Key Takeaways:
- April 2024: Key changes in Canada’s PNPs impacting Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia; language requirements tightened in Express Entry.
- Alberta ceased special processing for Ukrainian nationals; new fee structures implemented across various AAIP streams.
- British Columbia adjusted PNP draw timings, Nova Scotia restricted sector applications, Manitoba updates for Ukrainian and PGWP holders.
What Are the New Changes in the Canada Provincial Nominee Programs for April 2024?
April 2024 has introduced several critical updates across multiple Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada. These changes affect candidates from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, impacting both existing candidates in the candidate pool and prospective applicants. For those navigating the complex landscape of immigration, staying informed with these changes is crucial.
How Will Language Requirements Affect Express Entry Candidates in PNPs?
One of the universal requirements for PNP candidates under the Express Entry stream is clearing a language examination. Effective from April 2024, candidates have to ensure that their test results, which must be listed in their Express Entry profile, remain valid. Fortunately, because the test results are electronically verified with the testing agency, candidates no longer need to submit a copy of their test results with their application. This modification simplifies the paperwork and streamlines the process for potential immigrants.
What Updates Has the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Announced?
As of April 23, 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has declared significant updates, especially concerning Ukrainian nationals. Effective April 30, 2024, all temporary processing measures for Ukrainian nationals will cease. From May 1, 2024, AAIP will not prioritize process applications and requests for post-decision services from Ukrainian nationals. Moreover, fees associated with these applications and requests will be no longer reimbursable, and incomplete applications will be outright rejected.
Alongside these changes, AAIP has revised fees across various streams:
– Worker stream applications like Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, among others, now carry a fee of $840.
– Entrepreneur stream applications, including streams like Graduate Entrepreneur and Rural Entrepreneur, are set at $3,500.
– An expression of Interest for these entrepreneur streams now costs $200.
Other service requests like extending a nomination or changing a business performance agreement have updated fees structured as well.
What’s New with British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program?
British Columbia’s PNP has updated its draw timings. From April 30, 2024, BC PNP Skills Immigration invitations to apply will be dispatched only to those whose registrations were received prior to the draw date. Applications that are registered on the draw date itself will now be considered for subsequent draws. This new timing protocol ensures a more systematic processing of applications.
How is Manitoba Addressing the Needs of Ukrainian Applicants and Work Permit Holders?
Similar to Alberta, Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has announced the cessation of special measures for Ukrainian Expression of Interest (EOI) draws, effective April 30, 2024. Ukrainian candidates, like other nationalities, will follow the standard application process without any application fee refunds beginning May 1, 2024.
Additionally, to support candidates with expiring work permits, especially those holding post-graduation work permits (PGWP), Manitoba is now prioritizing their application assessments. Applicants in this category need to promptly notify MPNP via the Skilled Worker Webform if their permits are expiring within the next 45 days to receive priority processing.
Are There Any Sector-Specific Changes in Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program?
Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) has stopped accepting applications from the Accommodation and Food Services sector as of April 17, 2024. This decision was made to manage the overwhelming current application inventory from candidates in this sector.
What Document Changes Should Ontario Applicants Be Aware Of?
Starting April 10, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) requires a newly updated Employer Form for nominations to the Employer: Job Offer stream. The updated form, identified by the version code 2024/04, must be included in all new applications. Failure to use this updated form will result in the application being returned as incomplete, though the submission fee will be reimbursed.
For more detailed guidelines and procedural information about Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program, please visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
By staying updated with these April 2024 changes, candidates and representatives can better prepare for their immigration journey to Canada, ensuring all requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
Learn Today:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
- Definition: A Provincial Nominee Program is an immigration pathway that enables provinces and territories in Canada to select individuals who wish to settle in a particular province or territory and contribute to the local economy. Each province and territory has its own PNP, which targets specific groups of foreign workers, students, and entrepreneurs based on their skills, work experience, and other factors.
- Express Entry:
- Definition: Express Entry is a system used by the Government of Canada to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers through three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Some provinces and territories also use Express Entry to select candidates for their Provincial Nominee Programs.
- Language Examination:
- Definition: A language examination is a test that assesses an individual’s proficiency in English and/or French, the two official languages of Canada. Language proficiency is a crucial requirement for immigration through PNPs and Express Entry, as it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a Canadian setting. Test results are usually submitted as part of the immigration application process.
- Expression of Interest (EOI):
- Definition: An Expression of Interest is a preliminary step in the application process for some PNPs where potential candidates register their interest in immigrating to a specific province or territory. Through the EOI system, candidates provide information about their skills, work experience, and other factors to show their eligibility for immigration. Provinces and territories then select candidates from the EOI pool based on their needs.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- Definition: A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit issued to international students who have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada. The PGWP allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience after their studies, which can help them qualify for permanent residence through programs like the Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry.
This Article In A Nutshell:
April 2024 brings pivotal changes to Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs, impacting applicants in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. The alterations involve language tests, application fees, draw timings, and prioritization of Ukrainian nationals. Staying abreast of these modifications is key for a smoother immigration process.
— By VisaVerge.com
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