31 Aug Ontario invited new candidates under the Masters Graduate stream
Ontario invited new candidates under the Masters Graduate stream
On August 30, 2023, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) issued 772 invitations to apply (ITAs) to potential candidates in the Expression of Interest system pool for the Masters Graduate stream. Candidates who received an invitation had a minimum score of 44 points, 4 points fewer than in the previous draw. The profiles of selected candidates were created between November 22, 2022, and August 30, 2023. In total, this year, the province invited 32,019 candidates under the OINP streams, including 2,971 Masters Graduate stream candidates.
Ontario, #OINP, #PNP, #international_students, #skilled_workers, #Masters_graduates
IRCC announced a new update for Student Direct Stream applications
On August 30, 2023, the Canadian Government updated the eligibility requirements for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) language test results. The new requirements align with the Ministerial Instructions effective August 10, 2023. The Government will accept additional academic tests from designated organizations and another test from a non-designated organization. The update clarifies that banks may disburse the remaining funds of a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) in any accepted arrangement with an applicant after the initial disbursement upon arrival in Canada. Although the Government recommended disbursing GIC funds in monthly or bimonthly instalments, this does not affect an applicant’s SDS eligibility.
Student_Direct_Stream, #SDS, #GIC, #international_students #IRCC
Canadian banks disagree with the Federal Government’s approach to the affordable housing crisis
The Canadian banks expressed their disagreement with the Federal Government’s approach to addressing the country’s affordable housing crisis. In 2015, Canada welcomed 352,325 international students; this year, that number is expected to reach about 900,000. Furthermore, 271,845 immigrants became permanent residents in 2015, and the Government aims to increase this number to 465,000 this year, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025. Despite concerns raised by three Canadian banks that this policy could lead to a shortfall of around 500,000 housing units in just two years, the Government is hesitant to place blame on immigrants or international students. However, they recognize that their rapid increase in numbers without a clear housing plan contributes to the issue. While the responsibility for housing also falls on provincial and municipal governments, the Federal Government’s approach to immigration and international students is worsening the problem.
Housing, #international_students, #statistics
Canada may recruit DACA recipients
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that protects and provides work authorization to immigrants brought to the US as children. Over 570,000 Dreamers are currently protected by DACA and are productive members of the American economy. However, the program is in legal limbo as Congress has failed to authorize permanent protection, and Republican states are suing to terminate it. Canada is actively recruiting immigrants with US work experience or education and could also attract DACA recipients, highly educated and qualified workers. Canada’s Express Entry system could be a viable option for Dreamers, who would be competitive candidates. If Canada poaches Dreamers, the US will face significant economic losses as Canada reaps the benefits of highly productive US-trained immigrants.