September 2024

In a recent press release, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Miller  outlined significant updates to Canada’s immigration and temporary residency programs, with a particular focus on international students and work permits. These changes, set to take effect starting November 1, 2024, represent a major shift in how Canada manages its immigration policies, temporary residency, and pathways to permanent residency.

1. Reduced Permit Quotas for 2025 and 2026

Beginning in 2025, IRCC will reduce the number of permits issued annually. In both 2025 and 2026, 437,000 permits will be issued, marking a 36% decrease compared to the number issued in 2023. This adjustment is in response to the increasing number of temporary residents in Canada and is aimed at managing immigration levels more effectively.

2. Cap on International Students and Inclusion of Postgraduate Students in Targets

A significant policy shift is the introduction of a cap...

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just spilled the beans on their plans for study permits in 2024, and it's time to break it down without the jargon.

So, here's the scoop: the IRCC is putting a cap on the number of study permit applications they'll even consider in 2024 – a whopping 606,250 of them! Hold on, though, because this cap is different from the one they threw at us on January 22nd, which was about study permit approvals and not the total applications.

In simple terms, over the next 11 months, the IRCC is setting a limit on how many study permit applications they'll process – that's the 606,250 number. It doesn't matter what decision they make on each application; they're committed to dealing with this massive bunch.

But here's the fun twist: the instructions say that this cap might get a makeover if the minister gives some new directions. Translation: if the IRCC doesn't hit the 360,000 approved study permit cap within the 606,250...

The Canadian government recently announced a temporary two year cap on Canadian study permits. The number of approved study permits in 2024 will be limited to around 360,000.This is a significant policy change for Canada. 

Here are the four of the most important updates you need to know about:

• Canada is implementing a temporary two-year cap that will reduce approved study permits by 35% in 2024.
• Master’s, PhD, and K-12 students are not included in the cap.
• Current study permit holders will not be affected.
• Those looking to extend their studies will not be affected. 
• Study permits will be allocated based on each province’s population.
• Effective immediately, affected students must provide a provincial attestation letter as part of their study permit application. Master degrees, doctoral and post graduate programs are not affected by this rule. 

As of September 1, students attending public-private partnership institutions will no longer be able to access...

 Length of program 

If you are a family of three or more, I always recommend safety first. Meaning a two year program is always only the sensible option. A two year program will give you three years of pgwp whereas a one year program will give you only one year of pgwp. Being a family, you need to be cautious of this. A one year program is cheaper but the amount of stress you will have to endure with a 1 year pgwp can be immense. So save yourself from the stress and plan for a two year program. 

School for your kids

School for your children will be free - from gradeschool to highschool to K12. The school where your children will attend will depend on your location or your home address. Each province will have different school districts. You will have to connect with each school district to identify which school your child will attend. For example, here in New Brunswick - you can go to this website: 

...

One year programs is a broad topic because there are one year certificate programs, one year diploma programs, one year post degree programs, one year MBA programs, hence this can be a lengthy topic.

A certificate is a short course study which is typically one year. A diploma gives students broader knowledge on their chosen programs as compared to certificates. Post degree and MBA programs are applicable to bachelor degree holders. 

If you are a highschool graduate , Human Resources Management is a good option. 

NBCC offers this program which lasts for one year. The tuition fee at NBCC is 9KCAD. NBCC is a very competitive school because of its low tuition fees plus spectacular PR Pathways in the province. As such admission at NBCC takes months to be issued. But with the correct and complete admission documents , you do have a fighting chance of landing an admission letter. 

The 2nd best one year program to be PR in Canada is any business related program.

The...

Alberta has 3 main PR streams for workers. These streams are 

1.     The Alberta Opportunity Stream

2.     The Alberta Express Entry Stream

3.     Rural Renewal Stream

I did research,  read and re read the eligibility factors on all these 3 streams and I must say - they can be very complicated. Both the Opportunity stream and the express entry stream tend to have too many restrictions. The more restrictions there are the harder it is to be eligible.

For example , with the Alberta Opportunity Stream  under the work experience eligibility,   

Eligible work experience

At the time your application is submitted you must have either:

·       a minimum of 12 months full-time work experience in your current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months, or

·       a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in your...

There are  3 main PR Pathways  in the PEI for IS. These are the International graduates Stream, Occupations in demand stream and the Atlantic Immigration Program Stream. 

The International graduates stream is the easiest amongst these 3 pathways. With this pathway the applicant must have a full time job offer, should have finished post secondary school in a DLI institution in the PEI and on post graduate work permit. 

Applicant is not required to do language proficiency if the position is in TEER 0-3 as long as the employer confirms that they are comfortable with the applicant's language ability. And this is very positive to those who want to avoid IELTS. 

You have to have sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses in the PEI and ofcourse, prove that you have a genuine intention to live in PEI. 

The most interesting fact about this pathway is that there is no restriction on TEER Code, no restriction on job title, no restriction on...

It may not be uncommon for you to hear that the older your age is , the bigger the responsibility to prove your motivation to be an international student in Canada. While this can be true, there is no reason for any of mature students to give up on their goal of coming to Canada just because of their age. Just as long as you are able to prepare the right documents, you are able to choose the right program and you are able to prove your financial capability, you can be an international student in Canada. And therefore here are the top tips I wanna share with you if you are a mature student. 

1.Program program program 

You have to choose the right program. Normally, if you are a mature student it means that you do have a lengthy professional experience. If you do have a lengthy professional experience you have to be cautious on the program you will take. 

There are various situations we can consider 

1. You are a mature student and did not finish any degree but with...