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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced a new “Tech Draws” initiative under their Human Capital Priorities Stream, a permanent residence program.
What does the change mean? This initiative provides candidates with active Express Entry profiles an opportunity to increase their likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence by first applying for a provincial nomination. Candidates who have experience in one of the six targeted technology occupations may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the OINP, inviting them to submit an application under the Human Capital Priorities Stream. Upon approval, candidates receive a significant boost in points under Express Entry with the provincial nomination, in turn greatly increasing their competitiveness in the Express Entry pool.
The six targeted technology occupations are:
Background: The first Tech Draw occurred on July 12, 2019. There were 1,623 NOIs issued, and the CRS score of applicants who received an NOI ranged from 439-459.
Analysis & Comments: The introduction of this initiative appears to be positive news for companies trying to recruit foreign nationals in the technology sector in Ontario, as it may increase access to permanent residence for foreign nationals with experience in the field. The program is also attractive to many candidates because a job offer is not required. It is of note that candidates who received an NOI in the first draw had scores only slightly below the general average score required to receive an ITA without a provincial nomination. This suggests there may be many strong candidates in the Express Entry pool with experience in these occupations. It is still unclear as to the frequency of these targeted Tech Draws or the expected number of NOIs the OINP will issue under this initiative.
This alert was prepared by Garson LLP, an independent law firm, allied with Deloitte LLP in Canada.
Canada conducted its 14th Express Entry draw of the year Wednesday, issuing 3,600 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System score was 460.
The following chart lists Express Entry Draws to date in 2019:
*Program-specific draw.
Background: The Express Entry system prioritizes permanent residence candidates in four skilled migration programs—Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program—on a points system that considers such factors as current job offer, education, skills, work experience and age, among others. Candidates register their profiles online through the Express Entry system. Draws are conducted roughly every two weeks, usually for all four categories but sometimes limited to one or two of them. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration publishes the results of each draw, indicating the number of invitations for permanent residence that are issued and the minimum score needed to earn an invitation. Individuals who receive an invitation must apply for permanent residency within 60 days. Under tie-breaking rules, applicants with the same Comprehensive Ranking System score are ranked according to the date and time they submitted their profiles, highlighting the importance of submitting Express Entry profiles as early as possible.
Analysis & Comments: The number of invitations issued in the recent draw was higher than in most other draws this year, and the minimum CRS score remained relatively high despite a slight drop. On the whole, Canada continues to invite a high number of individuals for permanent residency through the Express Entry program. This is good news for employers looking to retain or hire international workers who are eligible for permanent residence and for foreign nationals intending to remain in Canada permanently.
Canada conducted its 12th Express Entry draw of the year Wednesday, issuing 3,350 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System score was 465.
Analysis & Comments: The minimum CRS score in Wednesday’s draw dropped slightly after reaching the highest cutoff point of the year two weeks ago. While the minimum CRS score remained relatively high at 465, Canada continues to invite a high number of individuals for permanent residency through the Express Entry program.
Canada conducted its 11th Express Entry draw of the year Wednesday, issuing 3,350 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System score was 470.
Analysis & Comments: The minimum CRS score in Wednesday’s draw was the highest so far this year, likely because it was the first draw in four weeks that drew from all four categories. Overall, Canada continues to invite a high number of individuals for permanent residency.
Canada conducted its 10th Express Entry draw of the year Wednesday, but limited to the Federal Skilled Trades program. The government issued 500 invitations to apply for permanent residency to candidates under the Federal Skilled Trades program with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 332 to qualify.
Analysis & Comment: Wednesday’s draw was the first limited to the Federal Skilled Trades program this year. The minimum CRS score was 332, a significant increase from the limited draw that took place in September. Overall, Canada continues to invite a high number of individuals for permanent residency.
Canada conducted its ninth Express Entry draw of the year Wednesday, issuing 3,350 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System score was 450.
Analysis & Comment: Wednesday’s draw was the seventh consecutive draw in which 3,350 invitations were issued. The minimum CRS score was 450, one point lower than the previous draw. Canada continues to invite a high number of individuals for permanent residency. The increased number of invitations and the low minimum scores are good news for applicants.
What is the change? Canada has released current median hourly wages by province or territory.
What does the change mean? Employers should use the newly published median hourly wages to determine if their employees qualify for a Labour Market Impact Assessment under the Stream for High-wage Positions or the Stream for Low-wage Positions.
Additional information: In Canada, employees who will earn a salary at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage must apply under the Stream for High-wage Positions while employees who earn a salary below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage must apply under the Stream for Low-wage Positions. The median hourly wages, in Canadian dollars, are as follows:
Analysis & Comments: Employers should take note of the adjusted median hourly wages when submitting applications for high-wage and low-wage temporary work permit applications. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the work permit application.
What is the change? Employment and Social Development Canada has confirmed delays in processing Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requests due to a high number of applications.
What does the change mean? Applicants submitting Global Talent Stream, Permanent Residence Stream, High-Wage Stream and other applications may experience delays in receiving their final decision.
Current Processing Delays
Analysis & Comments: Employers should note the processing delays and adjust business schedules accordingly. The government has requested that all employers ensure that applications are complete upon submission and that employers respond promptly to all Service Canada requests to avoid additional delays.
Canada conducted its eighth Express Entry draw of the year Wednesday, issuing 3,350 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System score was 451.
Analysis & Comment: Wednesday’s draw was the sixth consecutive draw in which 3,350 invitations were issued. The minimum CRS score was 451, the same as the previous draw. Canada continues to invite a high number of individuals for permanent residency. The increased number of invitations and the low minimum scores are good news for applicants.
Canada conducted its seventh Express Entry draw of the year Wednesday, issuing 3,350 invitations to apply for permanent residency. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System score was 451.
Analysis & Comment: Wednesday’s draw was the fifth consecutive draw in which 3,350 invitations were issued. The minimum CRS score was 451, down one point from the last draw. So far this year, the government has issued 24,550 invitations compared with 17,500 at the same time last year, a significant increase and a positive overall trend for Express Entry applicants.