Month End News Edition – November 2019
Introduction
In November 2019, Canada and several provinces introduced important immigration updates affecting skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs. Overall, these changes reshaped pathways under Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, and Quebec’s immigration system. Below is a chronological overview of the key developments.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) – Major Changes
(Effective November 1, 2019)
On 01/11/2019, Quebec introduced major reforms to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
Work Experience Requirements
- Applicants must work in an occupation listed by Quebec
- NOC 0, A, or B: Minimum 12 months of work experience
- NOC C or D (listed occupations): Minimum 18 months of work experience
Requirements for International Students
Additionally, international graduates must ensure their area of training appears under Sections A or B of Quebec’s official Area of Training list.
French Language Proficiency (From January 1, 2020)
Moreover, PEQ applicants now have three options to prove French proficiency:
- Take an approved standardized French language test
- Meet the language criteria of a professional order
- Complete at least 3 years of full-time studies in French at the secondary or post-secondary level
Importantly, both the main applicant and spouse must demonstrate high-intermediate French proficiency, equivalent to CLB 7 or CLB 8.
Reopening of PEQ Graduate Stream
(November 1, 2019)
On the same date, Quebec reopened the PEQ graduate stream, which had been suspended in July 2019. As a result, international graduates could once again apply for permanent residence, while temporary foreign workers with eligible Quebec work experience continued applying without interruption.
Federal Immigration Program Update
Federal Self-Employed Persons Program
(November 1, 2019)
Meanwhile, Canada reduced the processing time for the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program to 22 months, offering faster outcomes for eligible applicants.
Ontario Immigration Update (OINP)
(November 4, 2019)
On 04/11/2019, Ontario clarified investment rules under the Entrepreneur Stream of the OINP. Specifically:
- Mutual or pooled funds are acceptable only to meet personal net worth requirements
- However, these investments cannot count toward the minimum business investment
- Additionally, foreign investment programs or funds do not qualify for permanent residence in Ontario
Provincial Nominee Draw Highlights
Saskatchewan Draws
- 12/11/2019: Saskatchewan invited 525 skilled workers through Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand streams
- 28/11/2019: Saskatchewan issued 460 invitations in another Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand draw
Manitoba Draw
- 22/11/2019: Manitoba invited 230 skilled foreign workers and international graduates
Express Entry Draws – November 2019
During November, Express Entry continued issuing large invitation rounds:
- 13/11/2019: 3,600 candidates invited with CRS scores as low as 472
- 27/11/2019: Another 3,600 invitations issued with CRS scores dropping to 471
Leadership Update – Immigration Ministry
(November 20, 2019)
On 20/11/2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Marco Mendicino as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, marking a leadership transition in Canada’s immigration system.
Quebec Arrima Draws
(October Draws Announced November 22, 2019)
Additionally, on 22/11/2019, Quebec confirmed that it had invited 162 skilled worker candidates through two Arrima draws conducted on October 23 and October 29.
Protection for Temporary Foreign Workers in Quebec
(Announced November 28, 2019)
Finally, on 28/11/2019, Quebec announced new regulations aimed at protecting temporary foreign workers from exploitation by recruitment and personnel placement agencies. These rules came into effect on January 1, 2020.
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).
