October 2024: State of the Express Entry pool

Canada

After a busy August and July, September saw Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) slow down Express Entry draws. In September, the immigration department held three Express Entry draws, continuing to prioritize domestic and francophone candidates to be invited to apply for permanent residence (PR). Let’s look at Express Entry draws over the last month, and the composition of the federal Express Entry candidate pool at the start of October. The current state of the Express Entry pool What draws occurred in September? September saw three Express Entry draws, in which IRCC issued nearly 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs): Draw Number Date Round Type ITAs Issued Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score 313 September 9th, 2024 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 911 732 314 September 13th, 2024 French language proficiency 1,000 446 315 September 19th, 2024 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 4,000 509 We can observe several trends in IRCC’s draw types. The last three months of draws (September, August, and July) have all included draws for PNP, CEC, and French-language proficiency candidates—with both August and July featuring multiple PNP and CEC draws. These draws align with statements made by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, regarding the prioritization of “domestic” immigration candidates (those already in the country), and Canada’s continued commitment to supporting Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. Lastly, IRCC issued fewer ITAs in September: Month ITAs issued July 25,125 Aug 10,384 Sep 5,911 What is the current distribution of scores in the pool? As of September 19th (the date of the most recent Express Entry draw at the time of writing), the breakdown of scores within the Express Entry pool is as follows: CRS score range Number of candidates 0-300 5,457 301-350 23,613 351-400 51,137 401-410 10,387 411-420 10,598 421-430 10,102 431-440 11,528 441-450 10,655 451-460 11,035 461-470 12,690 471-480 14,582 481-490 12,110 491-500 11,352 501-600 11,752 601-1200 764 How do scores in the pool rank in the overall distribution of candidates? The following table utilizes percentile scores to give a better idea of how certain CRS-scores rank in the overall distribution of CRS-scores within the Express Entry candidate pool. We’ve taken the top boundary of each CRS-score range and calculated a percentile score, based on the number of candidates at or below that score, in relation to the total number of candidates in the pool. Because IRCC’s data only provides ranges, we were only able to calculate the percentile for the top CRS score of each range. Here are the ranges between the percentiles between the tops of each range reported on by IRCC, along with the percentage candidates who score in each percentile range: CRS score range Percentile ranking range (%) Percentage of the overall pool (%) 0-300 0-2.63 2.63 300-350 2.63-13.99 11.37 350-400 13.99-38.61 24.61 400-410 38.61-43.60 5.00 410-420 43.60-48.71 5.10 420-430 48.71-53.57 4.86 430-440 53.57-59.12 5.55 440-450 59.12-64.25 5.13 450-460 64.25-69.56 5.31 460-470 69.56-75.66 6.11 470-480 75.66-82.68 7.02 480-490 82.68-88.51 5.83 490-500 88.51-93.98 5.46 500-600 93.98-99.63 5.66 600-1200 99.63-100 0.37

Alberta launches new Expression of Interest system for AAIP Worker Streams

Alberta Launches New Expression of Interest System for AAIP Worker Streams In a significant move to enhance its immigration processes, Alberta has officially launched a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Worker Streams. This innovative system aims to streamline the application process for skilled workers seeking to settle in the province, aligning with Alberta’s commitment to attracting top talent to meet its labor market needs. What is the AAIP? The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is a provincial nominee program designed to attract skilled workers, international graduates, and their families to the province. The AAIP aims to address labor shortages in various sectors, support economic growth, and help newcomers integrate into the community. Key Features of the New EOI System Benefits for Applicants For potential applicants, the new EOI system offers several advantages: Looking Ahead The launch of the EOI system is part of Alberta’s broader strategy to enhance its immigration framework and respond to the evolving labor market. As the province looks to recover and grow post-pandemic, attracting skilled workers will play a crucial role in supporting economic development and maintaining the quality of life that Alberta is known for. Conclusion Alberta’s new Expression of Interest system for the AAIP Worker Streams represents a forward-thinking approach to immigration that benefits both the province and skilled workers seeking new opportunities. With its focus on transparency, efficiency, and alignment with labor market needs, the system is poised to make a significant impact on Alberta’s economic landscape. As the province continues to evolve, this initiative will be a key component in shaping a vibrant, diverse, and skilled workforce for the future.

Ontario increases minimum wage. Is it enough to live on as a newcomer?

Ontario Increases Minimum Wage: Is It Enough for Newcomers to Live On? Ontario has recently announced an increase in its minimum wage, a move aimed at improving the livelihoods of workers across the province. As of October 2023, the minimum wage in Ontario has risen to $16.55 per hour. While this increase is seen as a positive step toward addressing the rising cost of living, many newcomers to the province are left wondering: is this wage sufficient for a sustainable life in Ontario? The Current Economic Landscape The cost of living in Ontario has been on the rise, particularly in major cities like Toronto and Ottawa. Housing, transportation, and food costs have all seen significant increases, making it challenging for individuals and families to make ends meet. For newcomers, who may not have established networks or job stability, these financial pressures can be particularly daunting. Assessing the New Minimum Wage At $16.55 per hour, a full-time worker earning minimum wage would make approximately $34,000 annually before taxes. This figure needs to be weighed against the average costs of living in Ontario: Financial Challenges for Newcomers Newcomers often face unique challenges that exacerbate financial pressures: Is Minimum Wage Enough? While the increase to $16.55 is a step toward providing better wages for low-income workers, it still falls short for many newcomers. Experts suggest that a living wage—defined as the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs—should be significantly higher, particularly in high-cost urban areas. Living wages can vary widely depending on the city and neighborhood. For instance, in Toronto, estimates suggest that a living wage could be around $22 to $24 per hour, reflecting the higher cost of living. Conclusion While Ontario’s minimum wage increase is a welcome development, it may not be enough for newcomers striving to build a stable and prosperous life. As the province continues to navigate economic challenges, ongoing dialogue about living wages, affordable housing, and support services will be crucial to ensure that all residents, especially newcomers, can thrive in Ontario’s diverse and vibrant communities. In the meantime, resources such as community organizations and settlement services can provide valuable support for newcomers as they navigate these financial challenges and seek to establish their footing in their new home.

Work permit application is open in Canada

Starting Your Work Permit in Canada: A Guide If you’re considering relocating to Canada for work, obtaining a work permit is a crucial step in your journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process, focusing on resources like CanMoveVisa.com. 1. Understand the Types of Work Permits Canada offers two main types of work permits: 2. Assess Your Eligibility Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements: 3. Find Employment Securing a job in Canada is vital, especially for an employer-specific permit. Utilize job boards, networking, and platforms like CanMoveVisa.com to connect with potential employers and find job openings that match your skills. 4. Gather Required Documents Prepare the necessary documentation, including: 5. Apply for the Work Permit Visit CanMoveVisa.com for a streamlined application process. They provide guidance on filling out forms and submitting your application online. Ensure you pay the required fees during the application process. 6. Biometrics and Medical Exam Depending on your country, you may need to provide biometrics and undergo a medical examination. Check the specific requirements on the IRCC website or through CanMoveVisa.com. 7. Wait for Approval Processing times can vary. Stay updated on your application status through the online portal. 8. Relocation Preparations Once approved, start preparing for your move: 9. Arriving in Canada Upon arrival, have all your documents ready for border control. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a temporary worker. Conclusion Starting your work permit journey in Canada can be straightforward with the right resources. Platforms like CanMoveVisa.com can provide the ultimate support to help you through each step. If you’re ready to embark on this exciting adventure, take the first step today!