A Chance to Reunite with Parents and Grandparents

Post by : Admin on Aug 31,2022

Now, you can sponsor your parents and grandparents to immigrate and get PR in Canada through the Parents Grandparents Program or PGP. Your family will be eligible for Canadian permanent residence once they meet all the eligibility requirements of the PGP. They may also be eligible for Canadian citizenship if approved under this program.

In 2021, the PGP invited 30,000 permanent residents and Canadian citizens to submit applications. The IRCC prioritized those applications which were submitted between noon EDT (13th October 2020) and noon EDT (3rd November 2020).

What are the eligibility requirements of the Parents Grandparents Program?

In 2021, the requirements for applying to the PGP were:

  • Had to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
  • Residing in Canada
  • 18 years old or more
  • Proof of income submission to the IRCC

Proof that income is more than the minimum necessary income level

They also had to formally assure that they could support the family for 20 years financially and repay the social assistance benefits provided to them.

What was the Minimum Necessary Income Requirement for PGP?

The Canadian Government wants to ensure that you are capable of sponsoring your family to determine whether or not you are eligible for the Parents Grandparents Program. Thus, the IRCC has set a minimum income requirement that you have to exceed to be eligible for this program.

Here are the minimum income requirements for the 2021 PGP in Canada except Quebec:

 

Family size

Minimum Income Requirements 2020

2 people

$32,270

3 people

$39,672

4 people

$48,167

5 people

$54,630

Each additional person

$6,985

 

How to sponsor parents and grandparents in Quebec?

The process of sponsoring a parent or a grandparent is slightly different from the rest of the Canadian provinces. You need IRCC’s approval, followed by meeting the immigration sponsorship requirements set by the Quebec Government.

The financial proof of income holds the same importance in Quebec as well. Alongside that, you may have to sign a sponsorship with the province of Quebec.

Is There Another Option for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents in Canada?

 Don’t worry if the PGP isn’t working out for you. You can still sponsor your parents and grandparents to come to Canada through the Super Visa. It lets your parents and grandparents of permanent residents and citizens of Canada to visit you for up to five consecutive years without the need for visitor status renewal. Parents and grandparents may enter Canada for up to 10 years multiple times with the Super Visa.

Eligibility Requirements of Super Visa

Firstly, you have to be a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident to use the Super Visa to sponsor your parents and grandparents. You also need to send a signed letter to your family that consists of the following details:

  • A copy of your Canadian permanent resident document or citizenship
  • An assurance of financial support
  • Proof of medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
  • Number of people in your household

Moreover, you also have to show that you meet the income requirements set by the Low-Income Cut Off standards. The minimum income requirements are as follows:

 

Family size

Minimum Income Requirements

1 person

$25,921

2 people

$32,270

3 people

$39,672

4 people

$48,167

5 people

$54,630

Additional person beyond 7 people

$6,985

 

Information about the PGP 2022 isn’t available yet. However, our team stays abreast of all the recent updates and news related to Canadian immigration programs. So, get in touch with us, and we will guide you through the PGP.

New PGWP Extension Policy - The Much-Needed Measure by IRCC

Post by : Admin on Aug 04,2022

Canada is one of the leading destinations for global talents to flourish. Employers from different fields in Canada are looking for skilled candidates to fill thousands of vacancies in wide range of sectors. Moreover, immigrants play an integral role in fueling the Canadian economy. Thus, on 22nd April 2022, Sean Fraser, the Canadian immigration minister, revealed a new PGWP extension policy. This policy is a measure to negate the negative effects of a long pause in Express Entry CEC draws since 2021. 

What is the new PGWP Extension Policy?

The new PGWP extension policy is for foreign nationals with expired or soon-to-be expired post-graduation work permits from 20th September 2021 to 31st December 2021. It enables them to work in Canada for 18 months extra through a new permit application or work permit extension. 

This policy also benefits the temporary residents in Canada waiting to get through permanent resident pathways. Earlier, they had to quit jobs and wait for their permit extension. The new policy lets them work during the process. 

What are the benefits of the policy?

IRCC shared the following scenarios where the new policy will come in handy:

  • Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Updated address. Passport valid through April 2024. 

Do not respond to the confirmation email from IRCC. You will get the updated work permit through the mail by mid-October. 

  • Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Address and/or passport validity not updated. 

Follow the instructions in the email you receive from IRCC. This will help them know that you need to update your address. You will, however, not get this initial email if IRCC is unable to extend the work permit within 18 months due to passport validity issues. You will get a separate mail in September. 

The IRCC will send you instructions via email about how to update the mailing address and passport validity in your online account. There is two weeks' time to update the details. Once done, you will get the updated work permit by the middle of November through the mail. 

Thus, if your passport isn't valid, you cannot benefit from this new policy. Check the passport’s validity first. Apply for an extension if you see if it expires before 2nd April 2024. Link your application to your online account if you are applying for the permit using a paper application. 

  • Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Address or passport validity cannot be updated. 

You can wait to apply till the renewal of your passport. You can also extend the work permit to your passport's expiration date. The right way is to apply online for a work permit extension. 

  • Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. No contact from IRCC. 

This happens when you are ineligible for this new policy. You can be eligible if any information about your admissibility to Canada requires further review. You can, however, apply online for a work permit extension. 

  • The post-graduation work permit will expire or has expired from 20th September 2021 to 1st October 2022.  

In this case, too, you have to apply online. Temporary residents with an expired temporary status should apply for its restoration at the same time. The new policy lets them restore the status even if it expired 90 days ago. If you have left and want to apply from abroad, you are eligible if you are approved to return to Canada. 

Note to remember: Submit the work permit applications for this new policy online by 31st 

December 2022. 

Can the foreign nationals work in the interim?

Foreign nationals with an expired or soon-to-expire post-graduation work permit will get an email from the IRCC that will allow them to work in the interim. This is going to start on 8th August 2022. 

You may need this email later to show that you are authorised to work in Canada temporarily for employers. So, attach this to your post-graduation work permit while applying for jobs. 

This policy of working in the interim will be effective until 31st May 2023. If you are eligible for this new policy, you can continue working or return to the workforce while your work permit application is in process. 

Remember:

The new policy provides you with an opportunity to work for an additional 18 months. But, it doesn’t restore the temporary resident status. That means you should apply for the status restoration when you apply for the new work permit if your status has expired. 

You still have the chance to come to Canada again and acquire authorisation to work even if you are currently outside Canada and have a valid temporary resident visa. 

How will the policy benefit temporary residents who applied for Permanent Resident pathways?

Here are the eligibility criteria for temporary residents to apply for an open work permit:

  • Applicants who have applied for ‘temporary resident to permanent pathways’
  • Applicants with non-finalized permanent residence application 

About 2500 applicants applied and got an open work permit with an expiration date of 31st December 2022. They will receive an email from the IRCC with the procedure for updating the work permit with longer validity date. They don’t have to do anything if they have an updated mailing address and they still live in Canada. 

You will not get the email if your passports expire before 31st December 2024. You can still apply for the work permit on the same day you apply for passport restoration of the expiry date. 

Onkar Immigration is here to solve your queries regarding the new PGWP policy. Our team equips you with the knowlede and resources required to make the most of this new policy.

 

Everything you Need to know about the New NOC System 2022

Post by : Admin on Aug 04,2022

The Canadian Government updated the NOC system in 2016 to provide more opportunities for professionals to live and work in Canada. This isn’t new. Canada updates the occupational classification system once every ten years. You must stay abreast of the changes in the new NOC system 2022 to ensure you successfully get through the Expres Entry programs. 

The New NOC System 2022 | What are the Changes?

Initially, the NOC classified occupations on the basis of five skill levels:

  • O- Managerial occupations 
  • A- Professional occupations (university education mandatory)
  • B- Skilled trades (college education or apprentice training mandatory)
  • C- Semi-skilled occupations (occupational training or secondary school mandatory)
  • D- Semi-skilled and unskilled jobs (no formal education required. On-job training mandatory)

This classification system will change from 16th November and be replaced by the new numerical classification.  

The changes in the new NOC system include:

  • The current skill type and level structure in the NOC system will be replaced with the TEER system
  • Occupation codes will consist of 5-digit codes
  • The eligibility criteria also change as per the new TEER structure 

What are the new TEER categories included?

According to the Executive Committee of IRCC, the new NOC system will adopt the TEER structure as given below: 

 

NOC 2016

NOC 2021

Skill type 0

TEER 0

Skill level A

TEER 1

Skill level B

TEER 2

Skill level B

TEER 3

Skill level C

TEER 4

Skill level D

TEER 5

 

A few jobs may change to a different category of TEER. 

But, mostly, the jobs will stay in the TEER category equal to the skill level as shown above. 

TEER 2 or TEER 3 categories may include the jobs eligible for Skill level B. 

Here is the type of occupation for each TEER in the new NOC system. 

 

TEER Level `

Types of Occupations 

TEER 0

Management 

TE

ER 1

Occupations where a university degree is mandatory 

TEER 2

Occupations that need a college diploma, supervisory occupations and apprenticeship training for at least 2 years

TEER 3

Occupations that need a college diploma, apprenticeship training for at less than 2 years and at on-the-job training for more than 6 months

TEER 4

Occupations that need a high school diploma or weeks of on-job-training

TEER 5

Occupations that need a short-term work demonstration 

 

Which Programs are Affected by the New NOC System?

The new NOC system will affect the eligibility criteria of the following programs:

  • Express Entry (FSWP, CEC and FSTP)
  • Atlantic Immigration Program 
  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program 
  • Caregivers Program 
  • Out-of-Status Construction Workers 
  • Provincial Nominee Program 
  • International Mobility Program 
  • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot 
  • Agri-Food Pilot 

To know more about the changes in the eligibility requirements of different programs, connect with Onkar Immigration. We will guide you through all the changes related to the new NOC system.

 

A Detailed Comparison of all Express Entry Programs According to New NOC 2021

Post by : Admin on Aug 04,2022

The new NOC system 2021 version will be effective from 16th November 2022. That means the previous skill level structure in the NOC will be replaced by a 6-category TEER system. This change also affects the Express Entry eligibility requirements. You must stay aware of the new changes in the requirements to get through the Expres Entry programs successfully. 

 

Skill Level

TEER Category

0

0

A

1

B

2 and 3

 

Keep the following in mind if you submit the Express Entry profile on or after 16th November 2022:

  • Access the ESDC website and look for your occupation in the NOC 2021 list.
  • Pick the right TEER category and the 5-digit occupation code while filling the profile. 

You may have submitted the profile but not the invitation to apply. So, in that case, do the following:

  • Access the ESDC website and look for your occupation in the NOC 2021 list.
  • Update the profile with the right TEER category and the 5-digit occupation code. 

Have you received an invitation to apply? 

In that case, submit your permanent residence application according to the new NOC system. 

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry According to New NOC System

Canadian Experience Class 

Language skills

  • English or French 
  • CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 occupations 
  • CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 occupations 

Work experience level

  • You need to show Canadian work experience in any occupation listed in 1 or more occupations in these TEER categories:
  • 0, 1, 2 and 3
  • Years of work experience 
  • Full-time or part-time work experience in Canada for one year in the last three years

Job offer

Not mandatory 

Education 

Not mandatory 

Federal Skilled Worker Program 

Language skills

  • English or French 
  • CLB 7  

Work experience level

You need to show work experience in any occupation listed in 1 of these TEER categories:

0, 1, 2 and 3

Years of work experience 

Full-time or part-time work experience for one continuous year within the last 10 years in your primary occupation. 

Job offer

  • Not mandatory. 
  • However, you may attain FSW points if you have a valid job offer.  

Education 

Secondary education is mandatory. Post-secondary education can get you more FSW points. 

Federal Skilled Trades Program 

Language skills

  • English or French 
  • CLB 5 for speaking and listening  
  • CLB 4 for reading and writing  

Work experience level

You need to show work experience in these TEER 2 or 3 categories such as:

  • Major group 72, transportation officers, controllers and technical trades. It excludes Sub-Major Group 726, transportation officers and controllers
  • Major Group 73, general trades 
  • Major Group 92, manufacturing and utilities, processing, utilities controllers, supervisors and controllers
  • Major Group 82, supervisors in agriculture, natural resources and similar productions
  • Major Group 93, aircraft assemblers, process and central control processors and inspectors. It however excludes Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assembly inspectors and assemblers 
  • Unit Group 62200 and chefs 
  • Minor Group 6320, bakers, butchers and cooks 

Years of work experience 

Full-time or part-time work experience for two years in the last five years

Job offer

  • You need a valid full-time employment job offer for at least one year
  • Or, you need to show the certificate of qualification in a specific skilled trade that’s issued by a Canadian territorial, provincial or federal authority 

Education 

Not mandatory 

Willl there by changes in the comprehensive ranking ystem points?

The comprehensive ranking system points will also follow the Skill Level chart as shown above. For instance, let’s say you have 50 points for employment in skill level 0, A or B. So, you will have 50 points for the same employment in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. 

What about the FSWP selection factor points?

The selection factors in the Federal Skilled Worker Program determines each applicant’s points. The points will remain the same even in the new NOC system. For instance, let’s say you got 50 points for employment in skill level 0, A or B. You will get the same 50 points for employment in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. 

Onkar Immigration is here to guide you throughout the changes and updates associated with the new NOC system. We make sure you get through the Express Entry programs hassle-free. Consult with the professionals today. 

 

Updated Country-Wise Study Permit Approval Rates for Canada

Post by : Admin on Jul 27,2022

The study permit approval rates reflect the number of study permit applications received by the IRCC. Canada is one of the most preferred study destinations for millions of students. The study permit approval rates show how many students could fulfil their Canadian dream through the study permit. 

The IRCC received 79,970  study permit applications till February 28, 2022. It was also found that only a few foreign nationals applied for the study permit around 2020, especially due to the pandemic. IRCC revealed the following data after Immigration News Canada requested the same. 

Number of Study Permit Applications Submitted to the IRCC in the Last Five Years 

 

Year 

Total number of study permit applications submitted 

2022

79,970

2021

558.883

2020

317,833

2019

428,899

2018

349,364

2017

313,332

 

Country-Wise Study Permit Approval Rates Till February 28, 2022

Formula for calculating the approval rate:

Number of applications approved / (approved + refused applications)

 

Country 

Study Permit Approval Rate (2022)

Study Permit Approval Rate (2021)

Study Permit Approval Rate (2020)

Algeria

19%

19%

15%

Australia

73%

91%

89%

Bangladesh

50%

47%

38%

Brazil

68%

80%

61%

Cameroon

25%

20%

12%

China

64%

84%

81%

Colombia

59%

62%

65%

France

87%

92%

98%

Germany

94%

97%

99%

Ghana

16%

18%

18%

Hong Kong SAR China

77%

88%

91%

India

56%

60%

48%

Jamaica

43%

41%

31%

Kenya

30%

32%

30%

Kuwait

75%

92%

75%

Lebanon

36%

54%

58%

Mexico

84%

87%

81%

Morocco

27%

51%

54%

Nepal

70%

71%

40%

Nigeria

38%

34%

18%

Pakistan

27%

38%

33%

Philippines

54%

64%

50%

Saudi Arabia

78%

74%

76%

Singapore

63%

92%

98%

Sri Lanka

52%

52%

45%

Trinidad & Tobago

70%

71%

86%

Turkey

44%

47%

66%

Uganda

24%

32%

24%

United Arab Emirates

100%

78%

89%

United Kingdom

81%

89%

91%

United States

89%

93%

96%

 

We have an exclusive team dedicated to helping students get their study permits hassle-free. Our team guides you through the entire process along with the documents you need for the quick processing of study permit applications.