Ontario's construction sector faces a shortage of 72,000 construction workers, driven by high retirement rates and booming demand for housing and infrastructure. Over 80,000 workers are set to retire in the next decade, needing more new workers to fill their positions.  This shortage could leave about 118,900 construction positions vacant...

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Start-Up Visa immigration saw a slight dip in September compared to August. Still, overall numbers are significantly higher than last year. In September 2023, Canada welcomed 145 new permanent residents through the SUV, down 17.1% from 175 in August.  However, this...

The Ontario Government plans to amend the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to increase eligibility for international college graduate students. The proposed legislation focuses on revising requirements for those in one-year college graduate certificate programs, with over 900 such programs across the province.  This offers international students who previously considered...

On November 7, 2023, 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 centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased only for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and High-wage and...

The Government of Ontario proposes legislation prohibiting employers from requiring "Canadian work experience" in job applications. Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development believes this will address labor shortages by allowing newcomers to secure better-suited jobs instead of settling for positions overqualified.  Ontario aims to enable internationally trained...

According to a financial consulting firm, Normandin Beaudry study, Canadian workers may expect an average salary hike of 3.6% next year. The survey also indicates that 43% of businesses are considering an extra 1% average salary increase. Industries may witness above-average pay rises including:  STEM,  Real Estate,  Manufacturing, and  Accommodation...

On November 8, 2023, The Government of Canada supports research into Francophone immigration. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, announced an $85,000 grant for the Université de l’Ontario français to support the Observatoire en immigration francophone au Canada.  This initiative will establish an oversight committee...

On November 8, 2023, the City of Greater Sudbury held a new RNIP round of invitations and considered 30 candidates. The lowest score of these draws was 255 points, 20 points more than in the previous draw.  Last year, Sudbury invited a total of 154 applicants. Since the program's launch, the...

On November 7, 2023, British Columbia issued new invitations in the Skilled Candidates– International Graduate categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).  In the Tech-targeted draw, BC issued 104 invitations with a minimum score of 94 points.  In the Childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202), the...

On November 7, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enhanced the processing of International Experience Canada work permits through expanded automation. A new tool will triage applications based on complexity and approve eligibility for routine applications, increasing efficiency and supporting the growth of the IEC. This tool, part of...