Gunness & Assocaites | Canadian Immigration specialists in Ontario

Ontario invited 2,086 healthcare professionals through the OINP-HCP Stream On February 6, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted the first invitation draw of the year under the Human Capital Priorities Stream. The OINP issued 2,086 targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to healthcare professionals with work experience in 42 National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.  Invited candidates' comprehensive ranking system (CRS) Express Entry score was between 379 and 430 points. Last year, the province invited 17,502 candidates through fourteen Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream draws.  In 2024, Ontario issued 10,208 invitations under all streams of OINP. Healthcare Occupations invited in this OINP-HCP Stream The list of the Healthcare Occupations invited in this OINP-HCP Stream is given here The HCP (Human Capital Priorities) stream of OINP The Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream, which is administered by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Pro...

On February 5, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided further details on the recent announcement of reforms to the International Student Program; Canada aims to address the unsustainable growth in recent years while ensuring a positive experience for international students. As of January 22, 2024, post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application.  Secondary, effective February 15, 2024, graduates from master's degree programs less than two years in length are eligible for an extended 3-year PGWP. This change supports their transition to Canada's labor market and potential permanent residence. Other PGWP lengths remain aligned with the study program's duration. IRCC has restricted PGWPs for public-private partnership college programs.  Finally, open work permit eligibility for spouses and common-law par...

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 Colum...

Canada is increasing the immigration of medical professionals Despite being a significant part of the healthcare workforce, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) encounter barriers, such as limited residency spots and preferences for graduates from domestic medical schools. The struggle for IMGs to secure medical residencies contributes to the country's need for more primary care doctors. Government data reveals that immigrants comprise a substantial portion of healthcare workers in various professions, including 36% of physicians.  However, the challenge lies in integrating foreign-trained doctors into the Canadian healthcare system. Canada is addressing this issue by investing in foreign credential recognition. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have committed up to $86 million in funding to 15 nationwide organizations. This initiative aims to increase the recognition of international credentials for approximately 6,600 highly skilled health professionals, ensu...

IRCC invited over 12,000 new candidates under the IEC Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws in the pools of International Experience Canada (IEC). From January 22 to February 4, Canada invited 12,501 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of February 4, 31,828 candidates have registered in the pool and are awaiting the invitation. In this round, the following ITAs are invited . In 2024, Canada issued 31,896 ITAs under the IEC Program. New changes to the International Experience Canada program On December 12, 2023, the Canadian Government updated the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This program fosters travel and work collaboration between Canada and other nations, assisting in arranging transportation, job hunting, and accommodation procurement. The refreshed instructions from December 18 mirror the roster of organizations acknowledged by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada in 2018.  Join o...

Ottawa now accepts the PTE for Canadian immigration IEL From January 30, 2024, Canada now accepts the PTE for Canadian immigration for all immigration pathways, aside from the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which will accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core test. This includes Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, those in Express Entry managed programs, and individuals needing a language test for Canadian immigration or citizenship (excluding SDS).  What is the PTE for Canadian immigration? The PTE Core is a two-hour computer-based language test assessing everyday English skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. The PTE Core replaces the PTE Essential test, and candidates should ensure they take the correct test for their program. To reduce the risk of bias, the PTE for Canadian immigration tests is scored by both humans and AI. Test results can be obtained within two days. The PTE Core is divided into three parts. Speaking and writing (50 minutes); R...