Canada Immigration Update
Recognized Employer Pilot
On August 8, 2023, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, launched the Recognized Employer Pilot ("REP") under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This program will span three years, contribute to resolving labour shortage, and streamline the process for repeat employers involved in the program.
Originally known as the 'Trusted Employer Model' and announced in Budget 2022, The REP will grant eligible employers access to Labour Market Impact Assessments for up to 36 months, simplifying the LMIA application process for these employers.
To participate in the pilot, employers must have at least three positive LMIAs for the same occupation in the last five years from a list of occupations that have been designated as in-shortage and supported by Canadian Occupational Projection System data. Employer applications for REP will close in September 2024.
To Read more:l https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2023/08/cutting-red-tape-for-employers-who-protect-temporary-foreign-workers.html
Canada and Iceland Sign Youth Mobility Arrangement
On August 4, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the signing of a new Youth Mobility Arrangement between Canada and Iceland. The agreement allows Canadian and Icelandic youths between the ages of 18-30 to work and travel in each other's countries for up to 12 months through International Experience Canada or the Icelandic Youth equivalent, with the possibility of repeating the experience for an additional 12 months.
The arrangement aims to reinforce the robust relationship between Canada and Iceland while also enabling their youth to discover new cultures, acquire fresh expertise, and enhance their nation's future.
To Read more: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/08/canada-and-iceland-sign-youth-mobility-arrangement.html
Program Delivery Update: Study Without a Permit
On August 18, 2023 instructions were added, allowing certain foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada to study without a study permit from June 27, 2023, until July 27, 2026.
These changes apply to eligible foreign nationals:
- Who has a valid work permit issued on or before June 7, 2023, or
- Who submitted an application to renew a work permit under section 201 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) on or before June 7, 2023, and are authorized to work as per paragraph 186(u) of the IRPRTotal period applications can stay increased from 2 years to 3 years.
Additional details on the temporary police are added and outlined under a new section titled " Who is exempt from the requirement of a study permit."
To Read More: "Who is Exempt from the Requirement for a Study Permit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/who-needs-study-permit.html
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U.S. Immigration Update
Temporary Protected Status for Sudan and Ukraine Extended
On August 18, 2023, The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status for Sudan and Ukraine for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in both countries preventing individuals from safely returning.
The extension will allow approximately 1,200 Sudanese and 26,000 Ukrainian beneficiaries to retain Temporary Protected Status through April 19, 2025, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements.
Current beneficiaries who wish to extend their temporary protected status must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from August 21, 2023, through October 20, 2023, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization without a gap.
To read more: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-extends-and-redesignates-temporary-protected-status-for-sudan
USCIS Launches Online Appointment Request Form
On August 21, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a new online form for individuals, attorneys and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Centre.
This new form is intended for individuals or legal representatives who need in-person appointments at a field office for ADIT stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, Immigration Judge Grants, and other related purposes. It is important to note that this is not a self-scheduling tool. Instead, the USCIS Contact Center will review submitted forms and the availability of in-person appointments. Depending on the appointment's urgency and reason, the Contact Center may contact individuals either by phone or email.
These new measures aim to improve the customer experience and create a more efficient process for applicants and representatives.
To read more: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-launches-online-appointment-request-form
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Express Entry Update August 2023 -
Category Specific Draws and Additional Open Draws
This month, there were many draws, including the first targeted draw for candidates with experience in trades professions on August 3, 2023, under the Express Entry category-based selection by IRCC. This category covers professions like carpentry, plumbing, and welding, which will assist Canada in attracting more workers to its construction sector.
Other draws include a No Program Specified draw, which took place on August 1, 2023, with IRCC issuing 2000 Invitations to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 517 or higher. On August 2, 2023, IRCC issued 800 Invitations in a French Language Proficiency draw to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 435 or higher. On August 3, 2023, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in the Trade Occupations category to applicants with a minimum CRS score of 388 or higher, and lastly, on August 15, 2023, another No Program Specified Draw was held, issuing 4,300 invitations to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 496 or higher.
As an alternative strategy to the Express Entry route, a number of Provincial Nominee Programs are actively issuing invitations and processing applications. For their latest draw on August 16, 2023, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program ("OINP") issued 751 notifications of interest to candidates who qualify for its Targeted Draw for Tech and Health occupations to candidates with a minimum CRS 473-495-375.
The BC Provincial Nominee Program ("BCPNP") had numerous draws throughout July for applicants in targeted draws such as Childcare, Healthcare, Tech, and Other priority occupations, with their latest draw taking place on August 22, 2023. They offered invitations to candidates in their General Draw offering a total of 169 invitations to Skilled Workers with a minimum score of 106, Skilled Worker EEBC Option with a minimum score of 106, International Graduates with a minimum score of 109, International Graduates EEBC Option with a minimum score of 109 and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled applicants with a minimum score of 88.
To read more: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/ministerial-instructions/express-entry-rounds.html
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