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BC and Alberta Now Giving PAL for International Students!

March 5, 2024

Ishita Soni

British Columbia Introduces Provincial Attestation Letters for International Student Applications

What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

Moving forward, provinces and territories will be issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) to some of the international students. The attestation letter serves as a proof that the student has been accounted for under a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap.

According to eligibility of the concerned province/s if the PAL is required then it must be included within your study permit application when you submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Why are PALs recently in spotlight?

The Canadian government has made a rule on January 22, 2024, saying people applying to study in Canada should include a PAL, although there are a few exceptions. Since March 4, 2024 Canada’s B.C. province has been giving special letters (PALs) to certain colleges and universities which would help new international students to apply for the permission to study there. Alberta is doing this too, and the good news is that schools are handling the process for international students.

How many PALs will B.C. issue in 2024?

British Columbia can accommodate 83000 undergraduate study permit applicants per year but last year in 2023, about 97,000 people had applied. The government expects to approve around 50,000 study permit applications in 2024, which is less than the 60,000 permits approved in British Columbia in 2023.

Who needs a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?  

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students who fall under the groups listed below do need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):

International undergraduate students whose study permit applications were received by IRCC after 8:30 a.m., ET, on Jan.  22, 2024
Most non-degree granting graduate programs (for example, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and International Professional Programs)
Visiting/exchange and ESL/FSL programs longer than six months
Anyone else who is not included in the “who does not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Who does not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?   

According to IRCC, students who fall under the groups listed below do not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):

All international undergraduate students who have submitted a study permit application before 8:30 a.m., ET, on Jan.  22, 2024
Master’s or doctoral degree students, regardless of when study permit applications were submitted.
Visiting/exchange students and ESL/FSL short-term programs under six months
In-Canada study permit and work permit holders (includes study permit holders applying for an extension)
In-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders
Primary and secondary school students

Get in touch with SPS Canada

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Requirements for applying Canada Visitor Visa

March 1, 2024

Ishita Soni

Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa)

If you want to visit Canada for tourism, to see family, or for a short business trip, you usually need a visitor visa. This applies to people from most countries who aren’t already permanent or temporary residents (like those with work or study permits). However, some countries have a special agreement, so their citizens can get an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visitor visa. eTAs make the travel process easier for these individuals.

What is needed to get a Canadian visitor visa?

To apply for a visa to Canada, you need to fill out specific forms. The forms you use depend on whether you are applying from inside or outside Canada. If you are applying from outside Canada, you will typically need to complete the following forms:

Application for temporary resident visa (IMM 5257)
Family information form (IMM 5707)
Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409)
Use of representative (IMM 5476) — Only if you have a representative or are appointing/cancelling one
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475) — Only if you allow the release of information to someone other than yourself (like a representative or authorized relative).
Collect the needed documentation

When applying for a Canadian visitor visa, include these with your forms:

Proof of fee payment.
Photocopy of passport’s information page.
Two photos meeting specifications.
Proof of financial support.
Copy of marriage license if applicable.
Letter explaining travel purpose.
Copy of current immigration status.
For minors: custody documents or a letter of authorization.
Any additional documents as required by your visa office.

Online applications must have a generated barcode, or if applying on paper, attach a printed barcode at the top.

Ways to Paying Fees for IRCC and Showing Proof.

When applying for a Canadian visitor visa, there are two fees: $100 CAD per person or $500 CAD for a family for the application, and $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD per family for biometrics. Check if you need biometrics before deciding. Pay these fees online, and once paid, they’re non-refundable. Wait for an official receipt with a barcode from IRCC and include a copy with your visa application.

How to show you have enough money for your trip.

To show you can support yourself and any dependents while in Canada, you can use documents like cash, certified cheques, bank drafts, or money orders with enough money to cover your expenses. Verifiable written or verbal statements from friends or family are also accepted if they assure the officer, you have enough financial support. You can also use bank statements, a letter from your employer, or past tax information.

Guidelines for Crafting a “Purpose of Travel” Letter.

When entering Canada, all foreigners must convince an officer that they have valid reasons to be there and will leave when their authorized stay ends. For a visitor visa, this might mean proving you’ll depart Canada on time. Some applicants may also require a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Family Application Process for Canadian Visitor Visa.

If you want to bring your family to Canada with you on a visitor visa, fill out an application form for each family member. You can submit all applications together online or at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) if applying on paper. You might get one receipt for all the applications. Remember, each family member must meet the requirements for temporary residence in Canada.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Canada is the Safest Travel Destination in 2024.

February 29, 2024

Ishita Soni

Canada secured the top rank as the safest place to travel in 2024.

Canada is the safest place to travel in 2024 according to the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection report.
Canada’s top rank is due to factors like good weather, low crime rates, and no discrimination.
Travelers can freely explore Canada without facing problems.
The top 5 safest destinations also include Switzerland, Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

2024 list of safest countries survey methodology

The list of the best countries to travel to in 2024 was made by combining information from different sources. This included survey responses from 1,702 travelers, safety ratings from the State Department, data from the Global Peace Index, and average scores from GeoSure Global for major cities in each country.

People can travel freely around Canada.

Figured out the best countries to travel to in 2024 by gathering information from various places. They looked at answers from 1,702 travellers, safety ratings from the State Department, details from the Global Peace Index, and average scores from GeoSure Global for big cities in each country.

“Mature’’ survey respondents

Although the report does not specify the age that qualifies respondents as “mature”, BHTP survey respondents who fell into this age group ranked Canada as the ninth safest country for travel overall. For this group of respondents, Canada ranked behind:

Iceland
South Korea
Sweden
Japan
Denmark
Norway
New Zealand
Ireland

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Guidance for Securing Your Initial Job Opportunity in Canada.

February 28, 2024

Ishita Soni

How to find a job as a newcomer in Canada

People who recently came to Canada have a lot of potential for a great future. They can go to school, get a job, and have a satisfying career. However, moving to a new country and maybe learning a new language can be challenging. But with the right tools, knowledge, and support, these newcomers can set the groundwork for a successful future in Canada. The text also gives some important steps to help them get ready for a successful start in the Canadian workforce.

Step 1: Learn things on the internet.

Moving to Canada can be hard because knowing English or French well is crucial for finding a job. You can improve by taking online classes like IELTS or CELPIP. For certain programs, like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you need good language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Doing well in tests like IELTS can also boost your chances of becoming a permanent resident. A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is used to decide who gets invited to apply for permanent residency. Good language scores and a higher CRS score increase your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. You can check your score using a CRS calculator, which takes just a few minutes.

Step 2: Develop a resume.

To get a job in Canada as a new immigrant, the second step is to make your resume better. A good resume is important for getting a job because it’s the first thing employers look at. Customize your resume for the specific job by emphasizing relevant skills and experience, using keywords from the job description. If you don’t have Canadian work experience, highlight relevant experience from your home country and focus on skills that can be used in the job you’re applying for.

Step 3: Update your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn is an excellent place to explore when you want to apply for a job. Think of your LinkedIn profile as an extension of your resume. You want it to be up to date, reflect your experiences and what you are looking for next as you build your career. Adapt your profile as you gain work and volunteer experiences; your profile should be growing with you. Also, make sure that it is free of any spelling or grammatical errors. You want your profile to look as professional as possible.

Step 4: Seek out the Right Mentor

To find a job in Canada faster, connect with an experienced mentor in your field. A mentor is someone who can help and guide you in your career. They share valuable advice and insights about working in Canada, helping you set realistic goals. Building a strong relationship with a mentor is important for overcoming challenges and finding new opportunities in your career journey.

To increase your chances of getting a job in Canada, follow these tips: be persistent, understand the local job market, and stay positive. Your unique skills, diverse perspectives, and strong work ethic as a newcomer are valuable to Canadian employers. With the right attitude and confidence, you’re on your way to succeeding professionally in Canada.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Canada extends PG Work Permit to 3-years for all Master’s graduates!

February 27, 2024

Ishita Soni

Three-Year Work Permit Granted to master’s Students.

International master’s students in programs under two years now qualify for a three-year work permit, marking a change from previous regulations tied to program length, reflecting recognition of their potential in the Canadian job market.

Students in certain Canadian schools, which can accept international students, now qualify for a three-year work permit if their programs are at least two years long. Additionally, spousal work permits for international students will only be available for spouses of master’s and doctoral students, with no impact on spousal permits for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for PGWP.

To qualify for a PGWP, international students need to have completed an eligible program at a DLI in Canada that is at least eight months long, resulted in a degree, diploma, or certificate, maintained full-time student status in every academic session, obtained a transcript and official letter from the DLI, and graduated from an approved institution like a college, university, or private school authorized to award degrees.

Note: As of September 2024, students attending a program that utilises a curriculum licensing framework (where a private college has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college) will no longer be eligible to apply for a PGWP.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Canada may allow international students to work 30 hours a week.

February 26, 2024

Ishita Soni

Canada Thinking About Allowing International Students to Work 30 Hours a Week.

Canada is thinking about letting international students work more hours per week (up to 30) until April 2024. Currently, the full-time work policy (allowing 20+ hours) for eligible students is extended until then. It’s good news for students who rely on part-time jobs to cover their expenses. The government might give them the option to work even more hours to support themselves.

Who can work full-time until April 2024?

If you submitted your study permit application or extension before October 7, 2022, and meet any of the following criteria, you’re eligible.

You’re a full-time student (part-time in your last semester) at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a valid study permit.
You maintained your status even after your permit expired and are actively enrolled full-time (or part-time in your last semester) at a DLI.

Will Canada let international students work 30 hours a week?

Immigration Minister Marc Miller introduces reforms affecting international students in Canada.
Caps set on the annual number of international students, impacting eligibility for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) and spousal open work permits (SOWPs).
Weekly working hours for international students may increase from 20 to 30.
The increase in working hours aims to compensate for the reduction in available SOWPs and PGWPs, providing some relief for international students.
Immigration minister aims to “set up international students for success”.
Intended to compensate for fewer foreign students entering Canada due to new reforms.

Study permit applications or extensions submitted to IRCC from Oct 8, 2022, to Dec 7, 2023.

If you’re a full-time student at a Canadian school with a study permit (or part-time in your last semester), or if your study permits expired but you’re still enrolled full-time (or part-time in your last semester), you can work more than 20 hours per week from Jan 1, 2024, to Apr 30, 2024. Even if you got study permission but haven’t arrived in Canada yet, you qualify. But if you applied for a study permit after Dec 7, 2023, you can’t work more than 20 hours.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Popular Courses for Indian students to study in Ireland.

February 23, 2024

Ishita Soni

Top Courses in Ireland for International Students.

Ireland has experienced significant growth in industries like finance, healthcare, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and technology in recent years. This growth happened because many big international companies decided to move their main offices to Ireland, attracted by the country’s low corporate tax rate of 12.5%. As a result, more jobs have been created, leading to a higher demand for specific educational courses related to these growing industries.

Computer Science in Ireland

Computer science is a top course in Ireland for international students.
It involves processing, storing, and communicating data and instructions by computing devices.
The course covers software design and explores fundamental scientific questions about computation, hardware, and computer system architecture.
There is significant job potential in computer science in Ireland, with high-paying opportunities.
Top colleges in Ireland offer industry placements with tech giants like Accenture, Google, HP, Huawei, etc.

Banking & Finance in Ireland

Finance and banking are highly recommended courses in Ireland due to the presence of leading global banks and financial institutions.
Pursuing a master’s in finance in Ireland can potentially lead to opportunities in the top 250 financial firms worldwide.
Major international banks like Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, and JP Morgan have significant operations in Ireland.
Various specializations within finance courses create diverse job opportunities for students.
Graduates can anticipate attractive job offers with handsome salaries in the finance sector.

Medicine in Ireland

Medicine is a top choice for international students in Ireland.
The country has invested significantly in medical research with qualified faculty and good infrastructure.
A 5-year medical program is available for students.
Irish medical degrees are widely recognized globally, including in India, the USA, Canada, Europe, and other countries.
To pursue Medicine, students need to register with the Central Applications Office (CAO) and provide required details.

Software Engineering in Ireland

Software engineering is a rapidly growing and top course in Ireland.
Essential due to widespread use of software and computers in various industries.
Develops skills in analyzing, designing, constructing, and maintaining computer applications.
Ireland is the second-largest exporter of IT services globally, creating numerous career opportunities.
Companies like Google, Microsoft, Intel, SAP, PayPal hire software engineers.

Data Analytics/ Big Data in Ireland

Big data and data science are top courses in Ireland.
They teach students to analyze large amounts of data systematically.
Organizations need data analysts for business insights.
Dublin, home to many MNCs, attracts students for data science careers.
Suitable for those with technical backgrounds (mathematics, engineering, computer science).
A promising choice for studying in Ireland due to high demand in the job market.

These are the best courses in Ireland for international students. These courses have a lot of scope in Ireland. You will get the opportunity to work in some of the biggest MNCs after finishing your studies in Ireland. It will pave the way for you to bag your dream job at your dream company and live an amazing life in Ireland.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Canada’s rent prices increased by 10% in January 2024!

February 22, 2024

Ishita Soni

Record-High Average Rent Hits Canada in 2024.

In January 2024, the cost of renting homes in Canada reached a record high of $2,196, up 10% from the previous year, according to a Rentals.ca report. Vancouver had the highest average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $2,700, followed by Burnaby at $2,600 and Toronto at $2,521. Overall, rental prices in Canada increased by 22% in the last two years, with an average monthly rise of $390.

Following increases of 4.6% in 2021 and 12.1% in 2022, rents increased by 8.6% in 2023.

In Canada, the cost of renting homes has been increasing a lot. Two main reasons for this are the country’s population growing a lot, reaching a record high, and it has become harder for people to afford buying homes. These factors together contribute to the strong and continuous rise in rental prices across the nation.

Average rent in Canada in 2024

The cost of renting a place in Canada depends on where it is and what type of property it is. In November 2023, the average rent for all kinds of places in Canada was $2,149. The most expensive places to rent are usually big cities, and the top five priciest cities are Vancouver, Toronto, Mississauga, North York, and Brampton.

Where Can You Find the Cheapest Rent in Canada?

In Canada, places with fewer people or in the countryside usually have cheaper rental prices. Some cities like Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Quebec City, and Winnipeg are known for having lower rental costs compared to others.

But it’s important to keep in mind that rental prices can be influenced by things like how the housing market is doing in that specific area, the kind of property you’re looking at (like apartments or houses), and where exactly it is located within the city or town. All these factors can affect how much you might have to pay for rent.

Canada’s Province-Wise Average Rent

In December, British Columbia had the highest apartment rents in Canada at an average of $2,500, despite a 1.4% decrease from the previous year. In 2022, there was a significant 18.5% increase in apartment rents in British Columbia. Ontario had slightly lower average rents at $2,446, with a slower annual growth rate of 3.7% compared to the previous year’s 15.5%. Quebec experienced a faster increase in rents in 2023 (10.0% compared to 6.9% in 2022), reaching an average of $1,953 in December. Nova Scotia, after a 31.4% increase in 2022, saw a 2.4% decrease in rents annually, reaching an average of $2,129 in December 2023.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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UK Introduces Ballot System for 3,000 Visas Targeted at Indian Professionals.

February 21, 2024

Ishita Soni

UK Giving 3,000 Visas to Indians Using a Ballot System.

The United Kingdom is allowing Indian citizens, aged 18-30, to apply for visas under the India Young Professionals Scheme. This allows them to live, work, or study in the UK for up to two years. The UK is offering 3,000 visas, and there is a ballot system for selection. The application window is from February 20 to February 22, and it is a chance for Indian graduates to pursue opportunities in the UK.

To be eligible for the visa, you must:

Be an Indian national or citizen between 18 and 30 years old.
Be at least 18 years old on the date you plan to travel to the UK.
Have a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7 or 8)
Have £2,530 in savings to support yourself in the UK.
Not have any children under the age of 18 who live with you or who you’re financially responsible for.

Documents you need to apply for the UK Young India Professionals Scheme

During the application procedure, you will be required to the following documents:

Bank statement or proof of £2,530 in your account.
Valid Passport.
Education qualifications proofs or certificates.
A clearance certificate or police report from India.
Test results of Tuberculosis.

When to apply

If you’re successful in the ballot, you’ll need to apply for your visa by the deadline given in your invitation to apply. This is usually 30 days after you get the invitation.

You must travel to the UK within 6 months of applying for your visa.

as part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

How much it costs.

You will need to:

pay the application fee of £298.
pay a healthcare surcharge of £1,552.
prove you have £2,530 in personal savings.

What you can and cannot do in UK.

You can:

study – for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate
work in most jobs.
be self-employed and set up a company – as long as your premises are rented, your equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and you do not have any employees.

You cannot:

extend your stay
apply for most benefits (public funds)
include family members on your application – they must apply separately.
work as a professional sportsperson (for example as a coach)

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Changes to Rules for Post-Graduation Work Permit Announced by IRCC.

February 20, 2024

Ishita Soni

New Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Eligibility 2024

Canada has made important changes to the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) starting February 15, 2024. These changes are because the government sees that people with master’s degrees can be helpful in finding jobs in Canada.

Starting from September 1, 2024, students in certain programs won’t be able to get a PGWP anymore. Also, the rules for online learning and the time during which you can use a PGWP have been extended until August 31, 2024.

Here are some updates for the PGWPP in 2024 to make it better for graduates. These changes are important for students from other countries who want to study and work in Canada.

Updates to the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) in 2024.

Starting from February 15, 2024, students finishing a master’s program, no matter if it’s two years or less, can now get a three-year PGWP. This change is meant to help them transition into jobs in Canada more easily, improving their chances of becoming permanent residents.

Canada is making a strong effort to bring in and keep skilled people from all over the world, especially those with master’s degrees. This new program allows international students more time to explore job options and gain valuable work experience in Canada after they finish their studies.

How long does it take to get a PGWP?

If you apply for a work permit in Canada after studying, you can work while waiting for it to be processed, but you need to apply before your student permit expires. You have 180 days after finishing your studies to apply for the work permit. Also, you can now apply for the work permit even if you leave Canada after finishing your education.

Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit in 2024.

The changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program are bringing in a lot of new chances for international students who want to study and work in Canada.

These changes help Canada grow in a good way, make sure the program works well, and make it easier for students to find jobs after they graduate.

It is imperative to stay informed and comply with the revised eligibility criteria to maximize opportunities for academic and professional success in Canada.

Updates to Eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits.

Changes are happening for spouses of international students in Canada who want work permits. Now, only partners of those studying for advanced degrees can get a work permit.”

“If the student is doing an advanced program like a master’s or doctorate, their partner can still get a work permit. But if the student is in a lower-level program, like a bachelor’s, their partner can only get a work permit once. This change is to match the partner’s work opportunities with the student’s education level, aiming to be fair and provide the right chances based on educational goals.

Who qualifies for a longer post-graduate work permit (PGWP)?

If you complete a two-year program or a master’s degree under two years in an approved school, you can get a three-year work permit. But from September 1, 2024, if your program is part of a licensing arrangement, you won’t be eligible for a work permit after finishing.

Can you get a work permit after finishing a program in a public-private partnership college?

International students currently enrolled will remain eligible for a PGWP if they meet other program eligibility criteria.

Who can’t get a work permit after finishing a public-private partnership college program?

New students enrolling in this type of program will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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