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The Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) is undergoing significant changes in 2024, aimed at enhancing opportunities for international students to study and work in Canada. These updates, effective February 15, 2024, introduce new provisions and eligibility criteria that prospective applicants need to be aware of to make informed decisions about their educational and professional pursuits in Canada.

One of the most notable changes to the PGWPP is the extension of the work permit duration for graduates of master’s degree programs. Regardless of the program’s duration, master’s degree graduates are now eligible for a three-year PGWP. This extension underscores Canada’s recognition of the valuable contributions and skills that master’s degree holders bring to the Canadian workforce. By providing a longer runway for international students to explore career opportunities and gain professional experience, Canada aims to attract and retain top talent from around the world, fostering innovation and economic growth.

In response to concerns about the quality of education and student support in certain public-private partnership college programs, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has imposed restrictions on PGWPs for students enrolled in these programs. Effective September 1, 2024, students starting curriculum licensing agreement programs will no longer be eligible for PGWPs. While existing international students in these programs remain eligible for PGWPs, new enrollees will not qualify for post-graduation work permits. This measure aims to ensure that students receive a high-quality education and have better career success prospects.

Changes are also being introduced regarding the eligibility criteria for spouses of international students in Canada. Under the new regulations, only the partners of students pursuing graduate or professional degrees will be eligible for open work permits. This adjustment aligns the eligibility criteria with the educational level of the student, ensuring that work opportunities are commensurate with the student’s academic pursuits.

Canada has implemented a cap on the annual number of new international students, setting it at approximately 360,000 authorized study permits for 2024, representing a 35% reduction from the previous year. Additionally, as of January 22, 2024, most new international students at colleges or universities must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they intend to study with their application. This letter confirms that the student has been permitted to study in Canada by the respective province or territory, ensuring sustainable population growth and a streamlined immigration system.

The changes to the Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Program in 2024 present new opportunities and considerations for international students aspiring to study and work in Canada. Prospective applicants must familiarise themselves with the updated eligibility criteria and regulations to maximize their chances of academic and professional success in Canada. By staying informed and compliant with the revised guidelines, international students can navigate the PGWPP application process effectively and contribute to Canada’s diverse and thriving workforce.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.

Canada has taken a significant step in providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians affected by the conflict in Gaza by introducing a new temporary residency pathway for extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This initiative, announced by Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), on January 9, aims to offer a temporary haven for Palestinians directly impacted by the Gaza conflict who have family ties to Canada.

Under this new temporary residency pathway, eligible family members including spouses, common-law partners, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are provided with an opportunity to seek temporary refuge in Canada. Additionally, immediate family members such as spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and dependent children of dependent children are also considered eligible for this program.

Once eligible individuals arrive in Canada, they can apply for a fee-free study permit or an open work permit to sustain themselves while the crisis in Israel and the Palestinian Territories persists. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on affected individuals and enable them to maintain their standard of living in Canada during these challenging times.

Beneficiaries of this program will also receive essential support services, including access to three months of health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program to address any urgent medical needs upon their arrival. Settlement services such as language training and assistance in integrating into the local community and job market will also be provided to help individuals adapt to their new environment.

To facilitate inquiries and applications related to this extraordinary measure, the IRCC has established a dedicated service channel accessible at 613-321-4243. This channel is available to individuals both in Canada and abroad, with collect calls accepted.

It’s important to note that exemptions for individuals applying for temporary resident visas under this program will expire on January 9, 2025, or upon receipt and processing of a total of one thousand applications, whichever comes first. The IRCC will closely monitor program volumes and evolving conditions to ensure that Canada continues to meet the needs of the target population.

For individuals already in Canada, including Israelis and Palestinians, the Minister of Immigration announced on December 21 that they are eligible for a free open work permit and study permit. This extends the support to those already present in Canada who may require assistance during this challenging period.

Canada’s introduction of a new temporary residency pathway for Palestinians in Gaza demonstrates its commitment to humanitarian values and assisting those in need. By offering refuge to extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, Canada aims to alleviate the hardships faced by Palestinians affected by the conflict and provide them with a temporary sanctuary to rebuild their lives.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.

Alberta, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, is set to bolster its tourism and hospitality sectors with a new immigration pathway. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is launching a dedicated stream aimed at addressing employment shortages in these vital industries. Effective March 1, 2024, this initiative marks a significant step in fortifying Alberta’s economy and supporting local businesses.

The tourism and hospitality sectors play a crucial role in Alberta’s economy, attracting visitors from around the globe and contributing significantly to employment and revenue generation. However, like many industries, they face challenges such as labour shortages and skill gaps. In response, the AAIP is introducing the Tourism and Hospitality Stream to facilitate the recruitment and retention of skilled workers in these fields.

Prospective applicants seeking to immigrate to Alberta under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream must meet specific eligibility criteria. They are required to have a valid full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an authorized company within the tourism or hospitality sector in Alberta. Candidates who have already established themselves in the province and have a minimum of six months of work experience in a tourism or hospitality role will also be eligible to apply.

To expedite the immigration process for eligible applicants, the Alberta immigration department will prioritize applications under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream. This streamlined approach aims to meet the immediate labour needs of Alberta’s tourism and hospitality businesses while ensuring the efficient processing of immigration applications.

When the applications open on March 1, 2024, more information regarding the application process will be provided. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the program’s guidelines and submit their applications accordingly. Previously submitted applications under the Alberta Opportunity Stream will also continue to be evaluated, ensuring continuity in the immigration process.

With a focus on addressing labour shortages across various industries, including healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, the AAIP will implement measures to manage its immigration nominations effectively. By temporarily halting new applications, the program can assess its current inventory and align future application volumes with program goals.

The introduction of the Tourism and Hospitality Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program heralds a new era of opportunity for Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sectors. It underscores Alberta’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled workers and entrepreneurs who contribute to the province’s economic growth and prosperity. By collaborating with the federal government, the AAIP seeks to address labour market challenges and enhance Alberta’s competitiveness on a global scale.

As the program unfolds, Alberta aims to strengthen its position as a premier destination for visitors while supporting economic growth and job creation in the province, making a meaningful impact on Alberta’s tourism industry and contributing to its long-term success.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) continues to play a vital role in facilitating immigration to Ontario, Canada. In its latest Express Entry draw on February 6, 2024, the OINP issued 2,086 invitations for permanent residency (PR) under the Human Capital Priorities Stream (HCP). This draw follows a series of successful draws conducted by the OINP in 2023.

The HCP stream specifically targets candidates with primary occupations falling within 42 designated healthcare-related National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.

Eligible occupations include –

• NOC 30010 – Managers in healthcare
• NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
• NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
• NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
• NOC 31103 – Veterinarians
• NOC 31110 – Dentists
• NOC 31111 – Optometrists
• NOC 31112 – Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
• NOC 31120 – Pharmacists
• NOC 31121 – Dietitians and nutritionists
• NOC 31201 – Chiropractors
• NOC 31202 – Physiotherapists
• NOC 31203 – Occupational therapists
• NOC 31204 – Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
• NOC 31209 – Other professional occupations in health – diagnosing and treating
• NOC 31300 – Nursing coordinators and supervisors
• NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
• NOC 31302 – Nurse practitioners
• NOC 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
• NOC 32100 – Opticians
• NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
• NOC 32102 – Paramedical occupations
• NOC 32103 – Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
• NOC 32104 – Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
• NOC 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
• NOC 32110 – Denturists
• NOC 32111 – Dental hygienists and dental therapists
• NOC 32112 – Dental technologists and technicians
• NOC 32120 – Medical laboratory technologists
• NOC 32121 – Medical radiation technologists
• NOC 32122 – Medical sonographers
• NOC 32123 – Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
• NOC 32124 – Pharmacy technicians
• NOC 32129 – Other medical technologists and technicians
• NOC 32200 – Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
• NOC 32201 – Massage therapists
• NOC 32209 – Other practitioners of natural healing
• NOC 33100 – Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
• NOC 33101 – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
• NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
• NOC 33103 – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
• NOC 33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services

 Candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 379 and 430 were eligible for consideration in this draw, provided they created their Express Entry profiles between February 6, 2023, and February 6, 2024.

 Candidates who are selected in this draw will have 45 days to claim their provincial nominations.

 The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a provincial immigration program that allows the province of Ontario to nominate individuals for permanent residency in Canada. Ontario has specific streams aligned with the federal Express Entry system, enabling the province to nominate candidates who have created a profile in the federal Express Entry pool.

 The OINP is designed to meet the economic development and labour market needs of the province and consists of various streams including –

 Human Capital Category

1. Business Category
2. Employer Job Offer Category

 The Human Capital Category targets skilled workers, graduates, and professionals with the skills and education required by Ontario employers. It includes the International Masters Graduate Stream and the International PhD Graduate Stream. The French-speaking skilled Worker Stream is also a part of it.

 Applicants interested in the OINP typically need to be nominated by the province before they can apply for permanent residence to the federal government. Once nominated, applicants must undergo federal processing, and if successful, they receive permanent resident status in Canada.

 In general, there are two types of fees a candidate must pay while applying, listed below: 

• Nominee Fee – Applicants nominated by the OINP are required to pay a non-refundable nominee fee of CAD 1,500, with this fee amount varying depending on the category the candidate applies to.
• Federal Fees – Candidates need to pay the required fees to the federal government when submitting their application for permanent residence.

 If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.

On February 17, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program initiated a new round of invitations for the Working Holiday Visa category, inviting a total of 4,655 individuals to apply for open work permits. This announcement marks a significant opportunity for youth from 35 eligible countries to explore Canada’s vibrant culture, gain valuable work experience, and create lasting memories through this unique program.

 The Working Holiday Visa program, part of the broader International Experience Canada initiative, aims to foster cultural exchange and provide young individuals with the opportunity to live and work in Canada temporarily. Participants are granted open work permits, allowing them to seek employment in various sectors across the country while immersing themselves in Canadian society and lifestyle.

 With a pool of 29,713 eligible candidates, the Working Holiday Visa category currently offers 38,668 open slots for youth eager to embark on this adventure. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age requirements, citizenship from one of the designated countries, and proof of financial stability to support themselves during their stay in Canada.

 The recent round of invitations saw a total of 5,166 invitations issued under the IEC 2024 season, encompassing three distinct categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship). While the Working Holiday category accounted for the majority of invitations, the Young Professionals category received 274 closed work permit invitations, and 237 invitations were extended for the International Co-op (Internship) category.

 For aspiring participants eagerly awaiting their chance to join the Working Holiday Visa program, understanding the probability of receiving an invitation in the next round is essential. One notable aspect of the IEC 2024 season is its efficient processing timeline. According to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program is currently processing applications within a remarkably short period, with a turnaround time of just three weeks. This rapid processing ensures that successful applicants can swiftly prepare for their Canadian adventure and commence their employment opportunities without unnecessary delays.

 List of eligible countries:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom

The latest round of invitations for the Working Holiday Visa program represents a significant milestone in the IEC 2024 season, providing thousands of young individuals worldwide with the opportunity to embark on a transformative journey in Canada. As the program continues to prioritize efficiency and accessibility, prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming rounds of invitations, adhere to eligibility criteria, and prepare diligently for their Canadian adventure. With Canada’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming communities awaiting them, participants can look forward to an enriching experience filled with new opportunities and unforgettable memories.

 If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.

On April 1, 2024, the federal minimum wage in Canada is set to rise from $16.65 to $17.30 per hour, marking a significant adjustment to keep pace with inflation. This increase, amounting to 65 cents, is expected to benefit approximately 30,000 Canadian workers employed in federally regulated sectors nationwide.

Federally regulated private sectors in Canada encompass a wide range of industries, including banking, postal and courier services, and interprovincial transportation by air, rail, road, and ocean, among others. These sectors are mandated to adhere to the federal minimum wage requirements, ensuring fair compensation for workers.

In addition to the federal minimum wage hike, workers in these industries may receive a higher wage rate if the minimum wage set by their respective province or territory exceeds the federal standard. This ensures that workers are compensated fairly following regional cost of living and economic conditions.

The adjustment of the federal minimum wage is determined annually on April 1st based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of inflation. This indexing mechanism ensures that the minimum wage keeps pace with the rising cost of living, safeguarding the purchasing power of workers’ earnings.

In the previous year, on April 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage experienced a notable increase from $15.55 to $16.65 per hour, reflecting a $1.10 adjustment. However, the forthcoming increase of 65 cents in 2024 signifies a more moderate adjustment than the previous year.

Beyond the federal minimum wage hike, several Canadian provinces are also slated to implement new minimum wage rates effective April 1, 2024. Among them, Yukon will witness the most significant increase, with its minimum wage rising by 82 cents to $17.59 per hour, making it the second-highest minimum wage in the country after Nunavut.

In Nova Scotia, the minimum wage will increase to $15.20 per hour from the current rate of $15. Similarly, New Brunswick’s minimum wage will rise from $14.75 to $15.30 per hour, while Newfoundland and Labrador will see an increase to $15.60 per hour, up by 60 cents.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) will also witness a wage hike, with its minimum wage rising by 40 cents to $15.40 per hour. These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to ensure that workers receive fair compensation that aligns with the evolving economic landscape and cost of living.

Canada stands out as a beacon of opportunity for individuals seeking employment and career growth. Among the various pathways available for working in the country, open work permits offer a particularly flexible and accessible option. In this guide, we delve into the nuances of open work permits in Canada, shedding light on their eligibility criteria, advantages, and application process.

An open work permit is a type of work authorization that allows its holder to work for any employer in Canada, without the need for a specific job offer or employer sponsorship. Unlike closed work permits, which tie the holder to a particular employer, open work permits provide greater freedom and flexibility in the Canadian job market.

Who can apply for an Open Work Permits?

• International Graduates: Graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions may qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), enabling them to work in Canada for up to three years following their studies.
• Spouses or Partners of Work or Study Permit Holders: The spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers or international students may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to seek employment in Canada.
• Refugee Claimants and Protected Persons: Individuals who have submitted a refugee claim or have been granted protected person status in Canada may qualify for an open work permit.
• Individuals Undergoing Spousal Sponsorship: Foreign nationals undergoing spousal sponsorship by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may apply for an open work permit while their sponsorship application is in progress.
• Vulnerable Workers: Individuals facing mistreatment or abuse in their current Canadian employment may be eligible for an open work permit under specific circumstances.

C11 Work Permit (Entrepreneur Stream)

Under this program, individuals can invest in a Canadian business or establish a new one, becoming eligible for PR after operating the business for one year. The work permit duration is typically two years, extendable based on business activity and profitability.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa (C12 Visa)

This federal program allows foreign business owners to expand their businesses into Canada. Successful applicants can apply for PR after operating their business in Canada for one year. The program offers benefits such as the ability to live and run a business in Canada, free education for children, and no strict physical presence requirements.

Entrepreneur LMIA (Owner-Operator LMIA)

This pathway allows entrepreneurs to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and enter Canada as business owners or managers. With a processing time of 2 to 3 months, applicants can transition to PR status after acquiring two years of work experience.

Business-Oriented Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Various Canadian provinces offer business-oriented PNPs, allowing investors to invest in specific businesses and subsequently apply for PR.

Investing in a business and relocating to Canada presents a viable pathway to secure PR status for foreign entrepreneurs and investors. By leveraging Canada’s investment visa programs, individuals can realize their aspirations of building successful ventures while establishing roots in a vibrant and inclusive society. Aspiring entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to explore the various investment options available and seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration policies effectively.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at

+1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help

you need.

Canada stands as a beacon of opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors seeking to obtain permanent residency (PR) through investment avenues. With a robust economy and welcoming immigration policies, Canada offers various pathways for individuals to secure PR status by investing in businesses. While there isn’t a specific immigration program solely dedicated to obtaining Canadian PR through investment, several investment visa programs cater to this objective.

Canadian investment visa programs target foreign entrepreneurs, investors, startups, and self-employed individuals aspiring to establish or expand their business ventures in Canada. These programs facilitate the acquisition of PR status for individuals and their families, provided they meet specific investment and residency criteria.

Here’s a breakdown of the ways you can secure Canada PR through investment:

1. Invest in a Business in Canada or Establish a New One:Foreign individuals can obtain PR by investing in an existing Canadian business, initiating a new enterprise, or expanding their current business operations to Canada.
2. Obtain an Entrepreneur Work Permit:Successful applicants receive an Entrepreneur Work Permit, enabling them to operate their business while residing in Canada.
3. Operate a Business While Living in Canada: Entrepreneurs must actively manage their business ventures in Canada to fulfil residency requirements.
4. Apply for Canadian Citizenship:Upon obtaining PR status, individuals become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, provided they meet the citizenship requirements.
5. Apply for Permanent Residency:After meeting the stipulated criteria, entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residency through designated immigration pathways.

According to Alberta’s provincial government website, DLIs will spearhead the PAL application process on behalf of accepted international students. Students are advised to liaise with the registrar offices of their respective institutions for further guidance and clarification regarding the PAL application procedure.

To qualify for a PAL through a DLI in Alberta, international students may be required to demonstrate their commitment to their chosen institution. For instance, certain DLIs in Alberta, such as the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, may necessitate a deposit from students alongside their acceptance of admission to initiate the PAL request process.

In addition to facilitating study permit applications, Alberta and Manitoba offer various immigration pathways for international students looking to transition to permanent residency after completing their studies.

In Alberta, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) provides opportunities for international graduates to apply for nomination under the Alberta Opportunity Stream or the Alberta Express Entry Stream, leading to permanent residency in the province. Additionally, international graduates with job offers from Alberta employers may be eligible to apply for nomination under the Alberta Express Entry Stream.

Similarly, Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers pathways for international students to obtain provincial nomination through streams such as the International Education Stream and the Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream. Successful nominees may then apply for permanent residency through the federal Express Entry system or the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

These immigration pathways underscore Alberta and Manitoba’s commitment to attracting and retaining international talent, providing international students with opportunities to build their futures in these provinces beyond their academic endeavours.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at

+1 778 239 7861 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help

you need.