IRCC invited 2,500 Francophone candidates through Express Entry
On February 29, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for French language proficiency candidates. In round #287, IRCC issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to francophone candidates. The cut-off score of this draw was only 336 points, 29 points fewer than the previous draw for this category, held on February 1, 2024. So far, Express Entry draw #287 has shown one of the lowest CRS scores in the history of the Express Entry system. The tie-breaking rule for this round was January 18, 2024, at 09:15:46 UTC. As of February 27, 2024, there were 211,487 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 19,390 ITAs through nine Express Entry draws.
Canada released updated travel information for Mexicans
On February 29, 2024, the Canadian Government updated travel requirements for Mexican citizens to enhance ties and uphold immigration integrity. Mexican citizens with valid US non-immigrant visas or past Canadian visas can now apply for an eTA, which allows most to travel without a visa. Those who do not fulfill these will need to obtain a visitor visa. This measure is intended to efficiently manage asylum claims while ensuring the mobility of Mexican citizens. The processes for work or study permits remain the same. Canada consistently reviews visa policies and asylum claim patterns to safeguard the integrity of its asylum and immigration systems.
IRCC provided clearer guidance regarding letters of acceptance
On February 29, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided more precise guidance concerning Study Permits and Letters of Acceptance. Starting from January 30, 2024, all post-secondary Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must verify the Letter of Acceptance or Letter of Enrolment submitted in post-secondary study permit applications within Canada. However, certain secondary-level vocational training programs from Quebec are exceptions and do not necessitate LOA verification: Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS), Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS), PreWork Training Certificate (PTC), and Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST).
MIFI held the second Arrima draw in February
On February 29, 2024, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI) published the results of the 59th invitation round in Quebec’s online system Arrima. On February 22, 2024, 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 608, at least level 7 oral proficiency in French, and a valid job offer outside the territory of the Montreal Metropolitan Community. This year, Quebec invited 3,048 candidates through the regular Arrima draws.
Canada extends special measures for Iranian temporary residents
On February 29, 2024, following Iran’s response to protests sparked by the loss of Mahsa Amini, the Canadian Government extended special measures until February 28, 2025, to aid Iranian temporary residents in Canada and Canadian citizens and permanent residents residing in Iran. Under these measures, Iranian nationals in Canada possessing valid temporary resident status can extend their stay for work, study, or family visits without any fees. They also have the option to transition between temporary streams within Canada, free of charge. Moreover, Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Iran desiring to depart can continue applying for passports and travel documents at no cost.
