OINP invited Masters Graduate and Ph.D Graduate streams candidates
On March 19, 2024, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) issued 1,370 invitations to apply (ITAs) for the Masters Graduate stream. The minimum score of this round was 52 points, two points more than it was in the previous draw. In addition, Ontario also invited 104 candidates under the PhD Graduate Stream. The minimum score for this draw was 42 points. The profiles of selected candidates were created between March 19, 2023, and March 19, 2024. In total, this year, the province invited 23,471 candidates through the OINP.
British Columbia invited new candidates under the BCPNP
On March 19, 2024, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and issued invitations to apply to skilled candidates in the general draw and to candidates with work experience in healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care occupations. In the general draw, the province invited 88 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited in this draw was 98 points. BC issued 27 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202). In the Healthcare-targeted draw, British Columbia invited 30 candidates who scored 80 points. The province also issued 21 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 171 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited up to 2,369 candidates.
IRCC concludes temporary special measures for Moroccan nationals
On March 13, 2024, IRCC concluded special measures in response to the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, effective until March 12, 2024. Applications received after this date are ineligible. The instructions offer guidance for processing officers handling applications received until March 12. These measures support Moroccan nationals in Canada post-earthquake. They waive certain fees for stay extensions or condition changes and grant open work permits. Eligibility requires being in Canada on September 8, 2023, with valid temporary resident status. Fee waivers extend to Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Morocco affected by the earthquake who need document replacements for return. Retroactive to September 8, 2023, these measures last until March 12, 2024. IRCC prioritizes processing existing overseas temporary residence applications, including family members of citizens or residents in affected areas. Priority processing is not needed for in-Canada clients seeking temporary resident status extensions.
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program sees surge with nearly 500 new permanent residents in January
In January 2024, nearly 500 immigrant entrepreneurs gained permanent residency through Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, marking a 58.1% increase over the previous month. Last year, the SUV welcomed a record-breaking 1,460 new permanent residents. The program’s popularity continues to surge, with January’s immigration levels up 880% compared to 2023. Ontario and British Columbia remain top destinations for SUV immigrants, followed by Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. The SUV program, launched in 2015, offers a pathway to permanent residency for candidates with qualifying businesses and investments. Initial application processing for permanent residence takes an estimated 37 months.
