Overseas News

  Canada's Express Entry system is a method for skilled workers to apply for permanent residence. It covers three main programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) How Scoring Works When candidates create a profile, they receive a score out of 1200 points based on: Age Education Language skills Work experience Additional Points Candidates can earn up to 600 extra points for: Having a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident French language ability Canadian post-secondary education Job offer (arranged employment) Provincial/territorial nomination Upcoming Change Starting spring 2025, candidates will no longer receive points for job offers.This change aims to reduce fraud in the system

  Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway open work permit policy. This extension, now valid until December 31, 2026, brings welcome news to thousands of applicants and their families who are in the process of transitioning from temporary to permanent resident status in Canada. The TR to PR pathway was initially launched in July 2021 as a temporary measure to address labor shortages and support the Canadian economy. This program aimed to simplify the immigration process for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in Canada, particularly targeting those with experience in essential occupations, health and healthcare services, or recent graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions. Although the pathway officially closed for new applications in 2021, many applicants are still in the process of having their permanent residency applications reviewed. It is these individuals and their families who stand to benefit from the extended open work permit poli...

  Starting in spring 2025, IRCC will remove Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers in the Express Entry system. This change will affect: All new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool Candidates already working in Canada temporarily Job offers across all sectors of the economy The change will not affect: Those already invited to apply for permanent residence (PR) with CRS scores including job offer points Those who have already submitted PR applications to IRCC for processing Important Distinctions Candidates: People who have submitted profiles to the Express Entry pool Applicants: Those who have received an invitation to apply (ITA) and submitted a PR application to IRCC This change aims to improve fairness and reduce fraud in the immigration system

   The Department of Home Affairs introduced the Skills in Demand Visa and updated the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). This move has expanded opportunities for tech professionals looking to work in Australia. A key development is the Australian Computer Society (ACS) increasing its assessment scope. The ACS now evaluates 35 ANZSCO occupations, up from 25 previously. This expansion includes 10 new critical tech roles, focusing on emerging areas like data science, cybersecurity, and DevOps. Some of the newly added roles include: Data Analyst and Data Scientist Cyber Security Engineer and DevOps Engineer Various specialized Cyber Security positions This change represents the largest expansion of ACS's assessment scope in over a decade. It reflects Australia's commitment to strengthening its tech workforce and addressing specific skill shortages in crucial areas. The timing of this expansion aligns with Australia's broader strategy to become a leading digital economy. By ...

  The International Experience Canada (IEC) program for 2025 has officially opened its doors, offering an exciting opportunity for young people worldwide to live and work in Canada. Launched on December 16, 2024, the program continues its mission to provide international youth with valuable work experience while exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of Canada. The IEC program is a government initiative designed for individuals aged 18 to 35 (18 to 30 for some countries) who wish to gain international work experience while immersing themselves in Canadian life. It offers three distinct categories to cater to different needs and aspirations, Young professionals, working holidays, Nomads, internships,etc The Working Holiday category is particularly popular, providing participants with an open work permit that allows them to work for any eligible employer in Canada while funding their travels. This flexibility enables young people to experience various job roles and explore di...

  British Columbia On December 17, British Columbia conducted its latest draw under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In this draw, the province issued a total of  11 invitations to apply (ITAs)  for immigration. The invitations were divided between two streams: Entrepreneur Base Stream:  10 invitations were issued with a cutoff score of  115 . Entrepreneur Regional Stream:  Fewer than 5 invitations were issued with a cutoff score of  114 . This draw reflects British Columbia's ongoing efforts to attract skilled entrepreneurs to support its economy. Alberta Alberta has been active in issuing invitations for immigration, holding  15 draws  from November 29 to December 17. During this period, over  1,700 candidates  received invitations across various streams. Here are some highlights: On December 16, Alberta issued  110 ITAs  through its Express Entry Stream with a minimum score of  50 . Other streams included dedi...