Latest news with #CICNews
NDTV
3 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Canada To Bring New Permanent Residency Route: What We Know So Far
Ottawa: In a move to strengthen its economic immigration framework, Canada is planning to launch a new permanent pathway to residency in 2025, building on the success of the existing Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). The program aims to offer a stable route to skilled refugees and displaced individuals to live and work in the country, according to a report by CIC News. The announcement about the launch of the new program was part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) annual plan for 2025-2026. The Mark Carney government has said the new program will be launched before the EMPP expires on December 31, 2025, but has not announced the program structure or the eligibility criteria. The EMPP was launched in 2018, and to date, nearly 970 individuals have settled in Canada under this initiative, according to official data as of March 2025. Other Initiatives Under IRCC's 2015-26 Program IRCC said Canada is also planning to create a new foreign labour stream and a type of work permit for the agriculture and fish processing sector. In a good move for students, including Indians, seeking to study in Canada, IRCC is planning to establish a framework for updating the field of study requirements for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs). Canada also wants to change the eligibility requirements for spousal open work permits (SOWPs) issued to spouses of foreign workers and international students. The details regarding the new requirements are not known yet. The IRCC also reaffirmed its commitment to prioritise permanent residency for healthcare workers, trades workers, education workers, and French speakers under Express Entry's category-based selection. Priority will also be given to temporary residents already in Canada for PR admissions, with an aim of at least 40 per cent of PR admissions coming from temporary residents (TRs) already in Canada. Canada also plans to speed up the processing of family sponsorship applications for family members living outside Canada. Indians In Canada India was the leading source country for temporary residence in Canada in the first three months of 2025. Per IRCC's latest data, in the first quarter of 2025, Ottawa approved 834,010 temporary resident applications and extensions, including study permits, work permits, and visitor visas. Of these, Indians accounted for 382,055 or 45.8 per cent of total approvals, driven by students and skilled workers seeking opportunities in Canada's tech and healthcare sectors.
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Canada hikes wage thresholds for Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Agencies Canada has increased the wage thresholds for employers hiring under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), a move that will impact new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications submitted from June 27, 2025, as per a CIC News report. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirmed the revision affects nearly all provinces and territories, altering how foreign nationals qualify under either the high-wage or low-wage streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is used by employers when no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill a job. The program's classification between high-wage and low-wage streams is determined by comparing offered wages against the median hourly wage of the province or territory. Wage thresholds revised across provinces The updated wage benchmarks will directly influence employer eligibility for LMIAs. For example, the threshold in Ontario rose from CAD 34.07 to CAD 36.00, while British Columbia saw an increase from CAD 34.62 to CAD 36.60. The threshold in Nunavut remained unchanged at CAD 42.00. Provinces such as Quebec, Alberta, and Nova Scotia also recorded moderate must apply under the high-wage stream if they offer wages at or above the new thresholds. Otherwise, they must proceed under the low-wage stream, which faces additional limitations. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reiterated that a moratorium remains in effect for LMIA applications under the low-wage stream in areas with unemployment rates at or above 6%. This policy, active since September 26, 2024, will continue until at least July 10, federal government has also restricted low-wage LMIA approvals based on the structure of an employer's workforce. Generally, low-wage positions must not exceed 10% of the total workforce at a given location. However, specific industries like construction (NAICS 23), food manufacturing (NAICS 311), hospitals (NAICS 622), and nursing care facilities (NAICS 623) are permitted a 20% cap. Moreover, ESDC confirmed that similar restrictions now apply to select caregiving roles under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. This includes roles such as registered nurses (NOC 31301) and home childcare providers (NOC 44100). 'ESDC and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are reviewing the effects of including these in future measures,' the statement added. Policy changes reflect government's broader reforms The changes come amid increased scrutiny over the TFWP in 2024, when reports surfaced alleging worker exploitation and wage suppression. The federal government has since implemented several reforms: shortening LMIA validity to six months, cutting employment durations under the low-wage stream, capping new foreign worker admissions, and eliminating in-country job-supported work permit options for updates reflect a broader policy shift aiming to balance the country's labour market needs with concerns about temporary resident volumes and pressure on public services. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. The bike taxi dreams of Rapido, Uber, and Ola just got a jolt. But they're winning public favour Second only to L&T, but controversies may weaken this infra powerhouse's growth story Punit Goenka reloads Zee with Bullet and OTT focus. Can he beat mighty rivals? 3 critical hurdles in India's quest for rare earth independence HDB Financial may be cheaper than Bajaj Fin, but what about returns? Why Sebi must give up veto power over market infra institutions These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 23% return in 1 year, according to analysts Are short-term headwinds from China an opportunity? 8 auto stocks: Time to be contrarian? Buy, Sell or Hold: Motilal Oswal initiates coverage on Supreme Industries; UBS initiates coverage on PNB Housing
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Study the right course, or miss out: Canada revises post-study work permit courses for international students
Canada revises post study work permit rules International students in Canada will now face stricter scrutiny over which academic programs make them eligible for post-graduation work rights. On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a revised list of educational programmes that qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a move that redefines the country's approach to student migration. The updated list adds 119 new programmes and removes 178 existing ones, effectively reordering the educational landscape in line with Canada's current labour market needs. The changes, however, will not apply retroactively. Only international students applying for study permits on or after November 1, 2024, will be subject to the new list. Those who applied before June 25, 2025, remain eligible under the previous rules. For many, the PGWP serves as a vital bridge to permanent residency. Its reform signals a growing trend: Canada is fine-tuning its international education strategy to serve not only academic goals, but economic ones. Shifting priorities: What made the cut The restructured list now comprises 920 programmes, but the additions and deletions clearly reflect a pivot toward sectors with proven workforce shortages. Programmes related to healthcare, education, architecture, and skilled trades dominate the newly eligible fields. Among the key additions: Veterinary medicine, dentistry, and allied dental sciences Teacher education in biology, chemistry, French language, drama, and computer science Architecture and landscape design, including advanced architectural studies Skilled trades, such as cabinetmaking, millwork, and CNC machinist training Construction project and site management These changes are anything but arbitrary. According to IRCC, all new inclusions map onto jobs identified as in-demand by federal labour market forecasts. In a statement quoted by CIC News, the department noted that programs were removed from the list because 'the occupations they are linked to are no longer experiencing labour shortages.' What's out: Green skills and transport professions Several academic disciplines previously eligible for PGWP have been cut, raising questions about how Canada is reprioritising within its sustainability and infrastructure narratives. Notable removals include: Environmental studies and marine resources management Trades tied to renewable energy, such as solar panel installation Drywall installation and construction-related trades The entire category of transport-related programs Agriculture has also seen a sharp rollback, with just one programme retained under the agri-food category. The exclusions appear to reflect either a current oversupply of graduates in these sectors or a temporary de-emphasis on green economy transitions in labour strategy. The language standard and flight school exemption Despite the reshuffling of eligible programs, baseline requirements for obtaining the PGWP remain unchanged: Non-university credential holders must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or NCLC Level 5 University-level graduates are expected to meet CLB/NCLC Level 7 Graduates from flight schools, however, retain their exemption from field-specific eligibility, an exception that continues to distinguish aviation training from other non-degree programs. A coordinated policy strategy: Echoes of express entry The timing and structure of this reform mirror recent revisions to the Express Entry system, Canada's flagship immigration pathway for skilled workers. Earlier this year, Express Entry introduced category-based invitations, targeting applicants from sectors such as health care, STEM, and the skilled trades, precisely those favoured in the new PGWP list. Together, these developments suggest a coordinated policy blueprint that treats international students as more than temporary residents. They are being positioned as strategic entrants into Canada's long-term workforce, with programme selection now directly influencing their post-study options. Institutional and global impact For postsecondary institutions, particularly those offering non-degree or niche programs, the pressure is now twofold: To ensure academic rigour and to demonstrate employability outcomes. Programmes excluded from PGWP eligibility may face declining international enrollment, as prospective students gravitate toward fields that offer a clearer immigration pathway. On the global front, Canada's reforms may reverberate across student-sending countries. For many, the ability to work after graduation is a decisive factor in choosing Canada over competitors such as the UK, Australia, or the US. This policy could alter that equation, encouraging a more selective, career-conscious cohort of applicants. A tactical redesign of the education-to-immigration pipeline What this overhaul represents is not a retreat from international education, but a recalibration of its purpose. Canada is no longer content to be a passive host; it is actively sculpting its future workforce through tightly regulated immigration mechanisms. For international students, the message is clear: Choose a program with economic relevance, or risk being sidelined from post-study opportunities. The PGWP has long been a symbol of Canada's openness. With this shift, it becomes a gatekeeper, one that will reward alignment with national priorities over academic ambition alone. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Canada revises post-study work permit courses for international students in 2025
Canada has revised the list of educational programs that qualify international students for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), aligning it with the country's labour market needs. The new list, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on 25 June, adds 119 fields of study to the PGWP eligibility list and removes 178 existing to a report by CIC News, these changes affect international students enrolled in non-degree programs who apply for a study permit on or after 1 November 2024. Students who applied before 25 June 2025 are not affected and will remain eligible under the rules that existed at the time of their application. There are now 920 programs that qualify for PGWP. IRCC removed all transport-related programs and retained only one program under agriculture and agri-food. In contrast, new additions include fields linked to in-demand occupations in healthcare, education, and skilled trades. Among newly eligible programs are veterinary medicine, dentistry, cabinetmaking, and construction project management. Education programs such as biology teacher education and French language teacher education have also been added for the first the STEM category, programs in architecture and landscape design were added, while courses like environmental studies and marine resources management were removed. Trades such as solar energy and drywall installation lost IRCC's rationale, the update said the ineligible programs were removed because 'the occupations they are linked to are no longer experiencing labour shortages.'This change is closely aligned with Canada's Express Entry immigration categories, which were also revised earlier this year. Both systems now reflect a shared focus on addressing current labour market PGWP applicants must still meet language proficiency criteria. Non-university graduates must score CLB/NCLC level 5, while university graduates must meet level 7. Graduates from flight schools remain exempt from field-specific added PGWP-eligible courses comprise of: S. No. Program Name 1 French language/French language arts teacher education 2 Biology teacher education 3 Computer teacher education 4 Chemistry teacher education 5 Drama and dance teacher education 6 Veterinary medicine (DVM) 7 Veterinary/animal health technology/technician and veterinary assistant 8 Dentistry (DDS, DMD) 9 Dental clinical sciences, general (MS, MSc, PhD) 10 Oral biology and oral and maxillofacial pathology (MS, MSc, PhD) 11 Architecture (BArch, BA, BS, BSc, MArch, MA, MS, MSc, DArch, PhD) 12 Advanced architectural design (MArch, MA, MS, MSc, DArch, PhD) 13 Landscape architecture (BS, BSc, BSLA, BLA, MSLA, MLA, PhD) 14 Construction management, general 15 Construction project management 16 Diver, professional and instructor 17 Cabinetmaking and millwork 18 Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinist technology/CNC machinist (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Punit Goenka reloads Zee with Bullet and OTT focus. Can he beat mighty rivals? 3 critical hurdles in India's quest for rare earth independence HDB Financial may be cheaper than Bajaj Fin, but what about returns? INR1,300 crore loans for INR100? Stamp duty notice to ArcelorMittal, banks. Stock Radar: Titan Company breaks out from 3-month consolidation; check target & stop loss for long positions For risk-takers: More than bullish, be selective; 5 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with an upside potential of up to 38% Multibagger or IBC - Part 12: If transition is successful then there is no limit. But there is a big 'IF' These mid-cap stocks with 'Strong Buy' & 'Buy' recos can rally over 25%, according to analysts
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Accessing federal benefits in Canada just got easier for newcomers
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a new online application process to make it easier for newcomers to access federal benefits and credit payments. Previously, eligible temporary and permanent residents had to submit paper forms to claim these benefits. With the new system in place, newcomers can now apply online through the CRA's website. For many forms, the process takes less than 20 minutes, CIC News reports. The CRA has also introduced a simplified form for newcomers without children who want to apply for the GST/HST credit and the Canada Carbon Rebate . Newcomers may be eligible for various benefit programs even before they file their first tax return. These include: GST/HST Credit: A quarterly, tax-free payment to help low-income individuals and families offset the cost of sales tax. Canada Carbon Rebate: A quarterly payment to help offset the cost of carbon pricing. The last payment was issued on April 22, 2025, but newcomers can apply for retroactive payments if eligible. Canada Child Benefit : A monthly tax-free payment for families with children under 18. Temporary residents must have lived in Canada for 18 months to qualify. To access these benefits, newcomers must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which they can obtain from Service Canada. The SIN application process has also recently been simplified. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) For tax purposes, the CRA classifies someone as a newcomer during their first year of residency in Canada. This applies to both temporary and permanent residents, starting from the day they arrive with sufficient residential ties such as a home, family, or other legal ties. Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU New Canada strong pass opens doors to citizens and immigrants, providing free access to national parks and discounts on travel Canada's population growth slows as immigration rules tighten The CRA is the federal agency responsible for tax collection and benefit distribution. It also manages certain provincial and territorial programs inclusive of fulfilling tax obligations, excluding that of Quebec.
