Category: News

IRCC Issues 1500 Invitations to Apply for Health Workers in the 255th Express Entry Draw

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July 06, 2023 – Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the issuance of 1500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the 255th Express Entry Draw. This draw, specifically targeting health workers, saw the lowest ranking candidate with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 463.

Recognizing the critical role of health workers in providing essential services and contributing to the well-being of Canadians, this category-specific draw aims to attract skilled professionals in the healthcare sector.

In this draw, the tie-breaking rule was set at June 19, 2023, 06:41:05 UTC. If multiple candidates possess the same minimum score, the tie-breaking rule determines the last candidate to receive the ITA based on the time of application. Candidates who applied after this tie-breaking time with the same minimum score will not receive an ITA at this time.

This marks the second draw of its kind, highlighting the ongoing efforts of IRCC to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Canada. With the 19th round of Express Entry Draws conducted this year, IRCC continues to prioritize attracting skilled individuals who can contribute to the Canadian workforce and support the nation’s healthcare system.

IRCC Issues 500 Invitations to Apply in the 254th Express Entry Draw for STEM Occupations

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June 5, 2023 – Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced the issuance of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the 254th Express Entry Draw. This draw, specifically targeting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations, saw the lowest ranking candidate with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486.

STEM occupations play a crucial role in driving innovation and technological advancements across various industries. These occupations encompass a wide range of fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In this draw, the tie-breaking rule was set at November 23, 2022, 00:01:29 UTC. If multiple candidates possess the same minimum score, the tie-breaking rule determines the last candidate to receive the ITA based on the time of application. Candidates who applied after this tie-breaking time with the same minimum score will not receive an ITA in this round.

This marks the 18th round of Express Entry Draws conducted this year, showcasing the ongoing efforts of IRCC to attract skilled individuals to contribute to the Canadian workforce and economy.

IRCC Issues 700 Invitations to Apply in the 253rd Express Entry Draw

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July 04, 2023 – In the latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 700 more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. This draw, known as the 253rd Express Entry Draw, saw the lowest ranking candidate with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 511. This is the highest CRS Cutoff for this year.

The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set at July 01, 2023, 09:31:32 UTC. In cases where multiple candidates have the same minimum score, the tie-breaking rule determines the last candidate to receive the ITA based on the time of application. Candidates who applied after this tie-breaking time with the same minimum score will not receive an ITA in this round.

This marks the 19th round of Express Entry Draws this year, and unlike previous rounds, no specific program was specified. This means that candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades, and Provincial Nominee Program were all eligible for this round of invitations.

Throughout the year, the lowest and highest CRS cutoff scores have varied depending on the program. For rounds where no program was specified, the lowest cutoff score was 481, while the highest reached 511. For the Provincial Nomination Program, the lowest cutoff score was 691, and the highest was 791. As for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the cutoff score remained consistent at 489.

For more information, visit the official Canadian Immigration website to review the Ministerial Instructions for the 253rd Express Entry draw.

First Category based Express Entry round invites 500 Health Workers to Apply for Permanent Residence to Canada.

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In the latest round of invitations under the Express Entry system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 500 invitations to candidates in healthcare occupations. The draw took place on June 28, 2023, at 14:04:34 UTC.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 476, with the lowest-ranked candidate meeting this threshold. The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set at November 12, 2022, at 12:47:27 UTC.

This draw specifically targeted healthcare professionals, reflecting Canada’s urgent need for skilled workers in the healthcare sector. With 144,500 vacant positions in the healthcare and social assistance sector, Canada is actively seeking talented individuals to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers.

The targeted draw for healthcare occupations is part of IRCC’s efforts to attract skilled immigrants who can contribute to Canada’s healthcare system and support the well-being of its citizens. This draw presents a significant opportunity for healthcare professionals to pursue permanent residence in Canada and build a rewarding career in the country.

Candidates who received an invitation in this draw have 60 days to submit their application for permanent residence. The draw results demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Canadian government to prioritize the immigration of skilled workers in high-demand occupations.

IRCC will conduct second category based round on July 5th 2023 for 1500 workers.

IRCC will continue to conduct regular Express Entry draws to invite candidates from various occupations and programs, ensuring a diverse pool of skilled immigrants who can contribute to Canada’s economic growth and development.

For more information on Express Entry and the eligibility requirements for healthcare professionals, interested individuals can visit the official IRCC website or consult with a qualified immigration consultant.

Occupations eligible for invitations in this category are:

Unit group – codeUnit group – title
31100Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101Specialists in surgery
31102General practitioners and family physicians
31103Veterinarians
31110Dentists
31111Optometrists
31112Audiologists and speech language pathologists
31121Dieticians and nutritionists
31200Psychologists
31201Chiropractors
31202Physiotherapists
31203Occupational therapists
31204Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
31209Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
31300Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
31301Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
31302Nurse practitioners
31303Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
32101Licensed practical nurses
32102Paramedical occupations
32103Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
32109Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
32120Medical laboratory technologists
32121Medical radiation technologists
32122Medical sonographers
32200Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
32201Massage therapists
32209Other practitioners of natural healing
33101Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33102Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33103Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33109Other assisting occupations in support of health services
41301Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
41320Education counsellors
42203Instructors of persons with disabilities

Canada Addresses Health Worker Shortages with New Immigration Measures

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Communities across Canada are facing critical shortages of health workers, prompting the Government of Canada to take action. Last month, Minister Sean Fraser announced changes to Canada’s Express Entry program, the country’s flagship economic immigration program, to address these labor force gaps. Under the new measures, the government can issue invitations to apply for permanent residency to candidates with specific skills, training, or language ability.

Today, Minister Fraser, along with Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, announced the implementation of these new features with a dedicated round of invitations for health workers. This round will invite 500 health professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists, to apply for permanent residency. A second round, inviting 1,500 workers, will take place on July 5. This phased approach ensures a smooth launch of the program.

By focusing on candidates with healthcare expertise, Canada aims to improve access to healthcare services for Canadians and their families. These category-based selection rounds align with Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers and professionals into communities across the country. In addition to the general invitation rounds, category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, with more details to be announced soon.

This dedicated round of invitations for health workers complements existing immigration initiatives aimed at filling labor gaps in the healthcare sector. The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, which recently introduced two new streams, provides opportunities for skilled refugees and displaced individuals to continue their careers in Canada. The pilot has seen significant uptake in the healthcare sector, with over 50% of applications received from candidates working in healthcare roles.

Canada has also made changes to Express Entry to facilitate the issuance of permanent resident visas for physicians providing publicly funded medical services. Furthermore, the government has committed $90 million to projects that remove barriers preventing skilled newcomers from gaining work experience in their professions or fields of study.

Between 2017 and 2022, Canada welcomed 21,656 skilled newcomers in health occupations. Today’s announcement reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to retain and recruit health workers to address the healthcare workforce crisis. The government is working with provinces and territories to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals and advance labor mobility in the sector. These initiatives are part of the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan, supported by a budget commitment of nearly $200 billion over 10 years to enhance healthcare services in the country.

Some related facts:

Based on landing data from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) between 2017 and 2022, skilled newcomers to Canada expressed their intention to work in various health occupations. Please note that these estimates are preliminary and subject to change. Here is a breakdown of the intended occupations:

  • Nurses: 10,051 (including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses)
  • Doctors: 4,449 (including 2,013 specialist physicians)
  • Dentists: 2,552
  • Pharmacists: 2,054
  • Physiotherapists (798) and Occupational Therapists (112): 910
  • Optometrists: 156
  • Dietitians and Nutritionists: 218
  • Chiropractors: 13
  • Medical Laboratory Technologists: 410
  • Medical Radiation Technologists: 222
  • Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists: 151
  • Allied Primary Health Practitioners: 171
  • Paramedical Occupations: 56
  • Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists: 88
  • Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists: 155

Express Entry is Canada’s primary application management system for individuals seeking permanent immigration through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.

In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.

On May 31, 2023, Minister Fraser announced the introduction of category-based selection, a new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents. The categories were determined through extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders, and the public, as well as a review of labor market needs. A complete list of eligible jobs for the new categories can be found on the official website.

It is worth noting that immigration plays a significant role in Canada’s labor force growth, addressing labor shortages in key sectors. Under the Canada-Québec Accord, Quebec has the authority to establish its own immigration levels. From 2018 to 2022, admissions under the Federal High-Skilled program accounted for approximately 34% to 40% of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.

Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy launched by Minister Fraser at Collision 2023

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Canada recognizes the importance of high-growth industries in shaping the future job market. To support companies in these industries and foster innovation, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled Canada’s inaugural Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023. This comprehensive strategy introduces new measures and enhancements to existing ones, aimed at enabling Canadian businesses to thrive in a competitive environment. Minister Fraser announced several aggressive attraction measures as part of the Tech Talent Strategy:

  1. Creation of an open work permit stream for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US, allowing them to apply for a Canadian work permit. Additionally, study or work permit options will be available for their accompanying family members.
  2. Development of an Innovation Stream within the International Mobility Program to attract highly talented individuals. This includes employer-specific work permits for up to five years for workers destined to contribute to Canada’s industrial innovation goals, as well as open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations.
  3. Restoration of the 14-day service standard for work permits under the Global Skills Strategy, ensuring faster processing times.
  4. Promotion of Canada as an appealing destination for digital nomads.
  5. Introduction of a STEM-specific draw under category-based selection to issue additional invitations to apply under the Express Entry program.
  6. Improvements to the Start-up Visa Program, including an increase in available spots for 2023, with further increases planned for 2024 and 2025. Notable changes include the ability to apply for a work permit lasting up to three years instead of one year, and the option to apply for an open work permit rather than being limited to working for one’s own start-up. The three-year open work permit will be available to all members of the entrepreneurial team, not just those deemed essential and urgently needed in Canada. Priority will be given to applications supported by venture capital, angel investor groups, and business incubators with committed capital, as well as applications supported by business incubators affiliated with Canada’s Tech Network.

The Government of Canada is showing its commitment to embracing its emerging role as a global leader in tech talent recruitment and attraction. By filling in-demand jobs today and attracting skilled individuals and business talent, Canada aims to create the jobs of tomorrow.

The minister said that the ambitious goals set in immigration are a source of enthusiasm, as they are not solely focused on numbers but are strategically oriented. The aim of Canada’s first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy is to attract newcomers who can contribute to establishing Canada as a global leader in various emerging technologies. The collaboration of the tech, start-up, and business communities has been invaluable in the development of this strategy. Canada’s immigration advantage lies in its fast and flexible approach, which enjoys broad support from Canadians.

A little background:

The Government of Canada is actively embracing its emerging role as a leader in global tech talent recruitment and attraction. The objective is not only to fill in-demand jobs but also to attract the skills and business talent necessary to create future job opportunities. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced a comprehensive approach that involves four key pillars, including additions and improvements to programs offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The first pillar focuses on developing a new Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program to attract highly talented individuals. This stream aims to address persistent labor shortages in key tech occupations by providing employer-specific work permits for up to five years and open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations.

The second pillar involves promoting Canada as a destination for digital nomads. IRCC will collaborate with public and private partners to explore additional policies that would attract digital nomads to Canada. Digital nomads who initially enter Canada to work remotely may have the opportunity to transition to working for Canadian employers by applying for temporary work permits or even permanent residence.

The third pillar focuses on improving labor mobility in North America by creating a streamlined work permit for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US. Starting from July 16, 2023, H-1B visa holders and their immediate family members will be eligible to apply for an open work permit of up to three years in Canada, providing them with the flexibility to work for any employer in the country.

The fourth pillar involves enhancing existing programs that cater to workers in high-skill tech occupations. The Global Skills Strategy, designed to support Canadian employers in accessing highly skilled talent, has improved processing times for work permit applications. The Start-up Visa Program, which offers a path to permanent residence for foreign entrepreneurs, has increased the number of spots available and introduced changes such as allowing applicants to apply for an open work permit of up to three years instead of a one-year permit limited to their own start-up.

These measures aim to address labor shortages, attract global talent, and support the growth of Canada’s tech industry. The government acknowledges the valuable input from stakeholders and plans to announce additional strategies to further improve program effectiveness and processing times.

Some facts related to this:

One moment while I search the internet…

The launch of the Innovation Stream is scheduled for the end of this year, with options being developed based on stakeholder feedback gathered during recent consultations.

Starting from July 16, 2023, the new work permit for H1-B specialty occupation visa holders will be available. Approved applicants will receive an open work permit valid for up to three years, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Spouses and dependents will also have the opportunity to apply for a temporary resident visa with a work or study permit if needed.

This measure will be in effect for one year or until Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives 10,000 applications. Only principal applicants will count towards the application cap, not their accompanying family members.

The Global Skills Strategy, launched in 2017, includes four policies aimed at supporting Canadian employers in accessing highly skilled talent. Employment and Social Development Canada now meets the two-week standard for processing Global Talent Stream labor market impact assessments, while IRCC meets the two-week standard for work permit applications.

Changes to the temporary work permit option for Start-up Visa Program applicants, along with the implementation of a new application prioritization plan, are expected later this year.

In 2021, Canada’s information and communications technology sector employed nearly 720,000 Canadians and accounted for over 44% of private research and development spending in the country. The sector contributed more than 15% to Canada’s overall GDP growth between 2016 and 2021.

According to CBRE’s report on tech talent concentration in 2022, Canadian cities represented 11 out of the top 62 markets in North America. The report also ranked Canadian cities among the top ten for tech industry job growth between 2016 and 2021.

Canada was ranked as the most attractive destination for immigrant entrepreneurs in a 2023 report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The ranking considered various factors such as access to capital, corporate tax rates, workforce skills, university strength, quality of life, and immigration policies for entrepreneurs and their families.

New measure announced by Immigration Minister, to benefit foreign workers looking to improve their skills.

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Each year, Canada benefits from the contributions of numerous temporary foreign workers who bring their skills and expertise, bolstering our economy and addressing critical gaps in the labor market. While these individuals play a vital role in Canada’s prosperity, they often encounter obstacles when it comes to pursuing their educational aspirations and creating new opportunities.

To address this issue, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has introduced a new temporary measure aimed at eliminating the duration restrictions on study programs available to temporary foreign workers without a study permit.

Effective immediately, foreign workers will have the opportunity to pursue additional training and education to enhance their careers. This measure will not only broaden their future employment prospects but also increase their chances of transitioning to permanent residence. Previously, foreign workers were only allowed to engage in study programs lasting six months or less while simultaneously working. For longer programs, they were required to apply for a separate study permit, posing a barrier for those seeking to improve their education, gain further training, or validate their foreign credentials through specialized programs.

Under this new three-year temporary measure, foreign workers can now pursue full-time or part-time studies throughout the validity of their work permits or until the policy expires, without any restrictions on program length.

This temporary measure is applicable to individuals holding a valid work permit or who have submitted a work permit renewal application on or before June 7, 2023, and have received authorization to work. However, if a foreign worker intends to study beyond the duration of their work permit, they will still need to apply for a study permit.

This progressive initiative aims to empower temporary foreign workers with greater educational opportunities, allowing them to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and pursue their academic goals alongside their professional endeavours.

The Minister emphasized the significance of temporary foreign workers for the Canadian economy, highlighting their aspirations that extend beyond their initial work in Canada. The newly implemented policy aims to enable foreign nationals to enhance their skills, pursue their career goals, and fulfill their aspirations, while also serving as a potential future source of talent for the Canadian labor market.

By removing barriers to skills development, the policy creates opportunities for foreign-trained doctors and nurses to contribute to healthcare, supporting the well-being of our loved ones and bolstering the healthcare system. Additionally, it provides a pathway for construction laborers to advance their careers and become skilled tradespersons, ultimately strengthening communities and facilitating the construction of new homes.

The Minister said that this immigration measure addresses critical labor shortages, benefitting employers, workers, and the overall economy. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from all parties involved, recognizing the positive impact it will have on various sectors and the Canadian workforce as a whole.

Some Facts about Canada’s labour force and immigration:

The growth of Canada’s labor force is predominantly fueled by immigration, accounting for nearly all of the increase. Immigration contributes to approximately 75% of Canada’s population growth, with a major focus on the economic category. By 2036, immigrants are projected to make up around 30% of Canada’s population, compared to 20.7% in 2011.

Over the past five decades, the ratio of workers to retirees in Canada has significantly declined. Previously, there were seven workers for every retiree, whereas today the ratio stands closer to three workers for every retiree. If Canada continues on its current trajectory, this ratio is expected to decrease to two workers per retiree within the next 10 to 15 years.

Canada’s education system has earned high recognition, as indicated by its placement within the top 10 rankings in the Global Employability Rankings.

While Canadian work experience gained during full-time studies does not count towards eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class, nor can it earn students points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a temporary public policy aims to provide assistance in this regard. This policy offers the potential for foreign nationals to enhance their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. Candidates may increase their CRS score by pursuing further studies, achieving a higher level of education, gaining qualifying work experience during part-time studies, improving their proficiency in English or French, or obtaining higher-skilled employment due to enhanced skills acquired through studies.

The outcomes of this temporary public policy will be evaluated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the information gathered will inform potential future policy changes.

4,300 Invitations Issued in Latest Express Entry Draw – 486 is the Lowest CRS Score!

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The latest Express Entry draw, which took place on June 27th, 2023, saw Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issue 4,300 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of the lowest ranking candidate in this draw was 486, the same as the previous draw on June 8th.

The tie-breaking rule for this draw was June 21, 2023, 00:57:04 UTC. This means that if multiple candidates had the minimum score, the candidate who received the ITA at this time would be prioritized, and others who applied after this time would not receive an ITA in this round.

In this round, no specific program was specified, making candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades, and Provincial Nominee Program eligible for invitations.

Here are the lowest and highest CRS cutoff scores for this year:

  • Where no program was specified: Lowest – 481, Highest – 507
  • For Provincial Nomination Program: Lowest – 691, Highest – 791
  • For Federal Skilled Worker Program: Lowest – 489, Highest – 489

Please note that rounds specific to other programs have not taken place this year yet.

Here is a summary of the invitations issued this year:

  • Total Invitations to Apply issued this year: 56,048
  • Invitations where no specific program was specified: 52,900
  • Invitations for Canadian Experience Class: 0
  • Invitations for Federal Skilled Worker Program: 3,300
  • Invitations for Federal Skilled Trades Program: 0
  • Invitations for Provincial Nomination Program: 2,848

As of June 27th, 2023, the number of candidates in the Express Entry Pool is as follows:

  • 0-300: 5,429
  • 301-350: 33,866
  • 351-400: 64,936
  • 401-450: 57,269
  • 451-500: 55,991
  • 501-600: 1,258
  • 601-1200: 1,254
  • Total: 220,003

Please note that these numbers are approximate and subject to change in real time. For more information, you can visit the official Canadian Immigration website to see the Ministerial Instructions for the 251st Express Entry draw.

Canada Expands French Speaking Immigration Program

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The Canadian government has expanded a program to make it easier for more French speakers to immigrate to Canada. The program is called the Francophone Mobility Program.

Before the changes, only highly skilled French speakers could apply. Now more French speakers with moderate language skills can apply for jobs under the program.

The government updated the French language requirements. Applicants now need to prove they speak French at a moderate level. They need to show documents proving their French skills.

The goal of expanding the program is to increase the French speaking population in Canada. It will help with the labor shortage and support French minority communities across Canada.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said protecting the French culture and language outside of Quebec is a priority. A government official said they need to do everything they can to help French minority communities.

In summary, the government expanded an immigration program to make it easier for more French speakers to get work permits and jobs in Canada. The goal is to increase the Francophone population and support French minority communities.

Here are some additional details:

  • The Francophone Mobility Program expansion will last for two years, allowing Canadian employers to hire eligible candidates with moderate French skills for most occupations except primary agriculture jobs.
  • Previously the program was only for highly skilled French speaking temporary foreign workers. Now it opens doors to more French speaking immigrants who can gain Canadian work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residence.
  • Applicants must now provide proof of their moderate French proficiency, such as a French evaluation test, diploma from a French institution, or documents showing studies at a French-language institution.
  • The changes are meant to help the government foster population growth, economic prosperity, and contribute to the vitality of Francophone minority communities while addressing labor shortages.
  • Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said the changes will increase the presence of French speaking immigrants across Canada and support Francophone minority communities.
  • Immigration Minister Sean Fraser and Marie-France Lalonde emphasized the importance of protecting the French culture and language outside of Quebec and supporting Francophone minority communities across Canada.

Few details about the program:

  • In 2016, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada launched the Francophone Mobility Program to help employers recruit highly skilled French-speaking temporary foreign workers from Francophone communities outside Quebec.
  • The Labour Market Impact Assessment exemption from the program makes it easier for employers to hire skilled French-speaking temporary foreign workers to work and gain experience in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.
  • The program also helps French-speaking temporary foreign workers qualify for permanent residence programs and increases their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.

Statistics:

  • In 2019, IRCC issued 1,900 work permits under the program, and similar volumes in 2020 and 2021.
  • From 2016 to 2020, 1,080 out of 5,700 temporary work permit holders transitioned to permanent residence.
  • Nearly 2/3 of applicants to the program work in professions requiring college training from six months to two years.

Immigration Minister Takes Action to Help Victims of Fraudulent Acceptance Letters

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The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, has announced measures to assist international students and graduates facing removal from Canada after submitting fraudulent acceptance letters with their study permit applications.

Many of these students and graduates were deceived by unscrupulous immigration consultants and had no knowledge the letters were fake. Minister Fraser has formed a task force and instructed officials to issue temporary resident permits to victims of fraud who had a genuine intent to study in Canada.

The Minister recognizes the valuable contributions of international students and is focused on identifying those responsible for the fraudulent activity, not penalizing victims. His department is working closely with educational institutions to better detect and prevent fraud while upholding the integrity of immigration programs.

Minister Fraser urges all applicants to thoroughly research designated learning institutions, obtain authentic acceptance letters, and refer only to official government websites for immigration information. He also encourages anyone who has been deceived by an unauthorized consultant to report the fraud.

The measures announced by the Minister aim to distinguish the victims of fraud from those who intentionally misrepresented their intentions in order to study in Canada. They will allow bona fide students who were deceived to remain in Canada and avoid the usual 5-year re-entry ban for misrepresentation.

Immigration News – Minister Takes Action to Help Victims of Fraudulent Acceptance Letters

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, has announced measures to assist international students and graduates facing removal from Canada after submitting fraudulent acceptance letters with their study permit applications.

Many of these students and graduates were deceived by unscrupulous immigration consultants and had no knowledge the letters were fake. Minister Fraser has formed a task force and instructed officials to issue temporary resident permits to victims of fraud who had a genuine intent to study in Canada.

The Minister recognizes the valuable contributions of international students and is focused on identifying those responsible for the fraudulent activity, not penalizing victims. His department is working closely with educational institutions to better detect and prevent fraud while upholding the integrity of immigration programs.

Minister Fraser urges all applicants to thoroughly research designated learning institutions, obtain authentic acceptance letters, and refer only to official government websites for immigration information. He also encourages anyone who has been deceived by an unauthorized consultant to report the fraud.

The measures announced by the Minister aim to distinguish the victims of fraud from those who intentionally misrepresented their intentions in order to study in Canada. They will allow bona fide students who were deceived to remain in Canada and avoid the usual 5-year re-entry ban for misrepresentation.