News Updates

Manitoba Announces Temporary Public Policy for Work Permit Extensions for MPNP Candidates

Starting April 22, 2025, eligible individuals can apply for a Support Letter under Manitoba’s temporary public policy, allowing prospective Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates to extend their work permits for up to two years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current work permit expiring in 2025, or
  
  

• Expired work permit (since May 7, 2024) with an ongoing application for a new permit or restoration of temporary status, or
  
  

• Work authorization under specific sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (as of May 7, 2024).
  
  

• Must meet additional requirements such as:
  
  

  • Having a valid Expression of Interest profile as of January 15, 2025.
    
    

  • Continuous residence in Manitoba since before January 15, 2025.
    
    

  • Currently employed by a Manitoba employer willing to provide a job offer.
    
    

  • Intention to settle in Manitoba as a permanent resident.
    
    

How to Apply: Eligible candidates can submit their applications for a Support Letter starting April 22, 2025 through an online form. Required documents include:

• A letter of employment.
  
  

• Proof of work permit status or application for restoration.
  
  

• Expression of Interest profile.
  
  

Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2025, though Manitoba may limit the number of letters issued.

For more details, contact Boron Immigration Ltd. (204-5105052)

Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) Overhauls: Key Changes for 2025

Saskatchewan has introduced significant updates to its Provincial Nominee Program (SINP), effective March 27, 2025, with changes affecting eligibility criteria, recruitment pathways, and sector priorities. These updates aim to streamline the program and prioritize skilled workers in high-demand sectors.

1. Resumption of Job Approval Form (JAF) Intake

After a pause earlier this year, Saskatchewan has resumed accepting Job Approval Forms (JAFs) from employers wishing to hire foreign workers. JAFs are necessary for employers to receive Job Approval Letters, which are crucial for workers applying for permanent residency through the SINP’s job offer-based pathways. Saskatchewan’s immigration authorities have confirmed that JAF intake will remain open through 2025, with no anticipated pauses.

2. Sector-Specific Recruitment Priorities

To align with provincial labor needs, the SINP will prioritize job approval for candidates working in three key sectors:

• Health
  
  

• Agriculture
  
  

• Skilled Trades
  
  

For sectors outside these three, recruitment will be limited to workers already in Canada on a valid work permit or work authorization. This focus on priority sectors aims to address labor shortages in critical areas while managing the program’s annual intake.

3. Closure of Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator Pathways

The SINP has closed several pathways for entrepreneurs and farm owners/operators, including:

• The Entrepreneur category
  
  

• The International Graduate Entrepreneur category
  
  

• The Farm Owner/Operator category
  
  

As of March 27, 2025, no new applications will be accepted for these streams. Applicants with existing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in these categories will no longer proceed in the process, and their EOIs will be removed. However, applications submitted before the closure date will still be processed under the old criteria.

4. Nomination Caps for Certain Sectors

The SINP has imposed nomination caps for three specific industries:

• Accommodation and Food Services
  
  

• Retail Trade
  
  

• Trucking
  
  

A maximum of 25% of the SINP’s total annual nominations will be allocated to these three sectors. This cap will be reviewed annually to align with the program’s priorities for that year. Once the cap is reached, any additional JAFs will only be processed if more nominations are needed to meet the province’s allocation.

5. Eligibility Changes for Open Work Permit Holders

Saskatchewan has revised the eligibility criteria for Open Work Permit (OWP) holders. Some types of OWPs, such as spousal work permits, are no longer eligible for SINP immigration programs. This change is intended to address concerns about exploitation and retention outcomes, ensuring that applicants contribute to Saskatchewan’s long-term economic stability.

6. Updated Student Category Eligibility

The SINP’s Student Category has also undergone revisions. To qualify, graduates must now have:

• A minimum of six months (780 hours) of paid work experience with a Saskatchewan employer in their intended occupation, which can be gained through on-campus work, off-campus work, co-op terms, or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
  Additionally, graduates who studied at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) outside of Saskatchewan are no longer eligible for the SINP’s Student Category and are directed to apply through other pathways, such as:

• Student Talent Pathway
  
  

• Health Talent Pathway
  
  

• Agriculture Talent Pathway
  
  

• Skilled Worker: Employer Job Offer sub-categories
  
  

7. Exclusion of Certain Employer Types from Recruitment

As of March 27, 2025, certain types of employers are no longer eligible to recruit foreign skilled workers through the SINP. These include:

• Spas
  
  

• Salons
  
  

• Pet care services (excluding veterinarians)
  
  

This change reflects a shift in the program’s focus to sectors with higher potential for long-term economic contributions.

Conclusion

These updates to Saskatchewan’s SINP reflect the province’s strategic shift to prioritize skilled workers in critical sectors while refining its recruitment processes. By focusing on health, agriculture, and skilled trades, and closing pathways that no longer align with provincial needs, Saskatchewan aims to create a more efficient and sustainable immigration system that benefits both newcomers and the province’s economy.

Canada Announces New Pathway to Permanent Residence for Construction Workers

In a significant move to address Canada's construction labor shortages, the Canadian government has unveiled new immigration changes aimed at supporting the sector.

Key Changes:

1. Permanent Residency for Undocumented Workers
   Up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers in Canada will now have reserved immigration spaces, providing them with a pathway to permanent residence.
   
   

2. Study Permit Exemption for Apprenticeship Programs
   Effective March 7, 2025, qualified temporary foreign workers can study in apprenticeship programs without needing a study permit. Previously, foreign nationals required a study permit to register for such programs, which limited opportunities.
   
   

Additional Announcements:

• Advisory Council Creation: An advisory council, composed of representatives from government, unions, and industry employers, will be formed to provide input on wages and the number of construction workers Canada admits.

• Targeted Admissions: Up to 14,000 foreign national construction workers may be admitted to Canada, though it remains unclear whether they will be admitted under permanent or temporary pathways.

The Need for Change:

Canada’s construction sector is facing persistent labor shortages, exacerbated by a housing supply crisis. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that 6 million new homes need to be built by 2030 to address housing affordability issues. As Minister Marc Miller noted, Canada cannot train enough construction workers domestically to meet demand, making immigration a key solution.

Recent Changes to Express Entry:

On February 27, 2025, IRCC expanded the Express Entry system to prioritize skilled tradespeople, particularly those in construction. New occupations like construction managers, bricklayers, roofers, and painters are now included in the trade category for invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.

Previous Measures for Out-of-Status Workers:

In January 2020, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy to help out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) apply for permanent residence. This policy was extended multiple times and saw 1,365 workers and their families receive permanent residence by the end of 2024.

Housing & Immigration:

Housing challenges continue to influence Canada’s immigration strategy. The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan focuses on reducing immigration levels for both permanent and temporary residents to free up housing for Canadians. This includes the creation of the “In-Canada Focus” category, which prioritizes applicants with Canadian work experience to avoid adding pressure on the housing market.

What's Next?

These recent changes signal Canada’s continued efforts to tackle labor shortages in the construction industry while addressing the country’s housing supply issues. For more information on the new pathways and how to apply, contact us.

Important Changes to the NBPNP in 2025

New Brunswick has made significant changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) to make the most effective use of its reduced nomination allocation for 2025. The alterations affect three main immigration streams, and the details are outlined below:

1. New Brunswick Express Entry Stream

Additions:

• Starting March 5, 2025, the Express Entry Stream will accept Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under two pathways:

  1. Employment in New Brunswick Pathway

  2. New Brunswick Interests Pathway

Discontinuations:

• The New Brunswick Student Connection pathway will not return in 2025.

Occupations Not Considered: The following occupations will not be considered for nomination under this stream:

• NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers

• NOC 13110 – Administrative assistants

• NOC 60020 – Retail and wholesale trade managers

• NOC 60030 – Restaurant and food service managers

• NOC 62010 – Retail sales supervisors

• NOC 62020 – Food service supervisors

• NOC 63200 – Cooks

• NOC 63202 – Bakers

2. New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream

• This stream will be paused for 2025 due to sufficient inventory, meaning no new EOIs will be accepted for this stream.

Discontinuations:

• The "In-Person Exploratory Visit to New Brunswick" connection, which was paused in November 2024, will not return in 2025.

Occupations Not Considered:

• Not applicable as this stream is paused.

3. New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream

This stream has been restructured into three distinct pathways:

• New Brunswick Experience Pathway

• New Brunswick Graduates Pathway

• New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway (currently not accepting submissions)

Occupations Not Considered: The following occupations are not eligible under the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream:

• NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers

• NOC 13110 – Administrative assistants

• NOC 14400 – Shippers and receivers

• NOC 60020 – Retail and wholesale trade managers

• NOC 60030 – Restaurant and food service managers

• NOC 62010 – Retail sales supervisors

• NOC 62020 – Food service supervisors

• NOC 63200 – Cooks

• NOC 63202 – Bakers

• NOC 64100 – Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers

• NOC 64301 – Bartenders

• NOC 64314 – Hotel front desk clerks

• NOC 64409 – Other customer representatives

• NOC 65200 – Food and beverage servers

• NOC 65201 – Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related occupations

• NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers

• NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing

• NOC 95107 – Labourers in fish and seafood

These changes are aimed at refining the selection process to meet the province’s labor market needs, ensuring that nominations are directed towards the most in-demand occupations. If you're interested in applying, be sure to check the eligibility requirements for each specific stream and pathway.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official New Brunswick immigration website.

Canada Announces Major Changes to Express Entry Categories for 2025

On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed major updates to the Express Entry system, including the addition of a new Education category, the removal of the Transport category, and adjustments to existing categories. Here are the full details of the occupations affected by these changes:

New Category: Education

The new Education category includes the following occupations:

• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100, TEER Level 3)

• Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203, TEER Level 2)

• Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202, TEER Level 2)

• Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221, TEER Level 1)

• Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220, TEER Level 1)

Removed Category: Transport

The Transport category has been removed from the category-based draws for 2025 and is no longer included in the selection process.

Healthcare & Social Services

The Healthcare and Social Services category saw changes with 8 occupations added and 6 removed:

Added occupations:

1. Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (NOC 32104, TEER Level 2)

2. Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (NOC 32123, TEER Level 2)

3. Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 32111, TEER Level 2)

4. Other medical technologists and technicians (NOC 32129, TEER Level 2)

5. Pharmacists (NOC 31120, TEER Level 1)

6. Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124, TEER Level 2)

7. Social and community service workers (NOC 42201, TEER Level 2)

8. Social workers (NOC 41300, TEER Level 1)

Removed occupations:

1. Educational counsellors (NOC 41320, TEER Level 1)

2. Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203, TEER Level 2)

3. Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (NOC 31204, TEER Level 1)

4. Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109, TEER Level 3)

5. Other practitioners of natural healing (NOC 32209, TEER Level 2)

6. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (NOC 32200, TEER Level 2)

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

The STEM category saw 6 occupations added and 19 removed:

Added occupations:

1. Civil engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22300, TEER Level 2)

2. Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22310, TEER Level 2)

3. Geological engineers (NOC 21331, TEER Level 1)

4. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22301, TEER Level 2)

5. Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301, TEER Level 1)

6. Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100, TEER Level 3)

Removed occupations:

1. Architects (NOC 21200, TEER Level 1)

2. Business systems specialists (NOC 21221, TEER Level 1)

3. Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012, TEER Level 0)

4. Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311, TEER Level 1)

5. Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230, TEER Level 1)

6. Data scientists (NOC 21211, TEER Level 1)

7. Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223, TEER Level 1)

8. Engineering managers (NOC 20010, TEER Level 0)

9. Information systems specialists (NOC 21222, TEER Level 1)

10. Land surveyors (NOC 21203, TEER Level 1)

11. Landscape architects (NOC 21201, TEER Level 1)

12. Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries (NOC 21210, TEER Level 1)

13. Metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322, TEER Level 1)

14. Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers (NOC 41400, TEER Level 1)

15. Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232, TEER Level 1)

16. Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231, TEER Level 1)

17. Urban and land use planners (NOC 21202, TEER Level 1)

18. Web designers (NOC 21233, TEER Level 1)

19. Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234, TEER Level 1)

Trades

The Trades category experienced major changes, with 19 occupations added and 4 removed:

Added occupations:

1. Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021, TEER Level 2)

2. Floor covering installers (NOC 73113, TEER Level 3)

3. Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (NOC 73112, TEER Level 3)

4. Roofers and shinglers (NOC 73110, TEER Level 3)

5. Concrete finishers (NOC 73100, TEER Level 3)

6. Other technical trades and related occupations (NOC 72999, TEER Level 2)

7. Water well drillers (NOC 72501, TEER Level 2)

8. Electrical mechanics (NOC 72422, TEER Level 2)

9. Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401, TEER Level 2)

10. Bricklayers (NOC 72320, TEER Level 2)

11. Cabinetmakers (NOC 72311, TEER Level 2)

12. Gas fitters (NOC 72302, TEER Level 2)

13. Industrial electricians (NOC 72201, TEER Level 2)

14. Sheet metal workers (NOC 72102, TEER Level 2)

15. Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100, TEER Level 2)

16. Home building and renovation managers (NOC 70011, TEER Level 0)

17. Construction managers (NOC 70010, TEER Level 0)

18. Cooks (NOC 63200, TEER Level 3)

19. Construction estimators (NOC 22303, TEER Level 2)

Removed occupations:

1. Residential and commercial installers and servicers (NOC 73200, TEER Level 3)

2. Elevator constructors and mechanics (NOC 72406, TEER Level 2)

3. Machine fitters (NOC 72405, TEER Level 2)

4. Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers (NOC 72014, TEER Level 2)

Agriculture & Agri-food

The Agriculture & Agri-food category saw 2 occupations removed:

Removed occupations:

1. Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services (NOC 82031, TEER Level 2)

2. Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030, TEER Level 2)

Impact on Applicants

These changes reflect Canada's commitment to addressing labour shortages by focusing on sectors like healthcare, trades, education, and French-language proficiency. If you qualify for any of these categories or occupations, this is an excellent opportunity to apply through the Express Entry system.

For a more detailed look at your eligibility, check the official IRCC website and ensure your occupation is included in the updated list!

Canada Announces 2025 Express Entry Category-Based Draws to Address Labour Shortages

Canada is adapting its immigration system to address ongoing labour shortages and support economic growth. On February 27, 2025, Minister of Immigration Marc Miller revealed new Express Entry categories for 2025, including a focus on candidates with Canadian work experience.

Key changes include:

• Priority for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (those with work experience in Canada).

• Category-based draws targeting candidates with:

  • Strong French language skills.

  • Work experience in healthcare

  • Work experience in Trades

  • Work experience in Education 

This approach aligns with Canada’s long-term needs in sectors like health, construction, and education, while also prioritizing Francophone immigration outside Quebec to strengthen Francophone communities.

These changes are designed to bring skilled workers to Canada who can contribute to the economy and help meet the country's future needs.

The new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots for Canada will open on March 31, 2025. These pilots will provide a pathway to permanent residency for caregivers. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent

• Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4

• Have relevant work experience

• Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian family or in Canada's home care sector

Benefits of the new programs

• Eligible caregivers can obtain permanent residence upon arrival in Canada 

• Spouses and children of caregivers are eligible to apply for work permits or study permits 

• Caregivers can work in a variety of settings, including temporary or part-time care 

Latest Canada Immigration Express Entry Update – February 2025

February 19, 2025

• Round Type: French Language Proficiency (Version 1)

• Invitations Issued: 6,500

• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 428

February 17, 2025

• Round Type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Invitations Issued: 646

• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 750

Stay updated with the latest immigration news and opportunities!

Expression of Interest Draw #239 – February 20, 2025

The latest Expression of Interest (EOI) draw was held on February 20, 2025, with invitations issued in the following streams:

International Education Stream
This stream targeted candidates who:

• Hold a Master’s Degree or higher.

• Have a close relative in Manitoba who is a Canadian permanent resident or citizen and has been residing in Manitoba for at least one year.

• Profiles that met the eligibility requirements for the International Education Stream were considered.

Number of Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) Issued: 19

Skilled Worker Overseas
This category focused on candidates who were directly invited by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) under a strategic recruitment initiative.

Number of Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) Issued: 22
Lowest Ranking Score for Skilled Worker Overseas: 711

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, contact us.

Low-Wage LMIA Update: Regions Now Ineligible for Processing

As of January 10, 2025, Canada’s federal government has updated its list of regions where low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will no longer be processed. This applies to census metropolitan areas (CMAs) with unemployment rates of 6% or higher, as part of changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Affected CMAs (Unemployment Rate > 6%):

• St. John's, NL (6%)

• Saint John, NB (6.1%)

• Montréal, QC (6.2%)

• Oshawa, ON (7.5%)

• Toronto, ON (7.9%)

• Hamilton, ON (6.3%)

• St. Catharines-Niagara, ON (6.2%)

• Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, ON (7.3%)

• Guelph, ON (6.2%)

• London, ON (6.4%)

• Windsor, ON (8.8%)

• Barrie, ON (6%)

• Regina, SK (6.1%)

• Calgary, AB (7.5%)

• Edmonton, AB (6.8%)

The list will be updated every three months, with the next revision due on April 4, 2025.

What does this mean?

If you're an employer or employee looking to apply for a low-wage LMIA in one of these CMAs, your application will not be processed unless you meet the new criteria. The low-wage stream is available for positions that pay below the provincial wage threshold, and employers in affected regions will need to either raise the wage for the position or consider relocating the job to an eligible area.

What was previously on the list?

Several cities that were previously on the list, such as Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa-Gatineau, and Abbotsford-Mission, are now eligible again after their unemployment rates fell below 6%.

Express Entry Draw #333 – January 23, 2025: Canadian Experience Class

On January 23, 2025, the Canadian government issued 4,000 invitations to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class category. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 527. Candidates with a CRS score of 527 or higher were invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

The tie-breaking rule for this round was set to July 23, 2024, at 07:06:43 UTC. In case multiple candidates had the same CRS score, the tie-breaker was applied based on the date and time of their Express Entry profile submission.

This round continues Canada's commitment to selecting skilled workers for immigration through the Express Entry system.

Ontario has launched the REDI Pilot Program to attract up to 800 skilled immigrants to rural and northern regions of the province! 🌱 Running from Jan 2 to Dec 31, 2025, the program targets regions like Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay.

🔑 Eligibility:

• Must have a qualifying job offer in these regions

• Available for various streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills

• Candidates can apply directly for Canadian permanent residence after receiving provincial nomination.

The goal? Fill critical labour shortages in sectors like healthcare, tech, and trades, while boosting Ontario's economy! 🚀💼

Skilled Worker in Manitoba

145 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) issued

Lowest ranking score: 838

Considered: Applicants or spouses with post-secondary education in Manitoba

Skilled Worker Overseas (Winkler)

52 LAAs issued

Lowest ranking score: 615

Considered: Applicants with Winkler as their Manitoba destination

Starting January 21, 2025, the Government of Canada is introducing changes to the eligibility for open work permits (OWP) for spouses of international students and foreign workers.

Here's what you need to know:

🔑 For Spouses of International Students:

OWPs will only be available to spouses of students enrolled in:

Master’s programs (16 months or longer)

Doctoral programs

Select professional and eligible programs

🔑 For Spouses of Foreign Workers:

OWPs will be limited to spouses of foreign workers employed in:

TEER 0 or 1 occupations

Certain TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages or linked to government priorities (e.g., natural sciences, healthcare, construction, education, and more)

💼 Key Requirements:

The foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit when their spouse applies for the OWP.

Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for a family OWP.

⚖ What about existing permits?

Approved OWPs under the previous measures will remain valid until expiration.

Family members may apply to renew their permits as long as they meet the criteria.

🚨 Who is NOT impacted?

Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements

Spouses of those transitioning to permanent residence

If you no longer qualify for a family OWP, you can apply for any other work permit you’re eligible for!

🗓 Mark your calendars: January 21, 2025 – the new rules take effect!