Immigration

Singapore has always been a leading destination country that stands for quality education in an exciting, multicultural environment. By its latest policy revision, the city-state has made studying abroad more attractive than ever before since the authorities now allow young students to bring their parents or grandparents along. This new policy will be a blessing because it will not only ease the transition of young students but will also provide them with comfort and support, as family members will be close by. Understanding of Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) to Family Members Before the introduction of the recent policy, male guardians, including fathers and grandfathers, could not apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their wards who were studying in Singapore. The policy change allows male guardians, including fathers and grandfathers, to escort their children or grandchildren with a Long-Term Visit Pass. It squarely shows Singapore’s effort in making itself an ideal destination for international students. Such a policy affords parents and grandparents the opportunity to be with their children and grandchildren who are pursuing studies in the country. This policy change ensures improvement in the student experience but also identifies with the national goal of attracting more international students to Singapore based on the value of family support in education. A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass in Singapore If you are one of those parents or grandparents who plans to move to Singapore with a student, here is a detailed guide to help you through the procedure for applying for a Long-Term Visit Pass. 1. Required Documents Before lodging an application, first make sure you have the following documents: All documents have to be original, while non-English ones should be translated and accompanied by an official translation. A recent colour digital photo of the applicant (400 x 514 pixels).A valid travel document (passport). Student’s Birth Certificate.Student’s parents birth certificates. Household Register of the student’s parents. Marriage Certificate of the student’s parents.Divorce Certificates, Deeds of Separation, and approved court orders on the custody of children, if any. A letter issued by the student’s school indicating that the student is enrolled in the school. 2. Application Procedure Eligibility: Either of the student’s parents or grandparents may apply for one LTVP only. Local Sponsor: The sponsor must be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident who is 21 and above. The sponsor can log in to the ICA e-Service using Singpass to submit the application. 3. Fees At Submission: It costs SGD 45 for every application. After formalities are completed: It costs SGD 60 for the issuance of the LTVP.In cases where a Multiple Journey Visa is necessary, an additional SGD 30 is required. Note that none of the application fees are refundable. All fees should be paid online with:A valid Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card.American Express AMEX credit card.Direct debit via the internet from your DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, and Standard Chartered Bank internet banking accounts in Singapore.PayNow. 4. Processing Time Under normal circumstances, the processing time is six weeks if all documents are in place and are valid. Processing may take a little longer in some cases. 5. Application Result The outcome of the LTVP application will be notified via email. The applicant may also check his application status online via MyICA or e-Service. Benefits of LTVP for International Students and Their Families The Long-Term Visit Pass is very useful, not only for the students but for the accompanying family members. To the student, with an available parent or grandparent around, the former feels the latter’s emotional support and security in adjusting to his new environment. On the part of the parents and grandparents, LTVP would mean that they are near their children or grandchildren and at the same time enjoying life in Singapore. On the other side of the coin, the LTVP is part of the Singapore plan’s bigger aim of pulling more and more surrenderees by making the nation more family-friendly. By trying not to lose out on family togetherness in education, it retains and enhances its growing reputability as a student international city. Conclusion The new policy by Singapore, to let international students bring in their parents or grandparents under the Long-Term Visit Pass, is a great step towards improving the student experience. The policy does not only encourage comfort and support among their students but, by extension, rather coincides with the city-state’s goal of attracting, retaining, and developing international talent. To a young man looking to study in Singapore, this new policy will make the already enriching learning experience available in the city-state even better with the idea that your loved ones can be with you.

Since its introduction, the H-1B visa has become one of the cornerstones of the U.S. It reformed the immigration system to allow highly qualified foreign workers to contribute to the economy of America. However, the method by which the available H-1B visas are awarded has more recently been adjudged to be deficient and easily manipulable, not serving the best interests of either employers or domestic workers. H-1B lottery reform is needed for the future to ensure that the visa continues to function as it was originally intended. Flaws of the Current H-1B Lottery System Since its establishment in 1990, the H-1B visa program has been one of the most prominent ways to fill gaps in occupations needing special talent that is not easily found within US borders. However, the process by which these visas have been awarded has always been via a lottery system, which has several flaws. H-1B lottery reform, therefore, aims to address these issues by replacing chance with merit-based intake.One of the glaring problems with the current system is that it is open to manipulation. For instance, IT staffing firms are known to flood the lottery with entries in an attempt to increase the chances of visas for their candidates. It is a clear deviation from the fundamental logic of allotment and pushes other deserving applicants out of the queue. The abuses of the H-1B visa have been so egregious that nearly half of the visas issued from 2020 through 2023 went to firms in this sector. The Case for a Merit-Based Visa System Only an overhauled and rethought allocation process can solve these problems. What is needed now is a system based on merit, as in Canada and Australia. Like these models, it will award points to factors such as education, work experience, skills, age, and proficiency in English to ensure that only the best candidates are given preference.Another approach could be to tilt more towards higher earners, who tend to be more highly skilled and so contribute more to an economy. A since-withdrawn Trump administration plan would have allocated visas based on wage levels, giving greater preference to higher earners than their peers for the same occupation and region. Such a change would serve to ensure that the H-1B program has the effect of bringing the best and brightest to the U.S. to fill roles genuinely requiring their expertise. Moving Forward with H-1B Lottery Reform While many of the recent moves by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to rein in H-1B visa abuse have been incremental steps in the right direction, they don’t go far enough. A system based on its basic construct, founded through a lottery, has no inherent assurance that the best candidates actually get the visas.Ahead lies a clear pathway: the United States must turn to a system of merit-based visas that return talent and qualifications against chance. By doing so, we can ensure that the H-1B visa remains an integral instrument of world-class talent capture for innovation, driving the growth of the country with continued competitiveness in the global economy. Conclusion This blog post gives a detailed overview of the need for H-1B lottery reform and the benefits of moving to a merit-based visa system. It has, in a way, showcased the flaws that exist at the moment in the process and proposed possible solutions to them. Thus, this publication becomes very instrumental in enabling people to understand immigration policy and its effects on the U.S. economy.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program serves as a crucial pathway for those aspiring to make Ontario their home. Since the program’s establishment in 2007, the OINP has grown from a small program with up to 1,000 annual nominations to one of Canada’s largest provincial nomination programs, supporting approximately 8,000 nominations per year. An effective strategy by the OINP for mitigating labour skills shortages, encouraging investments, and increasing the standing of immigrants has to have a wide, multi-sectoral set of immigration streams that addresses many different candidate profiles. Immigration Categories and Streams Different categories and streams of the OINP are geared towards attracting a certain type of candidate, be it a skilled worker, graduate, or entrepreneur. All of these streams fall into one of two general categories: “Base” and “Enhanced.” The latter category is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, and successful candidates can receive an additional 600 points on their CRS score, which goes a long way in receiving an ITA for permanent residence. 1. Human Capital Category Human Capital Priorities Stream: This category is for skilled workers with a minimum of one year of work experience in a high-demand occupation. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet a minimum language proficiency in either English or French that is equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). 7. Possessing an active Express Entry profile is essential. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: This category is essentially the same as that of the Human Capital Priorities Stream but for those who possess fluent speaking skills in both French and English. This stream aids in targeting bilingual candidates; however, this category requires the same type of education and relevant work experience. Skilled Trades Stream: This category was specifically designed for workers working in Ontario, registered, and having specific work experience in skilled trades. The applicant must have a valid Express Entry profile and hold a work permit. Intended to address labour gaps in Ontario. 1. Human Capital Category Human Capital Priorities Stream: This category is for skilled workers with a minimum of one year of work experience in a high-demand occupation. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet a minimum language proficiency in either English or French that is equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). 7. Possessing an active Express Entry profile is essential. French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream: This category is essentially the same as that of the Human Capital Priorities Stream but for those who possess fluent speaking skills in both French and English. This stream aids in targeting bilingual candidates; however, this category requires the same type of education and relevant work experience. Skilled Trades Stream: This category was specifically designed for workers working in Ontario, registered, and having specific work experience in skilled trades. The applicant must have a valid Express Entry profile and hold a work permit. Intended to address labour gaps in Ontario. 2. Masters and PhD Category The Masters Graduate Stream: This stream is created for individuals who have completed a master’s degree from an Ontario university. Applicants would be required to demonstrate they have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the two years leading up to their application date. The PhD Graduate Stream: This stream applies to individuals who have received a Ph.D. from an Ontario university, which, as in the case of the Masters Graduate Stream, share the same residency requirements. 3. Category: Employer Job Offer Foreign Workers Stream: This category is for skilled workers with a permanent job offer in Ontario. International Student Stream: This stream is designed to be an open route to remaining in Ontario to work after one’s study for recent graduates from a post-secondary institution in Ontario. In-Demand Skills Stream: This focusses on workers in sectors with labour shortages like agriculture, construction, and other in-demand occupations. 4.Entrepreneur Stream: This is to assist persons who intend to establish or buy a business in Ontario.It requires a high amount of financial investment and the creation of at least one job for Canadians or permanent residents. 5. Regional Immigration Pilot The Regional Immigration Pilot, part of the Employer Job Offer Category, is specifically crafted to attract immigrants to Ontario’s smaller communities. To be eligible, you must have an employer from one of the participating communities, such as Chatham-Kent, Belleville, Quinte West, or Cornwall. Application Process OINP applications take a number of steps, depending on the category and stream chosen. Account Creation: All applicants have to first register themselves on the ONe-Key portal. This provides access to Ontario’s secure online application system. Submitting through the OINP Portal You must apply for most streams through the OINP e-Filing Portal where you will fill in forms, upload the required documents, and pay the applicable fees. Express Entry-Aligned Streams: In the case of an Express Entry-aligned stream, if a candidate is successfully selected, then he or she will be awarded an additional 600 CRS points, which would bump up the rankings in his or her Express Entry profile. Non-Express Entry Streams: For the non-Express Entry streams, one can apply directly to IRCC once a nomination by Ontario is received. Entrepreneur Stream: In this case, applicants in the Business Category begin with an Expression of Interest. You will then be called upon to submit a full application with a comprehensive business plan. This category attracts higher fees and a longer processing time since the application is quite detailed. Why Choose Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program For many skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates eyeing a promising future, an Ontario nomination is always on their priority list. Whether it is the vibrant feel of Ontario’s cities, diverse job opportunities, or a quality life, the OINP offers multiple pathways tailored for your background and aspirations.

The EB-5 visa is one of the potential paths to United States permanent residency, under which a foreign investor has the possibility to achieve a green card by making a proper investment in the U.S. economy. However, the EB-5 visa lifecycle is very complicated, with many stages of immense personal, professional, and financial importance. Understanding this lifecycle is critical to making an informed decision about the opportunity presented by the EB-5 program and for the positive maximisation of associated benefits. Before Filing the I-526E Petition The official lifecycle of the EB-5 visa commences with the filing of the I-526E petition, but before that time, there are several important steps to take. Analysis of the Source of Funds (SoF) The primary one is a source of fund analysis. The EB-5 visa investment will only be made using funds acquired by legal means, and supporting documents to prove this have to be presented. This is to ensure that no unneeded delays or even an outright denial of the petition I-526E process happen. Choosing Whether to Direct or Regional Centre Investment Investors have to consider whether they will be making a direct investment or using a regional center. With regional centres, the investment is usually less risky because a regional centre would be the one to manage the actual investment and the obligation to create jobs. How to Select an Appropriate Regional Centre Project When using a regional centre, care should be taken to consider several regional centres and projects. This would be done in consideration of the location of the project, whether it could create jobs, and if it was under a targeted employment area with a priority in processing. Filing of the I-526E Petition The I-526E petition is the actual application for an EB-5 visa. The date of filing this petition is the priority date that is important to be considered, particularly with respect to visa availability and potential backlogs. Key Points Concurrent Filing with AoS:Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act in 2022, foreign investors in the U.S. may file for Adjustment of Status (AoS) concurrently with the I-526E petition. That means an investor can apply for the Employment Authorisation Document and Advance Parole while waiting for the approval of the petition. Benefits of EAD and AP:The EAD allows the investor to work anywhere in the U.S., and the AP enables the investor to travel outside the U.S. with very limited restrictions. All these benefits are provided within six to eight months of filing the I-526E petition. EB-5 Investment Deployment To be eligible for I-526E approval, the investor must deploy either the required quantity of investment, which is either $800,000 for targeted employment area projects or $1,050,000 for those projects not in targeted employment areas. The majority of investors make investments immediately upon potential notification from the USCIS with regard to the receipt of the I-526E petition. I-526E Approval The I-526E application, by all expectations, may take an average of 12–18 months before approval. For investors already in the U.S., the processing means the I-485 petition for adjustment of status. For investors who do not reside in the U.S., consular processing must be used, which may lengthen the process by six to eight months. Two-Year Conditional Permanent Residence Upon approval of the I-526E, after the process of the Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing is completed, the investor and eligible dependents shall be granted a two-year conditional green card. Such conditional status by the investor shall be required to fulfil the at-risk investment and job creation requirements of this visa category to be eligible for the removal of conditions. Removal of conditions Conditions can be removed from a green card only if the investor files the I-829 petition 90 days before the conclusion of the two-year mark. The period of three to four years that the approval is pending extends the status of an investor. Such a condition as removal and issuance of an unconditional green card is considered the end of the immigration portion of the lifecycle of the EB-5 visa. Recovery of Investment The last step in the EB-5 visa’s life cycle is the return of the initial investment. It might not be guaranteed, but a well-made determination typically reaps success for the return of an $800,000 investment with an EB-5 financial professional who is regulated by the SEC and FINRA. The return on this investment usually occurs in the 4 to 6 years following the original deployment, which truly marks the end of the EB-5 visa life cycle. CONCLUSION The EB-5 visa is a process that, with the right planning, handling, and understanding about the different junctures, is synonymous with stepping on eggshells. It is from the very first step of source of funds analysis, which needs to be conducted thoughtfully, up to the very last one of investment recovery, that forms the backbone of any successful EB-5 visa process. With experience and current knowledge, investors can increase their chances of obtaining a U.S. green card and developing a financial future.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) serves as a key pathway for obtaining permanent residency in Alberta, Canada. The program aims to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs by the Alberta government, in collabouration with the federal Canada government, to fill labour markets and respond to shortages while maximising economic growth and opening more opportunities for doing business in the province. Successful applicants under the AAIP are allowed to file for permanent residency status with their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. The AAIP does not approve the applications of individuals but rather nominates them. Candidates accept the final decisions of IRCC on all applications for permanent residency. AAIP Workers and Entrepreneurs Teams The AAIP consists of two key streams, with each designed to look at different profiles: the skilled workers stream and the entrepreneurial stream. Within the framework of each of those two streams is a list of specific streams relating to many different candidate profiles that look at both the needs of the labour market in the province and entrepreneurial objectives. Worker Streams 1. Alberta Opportunity Stream Launched in June 2018, the Alberta Opportunity Stream applies to foreign nationals already working in the province: candidates must have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer and meet criteria related to experience, language, education, and their employer. It presents a solid pathway for a class already in Alberta, contributing and desiring to stay in the Alberta market. 2. Alberta Express Entry StreamAlso launched in June 2018, the Alberta Express Entry Stream allows the province to nominate candidates from the federal Express Entry pool. Preference is given to candidates who have strong ties with Alberta or can contribute aggressively to the economic development of the province. This stream’s nomination carries with it an astonishing 600 points added to the candidate’s CRS score, raising their chances exponentially for receiving an ITA to apply for permanent residency. 3. Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway This is why recognition has been given to the tech sector early on, and the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway was established to help fast-track tech industry workers. To be eligible under this pathway, a worker should have a job offer from an Alberta employer in any of the 38 in-demand tech occupations covered under the Alberta Express Entry Stream. This stream is designed to attract top tech talent to help with leading Alberta in innovation and technology. Exclusively for Entrepreneurs 1. Rural Entrepreneur Stream The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is primarily seeking entrepreneurs who plan to start a business in rural Alberta, providing a unique opportunity for those who intend to enhance the economic development of smaller communities within the province. 2. Farm Stream This stream is for farmers who are experienced enough and with the required resources and level of expertise to start a farming operation in Alberta. Key to this stream is the requirement of a detailed and viable business proposal, thereby assuring that new agricultural businesses are well planned and sustainable. 3. Graduate Entrepreneur StreamThis stream is designed for recent international graduates who have studied in Alberta and are eager to start a business within the province. Like the Alberta Express Entry Stream, the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream will rank candidates on a point-based EOI system, and the focus will be on innovation and entrepreneurship for young professionals. 4. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur StreamThe Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream will provide opportunities for foreign graduates with a post-secondary degree/diploma/certificate issued in the last near past to start an enterprise in Alberta. Applicants must submit an application through the online portal of the AAIP. This makes the option extremely reachable for international talent with new ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. Closed Streams In June 2018, Alberta discontinued two streams that were earlier opened under the AAIP: 1. Alberta Strategic Recruitment StreamAlberta Strategic Recruitment StreamPreviously, the stream of this program was occupation-based, but this stream has been closed now for intake. 2. Alberta Employer-Driven StreamThis stream targeted applications with job offers from Alberta employers, which currently has sub-programs for skilled workers, international graduates, and semi-skilled workers.Again, this stream is no longer accepting any applicants. Next Draw for Alberta PNP There are no key dates published for the PNP draws for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. At any given time, the frequency of these draws can differ or change depending on the need and quota established by the Alberta government. It is advisable to keep checking the official AINP website or subscribe to the notification to get the latest updates on upcoming draws. Conclusion The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program offers lucrative options for obtaining permanent residence in Alberta for prospective immigrants, be they skilled workers matching labour market deficiencies or entrepreneurs with vision wishing to establish or expand their business in the province. Across the many streams, AAIP provides assurance that Alberta will continue to prosper and that there will always be economic opportunity for those seeking to call this province home.

There are so many immigration streams in British Columbia Immigration that best fit prospective skilled workers, health professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. You wish to establish yourself in BC’s booming job market or start up a business; this guide shall help walk you through the available immigration streams.  Skills Immigration Stream This stream is an important pathway to meet labour market demands in BC. It contains numerous subcategories that are tailor-made for different types of profiles. 1) Skilled Worker Category 1. Eligibility: Applicants need to hold a permanent full-time job offer in a skilled occupation requiring extensive professional experience. 2. Requirements: Permanent employment offered should be under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 3. Process: SIRS Registration and Scoring based on Education, Work Experience, and Job Offer: The top-scoring candidates under this category are invited to apply for provincial nominations.  2) Healthcare Professional Category 1. Eligibility: Targets physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses, and other allied health professionals who have secured a job offer in British Columbia. 2. Requirements: The applicant needs at least two years of relevant experience along with a job offer in one of the 11 qualifying health occupations. 3. Process: Apply directly through BCPNP Online; there is no need to register with SIRS.  3) International Graduate Category 1. Eligibility: The category is for candidates who have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution within the last three years.  2. Requirements: Candidates need to secure a full-time job offer from a British Columbia employer in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. 3. Process: Register with SIRS. Scores on high-performance indicators invite candidates to apply. 4) International Post-Graduate Category 1. Eligibility: For graduates from BC institutions with a Master’s or Doctoral degree in natural, applied, or health sciences.  2. Requirements: No job offer is required. 3. Process: Apply directly via the BCPNP Online application system. The ideal category for highly qualified people who wish to live in BC. 5) Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category  1. Eligibility: For entry-level or semi-skilled workers in occupations such as tourism, hospitality, and food processing.  2. Requirements: The applicant must have a full-time, permanent job offer and must be already working in BC, mainly in the Northeast Development Region. 3. Process: Get registered to SIRS. The registrants should emphasise the regional and economic priorities that are already underlined.  Express Entry British Columbia Stream  This stream was designed to work in tandem with the federal Express Entry system processing applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Eligibility: This category is open to skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and international graduates who have a valid Express Entry profile, a Job Seeker Validation Code, and meet the criteria unique to each category. Requirements: A candidate must have an approved job offer, except in the International Postgraduate Category, and must also meet wage and language requirements.  Process: An application to SIRS. If the candidate is successfully nominated, he or she will be provided with a provincial nomination certificate, which is valid for six months and grants 600 points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly enhancing their likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Entrepreneur Immigration  For those wishing to set up and actively manage a business in BC, there are various ways to accomplish this through the Entrepreneur Immigration stream. These are as follows:  1.Entrepreneur Immigration—Basic Category  Eligibility: Typically senior managers or business owners with a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000  Requirements: A minimum investment of CAD $200,000 in a business and the creation of at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.  Process: The process is done by registration, submission of a business concept, and, upon invitation, a detailed business plan. Successful applicants get a two-year work permit, which later allows applications for permanent residence.  2. Entrepreneur Immigration—Regional Pilot  This category is for entrepreneurs who intend to establish a new business in a small community in BC.  Requirements: personal net worth of minimum CAD $300,000; business ownership experience.  Process: exploratory visit, local community endorsement, registration. Successful applicants receive a work permit; permanent residence can be applied for after the establishment of their business. 3. Strategic Projects Category This category allows foreign-controlled companies to establish operations in BC.  Requirements: The company must be established, financially stable, and must demonstrate that a significant economic benefit will accrue to the province.  Process: The company registers its interest and undertakes an exploratory visit; this is followed by lodging a detailed business proposal. It is allowed up to five principal staff members to be nominated for permanent residence.  Conclusion  British Columbia immigration streams open wide opportunities for skilled workers, health professionals, international postgraduates, and entrepreneurs who wish to explore a prosperous life in this province. Each stream serves specific needs and requires the right pathway suitable to your qualifications and aspirations.

The beauty, quality of life, and strong economic opportunity in Canada do not blur at the behest of uncertainties and doubts at various quarters of the world. Far from losing its charm, Canada as an immigration destination continues to get approached by applicants from around the world in record numbers, thanks to its immigration programs, particularly through Express Entry. The just-released 2023 Express Entry Year-End Report is replete with plenty of this trend. Canada’s Growing Popularity as an Immigration Destination This is contrary to any fallacy that Canada has lost its attractiveness as a favourite destination for immigrants. In 2023, Canada issued 110,266 Invitations to Apply during 42 draws in the period between January 11 and December 21. This was an astonishing 136% increase compared to the 46,539 ITAs issued in 2022. It is, therefore, a stupendous increase—and clearly at the very advanced level of attractiveness of Canada as a friendly and prosperous land to head for a newcomer. Record the number of Express Entry profiles submitted. The statistics also underline an impressive volume of interest under the Express Entry ITAs. The total came to 488,571 profiles submitted: 67% were found eligible, or 343,875, and 33% were not, with 144,696. This signals a strong interest in the Canadian immigration pathway, and these are parties who qualify based on the requirements set by the Comprehensive Ranking System. Express Entry System and Canadian Immigration As provided by the system, express entry remains one midst of the way to a country, a Canada-Country in nature. It continues the main pillar involving the Canadian immigration policy to be followed and provides an avenue for fast processing of the different economic applicant classes under the FSWP, CEC, and FSTP. The CRS score will outline who receives an ITA by scoring and ranking candidates out of a maximum score of 1200 points. This method is more competitive and efficient for managing immigration to Canada because ITAs are mostly likely given to those who score high. Introduction to Category-Based Selection Draws Another new feature in 2023 was the introduction of category-based selection draws within the Express Entry system. Category-based draws require considering candidates from all Express Entry programs but targeting them against specific criteria like occupation or language ability. In this regard, this change exemplifies Canada’s evolution in immigration priorities towards attracting talent that meets the needs the country’s economy has at any given time. India Leads As the Top Source Country for ITAs In the country of citizenship, India is on top for the maximum number of people receiving ITAs through the Express Entry, followed by Nigeria and China. In 2023, the highest number of Express Entry ITA receipts was from India, at 76,791, with the second-highest being Canada, at 7,394. Repetitive perceptions are, therefore, resonating in respect to both the typical and deep-seated relations between India and Canada and the consequential huge interests of Indian citizens in going to Canada. Remarkably, among the top 10 countries in 2022, Pakistan posted a very high ITA of 1,173 in 2023. This shows that ITAs from different regions are surging in Canada. In-Demand Occupations The work experience of a candidate is a major driver of eligibility for Express Entry, and some skills are highly in demand. In 2023, a large number of ITAs went to candidates in computer, tech, and finance occupations. However, 48% of all ITAs were issued to candidates in “other” occupations not specifically listed in the report, indicating a diverse range of skills being welcomed into Canada. That is the second year in a row that it was software engineers and designers who came in first: 7,259 in total and 5,183 for software developers and programmers. Of these 15 occupations identified by the authors of the report, 10 actually fall under TEER 1 of the NOC system; typically, these occupations require a university degree. Therein is proof that Canada still needs highly skilled workers. Conclusion Canada has remained an attractive destination for immigration worldwide. Far from waning, the statistics of the 2023 Express Entry ITA numbers bear testimony to the rise in Canadian immigration’s popularity. Category-based draws and unremitting high professional demand in different industries are the assurance that the earnestness of Canada in inviting the workforce base will build their economic fortune and ultimately enhance their demographic diversity. With these trends expected to continue over time, Canada will remain the destination of choice for those looking for new opportunities and, indeed, a better way of life.

Government ministers are reportedly looking into tightening the UK’s rules on the recruitment of foreign professionals working in IT, telecom, and engineering. Under the policy, arguably the biggest change since the highest levels of migration were recorded, many thousands of skilled workers, mainly from India, would be affected in various crucial positions. It has been reported that the UK government is pressing to tighten up rules on visas for foreign high-tech professionals. This can alter the current makeup of technology and engineering in the UK. It has been initiated, sources say, due to growing concerns around high migration levels and strong dependencies on international talent to fill critical skill gaps domestically. If implemented, this could have implications for thousands of Indian professionals contributing to the UK’s technology and engineering sectors. This could have far-reaching implications for thousands of Indian professionals integral to the UK’s technology and engineering industries if implemented. The role of foreign talent in the UK The country has traditionally been a destination for migrant talent, particularly in the areas of information technology, telecommunications, and engineering. These sectors have traditionally relied on foreign technology professionals to supplement their thirsty-needed skills. The current visa rules have allowed firms to hire workers from countries like India, which has emerged as a significant supplier of skilled labour to the UK. The UK government is now reviewing this dependency, under the supervision of Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. She has asked the Migration Advisory Committee to assess the extent of dependency on international recruitment in these sectors. This review is likely to drastically change the manner in which the UK deals with the inflow of foreign workers, principally from outside the EU. Changes Likely in Visa Rules Several steps are being mulled in the review, including raising the minimum salary threshold for foreign workers and introducing regional restrictions on the hiring of foreign workers. This could make it more challenging for firms to hire foreign talent, especially for posts offering lower salaries compared with India and the US, for example. The review will further explore the underlying causes of UK labour shortages and examine whether these sectors have made enough efforts to mitigate these pressures in a way that is not reliant on overseas recruitment. Impact on Indian Professionals In the event of any tightening of the rules related to visas, Indian professionals—who represent a large chunk of the UK’s foreign workforce in these sectors—will perhaps be the hardest hit. Hundreds of Indian workers have been plugging crucial gaps in the UK labour market for years. The dynamics may just change with possible competition for available positions rising and a reduction in the number of visas issued. Ganapati Bhat, an IT consultant from Bengaluru who moved here in 2007, responded to proposed changes. There is a need to take up the immigration concerns, he said, but it is also necessary to acknowledge the contribution that foreign professionals make towards the UK economy, particularly in those sectors where domestic talent is inadequate. Broader implications for immigration policy Any tightening of UK visa rules for foreign tech professionals must be considered within a broader UK immigration policy trend. It was only last week that the government postponed plans to increase the minimum threshold for British nationals and permanent residents to bring family members into the country. Applied to many Indian families, this underlined that the balancing act between immigration controls and the needs of the economy and family life continued. The fate of the sector will hang in the balance while the MAC makes its recommendations in the coming months. How this review concludes may have deep implications for the UK tech and engineering sectors but also for the entire UK approach towards managing immigration into the future. Conclusion Any tightening of UK visa rules for the recruitment of foreign technology professionals will deliver a devastating blow to the economy, particularly in sectors that are heavily dependent on international talent. Much as the government seeks to reduce migration levels, it is imperative to consider the value that foreign professionals bring to the UK, particularly helping to address skills shortages. As the situation evolves, so must stakeholders, in terms of being well-informed and prepared to adapt to any possible changes that come about from the MAC’s review.

If you think about using the Express Entry system to immigrate to Canada, one of the first questions that most potential applicants often ask themselves is whether there is the best age for which one should apply. Since age plays a huge role in the Comprehensive Ranking System, this is not really what makes the application successful or otherwise. Knowing how your age impacts your CRS score and other factors to strengthen the application will help you improve your chances of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Age Factors Under the Express Entry System The Express Entry system remains one of the most viable routes through which skilled workers can migrate into Canada, with the CRS score playing a major role in determining eligibility. Age is an important component of the CRS; candidates aged 20–29 earn maximum points. Here is a breakdown of how age affects your CRS score: Applicants aged 20–29 who apply without a spouse can earn up to 110 CRS points, which is the highest possible score for their age.Age 30-34: The maximum points achievable for age drop to 105Age 35: These points drop further to 77, and a continued drop ensues as applicants get older than this age.This could be a bit discouraging to the older applicants. However, one must keep in mind that there are quite a few other factors on which the CRS score is based. Other Important Aspects of the CRS Score While age plays a significant role, it isn’t determined by that alone. Other key elements are: Language Ability: Getting high scores on language tests like IELTS and CELPIP boosts your points drastically under the CRS system.The following factors can help maximise your CRS score: higher education, advanced degrees, and additional qualifications; relevant work experience in high-demand occupations; and including a spouse in the application for extra points in education, language, and work experience. Strategies for Applicants with Lower CRS Scores If you have a low CRS score, all is not lost. Here are a few strategies that can be used to improve one’s prospects: Improve your CRS score. Spend some time developing your language ability, getting work experience, or obtaining further education. Improvement in any of these factors will raise your CRS score. Explore PNPs: Some provinces have immigration programs that have a lower CRS score requirement. This can boost your CRS score by 600 points if you are successfully nominated by any province, thus improving your prospects of getting an ITA. Re-Apply After Improvement: In the event that your initial application gets rejected, consider re-applying after profile or CRS score improvement. Consider Other Immigration Pathways: Consider alternative pathways of immigration, such as family sponsorship, study permits, or work permits, that may eventually result in permanent residency. Conclusion: Though there is no ideal age for Express Entry into Canada, knowing the age factors on your CRS scoring and other elements that would strengthen your application will definitely help a lot. Take care of your language, education, and work experience while also finding ways to settle into permanent residence in Canada.