Bengaluru
Despite clear warnings, the Liberals ignored the issue of the excessive number of international students
Housing Minister Sean Fraser reportedly ignored warnings that increasing work hours for international students could lead to integrity issues and increase housing costs. Fraser defended the decision, citing housing challenges students face and the need for workforce talent. Despite the concerns raised, job vacancies in Canada rose to over 990,000 in Q2 2022, prompting the Liberals to establish a parallel immigration system for non-skilled jobs. The Temporary Foreign Worker program and the International Students Program were used to fill these roles. However, the surge in population has led to a significant rise in housing costs. The new Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has since reduced the number of international student visas by 35% and plans to limit their work hours. Despite these measures, the housing issue remains a major concern, with the Liberals being blamed for the current situation.
#International_students, #housing, #Fraser, #Liberals
IRCC implemented the new PGWP measures
As of February 15, 2024, the Government of Canada implemented changes to the post-graduation work permit program (PGWP). From this date forward, students who have completed a master’s degree program, even under two years, can qualify for a 3-year PGWP, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. However, starting September 1, 2024, students enrolled in curriculum licensing agreement programs will no longer be eligible for a PGWP. In addition, the special measures for distance learning and PGWP validity have been extended until August 31, 2024.
#PGWP, #study_in_Canada, #International_students
AAIP has temporarily halted the Alberta Opportunity Stream application intake
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has temporarily suspended Alberta Opportunity Stream applications until further notice. Applications submitted before the pause will continue to be assessed. The AAIP remains committed to ensuring the successful settlement and integration of newcomers in Alberta. This pause will allow the program to manage its current inventory and focus on priorities like filling labour shortages in healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and other in-demand sectors. In addition, the province will implement measures to manage future application volumes and maintain service standards.
#AAIP, #Alberta_Opportunity_Stream, #labour_shortages
PEI invited new candidates under the PEI PNP
On February 15, 2024, Prince Edward Island conducted a new invitation round in the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP). In the third round of this year, the province issued 121 invitations to apply to skilled workers in the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams. PEI also invited one candidate in the Business Work Permit Entrepreneurs stream. The lowest score for business candidates was 105 points, 25 points more than in the January draw. This year, PEI invited 336 candidates. According to the schedule, the next PEI PNP draw will occur on February 29, 2024.
#Prince_Edward_Island, #PEIPNP, #Business_immigration, #Skilled_workers, #Entrepreneurs, #PNP