On April 28, 2020, the provincial government of New Brunswick (NB) updated its mandatory order under the state of emergency to restrict temporary foreign workers from entering the province in order to protect the health and safety of those living, working and studying in NB as there is a serious, imminent risk to everyone, due [...]

On April 27, 2020—Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Client Support Centre has reopened its Call Centre which responds to any questions regarding applications and their status. During the global pandemic, the Call Centre went to email only operations. IRCC warns however; there are still ongoing impacts of COVID-19; therefore, call operations are at reduced [...]

As a result of COVID-19 precautions, Paragon Testing Enterprises halted a significant volume of testing in Canada, USA and other international countries. During this time, they were offering additional free online instruction and reduced study material prices. They also advised that once COVID-19 precautions have been lifted, they will increase availability. Although COVID-19 restrictions have not been [...]

On April 23, 2020, the Manitoba PNP (MPNP) conducted its 88th Expression of Interest (EOI) draw, issuing 132 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA’s) for Canadian Permanent Residency (CanadaPR). The last draw was conducted on April 9, 2020. Manitoba is committed to accepting new application despite the impact of COVID-19 on the Province. There were 132 [...]

On April 30, 2020 the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 307 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates who had a Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) between 432 and 454. All candidates must have a valid profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry (EE) system. Applicants must receive a NOI from Ontario before [...]

On April 30, 2020 the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 192 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to Express Entry (EE) Skilled Trade applicants with an active profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) EE system. This was a targeted draw, where applicants had experience in one of 14 priority occupations: Structural metal and plate [...]

When Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) announced they were providing 10-day expedited processing for some Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) requests (Express Entry, Short Duration, High Wage, and Skilled Trades), employers were thrilled as this provided an avenue for employers with an immediate need to prioritize the workers they needed. Unfortunately, amidst the impact [...]

May 1, 2020 was the second Canadian Federal Express Entry (EE) Draw held in two days by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Services (IRCC). A total of 3311 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category. CEC candidates must have 1 year of Canadian work experience out of the [...]

On April 27, 2020, Nova Scotia held its first draw of 2020 under the Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream, a provincial nominee program aligned with the Federal Express Entry (EE) program. Candidates who had French listed as their first official language in their EE profile were selected. Other criteria included: Sufficient settlement funds; Canadian Language Benchmark [...]