

The OINP invited 1,685 candidates who submitted their profiles in the new Expression of Interest (EOI) pool.  Invited candidates might be qualified for one of two Employer Job Offer streams. In this year so far, this is the largest Expression of Interest draws held by Ontario.

Under the general draw, 1,211 candidates are invited who are eligible for the Foreign Worker Stream. The score requirement for such candidates is at least 33, and no targeted occupations and location requirements were applicable under this draw.

Another 431 applicants were sent invitations through the International Student Stream, and the score requirement for these candidates was at least 62.

43 candidates are invited under the Regional Immigration Pilot program.

About the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

Any candidate who has an eligible job offer from an employer in Ontario can apply under Ontario Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream. The candidates who meet the eligibility requirements do not necessarily need to be in Canada. They are required to have:

•          Two years work experience in a skilled occupation,

•          An eligible Job Offer from Ontario, and

•          An intention to immigrate to Ontario

About the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

Any candidate who has an eligible job offer from an employer in Ontario can apply under Ontario Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream. The candidates who meet the eligibility requirements do not necessarily need to be in Canada. They are required to have

•      A recognized qualification from Canadian Designated Learning Institution,

•          An eligible Job Offer from Ontario, and

•          An intention to immigrate to Ontario

To apply for the PNP, an EOI profile has to be registered on the website of Ontario. Post-registration, the profile is entered in the EOI pool. Based on the profile, a score is given. Factors on which the score is based include skill level of job offer, professional experience, wage, qualification, language ability, the region in which education or experience is gained, etc. Ontario uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to calculate points for the candidates.

All the PNPs are focused on filling skill shortages in the labor market by bringing skilled immigrants to various provinces. The OINP systematically explores the Express Entry pool to invite candidates meeting Ontario’s stream eligibility criteria.

What is the Regional Immigration Pilot?

The Regional Immigration Pilot helps address labour shortages in various communities. Three rural locations, namely Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, and Quinte West/Belleville are allocated with 150 nominations in 2021. The program will stay here for two years before review. Depending on the performance, it will be extended or discontinued.

To apply for one of the programs leading to Canadian Permanent Residency, contact Options Abroad powered by a board of experienced IRCC members, immigration lawyers, and leading visa and immigration experts. https://www.optionsabroad.ca/

20 Jul 2021
Professional experts Ontario seeks as an impact of COVID-19

Professional experts Ontario seeks as an impact of COVID-19

Author admin Categories Immigration

Covid has changed the way humanity thinks, live, and work. During lockdowns, when everyone was supposed to be at home, some professionals remained on duty. Besides this, some occupations gained significance, especially because of lockdown. Thus, while some occupations have suffered a loss, some other jobs have seen an upward trend.

Looking forward to settling down in Ontario, Canada, the aspiring immigrants here is your guide to know, which occupations are in demand. As per the Federal Government survey to find out the impact of the pandemic on job market across Canadian Provinces, the researchers have found that in Ontario over 100 professions have undergone a considerable change in the past one and a half year.   

This write-up lets us find out some of the major professions in demand in Ontario which are listed on NOC (National Occupational Classification). Also, the aspirants can make use of Trend Analysis Tool to know about the ongoing job market trends.  

  • Digital Marketing (Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations): Considering the huge reach, affordability, and wider perspective, the brands and organizations have identified digital marketing as a preferred choice for promotional purposes, particularly amid Covid-19. The need for digital marketing professionals in Canada, especially Ontario, is high.
  • IT Professionals: The remote working trend or Work From Home (WFH) became the only choice during lockdowns due to the fast-spreading of Coronavirus. The demand for well-qualified and expert computer and information systems managers increased. These professionals have proved to be the rescuers for some of the companies during the lockdown. Also, these professionals have managed to offervirtual facilities like medical appointments, e-commerce, job fairs, educational tutorials and more.
  • Epidemiologists and Biologists: The worldwide spread of the deadly virus and its recurrent variants has created a need for continuous research and vaccines. Thus, there is an increased demand for Epidemiologists,immunologists, bio-information workers, pharmacologists, etc.
  • IT Consultants and Information Systems Analysts: The lockdowns across the globe led maximum IT and ITES companies to take work from the home route. This transition from office to home need the support of IT consultants and Information System Analysts. Thus, amid Covid-19 there has been an increased demand for skilled professionals.
  • Data Management Scientists: The need to maintain the data of covid patients, keeping track of immediate contacts and schedules related to quarantine periods require expert data management professionals. Thus, these professionals are also in demand.   
      
  • Medical Laboratory Technologists: Ontario had a shortage of such professionals even before the pandemic, and during a pandemic, a crunch for experienced, well qualified and trained lab technologists was felt. Pandemics require regular testing and reports generation. Thus, the provincial government is all set to welcome expert Medical Laboratory Technologists. Also, the province of Ontario is funding a new program to train laboratory workers.  

Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the best route for qualified professionals in demand to accomplish their permanent residency dreams in Canada. The chances are even brighter for aspirants to settle in Ontario who already have an express entry profile.

For more details, get in touch with Options Abroad, the one-stop solution for all immigration needs.  

16 Jul 2021
Steering Canadian Immigration via Study Route

Steering Canadian Immigration via Study Route

Author Blog Writer Categories Immigration 17,276 Comments on Steering Canadian Immigration via Study Route

Canada has always been the dream destination for learning and settlement, for people across the globe. During the past few years, the number of Indians moving to Canada for studies and then converting to permanent residents after studies have increased tremendously.

As per available figures, 30 % of the international students who entered Canada after 2000 have become permanent residents in 10 years.    

For the Canadian Government, international students are potential labor that contributes to the Country’s economy.  

Major attractions for international students in Canada

  • Canadian work experience: It is valued a lot across the globe
  • High-paying jobs: International students get high-paying job opportunities in Canada during studies and after studies. 
  • Favorable Policy of Canadian Government: International students add great value to the Country’s economy, and thus, the Canadian Government is always ready to welcome international students.  

Factors favoring international students for Canadian Labour market

  • Age: The young age of international students compared to the old Canadian population makes them a good choice for the Canadian Labor market.
  • Canadian Credentials: Possessing Canadian Credentials adds value to international students’ candidature to get hired. 
  • Language Proficiency: The international students have to prove their language proficiency before entering Canada. Thus, they are good at communicating. 
  • Strong social networks: International students network a lot during their initial months to adapt to the new environment. Thus, they must have developed a strong social network that will prove mutually beneficial for employers and international students as employees.  
  •  The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that international students get is an open work permit that allows DLI graduates to work under any employer in Canada and gain work experience. This work experience will prove to be helpful for graduates to get converted to Permanent Residents of Canada. Also, the graduates with a minimum of one year of work experience in Canada and who are proficient in either English or French will get permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class. 

Thus, the prospects seem bright for international students to settle in Canada permanently. However, the right knowledge and guidance is the only way out. Explore the best possible prospects for you with Options Abroad, today.             

12 Jul 2021
Canada updated amount of funds under Express Entry

Canada Updated Amount of Funds Under Express Entry

Author Blog Writer Categories Express Entry 20,880 Comments on Canada Updated Amount of Funds Under Express Entry

Aspiring migrators seeking Canadian Permanent Residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canada will need to update the amount of funds required under Express Entry. Candidates having a valid job offer in Canada are exempt from the updated requirement.

To immigrate to Canada, the following amount of funds is needed as per the new update:

Family MembersFunds required (CAD)
1$13,213
2$16,449
3$20,222
4$24,553
5$27,847
6$31,407
7$34,967
Each additional family member$3,560

All candidates having less funds than the required amount have to update their funds in the Express Entry profile before July 15, 2021, and updating the amount of funds will not affect the processing time.

FSWP and FSTP candidates have not been considered yet the Express Entry in 2021, and due to pandemic, candidates under Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are being considered.

IRCC was supposed to announce new proof of funds in January 2021 but the update has been provided in July 2021. As the situation is getting better now, IRCC has come up with the update finally.

Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence need to prove in written that they have adequate funds to settle in Canada. The written proof includes an official letter official letters from the bank or financial institution.

The certificate or document provided must be printed on the letterhead of the financial institute in which address, phone number, and email is given. It must include name of the candidate and information regarding outstanding debts. It must also state the current balance, average balance for last 6 months, account information, and account opening date.

The funds mentioned must be readily available at the time of application and when permanent residency visa is issued by IRCC. Funds cannot be borrowed from another person neither they can be in the form of equity. There are various other requirements that are needed to be fulfilled and the right guidance by expert professionals can make the whole immigration process smooth. To apply for one of the programs leading to Canadian Permanent Residency, contact Options Abroad.

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