Latest news with #RefugeesandCitizenshipCanada
HKFP
a day ago
- Politics
- HKFP
Canada confirms Hongkongers applying for permanent residence via ‘lifeboat' scheme can await results abroad
Canada's immigration office has confirmed that Hongkongers applying for permanent residence via a 'lifeboat' scheme created in response to Beijing's national security law may await the result of their application abroad. In response to HKFP's enquiries, a spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in an email that applicants must be physically present when applying for the Hong Kong Pathway Programme, and when their application is approved. The spokesperson added: 'They do not have to remain in Canada while the application is being processed.' The applicants, however, must 'intend to live in Canada, in any province or territory other than the province of Quebec,' according to the IRCC website. Amid an exodus of Hong Kong residents often attributed to strict Covid-19 rules and the political developments since the protests and unrest in 2019, Canada has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for emigrants. But in recent months, there have been complaints from applicants saying the wait was longer than expected. When asked by HKFP whether Hongkongers may return to Hong Kong for an extended period -such as the estimated 17-month processing time – a spokesperson reiterated that applicants do not have to remain in Canada while their application is being processed. Lifeboat scheme As of April 30, close to 34,000 people have applied for permanent residence under the Hong Kong scheme, according to IRCC statistics. Over 12,200 applications have been processed and close to 11,750 have been approved. The lifeboat scheme offers two pathways. Stream A allows Hongkongers who recently graduated from Canadian post-secondary institutions to seek permanent residence. Stream B targets Hongkongers who have worked full-time in Canada for at least one year, or spent at least 1,560 hours in total undertaking part-time work. IRCC told HKFP that the processing time for PR applications submitted under the scheme was seventeen months as of the end of April. This includes both Stream A and Stream B, and indicates the time frame within which 80 per cent of complete applications were processed. In March, the IRCC announced there would be a years-long delay in processing permanent residence applications from Hongkongers. It said that as of October 31, 80 per cent of permanent residence applications were processed within a year. But a backlog has emerged due to a high volume of applications received, and most applications are expected to be processed after 2027. To accommodate the processing time, Canada offered a new work permit for Hongkongers in May last year to allow them to stay in the country while awaiting their application results. HKFP reported earlier this month that Hongkongers in Canada have taken to social media to express their confusion and frustration at the lack of updates on their permanent residence applications. Advocacy groups and politicians in Canada have called on the government to tackle the backlog and maintain its pledge to grant permanent residence to Hongkongers. The lifeboat scheme is set to expire on August 31, 2026, after which Canada will no longer accept applicants. June 30, next Monday, marks five years since Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong's mini-constitution in 2020 following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts – broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers and led to hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents, while dozens of civil society groups disappeared. The authorities say it restored stability and peace to the city, rejecting criticism from trade partners, the UN and NGOs.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Canada Express Entry: 3,000 with Canadian work experience invited for PR
Canada on Thursday invited 3,000 foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency through its Express Entry system, with the latest draw focusing on those with Canadian work experience. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a draw held on June 26, 2025, targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates who scored at least 521 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This was eight points lower than the previous CEC draw on June 12. According to the IRCC's 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the government is looking to admit 124,680 new permanent residents through Express Entry pathways this year. To be eligible for this round, candidates had to: Have submitted their Express Entry profile before 3:56 p.m. UTC on November 21, 2024. Sixth Express Entry draw this month This is the sixth Express Entry draw in June. It follows: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on June 23 A CEC draw on June 12 A smaller PNP draw on June 10 So far this year, the IRCC has issued 41,845 ITAs under Express Entry. Most draws in 2025 have targeted provincial nominees, followed by CEC candidates and those in priority categories such as French-language speakers and health or education-related occupations. Number of Express Entry draws in 2025 by category: PNP: 11 CEC: 6 French-language proficiency: 3 Healthcare and social services: 2 Education: 1 The June 26 draw is the first time since February that CEC draws have occurred in two consecutive weeks. Who qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class The Canadian Experience Class is one of three federal immigration programmes under Express Entry. It is meant for skilled workers with Canadian work experience. To be eligible, applicants must: • Have completed at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Canada in the last three years, in occupations listed under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 • Meet language requirements: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs, in either English or French • Be admissible to Canada (with no major medical or criminal concerns) • Create an Express Entry profile Unlike other federal programmes, the CEC does not require proof of settlement funds, making it a more accessible route for candidates already living and working in Canada. 'Higher language scores and Canadian education can help push up your CRS score, which directly affects your chances of selection,' said Sonia Dhillon, a regulated immigration consultant based in Toronto. What happens after receiving an ITA Those who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the June 26 draw now have 60 days to submit a complete application. Steps after receiving an ITA: Log into the IRCC account and accept the ITA within the deadline Gather required documents, including: Passport Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees Canadian work experience proof (T4s, reference letters, pay slips) Police certificates and medical examination results Submit the final application online via the IRCC portal The application fee for adults is around CAD 1,365 in 2025. IRCC typically processes CEC applications in about six months. Once approved, candidates receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Those already in Canada may complete a virtual landing, while others must travel to the country to activate their PR status.
Time of India
a day 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
2 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
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Canada invites 503 foreigners through Express Entry for permanent residency
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 23, 2025, invited 503 candidates to apply for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), in the fifth Express Entry draw of the month. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 742 and must have created their Express Entry profile before May 30, 2025, to be considered. This draw follows earlier selections this month targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and category-based draws for healthcare and social services professionals. Express Entry activity in 2025 As of June 23, IRCC has issued a total of 38,845 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry in 2025. A majority of these draws have focused on PNP and CEC candidates. Breakdown of Express Entry draws in 2025 so far: Provincial nominee program (PNP): 11 Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 French-language proficiency: 3 Healthcare and social services: 2 Education: 1 What candidates should do after receiving an ITA Those invited on June 23 have 60 days to submit a complete application through their Express Entry account. The process involves: • Collecting documents such as passports, English or French test scores, job reference letters, proof of funds, and police certificates • Submitting the permanent residence application online • Paying application fees (around CAD 1,365 per adult) • Completing medical exams and providing biometrics if requested IRCC targets a processing time of six months. Approved applicants will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Those already in Canada may complete the process through a virtual landing. Others will need to travel to Canada to activate their permanent residence. How the Provincial Nominee Program works The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on regional labour market needs. Each participating province runs its own PNP streams with specific criteria and occupations in demand. Some PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry, awarding nominated candidates an extra 600 CRS points, which nearly guarantees an ITA in a federal draw. The program enables: • Targeted selection of skilled workers and entrepreneurs • Faster processing times in some streams • Broader distribution of newcomers across Canada Quebec does not take part in the PNP and has its own system for selecting economic immigrants.
