Month End News Edition – September 2019

Introduction

Below is a clear, structured, and easy-to-read summary of key Canadian immigration updates from September 2019. To improve readability, the content now uses shorter sentences, active voice, strong transition words, and separate subheadings for each update.

September 2019 Immigration Updates – Canada

09 September 2019 – Student Direct Stream Expanded

Canada expanded the Student Direct Stream (SDS) to include international students from Senegal and Morocco. Importantly, this expansion aims to encourage more French-speaking students to study in Canada.

As a result, the SDS eligible country list now includes India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Senegal, and Morocco. Moreover, SDS continues to offer faster processing times, often under three weeks.

09 September 2019 – New Family Sponsorship Pilot Launched

On the same day, Canada launched a new two-year pilot program running from September 9, 2019, to September 9, 2021. This pilot allows sponsorship of certain family members who normally cannot obtain permanent residence under existing regulations.

However, this pilot does not apply to Economic Class applicants. Instead, it applies only when:

• The foreign national applies under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class or Family Class
• The sponsor obtained PR as:
  • A Convention refugee
  • A protected person
• The foreign national qualifies as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child
• The foreign national would not have made the sponsor ineligible if declared earlier

11 September 2019 – Nova Scotia Opens Physician Stream

Next, Nova Scotia Nominee Program introduced a new Labour Market Priorities for Physicians Stream under Express Entry.

To qualify, candidates must:

• Hold an approved job offer from Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) or IWK Health Centre
• Commit to living and working in Nova Scotia for at least two years

18 September 2019 – Saskatchewan Expands In-Demand Occupations

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program expanded its in-demand occupation list from 19 to over 200 occupations.

As a result, candidates applying through the SINP Express Entry stream can now earn an additional 600 CRS points, significantly increasing their chances of permanent residence.

19 September 2019 – Prince Edward Island Draw

Shortly after, Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program issued 122 invitations:

• 109 under Express Entry and Labour Impact
• 13 under Business Impact: Work Permit Stream

So far, PEI had issued 1,030 invitations in 2019. Furthermore, the next draw was scheduled for October 17, 2019.

11 & 18 September 2019 – Alberta Express Entry Draws

During September, Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program invited Express Entry candidates with notably low CRS scores:

• 302 on September 11
• 350 on September 18

Consequently, Alberta remained one of the most accessible provinces for Express Entry candidates.

04 & 18 September 2019 – Federal Express Entry Draws

At the federal level, Canada conducted two Express Entry draws:

• CRS 463 on September 4
• CRS 462 on September 18

Although scores remained competitive, they showed slight downward movement during the month.

20 September 2019 – Quebec Arrima Draw

In addition, Quebec Skilled Worker Program invited 444 foreign workers to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate in a draw held on August 19.

25 September 2019 – Saskatchewan Issues Large Invitations

Finally, Saskatchewan issued 769 invitations to Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand candidates. This draw further strengthened Saskatchewan’s position as a high-opportunity province for skilled workers.

Final Summary

Overall, September 2019 was a highly active month for Canadian immigration. Provinces expanded occupation lists, lowered CRS cut-offs, and introduced new pilots. As a result, skilled workers, students, and families gained more pathways to Canadian permanent residence.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

If you have any queries in respect to these norms, Consult with our Senior Practitioner as we would be able to assess your profile and advise you in the right track. You can call (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada), +91 9586 226232 (Ahmedabad) or drop an E-mail at support@spscanada.com (Canada), support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad) for further information.