Gunness & Assocaites | Canadian Immigration specialists in Ontario

Immigrant earnings have increased greater than Canadian earnings In a groundbreaking analysis conducted for the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer of Canada, it has been revealed that immigrants are experiencing a remarkable surge in earnings, outstripping the income growth of native Canadians. The report highlights a significant shift in economic dynamics, where immigrants are swiftly closing the income gap and even surpassing the earnings of their Canadian counterparts. Between the years 2014 and 2018, immigrants witnessed a remarkable surge in their relative income, soaring from 55% to an impressive 78% when compared to all Canadian tax filers. This exponential growth trend was particularly pronounced among immigrants originating from Asian countries, as well as those possessing higher educational qualifications in professional occupations. A key driving force behind this meteoric rise in immigrant incomes is attributed to pre-existing family networks and prior work experien

Canada is rated the safest travel destination in 2024, moving from sixth in 2023. It topped the safety rankings for transportation, absence of violent crime, health measures, and safety for women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC. The ranking is part of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s Safest Destinations report, which relies on surveys, the Global Peace Index, the State Department’s travel safety ratings, and GeoSure Global scores.  The company defined a safe place free from terrorism, disease outbreaks, discrimination, and harassment. They attributed Canada's top rank to its cold weather and low population density but warned of natural disasters like wildfires and avalanches. Despite this, reviews were largely positive.  Safest Country to Travel in 2024 In an era where safety and security are paramount concerns for travelers worldwide, Canada has emerged as the premier choice for those seeking a secure and welcoming destination. According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's la

On February 12, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced further revisions to the Agri-Food Pilot Program. These changes aim to make the program more accessible and beneficial to both workers and employers in the agri-food sector.  In line with the instructions announced on May 8, 2023, the Government of Canada updated the Agri-Food Pilot program to include the following changes: applicants in Canada now have the flexibility to meet either the job offer or education requirements and submit work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers. These changes have positive implications for both employees and employers in the agri-food sector. By providing more flexibility in meeting eligibility criteria, the revised program attracts a more diverse set of candidates, including those who may have gained relevant experience through alternative channels such as open work permits. This inclusivity not only expands the talent pool available to emplo

Demand for AI-skilled workers is rising in Canada, with employers seeking those who can develop and use AI products. Companies are actively hiring data scientists to build AI products, with the Indeed website listing 945 AI-related job postings.  The median annual income for AI programmers is $87,009. A survey conducted by KPMG further illustrates the growing adoption of AI in Canada, with 61% of respondents reporting regular use of generative AI in their professional endeavors. Generative AI systems, evolving from large language models to multi-modal systems, are becoming increasingly integral to various industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. Generative AI systems are evolving from large language models to multi-modal systems. As AI usage grows in workplaces, recruiters are increasingly looking for candidates with these skills. As the use of artificial intelligence grows in the workplace, recruiters are shifting their focus to finding candidates with relevant skill

On February 8, 2024, the Government of Ontario invited candidates through three Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) draws. The province issued 2,118 targeted notifications of interest (NOIs) to candidates with experience in Tech occupations under the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream. The minimum scores for this draw were between 471 and 480 points.  OINP conducted two other draws under the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream and issued 1,188 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the General draw of the EJO IS stream and 1,152 ITAs to candidates with work experience in Tech and Healthcare occupations. The minimum scores for these draws were 78 points and 73 points, respectively. Invited Technology occupations  Applicants received an NOI only if they had a CRS score of 471-480 and work experience in the Technology Occupations stated here Overall, the year 2024 witnessed Ontario's continued dedication to welcoming skilled professionals from around the world. With a t

BC invited up to 218 skilled candidates under the BC PNP  On February 6, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified and skilled candidates with work experience in healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations.  In the general draw, the province invited 102 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 97 points. BC issued 46 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 39 candidates who scored 60 points. The province also issued 26 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector.  Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in veterinary care occupations. In total, British Columbia issued up to 218 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already inv