IRCC Invited Over 1,000 Candidates in the New Express Entry Draw
On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second Express Entry draw of 2024 and issued 1,040 Invitations to Apply (ITA). In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs. In round #280, the cut-off score was 543 points, three points fewer than the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was January 21, 2024, at 07:43:47 UTC. As of January 23, 2024, there were 213,526 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 2,550 ITAs through Express Entry.
British Columbia Held New Invitation Rounds Under the BCPNP
On January 23, 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 candidates in healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations. In the general draw, the province invited 79 candidates. The minimum score for candidates in this draw was 98 points. BC issued 66 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202). In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 36 candidates who scored 60 points. The province also issued 34 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 220 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited up to 805 candidates.
Canada Unveils Permanent Residence Route for Former Protective Care Minors
On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a policy to address individuals who came to Canada as minors under protective care but never obtained permanent residence or citizenship. As these individuals may face deportation and have little connection to their birth country, the policy provides a pathway to permanent residence. This protection extends until January 21, 2027, building on measures from fall 2023 that allowed eligible individuals to apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP) and a work or study permit, thus reducing the risk of removal. Those eligible for the TRP can now apply for permanent residence and stay in Canada.
More International Students Will Be Able to Work More than 20 Hours Off-Campus
On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that more international students are eligible to work off campus for more than 20 hours during academic sessions. Effective from January 1 to April 30, 2024, a new policy will allow certain students to work off-campus for over 20 hours weekly during regular academic sessions if IRCC receives their study permit application between October 8, 2022, and January 1, 2024. The previous policy allowed international students to work off-campus for over 20 hours weekly during an academic session if IRCC received their study permit application before or on October 7, 2022.
Canada Capped the International Student Intake for 2024-2025
On January 22, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, announced a two-year cap on international student permit applications to stabilize growth. For 2024, the cap will result in around 360,000 approved permits, a 35% decrease from 2023. These measures do not apply to master’s, doctoral, elementary, and secondary education students and current permit holders. Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will start from September 1, 2024, affecting students’ curriculum licensing arrangements. Graduates of master’s and other short graduate programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit. Open work permits will only be available to spouses of master’s and doctoral students.
Canada Will Not Contest the Ruling Removing the Birthright Citizenship Limit
Canada will not appeal the ruling that deems the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent unconstitutional. This limit prevented children born abroad to Canadian citizens beyond the first generation from automatically acquiring citizenship. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller acknowledged the law’s unacceptable impact on Canadians with foreign-born children and pledged not to appeal the ruling. He assured that the government will continue to assess the ruling’s impacts and provide further information promptly. He reiterated his commitment to a fair and transparent citizenship process.
Updates to the International Student Program Focus on Enhancing Student Protection
Canada cherishes the social, cultural, and economic contributions of international students. To maintain these benefits and ensure student success, the Government of Canada addresses issues challenging the International Student Program’s integrity. This involves managing international student numbers sustainably and penalizing any threats to the system. On October 27, 2023, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller introduced measures to strengthen Canada’s International Student Program and fight fraud. From December 1, 2023, post-secondary DLIs must confirm acceptance letters with IRCC for study permit applications. IRCC will reward DLIs offering superior services, including priority permit processing. Additionally, IRCC will adjust the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to align with labour and immigration goals.
