How International Graduates Can Benefit from Canada’s New PGWP Policy | Swift Immigration Solutions Inc.

NOC

As Canada continues to experience economic growth, there has been a rising demand for highly-skilled and talented workers to fill various labour market shortages. In light of this, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, recently announced that foreign nationals with expired or expiring post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) will now be eligible for an additional or extended work permit for up to 18 months.

  • The new policy allows international graduates with a recently expired or expiring PGWP to apply for an additional or extended work permit to stay longer and gain additional work experience for up to 18 months.
  • The recent announcement by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, regarding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is a significant development for international graduates who are already in Canada or planning to come to Canada for studies.
  • This is good news for international graduates who want to continue working in Canada and gain valuable work experience that can lead to permanent residency in Canada.

As a reputable immigration consulting firm, Swift Immigration Solutions Inc is thrilled to hear about this recent development. Our team of experienced professionals understands that PGWPs play an important role in allowing international graduates to obtain Canadian work experience. This experience often leads to permanent residency opportunities, as tens of thousands of graduates transition to permanent residency each year. With this new policy in place, we can help our clients apply for an open work permit and guide them through the process of restoring their status, even if they are beyond the 90-day restoration period.

At Swift Immigration Solutions Inc, we offer a wide range of services to assist our clients with post-graduation work permit applications, including extensions and renewals. We are dedicated to helping international graduates achieve their career goals and make the most of their time in Canada. Our team is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in immigration law, ensuring that our clients receive accurate and reliable advice.

This is an excellent opportunity for international graduates who are interested in gaining more work experience and contributing to the Canadian economy. We encourage our clients and those interested in our services to log into their online IRCC Secure Account starting April 6, 2023, to opt in and update key personal information. We will also be providing instructions on how to apply for the extended or additional work permit on our website in the weeks ahead.

In conclusion, Swift Immigration Solutions Inc is excited about this new development that will allow international graduates to gain valuable work experience in Canada. Our team is ready to provide guidance and support to clients seeking to apply for an open work permit and take advantage of this opportunity. Contact us today to learn more about our post-graduation work permit services and how we can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.

Major change in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system

NOC

Also referred at NOC 2021 version 1.0 , this new classification replaces the skill level O, A, B that we have been using in immigration. The new categorization is based on these 4 pillars Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities ( TEER). These changes are in full effect and will have impacts on people applying for Express Entry, PNP or other immigration programs.

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) Canada is a classification of occupations designed to analyze and communicate information about occupations. The last major change to the NOC was done in 2011.

 What  are the changes to look out for?

  • The five-category skill level O,A,B,C,D is being replaced with a six-category system TEER 0 through TEER 5
  • The 4-digit occupation codes as we knew them will now be 5-digit codes.
  • New occupations eligible for Canada Immigration

TEER categories and occupations

new NOC classification

Source: Canada.ca

How to transition from NOC to TEER

Skill level 0 is replaced by TEER 0

Skill level A is replaced by TEER 1

Skill level B is replaced by TEER 2 and TEER 3

Skill level C is replaced by TEER 4

Skill level D is replaced by TEER 5

Let’s take a look back at the skill levels O,A,B

 

What is the impact for Immigration

Those who have received an ITA before November 16th must use the NOC system to apply for Express Entry. Whoever got an ITA after November 16th must use the NOC 2021 classification when submitting their application.

Because of the new categorization, 16 new occupations are now eligible to apply for Express Entry

  • Payroll administrators
  • Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
  • Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
  • Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
  • Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
  • Sheriffs and bailiffs
  • Correctional service officers
  • By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
  • Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
  • Residential and commercial installers and servicers
  • Pest controllers and fumigators
  • Other repairers and servicers
  • Transport truck drivers
  • Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
  • Heavy equipment operators
  • Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors

“Using the new NOC categories will allow Canada to bring in global talent in high-demand sectors like health care, construction, and transportation.” Source: Canada.ca

If you are still unsure about where to get started with your Express Entry application, book a consultation with our immigration consultant Neerja Bhandari.

 

Express Entry – Canada invites skilled immigrants for the first time since 2020

Express Entry Canada, Immigrants to Canada

With a cut-off score (CRS) of 557, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 1,500 Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence on July 6th, 2022.

This is big news for skilled workers overseas who have been waiting for this news since December 2020, which is the last date an Express Entry draw was done.
Part of today’s draw also includes CEC draws that have been paused since September 2021

What is Express Entry
Express Entry came into operation on January 1, 2015, where potential candidates make expressions of interest in Immigrating to Canada by creating an Express Entry profile and providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education and other personal information. If they are eligible for at least one of the mentioned programs, then they enter the Express Entry pool. It is the main canal for Canada to address their labour shortage. By 2024 Canada is set to welcome 110 000 FSW each year.

Learn if you are eligible for express entry

CEC
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration category for Canada’s temporary foreign workers who wish to become permanent residents. Temporary foreign workers are ideal candidates for Canadian immigration (permanent residency). Having obtained Canadian work experience, these individuals have already adapted to the Canadian way of life and have established important networks in their communities and careers. Canadian Experience Class applications are processed through the express entry system for immigration to Canada. Eligible candidates must make an expression of interest in immigrating to Canada, create an online Express Entry profile, and receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence. CEC is important for international students who have finished their work experience and wish to move permanently to Canada

Learn if you are eligible for CEC

Those invited for permanent residence have 60 days to submit their applications to IRCC. IRCC aims to process most applications within 6 months or less.