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Sault Ste. Marie, a small city in Northern Ontario, has just released its official list of designated employers under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This is great news for foreign workers who want to move to Canada and become permanent residents. If you get a valid job offer from one of these employers and meet other basic requirements like language, work experience, and education, you can apply directly for Canadian permanent residency under this program. What is the RCIP? The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a special immigration pathway made for small towns in Canada that need more workers. Unlike other programs, RCIP is employer-focused, which means you can only apply if a designated local employer offers you a job. New List of Approved Employers in Sault Ste. Marie Here is the list of employers in Sault Ste. Marie who are officially approved to hire foreign workers through RCIP. You must have a job offer from one of them to apply. Designated Employers – Sault Ste. Marie RCIP Algoma Tubes Inc (Tenaris Canada) Child Care Algoma China Steel Inc. Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill Extendicare Mapleview F. J. Davey Home Giovanni’s Restaurant JD Aero Technical Inc. Meadow Park Montessori School Montanas Northern Power Train OTR Engineered Solution Para Med Sault Area Hospital Sault Ste. Marie YMCA Viacore This list may change in the future as more employers get approved. Any business in the city that works in a priority sector can apply to be on this list through the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. Who Can Apply for This Immigration Program? To be eligible for RCIP in Sault Ste. Marie, you must: Sault Ste. Marie’s priority sectors include: On top of this, you’ll also need to meet general immigration requirements such as: Once you get a job offer and a community recommendation, you can apply directly to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. How Many People Can Be Accepted in 2025? Sault Ste. Marie has been given 300 spots for RCIP in 2025, which means only 300 foreign nationals can get permanent residency through this pathway in that year. Other Communities in RCIP Sault Ste. Marie is not the only town involved in this program. Timmins and Thunder Bay are also participating and have released their own lists of employers. More towns may join later. 1. What is a designated employer?A designated employer is a local business approved by the community to hire foreign workers through the RCIP. Only job offers from these employers are valid for this program. 2. Do I need a job offer to apply?Yes, a job offer from a designated employer is required to be eligible for this program. 3. Can I apply directly for PR after getting a job offer?Not immediately. After you get the job offer, the community must give you a recommendation. Then you can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. 4. What if my job offer is not from the employer list?It won’t be accepted. Only job offers from designated employers in priority sectors will be considered valid under RCIP. 5. What kind of jobs are considered priority occupations?Each community decides its own priority jobs. In Sault Ste. Marie, this includes jobs in healthcare, education, trades, transport, and manufacturing. 6. How do employers get designated?Local employers must apply through the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. They must be in a priority sector and have genuine job opportunities for foreign workers. 7. Can I apply without Canadian work experience?You can apply if you meet all the criteria, including international work experience, provided it matches the job offered. If you’re interested in living and working in Canada through a smaller community, Sault Ste. Marie’s RCIP could be a great option. The program is designed to help people settle in smaller towns and bring skilled workers to communities that need them most. Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.

British Columbia has announced big changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) for 2025. The province will now only accept 1,100 new applications, down from previous years. Most of these spots have been reserved for healthcare professionals, with a small portion set aside for entrepreneurs and high economic impact candidates. New Rules for Healthcare Workers Starting April 14, 2025, only workers directly involved in providing healthcare are eligible under the Health Authority stream of the BC PNP. This is a major shift from the earlier policy, where even support and administrative staff with job offers from public health authorities could apply. To qualify now, applicants must be employed in a healthcare job and have a full-time, permanent job offer from a B.C. health authority. These employers include: Each of these health authorities will have their own process for endorsing applications. List of Eligible Healthcare Occupations Below is a table of healthcare jobs that qualify under the new rules: Occupation NOC Code Dentists 31110 Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses 31301 Physiotherapists 31202 Pharmacists 31120 Licensed practical nurses 32101 Nurse practitioners 31302 General practitioners and family physicians 31102 Medical laboratory technologists 32120 Dental assistants and lab assistants 33100 Respiratory therapists and related technologists 32103 Chiropractors 31201 Massage therapists 32201 Medical sonographers 32122 Dietitians and nutritionists 31121 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists 31112 Psychologists 31200 Social workers 41300 Occupational therapists 31203 Paramedical occupations 32102 Optometrists 31111 Opticians 32100 Pharmacy assistants and technicians 33103 / 32124 Midwives, physician assistants, allied health professionals 31303 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, acupuncturists 32200 Medical radiation technologists 32121 Kinesiologists and related professionals 31204 Other supporting health service roles 33109 Specialists in clinical and lab medicine 31100 Surgeons 31101 Therapists in counselling 41301 Social and community service workers 42201 Veterinarians and animal health technologists 31103 / 32104 What About Self-Employed Healthcare Workers? Some self-employed professionals such as doctors, nurse practitioners, and midwives can still qualify. However, they need written support from a B.C. public health authority or a midwife practice group. This includes a recommendation letter confirming their qualifications, intended work location, and readiness to begin work in B.C. Fewer Spots and Stricter Selection in 2025 The BC PNP received only 4,000 nomination spaces for 2025 — a 50% cut from last year. But the province started the year with a backlog of 5,200 applications, already over the yearly limit. As a result, the program will focus on clearing existing files and only allow a limited number of new applications. Of the 1,100 new applications, the majority are reserved for healthcare workers. A small number will go to entrepreneurs and candidates who have a strong economic impact, though B.C. has not provided exact details about who qualifies under that category. Around 100 high-impact candidates are expected to be nominated this year. Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details. Credit: CIC News

If you’re an international student in Canada, it’s important to know that the rules around changing schools (DLIs) have changed—and they’re now much stricter. Before November 8, 2024, students could switch from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another by simply updating their new school information on their IRCC online account. They didn’t need to apply for a new study permit, which made things easier and quicker. But starting November 8, 2024, new rules came into effect. Now, most students must apply for a new study permit before they’re allowed to change schools. This means you need to wait for IRCC to approve your new permit before you can start studying at your new school. Temporary exceptions were allowed after the new rule was announced, but those have now ended as of May 1, 2025. So what does this mean for you? If you’re planning to transfer schools, you now need to plan much earlier. If you change schools without getting a new study permit (if required), you could violate the conditions of your current permit—and that can cause serious problems for your stay in Canada. There are still a few exceptions for students in special situations, like when their current school shuts down or their program is discontinued. We’ll explain those below. When Do You Need a New Study Permit to Change Schools? The rules depend on your current education level and whether you’re changing programs or schools. Here’s a quick guide: Scenario Procedure Changing DLIs at the post-secondary level You must apply for a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. Changing programs within the same DLI at post-secondary You can continue studying with your current study permit, but you must still follow all the conditions listed on it. If you’re extending the permit, you may need a new PAL or TAL. Changed DLIs before November 8, 2024 You can keep studying at the new DLI with your current permit if you still meet its conditions. Wanting to change DLIs again after changing before Nov 8, 2024 You must apply for a new study permit by extending your current one. Moving from primary to secondary school levels You don’t need to update your permit if it’s still valid—unless there are specific conditions that stop you from doing so. Changing DLIs within primary or secondary levels Again, you don’t need to update your permit if it’s still valid—unless restricted by conditions. Moving from secondary to post-secondary levels You must apply for a new study permit to study at the post-secondary level. Finishing secondary school early Your study permit will expire 90 days after you finish, even if it says a later expiry date. Moving from post-secondary to secondary school levels You must apply for a new study permit to study at a lower level. When Should You Apply to Extend Your Study Permit? If you’re planning to change schools and need a new study permit, apply as early as possible. IRCC processing times can be long, and you don’t want to risk delays. At the very latest, you must apply at least 30 days before your current study permit expires. There are two important things to know: Also, your passport must be valid long enough to cover your extended study permit. Don’t forget to check your passport expiry date! If you apply before your current permit expires, you can continue studying while waiting for a decision—but only if you stay inside Canada. What Documents Do You Need to Extend Your Study Permit? When applying to change or extend your study permit (because you’re switching schools), you’ll need to include: You’ll also need to include: If you’re allowed to study at your new DLI before receiving your new permit (see next section), include documents that prove you meet the conditions to do so. You can check the IRCC document checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything. Who Can Change Schools Before Their New Study Permit Is Approved? Only a small group of students can start studying at a new school before their new permit is approved. You must meet all of the following conditions: If you don’t meet these conditions, you must wait for your new study permit to be approved before starting classes at the new school. Can I still change schools without getting a new study permit?Only in certain cases. For example, if you’re changing programs within the same school or switching between primary and secondary levels—and your current permit is valid—you may not need a new one. What happens if I change schools without a new permit (if required)?You could be violating the conditions of your study permit. This could lead to serious immigration issues, including future refusal of visas or permits. What if my school closes or loses its DLI status?In this case, you may be allowed to switch to a new school and start studying without waiting for a new permit, as long as you meet the conditions explained above. What is a PAL or TAL?PAL stands for Provincial Attestation Letter and TAL stands for Territorial Attestation Letter. These documents confirm that a province or territory supports your studies and that your application fits within their limits. Can I travel outside Canada while waiting for my new permit?No. If you leave Canada while your study permit extension is being processed, you lose the right to keep studying under the old permit when you return. Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details. Credit: CIC News

Canada’s immigration department, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), has introduced a brand-new Express Entry draw just for people working in education. On May 1, 2025, 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were given to candidates under the education occupation category. This was the first time Canada held a draw focused only on people in the education field. To be invited in this draw, candidates needed: This draw is part of Canada’s plan to target specific job sectors that are important to the country’s economy and growth. Why is this draw important? This is the first-ever draw focusing on education professionals under the Express Entry system. That means Canada is now giving special importance to teachers, instructors, and other education workers, just like they have done earlier for health, trades, and tech sectors. The education category was only announced in February 2025, and now it’s already active, showing how quickly Canada is moving to attract skilled workers. Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025 Here’s a quick look at all the Express Entry draws so far in 2025: Date Draw Type Number of ITAs Cut-off CRS score May 1 Education 1,000 479 April 28 Provincial Nominee Program 421 727 April 14 Provincial Nominee Program 825 764 March 21 French language proficiency 7,500 379 March 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736 March 6 French language proficiency 4,500 410 March 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667 February 19 French language proficiency 6,500 428 February 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750 February 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521 February 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802 January 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527 January 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542 January 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793 Which draws are most common in 2025 so far? Most of the draws this year have been for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where candidates are nominated by Canadian provinces. The other draws were mostly for French-speaking candidates and those with Canadian work experience (CEC). Here’s how the draw types break down: Draw Type Number of Draws Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 7 French-language proficiency 3 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 3 Education 1 What’s changing with Canada’s immigration system? This draw also came shortly after Canada’s national election, with the new government under Prime Minister Carney showing strong support for welcoming skilled workers into Canada. Adding new categories like education shows that Canada wants to fill job shortages quickly by inviting the right talent through Express Entry. This is good news for teachers, early childhood educators, and others in the education sector looking to move to Canada. Should I hire an immigration lawyer if I get an ITA? No, it’s not required, but it can help. You can apply on your own if you feel confident, but a good immigration lawyer or consultant can make sure everything is done right and help you avoid mistakes that could delay your process or lead to rejection. Some benefits of hiring a legal immigration professional include: 1. What kind of jobs are included in the education category?This category mainly includes teachers, professors, early childhood educators, and instructors. Canada will provide a full list of accepted jobs for this draw. 2. What is the CRS score, and why is it important?The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score ranks your profile based on things like age, education, language skills, and work experience. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting an invitation to apply. 3. What if my CRS score is below 479?You may not qualify for this draw, but don’t worry. You can still improve your score or explore other immigration pathways like PNP, CEC, or even French-language streams. 4. Can I qualify for more than one Express Entry category?Yes. If you meet the criteria, you can qualify for more than one draw type. For example, you could qualify under education and French language proficiency if you meet both sets of requirements. 5. What if I already applied but didn’t get invited?You can keep your profile active and update it anytime. Your profile will be considered for future draws that match your eligibility. Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.

If you’re planning to visit, study, work, or move to Canada, the latest update from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), released on April 30, 2025, brings some important news. Whether you’re waiting for your visa or thinking about applying soon, here’s what you need to know. Fast Canada Visitor Visas for Indians Good news if you’re planning a trip! Indian citizens are currently getting visitor visas for Canada in just 18 days. That’s less than three weeks, making it a great time to apply for tourism or family visits. Student Visas Still Steady For students applying from outside Canada, the processing time for a study permit is now around 8 weeks. That’s about 2 months. It’s one week faster than before, which is helpful for students looking to start classes on time. Permanent Residency Applications Now Faster for Skilled Workers If you’re applying under economic immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), here’s what to expect: This means if you’re working in Canada or applying from abroad with work experience, your PR process may be done in under 6 months. IRCC Now Uses Real-Time Processing Updates Since 2022, IRCC has started using real-time data to estimate visa and PR processing times. This means the numbers are now more accurate and are updated more frequently based on how many people are applying and how many officers are working. Citizenship Timelines – Slightly Faster Now If you’re applying for Canadian citizenship, things are moving faster: However, delays can happen for those applying from outside Canada or the U.S. Permanent Resident (PR) Cards Processing This is just a slight increase by 1 day each, so overall timelines remain short. Family Sponsorship – Still a Long Wait For those sponsoring their spouse, parents, or grandparents, here are the current times: These haven’t changed much since last month. Family reunification continues to be one of the longer wait areas. Canadian Passport Times Stay the Same If you’re inside Canada: Permanent Residency Through Economic Programs Here’s how long each economic immigration program is currently taking: Program Processing Time Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 5 months Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 6 months Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry) 6 months Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Entry) 21 months Quebec Skilled Workers 9 months Quebec Business Class 72 months Federal Self-Employed 50 months Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) 11 months Start-Up Visa 40 months Visitor Visa Times by Country Country Processing Time India 18 days United States 17 days Nigeria 93 days Pakistan 23 days Philippines 25 days For visitors applying from inside Canada, the process takes 17 days, while extensions are taking about 140 days. Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents Country Processing Time India 127 days United States 94 days Nigeria 61 days Pakistan 138 days Philippines 119 days Study Permits – India Sees Faster Movement Country Study Permit Time India 8 weeks United States 4 weeks Nigeria 6 weeks Pakistan 8 weeks Philippines 10 weeks If you’re applying from inside Canada, it still takes around 4 weeks, and study permit extensions are currently taking 220 days, which is longer than before. Work Permits – No Major Change for India Country Work Permit Time India 18 weeks United States 17 weeks (big improvement – 64 weeks shorter!) Nigeria 9 weeks Pakistan 8 weeks Philippines 7 weeks From inside Canada, work permits take around 227 days. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) applications are processed very quickly—just 11 days. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Most eTAs are processed within 5 minutes, though some can take up to 72 hours. This is still one of the fastest options available. FAQs – Canada Immigration Processing Times 1. What does “real-time” processing update mean?It means Canada now shows current wait times based on recent applications instead of fixed yearly averages. So you’re getting more accurate info. 2. How accurate are these timelines?IRCC says these timelines apply to about 80% of applicants. It may be faster or slower depending on your specific case and documents. 3. Why does family sponsorship take so long?Because it involves checking many documents, verifying relationships, and medical/security checks. It’s also high in demand. 4. Can I speed up my visa application?No, there’s no official way to fast-track most applications unless you’re eligible for urgent processing (like medical or compassionate reasons). 5. How do I stay updated on my application?You can check your account on the IRCC website or subscribe to Ask Kubeir’s Instagram and Telegram for weekly immigration updates. Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details. Credit: The Economic Times

A new viral video is making many Indian immigrants and future applicants think twice about moving to Canada. It talks about how life in Canada may not be as easy or rewarding as it often seems on social media or in immigration ads. The video, posted on the platform X (formerly Twitter), questions the idea of the “Canadian dream” and calls it a “one-way commute” that’s much harder than expected. Life in Canada: Is the Dream Real or Overhyped? Many Indian families invest their life savings to move to Canada, hoping for a better life. But once they arrive, things don’t always go as planned. The video says that at first, newcomers may survive and manage their expenses, but by the third year, many are struggling with loans, debt, and financial stress. It highlights how Canada is often shown as a land full of opportunities, but the reality can feel very different. Some immigrants feel trapped—they can’t easily return home, and moving again is too expensive. Who’s to Blame? The Immigrants or the System? The video also talks about the blame often placed on immigrants when things go wrong. People may say they didn’t work hard enough, didn’t speak English well enough, or didn’t network properly. But these are not always true. Many immigrants work hard but still face challenges due to rising living costs, job competition, and lack of local experience. Why Are People Still Moving? Even with these problems, people continue to migrate because Canada is still one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants. It accepts large numbers of newcomers every year and offers pathways like Express Entry to get permanent residency. However, the video warns against blindly following the dream without understanding the full picture. It calls the migration process a “Canadian immigration scam” for those who move without knowing the challenges they may face later. The Reality After Landing in Canada According to the video, once immigrants arrive, they often face unexpected problems. For example, they are asked:“Why did you move to an expensive city if you can’t afford it?”This shows a lack of understanding of how newcomers are told to settle in “high-opportunity” cities, only to face high rents, long commutes, and limited job options. Understanding the Bigger Picture This video isn’t trying to stop people from immigrating, but rather to help them be more prepared. Canada still offers a lot in terms of safety, quality of life, and education. But immigrants need to be aware of the costs, sacrifices, and long-term planning required to succeed. 1. Is Express Entry a scam?No, Express Entry is a legal immigration program managed by the Canadian government. However, some people feel misled because they are not fully informed about what happens after they land—like cost of living, job challenges, and emotional stress. 2. Can immigrants return to India if Canada doesn’t work out?Technically yes, but it’s not easy. Many people spend all their savings on the move and can’t afford to go back and restart life in India. Emotionally and financially, it becomes difficult to return. 3. What makes life in Canada hard for new immigrants? 4. Should I stop my Canada immigration plans after watching this video?Not necessarily. The key is to do proper research and prepare well. Learn about job markets, where to live affordably, and how to manage your finances. Canada still offers a great future—if you plan smart. 5. How can I avoid making costly mistakes when immigrating? Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All rights and credits are reserved to the respective owner(s).DM for credits/removal Credit: FINANCIAL EXPRESS

On April 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shared a positive update—Canada has reduced its immigration backlog by 41,300 applications. This means processing is speeding up and people may now experience faster responses to their applications. As of March 31, 2025, there were 1,976,700 total immigration applications in the system. This is a drop from 2,029,400 in February and 2,076,600 in January. These numbers show a clear commitment from Canada to reduce wait times and improve immigration services. What the Numbers Say About IRCC Progress The total number of applications in Canada’s system fell by 52,700 in just one month, but more importantly, the backlog (the number of applications that are delayed beyond the normal timeline) dropped by 41,300, from 821,200 to 779,900. This means IRCC is not only processing more applications but is also catching up on older ones that were delayed. Here’s how many decisions IRCC made in the first three months of 2025: This shows that Canada is still welcoming high numbers of newcomers, workers, and students while bringing down the backlog. Category-Wise Breakdown of Backlog – March 2025 IRCC handles three major types of applications: Citizenship, Permanent Residency, and Temporary Residency (like study permits and work visas). Here’s how each of them is performing: Citizenship ApplicationsAs of March 2025, there were 239,400 citizenship applications, and 43,600 of them were delayed (backlogged). That’s about 18% of all citizenship files. While the total number remained steady compared to February, there was a slight increase in backlog. This suggests that while Canada continues to process a large number of citizenship cases, some files are taking longer than expected. Permanent Residency ApplicationsThere were 852,700 PR applications in total, and 380,100 of them were backlogged, which is 45% of the total. This category includes applications under Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Family Sponsorships. The number of pending applications increased from February, which shows high demand, but IRCC is still moving quickly, with nearly 120,000 decisions made in just three months. Temporary Residency ApplicationsThis category saw the biggest improvement. The number of total applications dropped from 947,200 in February to 884,600 in March, and the backlog dropped from 414,500 to 356,200. That’s a drop of 58,300 delayed applications, showing that Canada is prioritizing faster processing for students, workers, and visitors. Comparison: February vs. March 2025 Here’s a helpful comparison of how things changed from January to March 2025: Category March 2025 Total March Backlog March Backlog % February 2025 Total February Backlog February Backlog % January 2025 Total January Backlog January Backlog % Citizenship 239,400 43,600 18% 239,600 42,700 18% 238,600 42,000 17.6% Permanent Residency 852,700 380,100 45% 842,600 364,000 43% 836,900 356,400 45% Temporary Residency 884,600 356,200 40% 947,200 414,500 44% 998,100 493,700 49% Total Inventory 1,976,700 779,900 39.45% 2,029,400 821,200 40% 2,076,600 892,100 43% Understanding the Terms: What Is Backlog and What Are Service Standards? Many applicants confuse backlog with regular processing. Here’s the difference: What Are IRCC Service Standards?These are the target processing times set by IRCC for different application types. For example: If an application is still within this time frame, it is considered on time, not delayed. What Is a Backlog?A backlog includes any application that has not been processed within the expected service time. For instance, if a spousal sponsorship takes longer than 12 months, it becomes part of the backlog. The March 2025 update shows that the backlog is shrinking, which means faster processing for everyone in the future. 1. Why is the backlog still high for Permanent Residency applications?Permanent Residency is the most popular immigration pathway and includes various programs. The demand is high, but IRCC is working through it, with nearly 120,000 decisions made in just three months. 2. I applied for a visitor visa—will my application be delayed?The temporary visa category, which includes visitor visas, is improving the fastest. IRCC processed over 396,000 work permits and 159,200 study permits recently, showing that they’re prioritizing this stream. 3. What should I do if my application is in the backlog?You don’t need to worry unless it has crossed the expected processing time. You can track your application online or contact an RCIC like Ask Kubeir to help assess your case. 4. Is the backlog going to delay new applications in 2025?In most cases, no. The backlog is shrinking, and IRCC has enough capacity to manage new applications without major delays—especially for temporary and Express Entry programs. 5. Does a higher backlog mean Canada is not accepting immigrants?Absolutely not. Canada welcomed over 104,000 new permanent residents and processed hundreds of thousands of study and work permits. Immigration remains a key priority for Canada’s economy and society. Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All rights and credits are reserved to the respective owner(s).DM for credits/removal CREDIT: https://tinyurl.com/5n76vxf2

In February 2025, Canada lost 49,000 payroll jobs, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. This drop followed a small increase of 14,400 jobs in January. Payroll jobs are counted as people who officially receive pay and benefits from their employer, based on data from the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours (SEPH). Despite the overall decline, some sectors still added jobs. The health care and social assistance sector led the way in job gains, showing that demand in this area continues to grow. In contrast, the biggest job losses happened in educational services, accommodation and food services, and retail trade—sectors that are more sensitive to seasonal changes and economic shifts. At the same time, Canada still had 528,000 job vacancies in February. This number has remained steady for six months but is down by 131,100 vacancies (-19.9%) compared to February 2024. The job vacancy rate stayed at 2.9%, slightly lower than 3.7% a year ago. What does this mean? Simply put, there are more people looking for jobs than there are openings—with 2.8 unemployed people competing for every job, up from 2.0 the year before. Even with the job loss, many industries are still hiring. The sectors with the most job openings include health care and social assistance (104,900), accommodation and food services (61,300), retail trade (53,200), construction (40,000), professional, scientific and technical services (39,400), and manufacturing (37,300). These numbers show that skilled workers in certain areas are still in demand. The highest job vacancy rates were in accommodation and food services (4.5%), other services (4.2%), and health care and social assistance (4.1%). Meanwhile, the lowest vacancy rates were seen in utilities (1.0%), educational services (1.2%), and management of companies (1.4%). On the income side, average weekly earnings in Canada increased by 5.4% year-over-year in February, reaching $1,298. This growth reflects changes in wages, job types, and work hours. The highest paying sectors were mining, oil and gas ($2,429), utilities ($2,291), information and culture ($1,850), finance and insurance ($1,788), and public administration ($1,683). Wages also varied across provinces. For example, Alberta reported average weekly earnings of $1,353, Ontario at $1,340, and British Columbia at $1,299. The highest earnings in the country were found in the Northwest Territories ($1,731.94) and Nunavut ($1,721.44). Despite wage growth, a recent H&R Block Canada report showed that 74% of Canadians are worried they’re not saving enough. This reflects the rising cost of living and financial stress faced by many households. FAQs – Ask Kubeir Explains What does this job loss mean for immigrants planning to move to Canada?The job losses were focused in specific sectors. If you’re in a growing field like health care, trades, or tech, your chances of finding work are still strong. Is it harder to get a job in Canada now?It’s slightly more competitive, but plenty of jobs are still available in sectors that need skilled workers. Are wages still going up in Canada?Yes. Average earnings increased by 5.4% over the past year, and some industries have seen even bigger growth. Should I worry if I work in a sector that lost jobs?Not necessarily. You can consider reskilling or exploring a related field with stronger job demand. Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All rights and credits are reserved to the respective owner(s).DM for credits/removal Credit: https://tinyurl.com/bdzuzvc5

Nova Scotia is making major improvements to how employers apply for endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Starting May 1, 2025, a new online platform called LaMPSS will replace the current system for endorsement applications. This change is designed to make the process easier, more user-friendly, and less prone to errors. The new system will be accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. It includes helpful prompts during the application process to reduce mistakes. Employers will also be able to give access to different representatives or team members within their organization to manage one or more applications, making internal coordination much smoother. If you are currently using the AIP Online system to submit endorsement applications, please note that it will stop accepting new applications after April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applications submitted before this deadline do not need to be resubmitted. They will still be processed under the current system. However, from May 1 onward, all new endorsement applications must go through the LaMPSS system. Employers who want to use the new system will need to log into the AIP Online portal and complete the Access Request Form. This will allow them to be set up and authenticated in LaMPSS. The application process for employer designation remains unchanged and will continue to be handled through the AIP Online portal. If your organization is already designated under the AIP, you do not need to reapply. Your designation is still valid. However, to use the new system, your organization must be set up in LaMPSS. The province’s immigration team will be prioritizing the onboarding of high-volume employers first. If you are not contacted by May 1, you can still request access using the online form available at that time. The new system is designed to be simple and convenient. It is mobile-friendly and provides reminders to guide users through each step. Training materials and support will also be available to help employers navigate the updated process. For any additional help, employers can contact the immigration team by email at AIP-Online@novascotia.ca or by phone at 1-902-424-5230. Although AIP Online was launched in 2022, the department is moving to LaMPSS to improve efficiency and service delivery. LaMPSS already supports other programs like the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), so using one platform for multiple programs will save time, reduce costs, and offer better tools for employers. Now let’s address some common questions to help you understand this transition better. Why is Nova Scotia switching to LaMPSS for AIP endorsement applications?LaMPSS allows the government to manage both AIP and NSNP applications in one system. It helps streamline processing, reduce delays, and improve the experience for employers. What happens to the current AIP Online portal?It will no longer accept new endorsement applications after April 30, 2025. Starting May 1, all endorsement submissions must be made through LaMPSS. However, employer designation requests can still be submitted through the AIP Online portal. Do I need to reapply for designation if I am already designated?No. Your existing designation remains valid. You only need to set up access to the new system for future endorsement applications. Is the new application process difficult to use?No. The new system is designed to be easy to use, even on mobile devices. It includes helpful prompts to reduce mistakes and offers training resources for support. Why did the government decide to move to a new system so soon after launching AIP Online in 2022?The government is focused on improving service delivery. Although AIP Online was a step forward from email or mail-based applications, LaMPSS offers even greater efficiency, cost savings, and better service for employers. If you are an employer looking to continue or begin hiring through the Atlantic Immigration Program, it is important to be ready for this system change. Ask Kubeir is here to help guide you through every step, from requesting access to using the new LaMPSS portal effectively. Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today! 📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services. 📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment” 📲 You may also reach us at this number for all immigration-related services: Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All rights and credits are reserved to the respective owner(s).DM for credits/removal