Canada held a new Express Entry draw and invited 730 skilled candidates
On January 31, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw of 2024 and issued 730 Invitations to Apply (ITA). In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs. In round #281, the cut-off score was 541 points, two points fewer than the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was July 15, 2023, at 10:52:08 UTC. As of January 30, 2024, there were 215,726 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 3,280 ITAs through Express Entry.
IRCC announced new financial support for housing solutions for asylum seekers
On January 31, 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced an additional $362.4 million for the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) for 2023–2024. The IHAP funds provincial and municipal governments to address housing pressures due to increased asylum claimants. This funding will support areas with high shelter demand and prevent homelessness among asylum claimants. This is in addition to the $212 million funded last summer. Considering community pressures, the Government will continue working with provinces and municipalities to respond to the refugee influx.
Ottawa now accepts the Pearson Test of English for Canadian immigration
From January 30, 2024, all immigration pathways, aside from the Student Direct Stream (SDS), will accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core test. This includes Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, those in Express Entry managed programs, and individuals needing a language test for Canadian immigration or citizenship (excluding SDS). The PTE Core is a two-hour computer-based language test assessing everyday English skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. The PTE Core replaces the PTE Essential test, and candidates should ensure they take the correct test for their program.
British Columbia requests flexibility as Ottawa capped the number of international students
British Columbia’s Premier David Eby urges the Federal Government to reconsider its cap on international students, as it greatly reduces the number of foreign postsecondary spaces in the province. Eby suggests exemptions for high-demand fields like truck driving, nursing, and early childhood education. The Federal Government imposed the cap due to unsustainable numbers of international students straining housing and health care. Eby agrees with the cap but seeks reductions that minimize harm to the provincial economy, postsecondary establishments, and students.
