On February 12, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced further revisions to the Agri-Food Pilot Program.
These changes aim to make the program more accessible and beneficial to both workers and employers in the agri-food sector.
In line with the instructions announced on May 8, 2023, the Government of Canada updated the Agri-Food Pilot program to include the following changes: applicants in Canada now have the flexibility to meet either the job offer or education requirements and submit work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers.
#AFP, #agri_food_pilot_program, #IRCC, #agriculture_workers
On February 5, 2024, the Government of Ontario made an announcement regarding the Entrepreneur Stream under Ontario`s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The Entrepreneur Stream has temporarily halted the acceptance of applications since December 4, 2023. No new expressions of interest or applications are currently being processed.
Despite the suspension, the ministry remains dedicated to supporting immigration efforts through the OINP. The focus is on actively assisting employers in finding talent solutions through immigration, anticipating continuous program growth to meet labour market needs across various sectors in the province.
Due to the Entrepreneur Stream application suspension, the Entrepreneur Success Initiative has also concluded. Services previously provided by the Toronto Business Development Centre under this initiative are no longer accessible.
#Ontario, #OINP, #Entrepreneur_Stream, #Entrepreneur_Success_Initiative, #business_immigration
On February 5, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided further details on the recent announcement of reforms to the International Student Program; Canada aims to address the unsustainable growth in recent years while ensuring a positive experience for international students.
As of January 22, 2024, post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application.
Secondary, effective February 15, 2024, graduates from master's degree programs less than two years in length are eligible for an extended 3-year PGWP.
This change supports their transition to Canada's labour market and potential permanent residence. Other PGWP lengths remain aligned with the study program's duration. IRCC has restricted PGWPs for public-private partnership college programs.
Finally, open work permit eligibility for spouses and common-law partners of international students will be updated. These reforms aim to promote sustainable population growth in Canada, improve system integrity, and ensure a positive experience for international students.
#International_students, #IRCC, #International_student_program, #study_permits, #Study_in_Canada #PGWP
From January 30, 2024, all immigration pathways, aside from the Student Direct Stream (SDS), will accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core test.
This includes Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, those in Express Entry managed programs, and individuals needing a language test for Canadian immigration or citizenship (excluding SDS).
The PTE Core is a two-hour computer-based language test assessing everyday English skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
The PTE Core replaces the PTE Essential test, and candidates should ensure they take the correct test for their program.
#PTE, #immigration_to_Canada, #SDS, #PNP, #English_language_test