Bengaluru
IRCC held a new PNP-targeted Express Entry draw
On June 19, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second Express Entry draw for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates of the year. IRCC issued 1,499 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates in the PNP-targeted draw. In round #298, the cut-off score was 663 points, 13 points fewer than the previous draw for this category. The tie-breaking rule for this round was January 19, 2024, at 10:10:40 UTC. As of May 30, 2024, there were 224,940 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. In 2024, Canada has already issued 43,454 invitations through the regular Express Entry draws.
#Express_Entry, #IRCC, #ITA, #PNP
Many Canadians feel financially strained due to increasing costs
The 2024 Financial Stress Index Report revealed that many Canadians felt the financial strain, mainly due to rising costs in groceries, housing, bills, and the need to save for retirement and major purchases. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope; a significant portion of Canadians are actively working towards managing their finances, shedding a beacon of positivity in these challenging times. The report indicates that 91% of Canadians are actively working towards reducing their financial stress by keeping an eye on expenses, paying off debts, and boosting their savings. Even though financial stress can take a toll on mental health, the use of professional financial services significantly lessens this burden, promoting a more positive perspective.
#Financial_Stress, #Canadian_Economy, #Cost_Of_Living, #Mental_Health
Experts call for streamlined, digital immigration services in Canada
A report by Deloitte highlights the urgent need for Canada to introduce more streamlined, digital immigration services. The housing crisis in the country is leading to a decline in the number of foreign nationals willing to immigrate, with many opting for alternative countries like the United States. The report warns that such a trend could potentially hinder Canada’s economic growth. It underscores that the current economic challenges, coupled with rising living costs and a housing affordability crisis, create additional barriers for the skilled immigrants that Canada desperately needs. Contrarily, the US is attracting and retaining talent through a larger economic market, strong start-up ecosystem, educational opportunities, and favourable immigration policies. To counter this, the report recommends that Canada simplify its immigration processes and make them more digitally accessible.
#Canada, #Immigration, #Digital_Services, #Economic_Growth, #Deloitte
Almost a third of Canadians struggled financially last year
Recent Survey Series on People and their Communities (SSPC) data shows a third of Canadians struggling financially in the past year, with recent immigrants disproportionately affected. Specifically, 43% of recent immigrants reported hardship versus 29% of established immigrants and non-immigrants. Financial difficulties also affect satisfaction with personal free time. Only 12% of those facing financial hardship were satisfied with their free time, versus 40% who were not. The level of financial difficulty varies greatly depending on the immigrant’s origin, with Asian immigrants reporting the most hardship. The findings underscore the need to consider intersectionality, including immigration experiences, when studying financial difficulties.
#Canada, #Financial_Struggles, #Financial_Difficulty