Sparks of the Week by The Sun Edu ( Feb 26 - Mar 3, 2024)

Sparks of the Week by The Sun Edu ( Feb 26 - Mar 3, 2024)

Stay Informed with Sparks of the Week! by The Sun Edu.

Dive into the latest news and insights on Canada. Whether you’re a current or future international student, here is all you need to know. Every week, we bring you the knowledge you need for your Canadian journey.

Stay updated and informed! 

 

BC PNP Issues 188 Invitations in Targeted Draw – Feb 27

The BC Provincial Nominee Program's recent draw on February 27, 2024, issued 188 invitations across targeted sectors, emphasizing tech, early childhood education, healthcare, and construction. With 90 tech invitations leading, the initiative aims to fill sector-specific gaps, showcasing BC's strategic approach to immigration. Early childhood and healthcare sectors also saw significant numbers, with 45 and 41 invites respectively. Anticipated next on March 5–6, the upcoming draw will further align with BC's economic and workforce development goals.

Canada Issues 2,500 PR Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw - Feb 29

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw of the week, targeting francophones, and issued 2,500 invitations for permanent residency. The draw, which took place on February 29th, aimed at profiles with high French proficiency, saw a CRS cutoff score of 336. This follows a general draw on February 28th, which issued 1,470 invitations with a cutoff score of 534. The recent draws highlight Canada's strategy to attract skilled individuals, contributing to the nation's economic growth and cultural diversity.

Canada Imposes Visa Requirement on Mexican Citizens - Feb 29

Responding to a surge in asylum claims, Canada has reintroduced visa requirements for Mexican citizens effective 11:30 p.m. EST, February 29, 2024. This measure, affecting even those with pre-booked trips or previous electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), aims to manage the high rate of denied, withdrawn, or abandoned asylum applications from Mexico. Mexicans may reapply for an eTA if they've held a Canadian visitor visa in the past ten years or possess a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa; otherwise, a visa is mandatory. Work and study permit processes remain unchanged, ensuring minimal impact on those with valid permits. This policy revision seeks to balance immigration integrity with the operational strains on Canada's asylum system.

Ontario Issues 2,583 Invitations for Skilled Trades Nomination – Mar 1

Ontario's Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) targeted 2,583 Express Entry profiles for provincial nomination on March 1, focusing on individuals with experience in 49 skilled trades and CRS scores between 350–424. This strategic move offers a significant boost, potentially increasing scores by 600 points, thereby improving their permanent residency prospects. This initiative highlights Ontario's ongoing efforts to address workforce shortages in skilled trades, demonstrating a firm commitment to enriching its labor market.

IEC 2024 Sends 12,972 Open Work Permit Invites in a Week – Mar 2

In an impressive display of international outreach, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program issued 12,972 open work permit invitations under the Working Holiday Visa category in the week ending February 29, 2024. This surge contributes to a total of 14,209 work permit invitations across all categories for the week, marking the second-highest distribution by the IEC this year. The inclusion of Finland expands the program's reach, promising diverse international talent influx into Canada. Additionally, targeted invitations for young professionals and international co-ops underscore the program's comprehensive approach to global skill exchange.