The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program or BC PNP is one of the most popular options to acquire permanent residency in Canada. However, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs will update the eligibility criteria for this program in January 2025. These updates are important to prevent the entry of underqualified and inexperienced candidates. The Ministry wants to create better, clearer pathways for international students who can contribute to BC’s economy in in-demand jobs. Whether you want to immigrate to BC as an international student or an entrepreneur, it is crucial that you stay abreast of the new selection criteria for this program.
What are the new changes for international students in BC PNP?
Ottawa has put a two-year cap on study permit approvals in 2024 to regulate the admission process and only allow the most deserving ones to apply. Similarly, British Columbia launches the following changes for international students to save them from unreliable recruiters and institutions.
The changes are made based on how the international students can contribute to the province’s economy. It will be hard for immoral people to take advantage of students wanting to get permanent residency in BC.
Without further ado, let’s check out the possible changes in BC PNP eligibility criteria.
Three New BC PNP Streams
The following new streams will replace the existing International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams.
The Bachelor’s Stream- Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree from a legitimate post-secondary institution can apply for this stream. It is also applicable to graduates with an indeterminate full-time job offer.
The Master’s Stream- Recent graduates with a master’s degree from a legitimate post-secondary institution can apply for this stream. It is also applicable to graduates with at least a year of full-time work experience.
The Doctorate Stream- Candidates and graduates of doctoral-level programs from legitimate institutions will be able to apply for this stream. PhD candidates can apply directly.
Does that mean there’s no permanent residency option for students with diploma or certificate programs in Canada?
No, you can still qualify and apply for other BC PNP streams.
Language Requirements
As you know, there are three ways to immigrate to BC via BC PNP. Those are the British Columbia Express Entry Stream, Skills Immigration Stream and Entrepreneur Immigration Stream. The Ministry increased the minimal competence level of language requirements for all of them except the Health Authority Stream. The current minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement is 8 for the new graduate streams.
When Will The New Streams Be Active?
The three new streams under BC PNP will be launched in January 2025 for international students. While some details will be available in late 2024, you can expect the entire published norms by January 2025.
Do You Need Help With Immigration or Permanent Residency in Canada?
You should certainly keep these changes in mind if you are planning to immigrate to Canada as an international student. The admission processes and study permit approvals have gotten stricter in 2024 all over the country to regulate the international admission process. Whether you are currently studying here and want permanent residency or you are completely new to the journey, our visa consultants can guide you. We equip you with the right knowledge, admission process guidance and documentation details to ensure that you get what you want.
According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, temporary residents contribute to about 6.2% of the total Canadian population. The government now aims to bring that down to 5% by 2027. Thus, they plan to put a cap on the temporary resident permits in the immigration levels plan set in the Fall. Canada is all set to include temporary residents in its immigration levels plan for the first time. The huge, sudden flux of population growth made the government take this measure.
What are the New Changes for the Temporary Residents Program?
Whether you are an existing temporary visa holder or planning to apply for one, these changes will come in handy to you. All of them are measures to promote sustainable population growth in Canada.
Canada will limit the number of new temporary resident visa approvals. It is expected to reveal its first targets in September. Ottawa might be the first to set the targets this fall.
The government has already put a two-year cap on new study permit approvals. This was done to reduce international student’s exploitation and improve the education system.
Miller plans to review the existing temporary worker programs and align them with the current labour needs. He will also reduce the number of temporary workers entering Canada from 1st May 2024.
Canadian businesses that could hire 30% of their workforce from the temporary foreign worker program will now hire only 20%. Exceptions include the construction and healthcare sectors. Seasonal sectors like tourism and fishing are exceptions during their peak seasons.
Randy Boissonnault, Employment Minister, stated that they want business owners in Canada to prioritize the workers already present in the country first. They can apply for temporary foreign workers when all other options are exhausted. However, they need to prove that they have no other option than to rely on temporary foreign workers. So, you can expect changes to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application program as well.
Why are the Changes Important?
It has now become a necessity to limit the number of temporary residency approvals in Canada. That’s due to the chaotic population growth with an increasing number of temporary residents coming in every year. The cap on temporary resident visa approvals will allow only the most deserving candidates to enter, meanwhile letting the country restore its efficiency and sustainability.
The population growth in Canada spiked by at least 430,000 during the 2023 third quarter. Temporary residents contributed to almost three-quarters of the growth. Hence, the government had to come up with new changes in temporary resident streams to control the rampant population growth.
Final Thoughts,
About 313,000 temporary residents fuelled the international population growth in Canada. Miller said he will further discuss the 5% reduction in temporary resident visas in May. All in all, we can expect a significant reduction in temporary residents and foreign workers. If you are planning to apply via any of them, it’s time to be more careful with the application to ensure you seize the opportunity. We have trained immigration consultants who can guide you through the changes and the entire application process. You can consult anytime!
Alberta is one of the best places to pursue higher studies. With the recent cap on study permit applications, it is now more important than ever to ensure that you get the entire application process perfectly right. The permit, after all, is the second-most crucial document you need to arrive and study in Canada besides the passport. You can apply for a study permit once you meet its eligibility requirements. You can do it online though the process is time-consuming and complex, especially because of the new changes announced on 22nd Jan, 2024.
Alternatively, you can ask a visa consultant in Alberta to help you out. From the paperwork to submitting the application along with the attested letter, they handle everything.
Are you Eligible to Apply for a Study Permit?
Here are the eligibility criteria for you to apply for the permit.
You should have a valid passport. It is even better if the passport is valid throughout your academic session.
The visa office asks for an original passport especially if you need a TRV or temporary resident visa. So, make sure you carry yours.
You should submit the Letter of Acceptance attested by your desired university along with the application.
Proof of sufficient funds is also important. The Government wants to know if you are financially stable enough to take care of your studies, expenses and dependents (if any).
How can you show proof of funds?
A bank statement
An official letter from your funding agency
A letter from your college or university conveying that you are qualified for a scholarship award or research assistantship.
These are the basic essential requirements you must fulfill to apply for the study permit. However, you may need other documents as well such as medical clearance certificates.
How long does the permit take to process?
The processing time of study permits varies depending on where you are applying from and your purpose. For instance, let’s say you want to apply for a study permit from outside of Canada. Past reports confirm study permit applications under this category take around 10 weeks to process.
On the contrary, let’s say you want to apply for a permit from inside Canada. In that case, it may take around 6 weeks to process. The processing time for permit extensions is around 75 days.
The processing time starts when the Government receives your application and ends once they have made a decision regarding your application. The time may get delayed or the application rejected if it is incomplete.
What are the Key Changes to Study Permit Applications in 2024?
The Government set a two-year cap on study permit applications to curb the exploitation of international students. They expect to approve about 360,000 applications in 2024.
International students need to submit an attestation letter from the province along with their application. Alberta will set up a system for issuing the letters by 31st March 2024.
The changes are not applicable if you are enrolled in K-12 education, a master’s or doctoral program or if you are a current student.
The Tourism and Hospitality Stream under AAIP gives people already working in this sector an easy opportunity to apply for PR or extend their work permits. This blog is going to highlight the eligibility criteria for you to apply under this stream.
Eligibility Criteria for Employers in the Tourism and Hospitality Stream
Qualified candidates should have a full-time job offer from a qualified employer in Alberta in an eligible occupation. The question is what qualifies an employer in this Tourism and Hospitality Stream.
So, let’s check out the requirements that approve the employers in this sector.
Eligible Industry and WCB Coverage
The employer you are currently working with should belong to an eligible industry. Their nature of business should resonate with Alberta industry codes in WCB or Worker’s Compensation Board.
Water tours, running amusement parks, hot air ballooning, campsites
Ski resorts
Gondolas, ski resorts, running chairlifts
The employer also needs to have valid WCB coverage. If they don’t, a WCB clearance letter will do in that case.
Eligible sector associations
Your current employer in Alberta should be a part of an eligible sector association.
However, you may find in some cases that employers are qualified and yet not a member of the eligible sector associations. Your application will be rejected in that scenario.
Examples of eligible sector associations
Sector
Sector Association
Tourism and Hospitality
Alberta Hospitality Association Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Tourism HR Canada
Recreation and Environment
Alberta Golf Association Canada West Ski Areas Association (ACMG) Alberta Golf Association
Accommodations
Alberta Bed and Breakfast Association (ABBA) Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA)
Food and Beverage
Restaurants Canada
Recreation and Entertainment
Alberta Golf Association Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG)
Indigenous Tourism
Indigenous Tourism Alberta
Occupation and Employment Requirements
Your current job should and the job offer should belong to an eligible occupation.
Examples of occupations eligible for the Tourism and Hospitality Stream:
NOC Code (2021)
Occupation
Tour and travel guides
64320
Cooks
63200
Restaurants and food service managers
60030
Food service supervisors
62020
Food and beverage servers
65200
Caretakers, heady-duty cleaners and janitors
65312
Light duty cleaners
65310
Hotel front desk clerks
64314
Outdoor sport and recreational guides
64322
Are you still not sure about your occupation’s eligibility? Click here to find all occupations under NOC 2021.
Current employment criteria
You should have a valid work permit for an eligible occupation with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
You must live and work in Alberta presently for an approved employer in the Tourism and Hospitality sector
Work experience criteria
Full-time employment with an approved Tourism and Hospitality employer for at least six months
The work should be paid.
It should be authorized by IRCC.
The work experience should be for the same employer who you mentioned under the current Alberta job offer
Job offer criteria
You should have a full-time job offer or employment contract while applying for the stream. Make sure the contract has its verifiable employer’s signatures.
The contract needs to provide you with
Employment for at least 12 months
Paid and continuous work under an employer-employee relationship
Benefits and wages as per the provincial minimum wage
Full-time work of at least 30 hours per week
Which job offers are not eligible?
You cannot apply even if you have a job offer in the following scenarios.
The offer makes you a casual, seasonal or part-time employee.
You work in Alberta but at a place that’s not suitable for running commercial operations.
Temporary agency workers, independent contractors or business owners listed on the Corporate Registry System (CORES) are not eligible.
Language Requirements
The following language tests are available for you to get through and apply under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream.
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test
Test d'évaluation de français Canada (TEF CanaInternational English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Testda)
Test de connaissance du français Canada (TCF Canada)
You can take any one of these tests and need to score at least 4 in each English Language skill or each French language skill. Test results that are two years old at the time you are submitting the application are valid
Education Requirements
The basic criterion is to complete at least a high school education that’s equivalent to academic standards in Canada. IRCC uses ECA or Educational Credential Assessment reports to validate the international student’s credentials and whether it is an equivalent to Canadian credentials. So, you must submit your copy of the ECA lest you will be disqualified.
When don’t you need an ECA?
You do not submit ECA if you meet the following requirements:
A diploma, degree or certificate from a Canadian institution (post-secondary, secondary or technical college)
A valid Alberta trade certificate or Qualification certificate validated by AIT or Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
The AAIP is quite serious about cross-checking the educational credentials before processing a student’s application. Thus, they may request you to provide an ECA if you haven’t already to ensure that you meet the minimum high school education requirements in Canada.
Wrapping Up,
Working in the tourism and hospitality sector is one of the criteria that you can apply under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream in AAIP. Once you meet all the requirements, applying for permanent residence becomes easier. It can be daunting for most to keep the ever-increasing piles of information in mind. This is where professional consultants come into play. They can guide you through the process and help you submit the application without any chances of rejection or delay.
International students are a great part of Canada’s diversified community and economy. The Government imposed a two-year cap on new international study permit applications in 2024 to curb unsustainable population growth. This gap ensures that Canada improves its education system integrity for international students and provides them with a positive experience here. Besides this, here are some other crucial changes for international students in 2024.
What Changes Should International Students Expect in 2024?
The Canadian government brought forth changes in post-graduate work permits, open work permits and study permit processes. All reforms focus on making things easier for both international students and Canada. Let’s study each reform below.
Two-year cap and attested letter
The government limits the number of approved study permit applications for two years (2024-2026). This ensures that only the most deserving get the opportunity to study and pursue a career in Canada.
The new update also requires international students to submit a provincial attestation letter along with their study permit application. This is applicable to new post-secondary students at the undergraduate or college level. IRCC will not accept any application if it doesn’t have the attestation letter.
The DLI provides eligible students with the letter keeping the cap on approved study permits in mind. The letter acts as proof that the student has been accepted within the national cap. The territories and provinces are yet to come up with a plan for the attestation letters by 31st March 2024.
Do you need the provincial attestation letter?
You need the letter if you are:
Enrolled in a non-degree granting graduate program
A post-secondary study permit applicant
Interested in applying for a study permit in 2024
However, you don’t need a letter if you are:
Master’s or doctorate students
Primary and secondary school students
Study and work permit holders residing in Canada
Exchange students
Among those who submitted their applications before 8.30 am on 22nd January 2024
A family member of work permit or study permit holder
The new reform does not apply to students already approved for the study permit or who submitted their applications before 22nd January 2024.
PGWP extension
IRCC announced an extension to the post-graduation work permit from 15th February 2024. International students graduating from a master’s degree program are eligible for a 3-year post-graduation work permit from the said date.
The extension is an attempt to encourage qualified international students to live and work in Canada. The current labour market here needs graduates of master’s degree programs hence the change in PGWP’s length.
What are the eligibility criteria for the 3-year PGWP?
You must be a graduate of programs with a length of at least two years from PGWP-eligible DLIs to be able to leverage the extension. If eligible, you can earn the required Canadian work experience and apply for permanent residence in the future.
Public-private partnership college program
This program enables public colleges of specific provinces to license their curriculum and get them delivered by an affiliated private college. So, students attend a private college but they get a diploma certificate from a public institution upon graduation.
The government discussed some of the crucial downfalls of this program. For instance, they are worried about the quality of education, student services and student support.
Hence, they restricted PGWPs for the institutions that run the program. International students will not be able to apply for PGWP if they enroll in these institutions. However, you remain eligible for a PGWP if you were enrolled before the announcement.
Open work permit for spouses
The open work permit eligibility also changes for spouses and common-law partners of international students.
Who is eligible for an open work permit?
Spouses and common-law partners of international students enrolled in professional degree-granting, master’s and doctorate programs are eligible for the open work permit.
The eligible candidates are also eligible to extend their existing work permit under this stream.
Who is not eligible for an open work permit?
International students enrolled in other levels of study such as undergraduate or college programs are not eligible for the open work permit.
Wrapping Up,
The two-year cap on international study permit applications aims to improve the quality of the education system and support in Canada. The other changes include submitting an attestation letter along with the application and extending the PGWP and open work permit for spouses of international students. While you may find it confusing to navigate through the reforms, a licensed consultant can make things easier for you.
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