Manitoba PNP issues 428 LAA’s in the latest draw

Syed Khan – November 19, 2021

Manitoba PNP, in its November 18 draw, issued 428 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA’s), to skilled workers and international graduates. The LAA’s were issued through three MPNP streams. This was the 130th draw in the history of MPNP that spans over 20 years. The summary of the draw is given below:

Name of MPNP stream:The number of LAA’s issued:The minimum score required to qualify:
Skilled Workers stream376More than 464
International Education Stream30N/A
Skilled Workers Overseas via a Strategic Recruitment Initiative22726

The provincial Immigration also issued a statement that out of the 421 Express Entry candidates, 68 had valid IDs and job seeker validation codes.

About the streams:

The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream

It is based on the specific requirements of hiring Manitoba employers. This stream targets the selection of foreign-trained workers having required skills and nominates them for Canada PR. The stream has two pathways to Manitoba immigration.

a) Manitoba Work Experience Pathway

b) Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway

The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream

It is a stream aimed at International SW’s with skills in fit in with Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Applicants and spouses with close family connections, google language proficiency, training, and experience to find jobs quickly, all of the above points give the candidate a priority. It includes both a Canada Express Entry Pathway and a direct provincial pathway.

a) Manitoba Express Entry Pathway

b) Human Capital Pathway

The International Education Stream

This focuses on international graduates from Manitoba colleges and universities. Under the stream, applicants are no longer required to work for six months in their field before applying for an MPNP nomination.

a) Career Employment Pathway

b) Graduate Internship Pathway

c) Student Entrepreneur Pathway

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

BC immigration issues 87 invites in latest PNP draw

Syed Khan – November 18, 2021

The British Columbia immigration, in its latest draw held on 16 November, issued 87 invitations to skilled workers and international graduates. The BC PNP Tech draws are aimed specifically at technology workers and feature up to four streams of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.

About the BC PNP Tech draw:

● This draw was first launched in 2017 as a pilot project in response to the fast-

growing demand for talent in BC’s technology sector.

● It was made a permanent program in June 2021.

● The stream targets skilled workers and aims to expand the province’s pool of

skilled workers.

● Invitations are issued on a weekly basis to candidates who qualify and who have

a valid job offers in one of the 29 eligible occupations.

● The minimum duration of the job offers when applying for BC PNP Tech must be

full-time for a duration of 365 days or more.

The BC PNP offers interested candidates three ways to apply for PR. Each pathway is

categorized into several different categories’ candidates can apply in. Choosing the

category depends on your NOC skill level, work experience, type of job, etc.

Till now, in 2021, British Columbia Immigration has invited over 10,000 candidates through various BC PNP streams. The Skilled Worker Stream of BC PNP targets skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations in the province. It functions on a points-based invite system.

The minimum score to qualify for each stream was 80 points on the grid, with each of the streams being as follows:

  • SI – Skilled Worker stream
  • SI – International Graduate stream
  • EEBC – Express Entry BC Skilled Worker stream
  • EEBC – Express Entry BC International Graduate stream

For this stream, the job offer must be:

  • For one of the 29 targeted occupations
  • For at least the duration of one full year
  • Valid for at least 120 days at the time of application

Occupations targeted under this stream are:

  • Civil engineers
  • Mechanical engineers
  • Electrical and electronics engineers
  • Chemical engineers
  • Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
  • Telecommunication carriers’ managers
  • Computer and information systems managers
  • Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
  • Information systems analysts and consultants
  • Database analysts and data administrators
  • Software engineers and designers
  • Computer programmers and interactive media developers
  • Biological technologists and technicians
  • Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
  • Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
  • Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
  • Computer network technicians
  • Web designers and developers
  • Editors
  • Translators, terminologists and interpreters
  • Broadcast technicians
  • Audio and video recording technicians
  • User support technicians
  • Information systems testing technicians
  • Authors and writers
  • Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
  • Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
  • Graphic designers and illustrators
  • Technical sales specialists – wholesale trade

For more information, candidates can visit BC PNP (

https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/B-C-Provincial-Nominee-Program ) or

contact ICanHelpImmigration Services for a detailed consultation.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

Nova Scotia announces fast-tracking of applications for certain food service workers

Syed Khan – November 17, 2021

Nova Scotia Immigration, on 16 November, announced that all applications from now on will be fast-tracked for three NOC codes under the Occupations In-Demand stream. These NOC codes are as follows:

NOC Code:Name of the occupation:
6513Food and beverage servers
6711Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations
6731Light duty cleaners

Quote by Jill Balser, Minister of Labor, Skills, and Immigration:

“We’re excited to welcome newcomers who can help employers meet their labor needs and grow Nova Scotia’s population”

Quote by Gordon Stewart, Executive Director, Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia have faced many challenges, including the ability to attract and retain workers. The government continues to respond with strong support through innovative options, and we’re incredibly pleased with these changes that will help us prepare for the upcoming holiday and tourism season. We look forward to seeing the impact of these new occupation additions and the relief it will bring to Nova Scotia’s restaurant industry as well as getting ready to welcome new Nova Scotians as our colleagues, neighbors, and friends.”

Occupations under these three NOC codes will be processed faster now, and the Labor Impact Assessment is no longer needed for these applicants to be hired. The requirement for candidates to work for at least 6 months through the NSNP before applying for permanent residence has also been removed.

What is a Labor Market Impact Assessment?

The LMIA is a document which the employer-based in Canada needs to submit before hiring a foreign worker. The LMIA states that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. It is also called a confirmation letter.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

Québec invites 33 candidates via its Arrima EOI system

Syed Khan – November 16, 2021

Québec Immigration, in its November 11 draw, issued 33 invitations to candidates with either of the two conditions:

  • Applicants who have / hold a job offer outside the Montreal Metropolitan Area
  • Applicants invited by the federal immigration minister; i.e., candidates who the minister deems able to contribute to the prosperity of Québec.

The invites were issued through the province’s Arrima Expression of Interest immigrant management system which consists of three steps.

  1. Submission of an Expression of Interest form on the online portal. (NOTE: The self-assessment tool is available in French only. This tool is only for information purposes and does not guarantee the candidate receiving an invitation based on the information submitted. The self-assessment tool can be accessed here: https://arrima.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/monespacepublic/calculette/accueil ).
  2. Quebec Immigration then reviews the candidate’s EOI and holds draws to select candidates, who fit the labor market needs in the different regions of Québec.
  3. The candidates who are invited are then allowed to submit their permanent selection application within 60 days.

Québec’s Arrima system evaluates an application based on different categories.

One of the most important criteria for a candidate to qualify is having a valid job offer. This increases candidates’ chances of securing a Québec Selection Certificate. All of the factors mentioned below determine if an applicant is considered to become a Permanent Resident.

  • Educational background
  • Work experience
  • Age
  • Language proficiency in French, English, or both)
  • Spouse and number of children
  • Financial stability

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

COVID-19 leads to lowest worldwide migration rates ever, according to the latest International Migration Outlook

In the latest findings published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in its 2021 report titled ‘International Migration Outlook’, it was found that the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions have led to the highest ever decline in immigration ever. The annual report was published on 28 October and analyses recent developments in migration movements and the labor market inclusion of immigrants in OECD countries. The report is also available in French and English.

The OECD (called Organization de Coopération et de Développement Économiques in French) is an intergovernmental economic organization with 38 member countries. It’s aim to stimulate economic progress and world trade between member countries. (Source: oecd.org)

The ‘International Migration Outlook’ also monitors recent policy changes regarding migration governance and integration in all member countries. It contains two special chapters

  1. In-depth analysis of the fiscal impact of migration in OECD countries after mid 2000s
  2. The causes and consequences of the residential segregation of immigrants

The biggest takeaway from the report is that COVID-19 put an abrupt stop on almost 10 years of continuous progress for immigrants’ labor market outcomes. In 2020, rate of migrant unemployment increased by 75% by the odds of three out of four countries.

Quote by the OECD: “Migration flows to OECD countries declined significantly, with much of the progress in migrant integration achieved over the past decade wiped out in just one year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic”

In countries with large job retention schemes employed during the crisis, the labor market outcomes of immigrants have not changed significantly due to significant return migration. The immigrants most affected were from Latin America and the Middle East. 

Permanent migration flows in 2020 decreased by over 30% (3.7 million) the lowest ever since 2003. In all the 38 member countries, one out of ten immigrants were unemployed in 2020.

Temporary labor migration declined most notably in the following countries: (Percentages indicate negative numbers):

  • Australia (37%)
  • Japan (66%)
  • Korea (57%)
  • United States (37%)
  • Canada (43%)

Family migration declined the most in 2020, with all categories of permanent migration undergoing a slump. In temporary migrations, labor migration decreased by over 58%. The flow of seasonal agricultural workers was slightly better, only declining by 9% with patterns seeing an increase in countries like the U.S and Poland.

Asylum seeking declined by 31%, which is the largest drop since the Balkan crisis ended in the early 1990’s. Immigrants from Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Syria applied for asylum the most, however, only 34,400 refugees were resettled.

In all member countries, international migrants are prone to travel / settle in the certain areas which make it more concentrated than others, e.g.: the poorer neighborhoods and the outskirts of large metropolitan cities. However, this is variable by case and affected by both geography and historical settlement patterns.

Overall, lesser people applied for study permits, with the decline most significant in both the U.S and Canada by a massive 70%. The decline in Europe member countries was lesser at 40%.

The number of new asylum applications in OECD countries fell by 31% in 2020, resettlement of these refugees / migrants by a significant 65%.

As countries all over the world start to get back on track and open their border to immigrants, Stefano Scarpetta, the OECD Director of Employment, Labor and Social Affairs, advises countries to have post-pandemic recovery plans in place and to pay special attention to the immigrant integration to make their migration smoother without any discrimination or disadvantage.

Full report can be read here: ( https://www.oecd.org/migration/international-migration-outlook-1999124x.htm )

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

BC PNP invites 340 candidates in its latest draw

British Columbia Immigration issued 340 invitations in its latest draw via the BC PNP. In the draw held on 9 November, candidates were invited in two draws. The first draw was a general one that invited candidates from all sub-streams of the BC PNP. The second draw invited candidates from two specific NOC codes:

  1. 0621 for Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers
  2. 0631 for Restaurant and Food Service Managers

Summary of the draws is as follows:

Type of Draw:No. of Invites issued:No. of Streams included:Minimum CRS score required to qualify:
General Draw  287569-94
NOC specific draw held to target two NOC occupations  534104

The four streams under the NOC specific draw are as follows:

  • SI – Skilled Worker stream
  • SI – International Graduate stream
  • EEBC – Express Entry BC Skilled Worker stream
  • EEBC – Express Entry BC International Graduate stream

The BC PNP offers interested candidates three ways to apply for PR. Each pathway is categorised into several different categories candidates can apply in. Choosing the category depends on your NOC skill level, work experience, type of job etc.

Till now, in 2021, British Columbia Immigration has invited 10,000 candidates through various BC PNP streams.

The Skilled Worker Stream of BC PNP targets skilled and semi-skilled workers in high-demand occupations in the province. It functions on a points-based invite system.

About the BC PNP Tech draw:

  • This draw was first launched in 2017 as a pilot project in response to the fast-growing demand for talent in BC’s technology sector.
  • It was made a permanent program in June 2021.
  • The stream targets skilled workers and aims to expand the province’s pool of skilled workers.
  • Invitations are issued on a weekly basis to candidates who qualify and who have a valid job offer in one of the 29 eligible occupations.
  • The minimum duration of the job offer when applying for BC PNP Tech must be full-time for a duration of 365 days or more.

For more information, candidates can visit BC PNP ( https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/B-C-Provincial-Nominee-Program ) or

contact ICanHelpImmigration Services for a detailed consultation.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

Alberta sends out 243 invites via the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program

Syed Khan – November 13, 2021

Alberta Immigration invited 243 Express Entry candidates through the AINP to apply for a provincial nomination. The minimum score required to qualify was 300 points. This draw was held on October 26th, with results becoming known to the public recently.

This is the 6th consecutive draw held by Alberta PNP where the minimum score to qualify has been 300.

This year, Alberta has issued 6,158 nomination certificates out of the 6,250 it is allowed to issue.

Alberta Immigration provides a list of ineligible occupations rather than a list of eligible occupations. Candidates who have work experience in occupations like food service supervisors, transport truck drivers, and cooks are the ones who mostly apply for this stream.

Steps to apply for the stream:

  • The candidate should make an Express Entry profile on the website
  • They should receive an NOI from Alberta Immigration when they apply via an Express Entry profile.
  • The candidate checks their criteria and submits an application.
  • Complete applications go into a pool of eligible applications for consideration for processing

The candidate receives a Notification of Interest if they:

  • have an active Express Entry profile in the federal Express Entry pool
  • have stated an interest in immigrating permanently to Alberta
  • are working in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic development and diversification
  • have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 300

Adaptability Factors that increase chances of a candidate receiving an NOI:

  • Has an Alberta job offer and/or work experience
  • Is a graduate of a Canadian post-secondary institution
  • Has had a parent, child, brother, and/or sister who is a permanent resident living in Alberta, or a Canadian citizen living in Alberta

Factors that decrease candidate’s likelihood of receiving an NOI:

  • Candidate’s Express Entry profile expires in 5 months or less
  • Candidate works in an occupation on the list of high-wage and low-wage occupations in the province of Alberta set out on the online Government of Canada Refusal to Process a Labour Market Impact Assessment list on the Alberta Opportunity Stream Ineligible Occupations list
  • The candidate has a high volume of submissions across all AINP streams

Express Entry has three Federal High Skilled programs under it:

  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program

For more information, candidates can visit AINP ( https://www.alberta.ca/ainp.aspx ) or contact ICanHelpImmigration Services for a detailed consultation

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

India and China continue to be major source countries for immigrants

Syed Khan – November 12, 2021

In the past few years, India has been the biggest source country for permanent residents with China coming in second. The trend for 2021 shows a significant increase in the number of Indians choosing Canada as the country to move to, work or study in. Notably, in 2019, Indians accounted for 46% of Express Entry invites sent out.

India to Canada flight ban has also been lifted recently hereby boosting the arrivals of skilled immigrants and international students to enter Canada and complete their immigration process.

Up until August 2021, over 69,014 Indians migrated to Canada and became permanent residents. The data for this year was significantly higher than data for 2020 where almost 37,125 Indians became permanent residents in a year marred with travel restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IRCC, in previous announcements, has stated that it will accept 40,000 permanent residence applications from international students who have graduated from a Canadian institution.

In May, the IRCC launched 6 new temporary streams and announced that it would be accepting more applications than ever in the following sectors:

Name / Type of occupationThe number of applications to be accepted:
Temporary workers in the healthcare sector20,000
Temporary workers in non-healthcare essential occupations30,000

Indian and Chinese migrants continue to be crucial to Canada meeting its immigration targets, both combined representing over 33% of new arrivals in 2021.

Canada has also announced an ambitious Immigration Levels Plan for 2021‒2023 that aims to bring in a record number of permanent residents and boost the economy.

Immigration Plan target:Year:
401,000 new immigrants2021
411,000 new immigrants2022
421,000 new immigrants2023

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

Ontario Immigration proposes to better labor working conditions and double the number of immigrants settling in the province

Syed Khan November 11, 2021

Ontario Immigration, in its recent proposal, is seeking to double the skilled immigrants that settle in the province while bettering working conditions for them. This move is seen as a desperate move in order to fill the gaping labor shortage and boost the skilled workforce. According to the data published by Statistics Canada, the healthcare industry is facing the biggest labor shortage with over 38,000 jobs being vacant.

The Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton was quoted saying, “the province is facing a significant labor shortage which was intensified by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Immigration is one of the key economic drivers of Ontario’s growth, one that can be used strategically to fill critical gaps in labor supply and ultimately create more jobs in our communities.”

The Ontario government is also looking to amend some rules set by the law governing regulatory bodies. It is proposing to remove requirements like Canadian work experience, extensive language tests, etc in order to ease the process of getting licensed in non-health-related occupations.

If this proposal is passed, Ontario would write history as being the first province in Canada that eliminates the requirement for Canadian work experience in regulated occupations and for introducing revolutionary policies like the right-to-disconnect policy. It is also proposing to ban non-compete agreements.

Currently, Ontario Immigration is allowed to accept 9,000 immigrants under its Immigrant Nominee Program, and doubling the immigrants settling down in the province will help increase employment rates.

According to Statistics Canada: Job vacancies in Ontario went from 234,000 in October 2020 to 316,000 in October 2021.

In comparison to 2020’s figures, the rate of vacancies is 35% more this year, a worrying statistic for Ontario Immigration. Factors like travel restrictions, border closure, and other restrictions significantly affected the numbers of new immigrants to Ontario this year.

The province of Ontario has one of the highest rates in all provinces and territories of bringing in economic immigrants. Ontario Immigration also offers candidates faster processing options like the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which processes applications in under 2 weeks. The Skilled Worker Program has significantly increased the number of immigrants as more than 3,555 migrants became permanent residents under it till now in 2021.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

Manitoba PNP issues 421 LAA’s in the latest draw

Syed Khan – November 10, 2021

Manitoba PNP, in its November 1 draw, issued 421 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA’s), to skilled workers and international graduates. The LAA’s were issued through three MPNP streams. This was the 129th draw in the history of MPNP. The summary of the draw is given below:

Name of MPNP stream:The number of LAA’s issued:The minimum score required to qualify:
Skilled Workers stream350More than 460
International Education Stream33N/A
Skilled Workers Overseas via a Strategic Recruitment Initiative38713

The provincial Immigration also issued a statement that out of the 421 Express Entry candidates, 75 had valid IDs and job seeker validation codes.

About the streams:

The Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream

It is based on the specific requirements of hiring Manitoba employers. This stream targets the selection of foreign-trained workers having required skills and nominates them for Canada PR. The stream has two pathways to Manitoba immigration.

a) Manitoba Work Experience Pathway

b) Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway

The Skilled Worker Overseas Stream

It is a stream aimed at International SW’s with skills in fit in with Manitoba’s In-Demand Occupations. Applicants and spouses with close family connections, google language proficiency, training, and experience to find jobs quickly, all of the above points give the candidate a priority. It includes both a Canada Express Entry Pathway and a direct provincial pathway.

a) Manitoba Express Entry Pathway

b) Human Capital Pathway

The International Education Stream

This focuses on international graduates from Manitoba colleges and universities. Under the stream, applicants are no longer required to work for six months in their field before applying for an MPNP nomination.

a) Career Employment Pathway

b) Graduate Internship Pathway

c) Student Entrepreneur Pathway

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need

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