BC invited up to 218 skilled candidates under the BCPNP
On February 6, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified and skilled candidates with work experience in healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations. In the general draw, the province invited 102 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 97 points. BC issued 46 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202). In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 39 candidates who scored 60 points. The province also issued 26 invitations to candidates working in the construction sector. Furthermore, up to five invitations have been issued to candidates working in veterinary care occupations. In total, British Columbia issued up to 218 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited up to 1,222 candidates.
Canada’s fertility rate has hit a record low in 2022
In 2022, Canada experienced its lowest total fertility rate of 1.33 children per woman, a downward trend that started in 2009 and accelerated with the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. Despite a slight increase in 2021, the total fertility rate fell drastically in 2022. This decline of 7.4% is the largest since the baby bust of 1971-1972. The decrease was observed in 11 out of 13 provinces and territories, and among women aged 20 to 39, it is the biggest since 1978-1979. Similar patterns were seen in other countries during the pandemic, suggesting a temporary disruption in fertility behaviors. Canada’s 2022 total fertility rate ranks mid-range among ten high-income countries, with a 7.4% decline, the third largest after the Netherlands and Germany.
Canadian educational institutions call on the Canadian Government to postpone international student caps
Canadian colleges and universities have called on the Government of Canada to reconsider its plan to cap study permits, which has led to a drop in international student applications. The plan requires students to obtain attestation letters from the provinces they will study in, confirming they fall under the new provincial cap. However, lobby groups Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada expressed concerns about provinces not having a process to issue these letters. The groups stressed the need for time to adapt to the new system, as the sudden stoppage is already affecting enrollments and could harm Canada’s reputation as an education destination.
Quebec held a new Arrima draw
On February 6, 2024, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) published the results of the 57th invitation round in Quebec’s online system Arrima. On January 24, 2023, MIFI invited 1,007 candidates to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Candidates invited in this round had a minimum score of 615, at least level 7 oral proficiency in French, and a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Community. Last year, Quebec invited 18,376 candidates through the regular Arrima draws.
