IRCC released an update on international student programs in public-private colleges
On March 22, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that international graduates of public-private curriculum licensing programs will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits from May 15, 2024, instead of the earlier stated date, September 1, 2024. This means students commencing these programs on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for these permits upon graduation. However, they can still apply for different types of work permits. For instance, graduates can apply for a work permit supported by an employer’s approved labour market impact assessment, particularly for occupations facing a labour shortage in Canada.
Immigration minister announces plans for additional in-Canada immigration draws
On March 21, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced plans to increase “domestic draws” for temporary residents in Canada seeking permanent residency. These draws refer to selection rounds, such as Express Entry programs, where candidates are chosen based on criteria like their Comprehensive Ranking System scores, professional experience, or French language skills. The announcement aims to relieve pressure on critical sectors like housing and healthcare by targeting candidates already residing in Canada. This change may result in more opportunities for temporary residents to secure PR, which is believed to improve immigration outcomes. The move is also a strategy to meet immigration targets without adding new entrants to the economy, alleviating pressure on key support sectors.
Ottawa invited nearly 7,158 IEC candidates over the past month
Over the past month, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws in the pools of International Experience Canada (IEC). From February 26 to March 24, Canada invited 7,158 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of March 24, 35,247 candidates were registered in the pool and waiting for the invitation. In this round, there were 467 ITAs for Australia, 22 ITAs for Austria, 61 ITAs for Belgium, 115 ITAs for Chile, 28 ITAs for Costa Rica, 12 ITAs for Croatia, 164 ITAs for the Czech Republic, 55 ITAs for Denmark, 18 ITAs for Estonia, 35 ITAs for Finland, 1,898 ITAs for France, 323 ITAs for Germany, 24 ITAs for Greece, 31 ITAs for Hong Kong, 6 ITAs for Iceland, 383 ITAs for Ireland, 183 ITAs for Italy, 374 ITAs for Japan, 942 ITAs for Korea, 7 ITAs for Latvia, 38 ITAs for Lithuania, 4 ITAs for Luxembourg, 56 ITAs for the Netherlands, 182 ITAs for New Zealand, 14 ITAs for Norway, 58 ITAs for Poland, 126 ITAs for Portugal, 63 ITAs for Slovakia, 4 ITAs for Slovenia, 213 for Spain, 49 ITAs for Sweden, 44 ITAs for Switzerland, 241 ITAs for Taiwan, and 918 ITAs for the United Kingdom. In 2024, Canada issued 53,175 ITAs under the IEC Program.
New minimum wage set for Canada and five provinces, effective April 1
Canada’s federal minimum wage will increase from $16.65 to $17.30 per hour on April 1, 2024, in line with inflation. This adjustment will benefit approximately 30,000 workers in federally regulated sectors. Federally regulated industries must meet this new minimum wage, including banking, postal services, and transportation. Yukon’s minimum wage will rise by 82 cents to $17.59 per hour, making it the second-highest in the country after Nunavut. Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will increase to $15.20, New Brunswick’s to $15.30, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s to $15.60. Prince Edward Island will also experience a raise to $15.40 per hour. These changes represent a smaller increase than the previous year when the federal minimum wage rose by $1.10.
