In this week’s immigration news roundup, we bring you the latest developments from Canada’s immigration landscape. From minimum wage increases to Express Entry draws, sponsorship changes, and more, we’ve got you covered.
Minimum Wage on the Rise in 6 Provinces
Canada’s minimum wage is on the rise in several provinces. Here’s a quick overview:
- Ontario: $16.65 per hour
- Manitoba: $15.30 per hour
- Saskatchewan: $14 per hour
- PEI, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland: $15 per hour
Multiple Express Entry Draws Invite Thousands
This past week, Canada conducted multiple Express Entry draws, extending invitations to over 4,300 individuals for residency in the country. Here’s a breakdown of the draws:
- 600 invitations were category-based for agriculture/agri-food occupations with a CRS score of 354.
- Another 500 invitations were extended to French-speaking candidates with a CRS score of 472.
- Candidates for the no-program Express Entry draw require a CRS score of 504.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) considers various factors like age, language capability, work experience, and education. The 2022 Express Entry annual report revealed that most profiles submitted fell within the CRS score range of 301 to 500.
RCMP Structure Removed at Roxham Road Crossing
Quebec’s Roxham Road crossing witnessed the removal of the final RCMP structure last Monday. Since 2017, this unofficial border crossing has been used by over 100,000 migrants seeking asylum in Canada from upstate New York. Reportedly, the structure was no longer necessary due to reduced asylum seekers in the region, leading to the discontinuation of 24/7 RCMP patrols. The structure was initially built in response to increased border control measures in the United States.
One-Button Canadian Oath Considered
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, is considering a streamlined approach to citizenship oaths. He envisions the possibility of new Canadians taking their oath with a simple click of a button, eliminating the need for physical or virtual ceremonies. This move aims to provide convenience, especially for residents in remote or rural communities, reducing the burden of traveling long distances for the oath-taking ceremony.
New Sponsorship Method for Parents and Grandparents
The Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new sponsorship method for parents and grandparents. From October 10 to 23, Ottawa will invite 24,000 people to submit applications for family reunification under the Parents and Grandparents Program. However, only 15,000 of these applications will be accepted. To be considered, candidates must have submitted their names to the lottery system, as Interest to Sponsor (ITS) forms have not been accepted since 2020. Individuals who did not qualify to apply in 2020 will not be considered.
References
For more in-depth information on these developments, you can refer to the following sources:
- Robitaille, E. “IRCC Invites Candidates in First-Ever Category-Based Express Entry Draw for Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations” – CIC News
- “6 Canadian Provinces to Increase Minimum Wage Rate from October 1, 2023” – Kannsas Overseas Careers
- Duarte, I. “Express Entry Draw 265: 3,000 Invited in All-Program Draw”
- Sivakumar, V., Hornstein, J. “Canada Releases 2022 Annual Report on Express Entry” – CIC News
- Zapata, K. “‘I’m Frozen Out’: Canadians Question Immigration Department’s Approach to Parent, Grandparent Sponsorship” – CBC News
- “RCMP Demolish Last Structure at Quebec’s Roxham Road Crossing” – Toronto Sun
- “One-Click Citizenship Oath Still Worth Considering, New Immigration Minister Says” – National Post
