Gunness & Associates

  On August 16, 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) released an update on the Updated LMIA Processing Times for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications across various streams. These updated timelines are crucial for employers seeking to hire foreign workers in Canada, as they reflect the current trends in processing efficiency for different streams. LMIA applications are a pivotal step for Canadian employers to prove the need for foreign workers when no Canadian or permanent resident is available to fill the position. Understanding these updated LMIA processing times allows businesses to plan ahead effectively. Overview of the Updated LMIA Processing Times ESDC's latest update outlines the average processing times for LMIA applications across multiple streams. Derived from data collected at all processing centers, this update highlights fluctuations in processing times across different streams, indicating shifts in workload and operational efficiency a...

  The fifth Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class for the year 2024 was conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on 27 August, for which 3,300 candidates were invited to apply for Canadian immigration. The latest draw of invitations was in Round #312; the cut-off CRS score was 507, which is 2 points lower than the previous round CEC-targeted draw on August 14, 2024. As we know, the tie-breaker for this draw was set rather specifically, namely on June 5, 2024, at 01:08:58, UTC. The Express Entry pool had 205,137 profiles as of August 27, 2024. Last year in 2024, Canada conducted 78,963 invitations in different streams of express entry, thus following the same pattern of inviting skilled workers and making Canada's economy soun d. Why Is This Draw Important for Canadian Experience Class Candidates? This latest draw is indeed a ray of hope to all those planning to apply under the Canadian Experience Class. A small decrease in the CRS score is go...

  Most of the remaining 49 percent of the immigration slots in Express Entry in 2023 were occupied by international students who received Express Entry invitations and are eager to advance to permanent residency as soon as possible. Of a staggering 46 of the persons that got an ITA, 2% got further points for having a Canadian education, making it one of the best ways for hopeful immigrants. Canadian Education: A Key to Permanent Residency and Express Entry Invitations For a Canadian education, it’s not about getting a degree; it is about preparing oneself for life. This means that the majority of the invited candidates possess at least three years of post-secondary degree education; thus, higher education is almost mandatory for individuals seeking to be selected in the Express Entry pool. This advantage is especially significant since there are expected effects of the 2024 capping of international student permits. Education in Canada helps one to be part of the country and has a w...

  Ontario and Nova Scotia have recently joined each other in signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that recognized the need for skilled trades workers in the country. This is important for Canada to support the economy and to continue to provide hundreds of sectors dependent on skilled workers. Harmonizing Training and Certification Standards to Address the Shortage of Skilled Trades Workers A major issue that exists throughout the regions of skilled trades today is the lack of conformity to the training and certification processes, and that plays a role in producing a lack of skilled trades workers. By aligning these standards, provinces are in the process of developing a consistent procedure that will let tradespeople travel freely across the various provinces without having to spend more time being recertified. Thus, the MOU signed between Ontario and Nova Scotia can be considered the first step to enhance the efficiency of the skilled trades system and reduce the lack o...

  Alberta has just announced a significant update to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) inventory, underscoring the province's commitment to attracting top talent and addressing critical labor shortages. This update is particularly noteworthy for healthcare professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in a province known for its high quality of life and vibrant communities. AAIP Inventory Overview The latest figures reveal a dynamic and diverse range of applicants across various streams: Alberta Opportunity Stream : 3,326 applications Rural Renewal Stream : 1,245 applications Tourism and Hospitality Stream : 291 applications Alberta Express Entry Stream : 1,321 applications Entrepreneur Streams : 4 applications This comprehensive inventory reflects Alberta's strategic approach to immigration, aiming to meet the province's economic and social needs by welcoming skilled individuals from around the world. Healthcare Focus: Dedicated Healthcare Pathway Draw I...