Foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to Canada through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) will now face updated eligibility criteria, with several streams closing. Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration Key changes to the SINP include: Resumption of JAF Intake As of March 27, 2025, the SINP has resumed accepting new Job Approval Forms (JAFs), after pausing intake on February 18, 2025. Employers in Saskatchewan who wish to hire foreign workers can now submit JAFs for job-offer-based permanent residence (PR) pathways under the SINP. The SINP has stated there are no anticipated pauses in JAF intake for the remainder of 2025. This year, 75% of Saskatchewan’s provincial immigration allocation will be dedicated to candidates already in the province on temporary status, limiting recruitment from outside Canada to workers in three key sectors. Priority Sectors for JAF Approval The SINP will prioritize approval for job offers in the following sectors: Candidates outside Canada working in these sectors will receive priority for JAF approval, enabling them to work in Saskatchewan. For other sectors, recruitment will only be supported for candidates already in Canada on a valid work permit or authorization. Closure of Entrepreneur and Farm Streams The SINP has closed the following streams as of March 27, 2025: Candidates with an Expression of Interest (EOI) under these pathways will no longer proceed in the PR process, and their EOIs will be removed from the SINP system. Applications submitted before this date will still be processed under the previous criteria. The SINP has indicated that these pathways will not reopen in the near future. Nomination Caps for Specific Sectors Nomination caps have been introduced for three sectors: A maximum of 25% of the SINP’s total annual nominations can be used for candidates in these industries combined. The cap will be reviewed annually. Once the cap is reached, JAFs for these sectors will expire, and employers will need to resubmit JAFs in the new year if more job approvals are needed. Ineligibility for Some Open Work Permit Holders The SINP has updated its eligibility criteria to exclude certain Open Work Permit (OWP) holders, such as those on spousal work permits, from applying through the program. Further details on which other OWP holders will be affected are awaited. The SINP explained that this change aims to address “high risks of exploitation” and “poor retention outcomes,” aligning with the program’s goal to attract skilled newcomers for stable, long-term economic contributions. Changes to SINP Student Category Eligibility for the Student Category has been limited to graduates from Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) who have completed at least six months (780 hours) of paid work in their field of study with a Saskatchewan employer. This work experience can be gained through various channels, including on-campus, off-campus, co-op terms, or Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). In addition, PGWP holders who studied at institutions outside Saskatchewan are no longer eligible for this pathway. These applicants are encouraged to apply through other available pathways, such as the Student Talent, Health Talent, Agriculture Talent, or Skilled Worker categories. Exclusion of Three Employer Types from Recruitment As of March 27, 2025, the SINP will no longer accept recruitment requests from the following employers: Information Sessions for Interested Parties The SINP will host information sessions on April 3 and 9, 2025, for both employers and prospective applicants to discuss these changes. Registration is required by email:
Yukon Switches to New System for PR Nominations
Employers and foreign nationals are no longer able to submit applications directly to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). From now on, all applications must be submitted through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Under this new approach, employers must first receive an invitation from the YNP before submitting a nomination request for a foreign worker. Previously, employers had the option to submit applications directly. Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration This EOI system makes it more challenging to obtain a territorial nomination for Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the YNP. The EOI intake will open at 9:00 AM Yukon Standard Time (YST) on March 31, 2025, and close at 4:30 PM YST on April 22, 2025. How does the new system work? Employers are now required to fill out a simple online form to provide details about the foreign worker they want to nominate. The YNP will review the submissions, select the most suitable candidates, and send invitations for full applications to those selected. Which candidates will be given priority? In 2025, the YNP will prioritize the following groups: Temporary Measure Letter of Support Some individuals may qualify for work permits supported by Yukon, which can be issued for up to two years. To be eligible, applicants must: Eligible candidates will receive support letters that they can include in their work permit applications. The intake for this work permit program started on March 19, 2025, and will be open until 4:30 PM YST on April 2, 2025. Further details can be found on the Yukon government’s official website. Why is this change taking place? The federal government has reduced the number of nominations allocated to the YNP for 2025. The YNP will only have 215 nominations available in 2025, roughly half of the previous year’s allocation. Given that demand is expected to exceed the available nominations, the YNP introduced the EOI system to ensure that priority is given to the most qualified candidates. This replaces the previous first-come, first-served method, which would have been necessary if direct applications were still allowed. The federal government’s overall reduction in immigration targets under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which cuts permanent residency landings by 20% and PNP landings by 50%, also reflects this adjustment.
Are You Eligible to Apply for PR Through the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots?
Foreign nationals interested in immigrating to Canada as home care workers can now access full details regarding these programs. Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration Check Your Eligibility for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP) is now officially divided into two distinct pilot programs: As previously announced, each program includes two streams: The Workers in Canada stream for each pilot will accept applications from 10 AM EDT on March 31, 2025, until March 30, 2026, or until the cap is reached. Details for the Applicants not working in Canada stream of each pilot will be released at a later date. This article provides updated information on the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot (HCWP), including: Summary of Eligibility Requirements The table below summarizes the eligibility criteria for the HCWP programs: Eligibility Requirement HCWP Child Care HCWP Home Support Status in Canada (Applicants in Canada Stream) Must be in Canada with valid work authorization (exceptions for some out-of-status workers) Must be in Canada with valid work authorization (exceptions for some out-of-status workers) Language Requirements CLB 4 CLB 4 Education Secondary school diploma or equivalent Secondary school diploma or equivalent Work Experience 6 months as a home child care provider or early childhood educator/assistant 6 months as a home support worker/caregiver, or nurse aide/orderly Professional Training (For those without work experience) Completed a 6-month or longer relevant credential Completed a 6-month or longer relevant credential Settlement Funds (Applicants not working in Canada) Must show adequate settlement funds based on family size Must show adequate settlement funds based on family size Which Occupations Are Eligible for the HCWP? Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has specified the types of home care workers eligible under the HCWP. The occupations are divided into two categories: Child Care and Home Support. Applicants must have six months of continuous, full-time, relevant work experience in the past three years, or a six-month relevant educational credential. Qualifying work experience must be in one of the National Occupational Classifications (NOCs) for the program they are applying to. HCWP: Child Care Eligible occupations include: HCWP: Home Support Eligible occupations include: Experience in an institutional setting (such as a long-term care facility) may be eligible. To be valid, work experience cannot be: Professional Training Requirements for the HCWP Foreign nationals without qualifying work experience can qualify by presenting an eligible professional training credential. This must be: Eligible credentials must align with the NOCs for the Child Care or Home Support pilot programs. What Job Offers Are Accepted Under the HCWP? To be eligible, a job offer must: Eligible NOCs and Work Settings HCWP Child Care: Exclusions: HCWP Home Support: Exclusions: What Is a Genuine Job Offer? A “genuine” job offer must meet these conditions: Who Can Issue Job Offers Under the HCWP? Eligible employers include: Ineligible Employers Under the HCWP: Requirements for Workers in Canada and Out-of-Status Applicants Settlement Funds Applicants not working in Canada must show proof of settlement funds, which depend on family size. The required funds are as follows: Family Size Funds Required (CAD) 1 $14,690 2 $18,288 3 $22,483 4 $27,297 5 $30,690 6 $34,917 7 $38,875 Additional Members $3,958 per person Application Fees Applicants must pay the following fees unless exempt: Employers cannot collect recruitment fees from applicants. This guide provides essential details for foreign nationals applying to the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot. For up-to-date information, be sure to check official sources before submitting your application.
Canada eliminates bonus CRS points for arranged employment in Express Entry
As of March 25, 2025, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a valid job offer, including those backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). What Does This Mean for Express Entry Candidates? Previously, candidates could earn 50 or 200 extra CRS points for arranged employment, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR). With this change, candidates who had these additional points will see their CRS scores decrease accordingly. Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration However, candidates without job offers may see their chances improve, as their scores remain unchanged while others in the pool experience a drop. Example Scenario Consider two Express Entry candidates, Andrew and Anita, both eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Who Is Affected? This policy impacts all candidates in the Express Entry pool who previously benefited from additional points for arranged employment. However, candidates who have already received ITAs or have PR applications in progress are not affected. Temporary Measure with No End Date In a December 23, 2024 press release, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that this is a temporary measure but did not specify when it will end. While the updated Ministerial Instructions (March 25, 2025 version) removed the section awarding CRS points for job offers, it retained most sections defining what qualifies as arranged employment. Adjustments to Physician Employment Rules This update also removes special provisions for physicians. Previously, physicians with job offers lasting less than one year could still qualify for arranged employment if their offer came from a provincial government, government agency, or healthcare organization. This exception has now been eliminated. CRS Scoring System in Express Entry The CRS ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool based on:✅ Age✅ Education✅ Language proficiency✅ Work experience Additional CRS points can still be earned through: Why Did Canada Remove CRS Points for Job Offers? Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller first proposed this change on December 17, 2024, citing concerns over fraudulent LMIA practices. The Canadian government aims to eliminate incentives for candidates to “purchase an LMIA,” a practice that is illegal. This decision is part of Canada’s broader effort to combat immigration fraud and strengthen the integrity of the immigration system. IRCC has introduced additional anti-fraud measures, including a compensation fund for victims of unethical immigration consultants. What’s Next? IRCC has indicated that CRS scores may take a few days to update, and candidates should only contact them if their scores remain incorrect for over a week.
Canada to Launch New PR Pathway for Home Care Workers on March 31
Are you ready to transform your caregiving experience into a permanent home in Canada? The new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWIP) are set to launch on March 31, 2025, offering a unique path to permanent residency for those ready to live and work in Canada, outside of Quebec, and fill the growing need for home care professionals. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: who qualifies, how to secure a job offer, and how to submit a successful application. Whether you’re already in Canada or preparing for your move, let’s get started on making your Canadian dream a reality! Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration What Are the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots? The HCWIP is an immigration program designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address the rising demand for in-home caregivers. It includes two specific pilots: Each pilot has two application streams: For 2025, only the Workers in Canada stream will accept applications, with a cap reset on March 31, 2026. This guide focuses on the Workers in Canada stream to help you prepare for when the application portal opens. Application Caps for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots A total of 5,500 applications will be accepted annually, just like the previous caregiver pilots (Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot). The application caps will reset on March 31, 2026, if they are reached before then. Here’s the breakdown of caps for each pilot: HCWIP: Child Care (Total 2,750 Applications) HCWIP: Home Support (Total 2,750 Applications) Eligibility Requirements for the Workers in Canada Stream The Workers in Canada stream opens on March 31, 2025, and is designed for individuals already residing in Canada. Here’s what you’ll need: Residency Requirement You must be living in Canada at the time of your application with a valid permit. Temporary absences, such as vacations abroad, are acceptable as long as you can prove that Canada is your home base. Work Authorization You must be authorized to work full-time (30+ hours/week) in Canada through one of the following: What doesn’t count: Language Proficiency: Demonstrate Your Skills You must prove language proficiency in either English or French at CLB/NCLC Level 4. Here’s how to meet the requirement: Pro Tip: Test slots fill up quickly, so book early to avoid delays. Education: Get Your ECA You must have a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent. If you completed your education outside of Canada, you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove its equivalency to Canadian standards. Approved ECA organizations include: Your ECA report must confirm that your education is equivalent to at least a Canadian high school diploma, and it must be less than five years old when you apply. Work Experience or Training: Show Your Skills You need either 6 months of full-time, authorized work experience or 6 months of relevant post-secondary training. Here’s how it breaks down: Both work experience and training must match the NOC duties for your chosen pilot (Child Care or Home Support) and must have been completed after the age of 18. Out-of-Status Workers in Canada: A Second Chance If you’re in Canada without legal status, a public policy may still make you eligible to apply. To qualify, you must: Securing a Job Offer for the HCWIP A valid job offer from a Canadian employer is essential for applying to the HCWIP. Your employer must verify if any additional hiring requirements apply to the program and comply with all immigration rules. The job must meet these criteria: Preparing Your Application Applications open on March 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET. To avoid delays, start preparing now: The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots provide an incredible opportunity for qualified caregivers to build a future in Canada. Start your preparation today and take the first step toward your Canadian permanent residency!
Canada Increases Cap for Parents and Grandparents Program Applications
The Canadian federal government has announced an increase in the number of applications it will accept under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). For 2025, the government will process up to 25,000 sponsorship applications. These will include applications from both the 2024 and 2025 intake periods, as per Ministerial Instructions published in the Canada Gazette on March 22, 2025. Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration This decision marks a shift from earlier this year when the government initially announced in January that no new applications would be accepted in 2025. At that time, it had planned to process only up to 15,000 applications, all from the 2024 intake. However, on March 7, the government reversed its stance, confirming that invitations would indeed be sent in 2025, though the revised cap had not been provided at that time. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who submitted interest to sponsor forms in the 2020 intake for the PGP and have not yet received an invitation will have the opportunity to receive one when the PGP intake opens this year. Successful applicants under the PGP will receive Canadian permanent residence. About the PGP The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a family reunification pathway to permanent residence in Canada. Due to high demand, the government selects sponsors through a lottery system. So far, the program has only opened for intake once—in 2020—and all invitations to sponsor have been sent to individuals who submitted interest to sponsor forms in that year. About the Super Visa In addition to the PGP, Canada also offers the Super Visa program, which allows parents and grandparents to join their relatives in Canada for extended visits. Under the Super Visa, eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians can sponsor their parents or grandparents to visit for up to 10 years. Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of two-year extensions. Super Visa holders are granted visitor status and are required to purchase private health insurance for the duration of their stay. Without the Super Visa, a visitor to Canada can typically stay for only six months.
IRCC Announces Progress in Clearing Immigration Backlog
The backlog at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been steadily decreasing in recent months. As of February 28, the total number of applications in the backlog stood at 821,200, marking a notable reduction from 892,100 the previous month— a decrease of 7.95%. This marks the third consecutive month that the backlog has remained below the 1 million mark, signaling consistent progress in processing applications. Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration Here’s a look at the overall immigration backlog over the past six months: Month Immigration Backlog Change from Previous Month September 2024 1,097,000 +1.73% October 2024 1,056,100 -3.73% November 2024 1,006,500 -4.70% December 2024 942,300 -6.38% January 2025 892,100 -5.33% February 2025 821,200 -7.95% As of February 28, IRCC’s total application inventory was 2,029,400, of which 1,208,200 were processed within service standards. What is a Backlog? Applications are considered part of the backlog if they are not processed within IRCC’s published service standards. These standards represent the expected timeline for processing applications. For example, Express Entry applications have a service standard of six months, while family sponsorship applications have a service standard of 12 months. Applications that take longer than these timelines are considered backlogged. IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within service standards, with the remaining 20% considered more complex or requiring additional time. Current Backlog by Program Permanent Resident ApplicationsAs of February 28, 2025, IRCC had 842,600 applications in inventory for permanent residence programs, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and family sponsorship programs. Of these, 478,600 (57%) were processed within service standards, leaving 364,000 applications in the backlog. Temporary Resident ApplicationsAs of February 28, 2025, 56% of temporary resident applications (work permits, study permits, and visitor visas) were processed within service standards. Of the 947,200 applications in inventory, 532,700 were processed on time, leaving 414,500 applications in the backlog. Citizenship GrantsCitizenship applications continue to have the smallest backlog, with 239,600 total applications. Of these, 196,900 (82%) were processed within service standards, leaving only 18% as part of the backlog. How IRCC is Reducing the Backlog IRCC has implemented several measures to reduce the backlog:
British Columbia and Prince Edward Island Announce Provincial Immigration Opportunities for Candidates
This week, both British Columbia and Prince Edward Island (PEI) have issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). British Columbia specifically targeted foreign entrepreneurs who have either launched a new business or purchased an existing one within the province. Invitations were issued under two of its Entrepreneur Immigration streams. Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration PEI’s third draw of the year focused on individuals already living and working in the province in key occupations and sectors critical to the province’s economic growth. British Columbia (March 14 – 21) On March 18, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) held a draw under its Entrepreneur Immigration category, targeting foreign entrepreneurs through both the Base Stream and Regional Stream. Draw Category Number of Invitations Issued Cut-off Score Base Stream 8 115 Regional Stream <5 123 PEI (March 14 – 21) On March 20, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) conducted a draw under two pathways: Labour Impact and Express Entry. A total of 124 ITAs were issued to candidates currently working in high-demand occupations and priority sectors vital to PEI’s economic growth. The draw particularly focused on individuals who have been residing and working in PEI for at least a year. The high-demand sectors currently being prioritized by PEI’s Office of Immigration include:
IRCC Issues 7,500 Invitations in Second Express Entry Draw of the Week
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. In a recent draw focused on French language proficiency, the department issued 7,500 ITAs. To be eligible for this draw, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379 and to have created their Express Entry profile before 2:53 am Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 6, 2025. Consult for your eligibility for all Express Entry streams This draw marks the lowest CRS cut-off score for any Express Entry draw since February 29, 2024. Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025 Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS Score March 21 French language proficiency 7,500 379 March 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736 March 6 French language proficiency 4,500 410 March 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667 February 19 French language proficiency 6,500 428 February 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750 February 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521 February 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802 January 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527 January 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542 January 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793 Today’s draw is the fourth of March and the second of the week, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on March 17, and a French-language proficiency draw earlier in the month. The most recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw took place on February 5, where 4,000 CEC candidates were invited. So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 30,683 ITAs to Express Entry candidates. IRCC has also emphasized its commitment to prioritizing in-Canada candidates for permanent residence, a policy that has been consistent in IRCC draws since mid-2024. This is in line with one of the priorities previously advocated by Canada’s new Immigration Minister Rachel Bendayan, although Prime Minister Mark Carney has yet to issue a formal Mandate Letter to her. What Happens to My Express Entry Profile After a Year? Express Entry profiles are valid for up to one year. After this period, the profile expires and will no longer be considered active in the system. Candidates who wish to remain in the Express Entry pool after their profile expires must submit a new profile through the IRCC permanent residence portal. IRCC advises saving previous profile information for easier submission. The timing of submitting your profile can impact your chances of receiving an ITA due to IRCC’s tie-breaking rule. This rule requires candidates to submit their profile before a specified cut-off time to be eligible for ITAs in any given draw. Candidates who meet the CRS cut-off score but do not receive an ITA may have missed the tie-breaking cut-off time.
PGWP Expiring? Explore Your Options to Keep Working in Canada
If your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is about to expire, there are alternative ways to legally stay and work in Canada. This article outlines the various work permit options available, depending on your specific situation. Summary: Situation Work Permit Type Key Eligibility Criteria Any foreign national Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit – Employer must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with a positive or neutral result. – Employer must meet various other criteria depending on the stream. Innovation stream Employer-specific work permit – Job offer from an employer participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project. Work permit exemptions Situations where work permits are not needed – Varies depending on the specific exemption. Foreign nationals of certain countries Free Trade Agreement – Must be a foreign national from a country with a free trade agreement with Canada. – Eligibility varies depending on the agreement. International Experience Canada IEC Work Permit – Must be a foreign national from a country with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada. – Must be under the age of 35 (30 for some countries). Special work permit for Iranians Special Permit – Must have arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025. Special work permit for Ukrainians Special Permit – Must have arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024. Foreign nationals who have applied for permanent residency Bridging Open Work Permit – Must have a permanent residency (PR) application in process. Atlantic Immigration Program AIP Work Permit – Must have a job offer from an employer on the designated employer list in the Atlantic provinces. – The province must endorse the job offer. Foreign nationals with spousal support Post-Secondary Studies – Must have a spouse enrolled in a qualifying program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. – Spouse must have at least 16 months remaining on their study permit. Family Sponsorship Family Sponsorship Work Permit – Must have a spouse who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must have a submitted permanent residence application. Work Permit Spousal Work Permit – Must have a spouse working in an eligible occupation. – The spouse must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit. Work Permits for Foreign Nationals Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Work Permit A TFWP work permit is an employer-specific (closed) work permit, allowing you to work only for the employer listed on your permit. To apply, your employer must first secure a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This program covers most occupations and industries. Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration Innovation Stream, Employer-Specific Work Permit If you’ve been offered a job with a company participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP), you may qualify for an employer-specific work permit under the Innovation Stream. This includes companies identified by the Canadian government as industry leaders. If you’re working for one of these companies, you won’t need an LMIA. Work Permit Exemptions There are situations where you may not need a work permit. For example, if you’re a business visitor, a public speaker at an event under five days, or a remote worker for an employer outside Canada. While you can work remotely from Canada, it won’t count as Canadian work experience for PR eligibility. Foreign Nationals of Certain Countries Special Work Permits Foreign Nationals with Spousal Support If your spouse is a student, worker, or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a spousal open work permit. Foreign Nationals Awaiting Permanent Residence (PR) Each work permit has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it’s important to carefully review the specific requirements based on your situation.
