Taca Immigration Consultancy

Hello students,

There are significant changes coming to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) requirements, starting from November 1, 2024. These updates won’t affect those who apply for their PGWP before that date. Below are the key changes you need to be aware of:

1. English Language Requirement for PGWP:
- If you've completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, you will now be required to take an English language test and achieve a minimum score of CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark).
- For those who have completed college programs, a CLB 5 score will be required.
- You must take the general version of the English test.

2. Eligible Fields of Study:
- PGWP eligibility will be tied to specific fields of study that align with occupations facing long-term shortages in Canada. If your program falls into one of the following categories, you will qualify for a PGWP:
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transportation occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations

For a full list of eligible fields of study, visit the link here:

[Eligible Occupations](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/study-requirements.html -of-study)

Make sure you review these changes carefully to see how they might affect you!

If you need help or require clarification, do not hesitate to contact professionals to ensure you are on the right path.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Miller says people in the Gaza Strip who have Canadian relatives will now be able to apply for temporary visas to Canada, but the federal government cannot guarantee them safe passage out of the besieged Palestinian territory. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Some skilled trades that have been in high demand in Ontario include:
1. Electricians
2. Welders
3. Plumbers
4. Carpenters
5. Heavy Equipment Operators
6. Industrial Mechanics (Millwrights)
7. HVAC Technicians
8. Construction Managers
9. Elevator Mechanics
10. Steamfitters/Pipefitters

There will be more than 100,000 construction (trades and skilled workers) over the course of time, and this labour shortage will require welcoming newcomers from abroad.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1719474174719045865

IRCC Announces New International Student Program Improvements Today, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is announcing steps to strengthen the International Student Program of Canada.

Work Permit Wage Requirements

Starting from January 1, 2024, employers must conduct yearly assessments of the wages for temporary foreign workers, adjusting them to match the prevailing wage rates for their specific job and location in Canada. These periodic wage reviews are designed to guarantee that companies consistently compensate temporary foreign workers in line with the current market rates throughout their employment.

CBC News
1.7 Million on Temporary Permits
Migrants, including undocumented individuals, students, and refugees, took to the streets in cities across Canada on Sunday to demand permanent residency status for all, just ahead of the resumption of federal parliament on Monday. In Toronto, protesters marched through downtown, temporarily disrupting traffic in the Yonge Street and Dundas Street intersection.

To learn more, please follow this link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/migrant-march-yonge-and-dundas-sunday-1.6969787

Four new English tests have been approved for study visas via Student Direct Stream (SDS) applications submitted after August 10, 2023.
The expense for PTE Academic amounts to $330 in addition to applicable taxes.
Scores ranging between 10 and 90 are assigned to your proficiency in writing, speaking, listening, and reading.
For further information or to schedule the test, you can visit the following link: [https://www.pearsonpte.com/](https://www.pearsonpte.com/)

IRCC recently announced:
"Starting July 31, 2023 you’ll need to set up multi-factor authentication if you’re:
- creating an account using GCKey
- using GCKey to sign in to an existing account

Multi-factor authentication helps keep your IRCC accounts secure. Each time you use GCKey to access your account, you’ll need to use your multi-factor authentication method to confirm your identity. This mandatory step helps protect your personal information by preventing unauthorized access to your account.

Have questions about the process? Find answers about multi-factor authentication for GCKey: https://canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/multi-factor-authentication.html"

I am thrilled to hear that the Federal Government is taking decisive steps to assist refugee claimants. Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, has made an important announcement about providing funding to ensure that affected communities have the means to provide shelter for vulnerable asylum claimants seeking protection in Canada.

To this end, the government will be making a one-time injection of approximately $212 million into the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which will be extended until March 31, 2024. This much-needed support will help in keeping a roof over the heads of those seeking refuge, making a positive impact on their lives and ensuring their safety and well-being during their stay in Canada.

Hello young people! Exciting news awaits you. A remarkable opportunity has emerged with the recent signing of an expanded youth mobility program between Canada and the United Kingdom. Commencing in 2024, this program is now accessible to individuals aged 18 to 35 (previously limited to 30), offering an extended duration of three years instead of two. This advancement amplifies your prospects to not only work and explore but also to immerse yourselves in the rich cultural experiences each country has to offer. Seize this extraordinary chance and embark on a journey of growth and discovery. Do not let this exceptional opportunity slip away!