Canadian Immigration News

The government of Manitoba issued 31 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) on September 29 under the Manitoba Business Stream (MPNP-B), part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Candidates invited to apply for immigration to Manitoba on this occasion had between 90 and 95 points under the unique MPNP-B points grid.

The number of points required in order for eligible workers and international graduates to be invited to apply for provincial nomination under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has reached record new lows across multiple categories, following the latest draws that took place on September 13 and September 20.

In the latest Express Entry draw, which took place on September 20, 2017, a total of 2,871 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 433 were issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Therefore, candidates in the Express Entry pool with a score of 433 or above at the time of the draw may now apply for Canadian permanent resident status.

Upfront medical examinations are no longer available for Family Class Canadian immigration applicants and remain available only to Express Entry applicants in the permanent residence lines of business.

The Global Talent Stream is now available to employers in the province of Quebec, allowing them to hire certain skilled foreign workers quickly with a two-week processing time standard for applications.

The Global Talent Stream, first introduced in June, is part of the government of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, an initiative designed to facilitate access to uniquely specialized foreign workers in order to promote Canada's economic growth and job creation. It is also part of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

The Corporate Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is now accepting applications online, making it easier for applicants to apply and improving processing times.

Express Entry candidates in certain priority occupations who have attended an information session hosted by the immigration authorities of New Brunswick may submit an application for an enhanced provincial nomination, but this option will only be available for a temporary period.

Various types of skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs have been invited to submit an application to British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) following draws that took place on August 31 and September 6.