Today’s blog is aimed at those candidates who are about to apply for an ITA (Invitation to Apply) and those who have received the ITA but still have some documents pending.

THE BASICS:

To create an Express Entry profile, a candidate needs to provide corresponding proof of his/her language ability, relevant work experience proof of education level etc. Once the candidate meets the requisite CRS points for the respective draw, he/she may be issued an ITA. You can check your CRS points here at https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp . The documentation checklist for every candidate varies based on the candidate’s circumstances, nationality, civil status among other factors. However, all applicants need to submit copies of the following after getting ITA:

• Valid Passport
• WES (proof of education from the country of origin)
• Birth Certificate
• Language Test Results
• Work Experience Documentation
• Police Clearance Certificate(s)
• Upfront medical receipt
• Photographs of principal applicant (and family members)
• Canadian Education documents
• Status Documents

Even from the short above-mentioned document checklist, some paperwork, particularly those pertaining to work experience and background checks from the respective country of origin can prove to be a daunting task especially now during the pandemic.

The work experience letter from your country needs to be in the Canadian format for it to be accepted by the CIC. It should include: your full name, job title, joining and end dates of employment, wage (either hourly, bi-weekly or monthly), number of hours worked in a week along with the roles and responsibilities handled during your tenure. Unless these details are mentioned in the letter, it would be hard to classify the job title under the NOC codes and getting the necessary CRS points. To find your job’s NOC code, click on https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/find-national-occupation-code.html.

If you were an international student, who has completed his/her course in Canada and is currently on your work permit (nearing one year of experience), your recommended course of action is to obtain your WES, IELTS/CELPIP, PCC and get your medicals done as quickly as possible. The current updates and links for the same are provided towards the end.

Depending on the situation, any of the following documents (not all) may also need to be submitted and candidates are encouraged to gather as much of these as possible at the earliest:

• Translations to English or French(if documents are in a language other than these)
• Copies of work contracts and/or pay stubs
• Documents relating to income taxation
• Canadian Education Credential OR Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Official transcripts of post-secondary education study program courses taken
• Secondary education documents
• Original letter from a Canadian employer indicating an offer of arranged employment
• Proof of family relationship(s) in Canada
• Proof of settlement funds
• Legal documents showing changes in name or date of birth
• Marriage certificate(s)
• Signed Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union and documents attesting to cohabitation for a period of at least 12 months
• Divorce or annulment certificate(s)
• Death certificate(s) for former spouse(s) or common-law partner(s)
• Children’s birth certificates
• Adoption papers
• Proof of full custody for children
• Travel documents (non-passport)
• Certified copy of a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory
• Letter(s) of explanation
• Affidavit

All the required documents have to be uploaded and submitted electronically. As of now, candidates who have received the ITA are provided with 90 days to complete their applications. Do check your ITA carefully to know your deadline.

RECENT UPDATES:

1. 
   

   WES:

For the IRCC to acknowledge your proof of education back in your country of origin, it must undergo an evaluation from WES. It can take anywhere from 1-3 months to receive your completed WES evaluation. So, it is advised that you start applying for it at the earliest to increase your chances of entering the Express Entry pool early. Find out more about WES on https://www.wes.org/ca/about-wes-credential-evaluation/. If the person has done a University education in Canada, then WES is not required.

2. 
   

   PCC:

The PCC is a certificate that serves as a background check for candidates. You need to provide a PCC from your country of origin as well as all other countries you have resided for more than 6 months in the last 10 years including one from here in Canada. Do check with your country of origin’s consulate website to obtain PCC at the earliest. If you are from India, you can apply for your PCC through https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/police-clearance/.There was a halt on appointments for obtaining PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) in Canada as well recently. The good news now is that the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) has made it possible to get PCC through some of its locations. You can act upon this opportunity and schedule an appointment through https://www.f1fingerprint.ca/.

3. 
   

   Medical Evaluations:

With the provincial lockdowns easing, now more and more locations are reopening to accommodate the demand for medical evaluations.  Only a panel physician approved by the CIC can do this for you. Find out your nearest CIC approved panel physician through https://secure.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx. If you are going for the medical evaluation prior to getting an ITA, you may go ahead with an upfront medical exam. You can’t go for an upfront medical exam if you are being sponsored as a spouse, parent or child.  If you already have an ITA, you would be asked for your IME (Immigration Medical Exam) number when scheduling an appointment.

If you live in the GTA, you can book an appointment for getting the Upfront Medical exam from https://www.completeimmigration.ca/site/contact-immigration-medical-exam-brampton-gta as it is currently operating.

4. 
   

   Language Test Results:

The most ubiquitous language proficiency test that most candidates opt for is the IELTS. Due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, most test takers have found that their exam dates got either cancelled or shifted to a later date. While there are no dates set in stone, some candidates still do manage to attempt the exam during these trying times. You can get more than 135 CRS points just by cracking the language exams. What most candidates don’t realize is that the IELTS can also be taken as a Computer-based test which can give them the results back in just 3-5 days. Also, it offers more dates currently than its paper-based counterpart. You can book a date for IELTS on https://ieltscanadatest.com/take-ielts/test-dates-2019/.

Alternatively, the IRCC also accepts language test results for CELPIP as well. Compared to the IELTS, a majority of candidates have found CELPIP to be easier and shorter, along with more flexibility with the bands. To learn more about CELPIP, visit https://www.celpip.ca/.

If you feel that you may need help in preparing for either CELPIP or IELTS, contact our agency at (519) 954-1526 Monday to Friday from 11 am to 4 pm.

The role that international students play in the Canadian economy is one that cannot be looked over.
The 640,000 international students in addition to creating a diverse and wholistic learning
environment, contribute some $22 billion to the economy each year which supports around 200,000
Canadian jobs.
Recognizing that difficulties that international students face during COVID-19, Canada has
announced a variety of special measures to help the international students already in the country,
and those who hope to come into the country soon. The following are the latest updates concerning
international students:
Implied status
Current and Post-Graduation Work Permit holding international students who wish to extend their
stay in Canada during the coronavirus impact may be eligible for implied status. Implied status
provides international students the chance to continue their studies and/or work while Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews their work/study permit extension application
Working hours
IRCC has temporarily allowed international students to work more than the previously allowed 20
hours if they are working in 10 priority sectors. This rule holds water until August 31. These 10
sectors are:

 Energy and utilities
 Information and Communication Technologies
 Finance
 Health
 Food
 Water
 Transportation
 Safety
 Government
 Manufacturing

CERB

The federal government provides income support through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
(CERB) which offers $500 per week for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers whose lives have been
disrupted by the pandemic. International students who qualify for the requirements may receive the
benefits.

PR pathways

Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, both levels of government have issued more invitations to
apply for permanent residence to those with Canadian experience due to the high levels of
education and linguistic proficiencies that international students bring with them to the Canadian
economy.

More time to submit immigration applications

IRCC understands the impact that COVID-19 might have had on the abilities of immigration
applications. IRCC announced that it will not turn incomplete applications and that they will provide
an additional 90 days to complete the application considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

PGWP

The Post-Graduation Work Permit helps international students gain Canadian work experience.
International students have no need for concern with regards to their PGWP since IRCC has
announced that students who were slotted for a study permit to begin their Canadian education in
May or June will be able to begin their program online without affecting their eligibility to eventually
apply for a PGWP. The same applies to international students already in Canada.

More support for international students on the way

Canadian response to the pandemic situation has surpassed that even of the United States. It has
done more than what anyone could have expected when compared with other countries. The care
and concern that the government has shown to accommodate its foreign nationals have helped
cement Canada’s status as a truly inclusive and diverse country made up of a cultural mosaic.
Considering the current trends, it is highly probable that more help would be coming for international
students.

Due to the swelling number of cases relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19), Canadian universities/colleges have either shut down their on-campus activities or shifted to online classes. The following is an advisory from The Consulate General of India Toronto issued on March 22, 2020, for Indian students who may be affected by such decisions.

• Check with your institution on how to avail essential services such as student health insurance, international student services, etc.
• Students are advised to reach out to their respective institutions to seek clarity on study permit extension and how the online mode of class delivery could impact their course credit and visa status
• Although most colleges and universities are requesting students to move out of Residence, international students may not be in a position to do so or return home due to travel restrictions. In such cases, they would need to fill out the Residence Extension Request form (available with each institution) explaining their individual situations. Most colleges so far have given encouraging responses. However, if your institution cannot provide a viable solution, it must be brought to the notice of the Consulate if that institution is under its jurisdiction.
• As of now, Canada has closed its borders to foreign travelers. So, in order to remain updated regarding local situations visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid19.html for more information.
• All plans to travel to India from Canada would have to be set aside for now as India has barred all international commercial flights from landing on its soil till March 29, 2020. For more clarifications regarding travel advisories issued by the Government of India regarding this matter, do refer to https://www.mohfw.gov.in/.
• Indian students are advised to register with the Government of India’s MADAD portal to receive regular updates. You can register on https://portal2.madad.gov.in/AppConsular/user/RegistrationBaseAction?request_locale= en&userType=Student
• If you experience the COVID-19 symptoms such as dry cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing, it is advised that you isolate yourself and use the self-assessment tool available on https://ca.thrive.health/covid19/en to know what to do next.

For all other emergencies, students can reach out to the help-line numbers of the Consulate at +1647-668 4108

As the window of international travel keeps on shrinking, now may be the best time to get back home while you still have a chance.

Feeling the heat of the widespread number of cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the federal government is now earnestly persuading Canadians to get back to Canada while it is still possible as the noose on travel bans across the globe gets tighter. Markedly, Canadians who are presently in Europe face hardships trying to come back as a big chunk of scheduled flights have now been canceled ahead of the impending border closures in many EU countries.

“Airlines have canceled flights. New restrictions may be imposed with little warning. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted and you may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected,” the ministry of Global Affairs Canada said in a statement.

A quintessential example of this struggle can be seen in Poland where the media mentions next to nothing on how foreigners can get back home while driving home the message that all Polish people need to come back.

Ontario has shaped up to be the national outbreak’s epicenter as a total of 22 new cases were reported last Saturday, of which 6 are linked to travel outside Canada. The official national tally in Canada is 225 as of today. New cases were confirmed elsewhere in the country, bringing the official national tally to 225.

Premier Francois Legault of Quebec has requested residents over the age of 70 to remain at home until further notice. Also, restrictions regarding visiting senior’s residences and long-term care facilities have been stepped up in an effort to quell the outbreak. All but “essential” visitors which include relatives of those drawing their last breaths or severely ill or caregivers of sick youths shall be exempted.

As the national tally of cases keeps piling up, businesses and sports organizations are going out of their way to take steps which can only be described as an “abundance of caution” in an effort to curb the spread while meeting minimal losses.

Even though the situation looks grim now, Canadian public health officials are of the belief that the risk to the public remains low if they rigorously wash their hands and implement social distancing.

In spite of that, for the exclusive some, such as Canadians aged 65 and over with compromised immune systems along with pre-existing health conditions, the virus could exacerbate things.

Out of the total number of Canadian cases diagnosed with the illness so far, it may be comforting to know that only 15 % have required hospitalization.

As of now, the Parliament remains suspended till April 20^th and in certain cities, schools, colleges, and universities remain closed until further notice. Stay tuned for further updates.

With many provinces slowly opening up to corporates and the seamlessly vast variety of jobs
available, it makes Canada look like an authentic land of opportunities. But unsurprisingly, along with
this ocean of job postings lurks employment scams that are specifically tailored to take advantage of
a person’s desires and ambitions.

Make no mistake; a Canadian job offer is a precious document earnestly sought after by international
skilled workers. It is when a person decides to just turn a blind eye and throw wind to the caution
would he/she be sucked into the deceiving hole of fraudulent job offers. Fortunately, listed below are
some practical tips to identify the unethical tactics along with their warning signs of some of such

1) TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE COMPENSATION PACKAGE

When what you get for you are supposed to give doesn’t sound proportional to you or sounds
fantastical, more often than not, your gut instincts are true. Always check the average Canadian
salary for the corresponding occupation which can be cross-checked on the Government of
Canada’s Job Bank Site.
Another sign to watch out for is if besides salary, a myriad of highly attractive job-related benefits are
mentioned that often sound too lofty and can support the big dreams a foreigner can have when
looking for a job in Canada. Some of them include paid airfare from the country of origin, free
accommodation and more than ideal holiday periods.

2) ALL YOU NEED TO DO TO GET A WORK AUTHORIZATION IS TO PAY

This is probably one of the biggest giveaways. It’s the king of all suspicious signs due to some
reasons.
Primarily, it is extremely rare for a company to take the initiative and burden of going through the
application process and red tape surrounding Canadian Immigration bureaucracy to hire a person
without even first conducting a face-to-face interview with the potential employee.
Second of all, it is near impossible for a foreign national to be accorded a work permit without his/her
participation in the process. In most cases, the “company’ would try to convince you that no
involvement is needed on your part and all you got to do is pay.
Finally, the cost mentioned. You see, the Government work permit application fee is $155. If the
job offer for whatever reason mentions a higher amount, in all likelihood you are about to be duped.

3) VAGUE OR INCOMPLETE/INCORRECT EMPLOYER CONTACT DETAILS

This is a no-brainer. The first sign to look for here is the area code mentioned where the business
firm is supposed to be located. The same goes for the contact number provided which in most cases
do not exist, has been disconnected or nobody answers.
The one sign you may not be that aware about is the email address used to relay this offer to you.
To discern this you may use the following template: if a legitimate company’s website is
www.ABC.com and the name of the person sending you this alleged offer is XYZ, then his/her
official company email is supposed to be XYZ@ABC.com. If the email address looks very similar to
the company’s website , it’s not an issue; but if it doesn’t exactly match we have a fraudster at the
other end. Also, it is high time we realize that legitimate companies do not communicate through
gmail. They have their own domains and corresponding emails.

4) INCONSISTENCIES IN LANGUAGE

It is common sense that if you are in a position that requires you to send out emails regarding
employment in Canada, you should already have a good command of the English Language.
Subpar word choices, verb conjugations, lack of punctuations and frequent spelling errors are the
recipe for fake offer letter as the real deal from a legit Canadian company would be devoid of them.

5) UNCONVENTIONAL FORMAT OF THE OFFER LETTER

In certain cases, the formatting of the letter itself, especially the graphics or images used might put
you off. This is more so in the case of font choice and size used, especially in the section where the
salary and benefits seem to look highlighted.

Although fraudsters are also evolving and changing their gimmicks every now and then, the
aforementioned strategies can be used to effectively discern in less than a minute if you have been
made the victim of fraud or not.

The Ontario province has declared its aim to issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to applicants in the Express Entry pool on a week by week premise. These NOIs will be issued under the Human Capital Priorities stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

This stream is lined up with the government Express Entry framework. Effective candidates are granted 600 new Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and put at the front of the line to issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence arrangement in a resulting draw from the pool.

The OINP had effectively reported that it wanted to issue NOIs irregularly all through 2017; we now realize that this will be a standard, week after week prepare.

Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream is something of an exception among the many Express Entry-adjusted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) accessible all through the nation, because of it working on a detached model. That is to state; the procedure is neither one of the firsts come, first-served, nor Expression of Interest-based. Rather, the OINP scans the pool for qualified applicants who may settle in the territory effectively and issues them an NOI, which fills in as a challenge to apply to the program for a provincial nomination certificate.

Once an NOI is issued, the welcomed applicant has six months to enlist on Ontario’s online application framework and present the application. Once enlisted, an applicant has 14 days to present the application.

Candidates must pay a government processing amount of $1,500 CAD.

QUALIFICATION

To be qualified under the Ontario Human Capital Priorities stream, applicants must:

• Have a profile in the Express Entry pool and score at least 400 points under the CRS. The score must stay at or over 400 amid both the Ontario nomination processing stage and at the government application for permanent residence handling stage;
• Have a base level of work understanding;
• Applicants who be surveyed against the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) criteria must have no less than one year of constant and all day business experience, or low maintenance comparable, in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) level 0, An, or B occupation in the five years before the date of the Notification of Interest from the OINP.
• Competitors who be evaluated against the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) criteria must have no less than one year of aggregate and all day work understanding, or low maintenance equal, in an NOC 0, An, or B occupation in Canada in the three years before the date of the NOI from the OINP
• Have a Canadian Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. degree OR an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report created by an assigned Association demonstrating that their remote instruction accreditation is proportional to a Canadian Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D.;
• Exhibit English or French dialect capability level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or above in every one of the four skills (talking, perusing, composing, and tuning in);
• Intend to stay in Ontario;
• Have adequate assets to take care of settlement expenses in Ontario; and
• Meet the additional criteria under either the FSWP or CEC.

EXTRA NOTES FROM THE OINP

In a report on its site posted on May 5, the Ontario Government energized possibly qualified applicants in the Express Entry pool to make another profile in the Express Entry framework to make it simpler for Ontario to recognize their profile amid its hunt of the Express Entry pool. Applicants who make another profile must erase their old profile.

Ontario has consoled hopefuls that applications got for its Provincial Nominee Program in 2016 will number towards its 2017 immigration allotment.

The province says the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (ONIP) assignment, set by the national government, was gone after 2016, and now it is taking a shot at satisfying its allocated number of immigrants for 2017.

Four of the ONIP streams remain incidentally shut to applications.

They are:

• Human Capital Priorities (Express Entry)
• Boss Pre-Screen
• Global Student (Masters Graduate)
• Global Student (Ph.D. Graduate)

The Ontario immigration streams that stay open to applications include:

• French-Speaking Skilled Worker (Express Entry)
• Financial specialist Immigration (Corporate)
• Financial specialist Immigration (Entrepreneur)

Ontario is likewise dealing with moving a greater amount of its immigration application framework on the web, to decrease handling times and make it less difficult for applicants.

In August it propelled another online application handle for the Entrepreneur stream.

Candidates can enroll an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Ontario commonplace government site in a move went for enhancing handling times. You can enlist here.

The designation for common projects got a little lift from the national government’s migration numbers arrange, discharged in October 2016.

In 2016, a distribution of 47,800 immigrants was set for the commonplace projects (barring Quebec). In 2017, that objective has expanded to 51,000.

Ontario as of late reported a $3.35 million interest in its commonplace Bridge Training Program, intended to help newcomers in exploring the work showcase.

The Ontario Bridge Training Program (OBTP) unites immigrants and businesses and highlights transferable abilities and capabilities.

The province additionally gives free dialect preparing to all workers, a plan in which it as of late reported a $60 million venture.