Ontario invited healthcare professionals through the Human Capital Priorities Stream
On March 7, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted the newest invitation draw under the Human Capital Priorities Stream. The OINP issued 2,104 targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to healthcare professionals with work experience in 43 National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. Invited candidates’ comprehensive ranking system (CRS) Express Entry score was between 352 and 421 points. In 2024, Ontario issued 19,347 invitations under all streams of OINP.
Prince Edward Island implements changes to international student study permits
On March 7, 2024, the Government of Prince Edward Island announced the implementation of federal study permit changes for international students. PEI post-secondary institutions will now issue a provincial attestation letter (PAL) for inclusion in federal applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The PAL system, managing 2,000 new student study permit applications from January 22, 2024, to January 22, 2025, requires institutions to validate prospective students with the Province. The three public post-secondary institutions—College de l’Ile, Holland College, and the University of Prince Edward Island—will receive 105, 710, and 1185 PALs, respectively, prioritizing their allocation. Once an institution exhausts its allotment, new PALs will be considered only when the federal government grants a fresh allotment.
ESDC updated the average LMIA processing times
On March 6, 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under various streams. Based on statistics from all processing centres, the current average LMIA processing times have decreased for all streams except the High-wage Stream and the Low-wage Stream.
- Global Talent Stream – 7 business days (-1 days)
- Agricultural stream – 12 business days (-3 days)
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 6 business days (-4 days)
- Permanent residence Stream – 73 business days (-3 days)
- High-wage Stream – 54 business days (+6 days)
- Low-wage Stream – 54 business days (+5 days)
Canadian job vacancies showed stability in December 2023
In December 2023, Canada’s job vacancies remained steady at 637,400: the job vacancy rate was 3.6%, with a total labour demand decline of 0.4% compared to the previous month. The ratio of unemployed persons to job vacancies increased to 2.0 in December, up from 1.9 in the last three months. The retail trade sector recorded a 13.8% decline in job vacancies, reaching 58,800. Job vacancies in the healthcare and social assistance sector remained stable at 125,900 for the fourth consecutive month, with a vacancy rate of 5.1% in December. Ontario and Quebec experienced decreases in job vacancies. Ontario fell by 5.6% to 224,200, partially offsetting the previous month’s increase. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island reported increases in job vacancies, while other provinces remained relatively stable.
