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Category: Immigration

Know if you qualify for the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur immigration

The of Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program is for experienced business owners and senior business managers who want to settle and grow their business in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Applying for permanent residence in Canada through the Entrepreneur Stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) involves six steps:

  1. Submitting an Expression of Interest
  2. Receiving an Invitation to Apply
  3. In-Person Interview and Business Performance Agreement
  4. Receiving work Permit and establishing business in Nova Scotia
  5. Submitting Request for provincial nomination from Nova Scotia
  6. Applying for Entrepreneur Stream Permanent Residence

Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream:Eligibility criteria for applicants

  1. The candidate must have minimum $600,000 CAD in unencumbered net business and personal assets that are readily available for transfer to Canada. The assets must be verified by third party professionals designated by Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI)
  2. The candidate must demonstrate that he/she accumulated the claimed net worth through legal means. This claim must also be verified by third party professionals designated by NSOI
  3. Business ownership experience of minimum three years including 33% ownership in the last 10 years, or more than five years of experience as a senior business manager in the last 10 years
  4. Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in listening, speaking, writing and reading. The language proficiency must be verified by Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General test, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training test or Test d’évaluation français (TEF). The tests must be taken within two years prior to the date of submitting the Expression of Interest.
  5. Education qualification of Canadian high school diploma or equivalent. If studied outside Canada, the educational credential must be verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This must be taken in the last five years before the date of submitting the EoI.
  6. Agree to make a minimum capital investment of $150,000 CAD towards establishing a business in Nova Scotia.
  7. Agree to reside in Nova Scotia

Eligibility criteria for proposed business

  1. The applicant must own a minimum one third of the equity of the business
  2. The applicant must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business
  3. The business must meet the legal requirements of the particular community that it operating in
  4. The primary purpose of the business must be making profit through the sale of goods and/or services.
  5. Must be a “permanent establishment” as defined under subsection 400(2) of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985
  6. Must pay income tax
  7. The applicant must be actively managing the business from the place of business in Nova Scotia
  8. The business must have the potential to create economic benefit to Nova Scotia

Are you an entrepreneur planning to immigrate to and invest in Canada? Contact us to know your options to apply for Nova Scotia Entrepreneur stream of immigration

Know if you qualify for the Manitoba Entrepreneur immigration

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has an entrepreneur pathway under the Business Investor Stream (BIS) that allows entrepreneurs from across the world with intent and ability to start or purchase businesses in Manitoba, to settle in the province. The Entrepreneur Pathway was introduced by the MPNP replacing the previous MPNP-B stream. Through the entrepreneur pathway, qualified entrepreneurs can establish, purchase a business or become partners in an existing business within the first 24 months of arriving in Canada on a temporary work permit.

Eligibility criteria for applicants

Business Experience

The candidates must have minimum three years of full time work experience either as an active business owner or in a senior management role of a successful business, earned in the five years prior to submitting the application. However, those who have experience as business owners will receive more points than senior managers. Another requirement is that business owners must have at least 33 1/3 percent ownership to qualify.

Language proficiency

The required official language proficiency for applicants to the Entrepreneur Pathway is minimum CLB/NCLC 5.

Education qualification

The applicant must have education equivalent to Canadian high school certificate or higher

Age

No minimum or maximum age is specified for the Entreprenuer pathway. However, ranking points are allocated to candidates between 25 to 49 years of age.

Business investment

If the proposed business is situated in the Manitoba Capital Region, the minimum required investment is $250,000. The Manitoba Capital Region (MCR) is the area surrounding Winnipeg, the capital and the largest city in the province. It comprises 16 municipalities. They are:

  • The City of Winnipeg
  • The City of Selkirk
  • The Town of Stonewall
  • Cartier
  • East St. Paul
  • Headingley
  • Macdonald
  • Ritchot
  • Rockwood
  • Rosser
  • St. Andrews
  • St. Clements
  • St. Francois-Xavier
  • Springfield
  • Taché
  • St. Paul

But if the business is situated outside Manitoba Capital Region, the required minimum investment is $150,000. The investment must be made in a business considered eligible by MPNP. The business has to create job for at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Manitoba.

Business Research Visit

The candidates have to submit a Business Plan as part of the application. They shall conduct a Business Research Visit to Manitoba get a clearer idea about the business environment and market where they are planning to start the business. The visit is supposed to be conducted within one year prior submitting the Expression of Interest (EoI).

Adaptability

Points are awarded to candidates based on adaptability factors. These are applicable if:

-The candidate’s spouse has CLB/NCLC 5 or higher

-The candidate or their spouse/common law partner has CLB/NCLC 5 or higher in the Second Official Language

-The candidate or their spouse/common law partner has a close relative in Manitoba who has been residing there for more than one year

-The candidate’s child is actively pursuing academic, professional or vocational training on a full-time basis in an accredited Manitoba educational institution for at least six months prior to the date of submission of EOI

-The candidate/accompanying spouse or common-law partner has completed a full-time study program for at least one year at a post-secondary institution in Manitoba.

– The candidate/accompanying spouse or common-law partner has minimum six months of continuous full time work experience in Manitoba.

Net worth

The minimum required net worth to apply through Entreprenuer pathway is $500,000 CAD. The personal net worth of the applicant will be verified by a third-party supplier approved by the MPNP. The verification report has to be submitted to the MPNP along with the application within 120 days after the candidate receives a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA).

Business Performance Agreement

If the candidate meets all the requirements, MPNP will approve the application. But before the MPNP issues a letter of support to apply for a work permit, the candidate has to sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA). A BPA elaborates on the obligations that have to be fulfilled by the candidate and his/her proposed business. These obligations have to be fulfilled within the time specified in the BPA.

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Contact us for a free assessment to know if you qualify to apply to Manitoba Entreprenuer Stream

Know if you qualify for the British Columbia Entrepreneur immigration

British Columbia, Canada, has innumerable career opportunities, especially for people who want to start a venture or establish a business in Canada. To make it possible, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program has offered a program called the Entrepreneur Immigration stream exclusively for entrepreneurs who wish to commence ventures worldwide. 

To add on, qualified entrepreneurs who are already running successful ventures can apply for permanent residency. But first, you must know if you qualify for the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration stream. Read on to learn more about the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration stream.

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

The British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration program focuses on business people with high net worth who are capable of investing and running a business in BC and eventually becoming permanent residents in the province. 

It is advised that you plan a preliminary visit to British Columbia to gather information regarding potential customers, study the local market, and know the ideal community in which you can establish your business. However, the first thing you need to do is figure out your eligibility for the entrepreneur immigration stream. 

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration stream you must: 

?Have 3+ years of experience as the owner or operator of an active business. 

?Possess net worth should be CAD 600,000.

?Have scored CLB 4 as a minimum on a valid language test.

?Pursue a post-secondary credential or have a minimum of 3 years of experience as an active business owner.

?Start a new business or take over an existing one while living in BC.

?Offer at least one new full-time job for a Canadian resident.

?Invest at least CAD 200,000 in your business.

British columbia entrepreneur immigration

Business, job, and investment requirements

?Build a new and innovative company or acquire and improve an already-existing business.

?Provide the company with an initial personal investment of at least CAD 200,000.

?There needs to be at least one new full-time job created for a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Ineligible Businesses

?The BC PNP does not apply to the following kinds of businesses:

?A program for investments relevant to immigration as defined in IRPR 87(9) and under Provincial Immigration Programs Regulation Section 6(e) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) Section 87(5)(b).

?Any company where IRPR 87(6)(d) allows for a redemption option as part of the investment terms

?Hobby farms, bed-and-breakfasts, and home-based enterprises

?Businesses that deal in payday loans, checks, cashing, money exchange, and cash machines 

?Automated car wash operations

?Coin-operated laundries

?Scrap metal recycling

?Pawnbrokers

?Businesses selling used goods (excluding businesses that provide value-added services such as repairs, refurbishment, or recycling)

?Insurance brokerage, business brokerage, or real estate development and brokering

?Companies that engage in the production, distribution, or sale of pornographic or sexually explicit goods or services, or that offer sexually explicit services

?Any other kind of enterprise that might indirectly damage the reputation of the British Columbia Police Force or the government.

When registering businesses in regional districts with a population of over 300,000, the BC PNP will not consider these businesses:

1️⃣Gasoline service stations

2️⃣Convenience stores

3️⃣Dry cleaning services

4️⃣Tanning salons

5️⃣DVD rental stores

How do I apply?

?Prepare for registration by doing extensive business research. To learn more about business opportunities and the local business environment, foreign entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit British Columbia on an exploratory basis.

?Create an online profile, pay the fees, and receive a registration score based on a variety of factors such as personal net worth, adaptability, business concept, and experience in senior management and business ownership. These are the requirements for registering with the BC PNP. After creating a profile, you will receive a score for your business concept in six weeks.

?Invitations are sent to the top-ranked applicants during the BC PNP’s regular draws.  

?If you are invited to apply, you have 120 days, or four months, to complete the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Stream application, get your declared personal net worth and funds reviewed, and pay the necessary fees. Based on the program’s requirements, applications are evaluated. During the application evaluation phase, you will have to be present for a face-to-face interview in Vancouver.

?International business owners who have their applications accepted sign a performance agreement and get a letter of confirmation from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allowing them to apply for a two-year work permit.

?International entrepreneurs have up to 20 months, or 610 days, from the time of their arrival in British Columbia to execute the business plan, actively manage their company, fulfill all requirements of the signed Performance Agreement, and prove that they live within 100 kilometers of the business (for at least 75 percent of the work permit period).

?Entrepreneurs in the province on a valid work permit must submit a final report to the BC PNP detailing their business activities within 18 to 20 months of their arrival.

?A confirmation of nomination, issued by the Government of British Columbia, identifies approved entrepreneur applicants and makes it possible for them to apply to the IRCC for skilled workers, international graduates, healthcare professionals, international post-graduates, and entry-level and semi-skilled workers, all of whom fall under the eligible categories. 

?While the application process might sound complex, CanApprove, with its resolute experts, makes sure you get the right guidance during your application process. From filling out your application until you settle at your destination, we will be at your service. If you’re looking for assistance or want to know more about BC PNP, connect with us. We’d love to hear from you!

?Permanent residence along with any eligible dependent family members.

?The IRCC has the right to examine further information in the application to make sure the nominee keeps up residence and business in British Columbia.

Watch our happy clients speak about their experience at CanApprove!

Note: Receive insights from CanApprove’s Canada immigration consultants in Bangalore to know the complete visa application process.

Wrap-Up

Skilled workers, international graduates, healthcare professionals, international post-graduates, and entry-level and semi-skilled workers all fall under the eligible categories. 

While the application process might sound complex, CanApprove, with its resolute Canada immigration consultants, makes sure you get the right guidance during your application process. From filling out your application until you settle at your destination, we will be at your service. If you’re looking for assistance or want to know more about the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration stream, connect with us. We’d love to hear from you!

FAQs

  • How long does it take to get into the BC Entrepreneur program?

Scores for registrations are usually available in six weeks. You will then have four months from the date of your invitation to submit your application if you are invited to do so.

  • Can entrepreneurs apply for Canada PR?

Foreign investors and entrepreneurs must first apply for permanent resident status in Canada to become citizens of Canada.

  • Does BC PNP need LMIA?

A federal Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not for employers who support BC PNP applicants to hire a foreign worker. Your staff member is always welcome to register with the BC PNP.

Here are the Things That No One Knows About the Canadian Express Entry System

Canadian Express Entry System, introduced in the year 2015 with an aim to streamline economic immigration to Canada, is a fast-track method for bringing global talents to Canada. Since its introduction, more than 50000 invitations to apply for permanent residence have been issued through the Express Entry system.

The Canadian Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs–Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class, besides certain provincial nominee programs aligned to the Express Entry.

Canadian Express Entry being the most popular pathway for Canada immigration, you may be interested to know a few lesser-known facts about the system. Check these out:

1. Language skills count a lot

In the Express Entry system, language skills of the candidate give him/her a lot of weightage. This may be surprising for many, but it’s a fact! Among the core human capital factors that are considered while awarding CRS scores, language skills are given prime importance. It is a major parameter to judge the eligibility and adaptability of a candidate. So candidates with high level of English or French proficiency have better chances for obtaining Canadian PR visa through Express Entry System.

2. Candidates have to submit biometrics details

Canada has recently made it mandatory for Express Entry candidates to submit biometric details including fingerprints and photo while filing their application for Canadian PR visa. Since July 31st, 2018, submitting biometric details has been made compulsory for applicants from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. On December 31st, 2018, the rules will be extended to applicants from Asia, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. The aim of this new rule is to confirm the identity of the applicant and make the visa procedures simpler for low-risk travelers.

3. Express Entry is the best way to connect to Canadian employers

Canadian employers can access the Express Entry pool through a number of ways. These include job bank, private sector job boards, and provincial nominee programs. This makes Express Entry the easiest way to connect to Canadian employers and find a job in Canada.

4. Express Entry draws are held every two weeks

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) conducts Express Entry draws every two weeks. So even if you were not selected in the latest Express Entry draw, you need not worry. You have chances to be selected in an Express Entry as long as you are in the Express Entry pool.

5. Tie-breakers are applied in Express Entry draws

Tie-breaker is the latest trend in Express Entry draws. It is a method to rank candidates with the same Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) scores based on the date and time in which they submitted their Express Entry profiles. The candidates whose profiles have been in the pool for a longer period are given priority.

For Example, in the Express Entry draw held on August 22, 2018, the date and time for tie-break were February 21, 2018, at 11:28:03 UTC. It means those candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles before the said date and time and who had the minimum required CRS scores were selected in the draw.

Are you eligible to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry? Contact us for a free assessment

Looking for a Job Abroad? Know Why Canada Could Be the Right Place for You!

With the sixth place in Human Development Index rankings, Canada is, undoubtedly, one of the best countries in the world to live. The country is the right place for those looking for a better quality of life and work. Canada also offers vast opportunities for career and personal growth. This is the reason why many from across world wish to settle in Canada.
Listed below are some of the factors that make Canada the best place to work:

Healthy Work Culture:

Canadian firms promote a healthy work culture that upholds individualism and equal opportunity. Less stress is given to relationships and employees are allowed to make individual decisions. The work relations are informal and you can be honest with your boss, free to say no if you feel so. But rules are to be followed. In Canada, you have to work only for eight hours a day and a maximum of 40 hours a week. Overtime work has to be paid.

Employment Insurance:

The workers in Canada enjoy employment insurance benefits that include help to find jobs, family benefits, benefits, if they can’t work, owing to sickness, benefits for their children’s health education and security. Besides, the government will support the workers if they have lost their job for reasons other than their own fault and are unable to find a new job.
Leave benefits

Workers who are expecting a child, or have given birth or have a newborn or have adopted a child recently, are given parental and maternity leave in Canada.

Childcare Benefits:

Canada provides a lot of childcare benefits for the residents and citizens. These include tax-free monthly assistance to raise children (below 18 years of age), child healthcare benefits, child disability benefits and security benefit.

Low Unemployment Rates:

Unemployment is significantly low in Canada compared to many other developed countries. And in the case of the unemployed, Canada provides them unemployment benefits and facilities to find a new job.

Affordable Cost of Living:

Cost of living in Canada is highly affordable, compared to many other developed countries. Housing, food, fuel, and power are cheap, which makes living in this country affordable.

Secure Retired Life:

In your retired life, you will receive social pensions and employer-sponsored pensions besides your savings. Besides, in Canada, employees do not have an obligatory retirement age.

Interested in immigrating to Canada? Contact us for more information.  Locate our nearby offices to meet our immigration experts and clear your queries right away!

The Canadian Express Entry System – A Look Back From the Beginning!

The Canada Express Entry system, one of the most popular immigration systems in the world, was launched on January 1st, 2015 with an aim to streamline economic immigration to Canada. Today, Express Entry system is the main driver of economic immigration to Canada.

Canada Express Entry system manages applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs–Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class, besides certain provincial nominee programs aligned to the Express Entry.

The Express Entry system replaced the ‘first-come, first served’ model of Canada immigration. Earlier, the selection of candidates for Canada immigration was mainly based on who submitted their application first. But in Express Entry system, applications of candidates are compared with one another after which, the most qualified candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

As per the Canada Immigration Plan for 2018-2020, Canada aims to increase the numbers accepted through the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Class to around 250,000 over the next three years.

CRS cut-off score: A retrospection

The Comprehensive Ranking System is a score out of 1,200, which is used to benchmark Express Entry candidates. The score indicates the candidate’s capability to become economically successful in Canada. In Express Entry draws, CRS cut-off score is used to select eligible candidates for inviting to apply for permanent residence.

In the draws held in 2015, invitations were sent only to those candidates who earned more than 600 Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) points.  But within a few months itself, the minimum required score came down to 450. It came further down and in May 2017, candidates with scores as low as 413 were invited to apply. In the program-specific draws, especially the FSTC draws, candidates with scores as low as 199 were invited to apply.

Highest and lowest CRS cutoff points

Lowest till date: 413(all programs), 199 (FSTC)

Highest till date: 886 (all programs), 902 (PNP)

<h3;”>Year-wise

2018

Lowest: 440(all programs) and 288(FSTC)

Highest: 456 (all programs), 902 (PNP)

2017

Lowest:  413 (all programs), 199 (FSTC)

Highest: 468 (all programs), 775 (PNP)

2016

Lowest:  453

Highest: 786

2015

Lowest: 450

Highest: 886

CRS cut-off scores for Express Entry Draws held in 2018

Date of draw

Minimum CRS score

August 8, 2018 440
July 25, 2018 441
July 11, 2018 442
June 25, 2018  442
June 13, 2018 451
May 23, 2018 440
May 9, 2018 441
April 25, 2018 441
April 11, 2018 444
March 26, 2018 446
March 14, 2018 456
February 21, 2018 442
February 7, 2018 442
January 24, 2018 444
January 10, 2018 446

<h3″>

Number of invitations sent

In the first-ever Express Entry draw held on January 1st 2015, the number of invitations issued was 779. Then the numbers witnessed a gradual increase over the past three years. The number of Invitations to Apply for permanent residence issued in the latest draw held on August 8, 2018 was 3750. The year 2018 witnessed a gradual increase in the number of ITAs from 2,750 to 3750. The Canadian Government has issued a total number of 50,950 ITAs till date through the Express Entry Draws held this year. Canada has set a target to admit 74,900 candidates through Express Entry in 2018.

The issuing of 3,750 ITAs in the past few consecutive Express Entry draws is the continuation of a trend set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2017. As per this trend, draw sizes remain the same over successive invitation rounds followed by an increase of 250 or 500 in around every two months. In 2018, draw sizes grew from 2,750 to 3000 and 3500 and now to 3750.

Number of ITAs issued through Express Entry

Year

Total number of ITAs issued

2018 50,950
2017 86,023
2016 33,782
2015 31,063
Total 201,818

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Could a Provincial Nominee Program Help You Get a Canadian PR Visa? Know More!

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are designed to help Canadian provinces and territories nominate those who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a particular province. All Canadian provinces, except Quebec, and two territories have Provincial Nominee Programs. Each of them is unique, being designed in such a way to choose the right candidates according to the specific needs of the province or territory. PNPs allow provinces and territories choose those candidates who can contribute to their economies by living and working there.

You can immigrate to Canada through provincial nomination, which is one of the most important fast-track options for obtaining Canadian PR visa. You will be nominated by a province or territory for Canadian PR if you have the skills, education and work experience that meet the requirements of its labour market.

Each PNP has different Streams or immigration programs meant for particular groups such as students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers. Besides, most provinces have streams aligned to the federal Express Entry that allow them to choose candidates from the federal Express Entry pool.

How to obtain Canada PR through PNP?

Check if you are eligible

Each province and territory has different sets of eligibility criteria and nomination guidelines. Before applying for provincial nomination, you must check whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the PNP to which you want to apply. If you are applying through a Stream aligned to the federal Express Entry, you must also meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry.

Apply for provincial nomination

The second step is applying for the provincial nomination of the province or territory to where you want to immigrate. The application process will have three steps–

-Apply for a provincial nomination

-Receive nomination from a province or territory

If you are applying through a Stream aligned to Express Entry, you must also meet the minimum eligibility criteria for Express Entry. You will receive 600 additional CRS points, which improves your chances for being invited to apply for permanent residence.

Apply for Canada permanent residence

If a Canadian province or territory nominates you, you can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. If you are nominated through a Stream aligned to Express Entry, you will also have to meet the minimum criteria of Express Entry.

Longing to Lead a High Standard of Life? You Should Migrate to Canada Then

We individuals witness a shift in everything and thrive in the evolution of the advancement of the system which improves our standard of living gradually. Leading a high standard life could help you in an innumerable number of ways and create a steady & a strong pace in life exposing you to the better of everything. One such place in the world which could offer you the very best in every single basic necessity of life is Canada.

The country situated in Northern America serves as the best place for individuals who wish to immigrate to a different country on the aspect of leading a high standard of life. The country treats standard of living as a paramount concern and makes sure that its residents get what they actually look for. Here are a few reasons which state that why you should migrate to Canada if you want to lead a high standard of life.

You Get to Save a Lot: –

One noteworthy benefit of migrating to Canada is the opportunity to save more. Employment & entrepreneurship in Canada could help earn an individual a good amount of income and the lower cost of living in Canada allows him/her to save a part of their income. This actually means the more you save the better chances for you to lead a high standard of life.

Social Security Benefits: –

Immigrating to Canada can obtain a diverse range of benefits which could help them tackle the unforeseen. Some of the benefits offered by the Canadian Government are listed below

  • Employment Insurance
  • Family Benefits
  • Public Pensions
  • Education & Training Benefits
  • Housing Benefits
  • Disability Benefits & more.,

Travel Visa Free: –

Travel to a different country means you should obtain a visa from that particular country. By obtaining a Canadian passport, an individual can travel up to 185 countries without obtaining a visa which is one of the best benefits you can get by immigrating to Canada.

A Serene Place to Live & Raise Your Family: –

Canada is one of the places in the world where the crime rates are comparatively far less when compared to other countries. You can choose to migrate with your family from the thirteen provinces that the country has. Each province is unique in its own way, making it an ideal place to raise and grow as a family and obviously with a high standard of living.

A Lively Culture to Thrive In: –

The country is a mixture of people from almost all parts of the world making it a place that has a society packed with cultures from different parts of the world. You get to witness some of the best practices that the world has, accompanied with absolute peace & harmony.

Canada undoubtedly proves to be an ideal place for immigrants who wish to lead a high standard of life. The Canadian Government takes every possible effort to make sure that their residents get to live a life that’s quite standard & more comfortable. Get in touch with us to know your options & possibilities to migrate to Canada.

Know how Alberta immigration changes are going to benefit international students

Alberta is the Canadian province that hosts the highest number of international students in the country, according to data from the Government of Canada. In 2017, a total of 26,255 international students were studying in various higher education institutions in the province. Research facilities, job opportunities and commercialisation initiatives are some of the factors that attract students from across the globe to Alberta. Another major attractive factor is the opportunities for students to work while they study in the province and after their studies, besides immigration pathways that give preference to international students.

Recently, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program(AINP) introduced two new immigration streams–Alberta Express Entry Stream and Alberta Opportunity Stream. While these two new immigration streams were introduced, two Canadian immigration categories dedicated for international students in Alberta ceased to exist. They are the International Graduate Category and Post-Graduate Worker Category, part of the now-closed Employer-Driven and Alberta Strategic Recruitment Streams.

These changes are observed to benefit the international students in a big way. Let’s find out how.

Alberta Express Entry Stream

The Alberta Express Entry Stream gives preference to international graduates who have studied in the higher education institutions of Alberta. This is one of the best immigration pathways for international students graduated in Alberta. In order to be considered for permanent residence under the Express Entry Stream, an international graduate must first create an Express Entry profile. Then they have to apply for provincial nomination by Alberta. Those who obtain nomination will get 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System points which improve their chances for being invited for Canadian permanent residence by the federal government.

Alberta Opportunity Stream

Alberta Opportunity Stream was introduced replacing Employer-Driven and Strategic Recruitment streams. In order to apply for Alberta immigration through this Stream, a candidate must fulfill certain eligibility criteria. These include language proficiency, education, work experience etc. International students get weightage for higher education and work experience in Alberta.

The requirements for international graduates to apply for Alberta Opportunity Stream

-Currently working full-time in Alberta in an eligible occupation

-Minimum six months of work experience in Alberta in an occupation, which is related to their field of study. The students with a Post-graduate Work Permit, working in Alberta after graduating from an approved post-secondary institution in  the province are eligible to apply. But the students with a Post- Graduate Work Permit, who have completed their studies in other Canadian provinces, are not eligible to apply through Alberta Opportunity Stream.

Tap the vast opportunities Canada holds for international students! Study in Canada! Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

A Detailed Look on the New Quebec Expression of Interest System

The province of Quebec has recently adopted an Expression of Interest system for selecting economic immigrants to the province. The new Quebec Expression of Interest system, modeled in line with the federal Express Entry system, is used for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). According to Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, David Heurtel, the new system aims to bring down the processing time of applications and enhance the economy of Quebec.

Application process

The Quebec Expression of Interest system has replaced the first-come, first-served application process for the QSWP. The new system is demand-based and applicants have to first enter a pool of eligible candidates. Anyone above the age of 18 can submit their profile to the pool of candidates. The profiles will then be awarded scores based on a number of factors.

In order to be eligible, the candidate must score minimum two points in education and one point for financial self-sufficiency. The single candidates who obtain minimum scores for education and financial self-sufficiency must finally score minimum 43 points aggregate combining various factors including education and training, work experience, age, language proficiency etc. Though a valid job offer can earn up to 14 points for the candidate, it is not a must to be eligible.

Quebec government will conduct periodic draws from this pool and invite qualified candidates using a sliding points threshold.

Selection factors

According to the updated Quebec Immigration Act, the selection criterion is “relating to a foreign national’s ability to successfully stay or settle in Quebec, such as training or a trade or occupation.” The following are eligibility factors based on which points are awarded to the candidates.

Selection factors Points
Education Up to 14 points (minimum 2 points required)
Area of training Up to 12 points
Work experience Up to 8 points
Age Up to 16 points
Language proficiency Up to 22 points
Stay and Family in Quebec Up to 8 points
Spouse/common-law partner characteristics Up to 17 points
Valid job offer Up to 14 points
Presence of accompanying children Up to 8 points
Financial self-sufficiency 1 point (required)

Invitation to apply

The eligible candidates who are selected from the Quebec Expression of Interest pool will be issued an invitation to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ). Those who receive the invitation can submit the application within 90 days.

Apply for Canada PR

The candidates who successfully apply will receive a CSQ which will make them eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The government will award permanent residence to eligible candidates after checking their medical and criminal admissibility.

Do you wish to build a better future in Quebec? Contact us for expert guidance and the best support for Quebec immigration