Podcasts about Express Entry

Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, and I am Joy Stephen, an authorized Canadian Immigration practitioner bringing out this Express Entry Pick. I am coming to you from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, OntarioLatest Express Entry Pick Information:  Round Number: 374 Date: October 27, 2025 Number of Invitations: 302 Lowest CRS: 761 For: PNPThis selection is for PNP. Candidates above this score should have received your invitations by now. However, some candidates with the lowest score could also have received an invitation.  | You can always access past Express Entry picks by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/EEP/.    Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant. Support the show

Most Recent Express Entry Pick bearing Intake number 375 for CECGood day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, and I am Joy Stephen, an authorized Canadian Immigration practitioner bringing out this Express Entry Pick. I am coming to you from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario Latest Express Entry Pick Information:  Round Number: 375Date: October 28, 2025Number of Invitations: 1,000Lowest CRS: 533For: CECCandidates above this score should have received your invitations by now. However, some candidates with the lowest score could also have received an invitation. You can always access past Express Entry picks by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/EEP/.    Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.Support the show

Most Recent Express Entry Pick bearing Intake number for FrenchGood day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, and I am Joy Stephen, an authorized Canadian Immigration practitioner bringing out this Express Entry Pick. I am coming to you from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, OntarioLatest Express Entry Pick Information:Round Number: 376Date: October 29, 2025Number of Invitations: 6,000Lowest CRS: 416This selection is for French. Candidates above this score should have received your invitations by now. However, some candidates with the lowest score could also have received an invitation. You can always access past Express Entry picks by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/EEP/.    Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/cWe highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoomOur dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.Support the show

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Labour & Express Entry Invitations by Prince Edward Island on  October 27, 2025Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial News Bulletin from the province of Prince Edward Island. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.Additional Infor and News release by province:Prince Edward Island selected potential provincial nominees under Labour & Express Entry Invitations,This is the news release by the province:Round Number: Not ApplicableDate: October 27, 2025Number of Invitations: 159Lowest CRS: Not ApplicableYou can always access past news from the Province of Prince Edward Island by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/pe/.Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c.We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom.Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.Support the show

Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial News Bulletin from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry on October 10 2025.  Additional Infor and News release by province:Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry, This is the news release by the province:     Round Number: Not applicableDate: October 10, 2025Number of Invitations: 41Lowest CRS or Provincial Score: Not ApplicableStay informed about past events in Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab  If you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Federal Canadian Experience Class or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you need guidance post-selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us via https://myar.me/c.  We highly recommend attending our complimentary Zoom resource meetings held every Thursday. We kindly request you to thoroughly review the available resources. Subsequently, if you have any questions, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session on Fridays. You can find details for both these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom.  Our dedicated team is committed to providing professional assistance throughout your immigration journey. Furthermore, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, accessible at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.  

Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial News Bulletin from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors Aviation on  October 16 2025.   Additional Infor and News release by province:  Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors Aviation, This is the news release by the province:   Round Number: Not applicable Date: October 16, 2025Number of Invitations: 13Lowest CRS or Provincial Score: Not ApplicableStay informed about past events in Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab  If you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Federal Canadian Experience Class or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you need guidance post-selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us via https://myar.me/c.  We highly recommend attending our complimentary Zoom resource meetings held every Thursday. We kindly request you to thoroughly review the available resources. Subsequently, if you have any questions, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session on Fridays. You can find details for both these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom.  Our dedicated team is committed to providing professional assistance throughout your immigration journey. Furthermore, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, accessible at https://ircnews.ca/consultant. 

Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial News Bulletin from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.  Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry on  October 8 2025.   Additional Infor and News release by province:  Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry, This is the news release by the province:      Round Number: Not applicableDate: October 8, 2025Number of Invitations: 46Lowest CRS or Provincial Score: Not ApplicableStay informed about past events in Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab  If you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Federal Canadian Experience Class or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you need guidance post-selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us via https://myar.me/c.  We highly recommend attending our complimentary Zoom resource meetings held every Thursday. We kindly request you to thoroughly review the available resources. Subsequently, if you have any questions, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session on Fridays. You can find details for both these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom.  Our dedicated team is committed to providing professional assistance throughout your immigration journey. Furthermore, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, accessible at https://ircnews.ca/consultant. 

In this episode, I'm speaking with Imole Ashogbon, a fractional HR consultant who helps small and mid-sized businesses, executives, and HR teams when they need senior-level HR leadership, without the cost of a full-time executive.Imole and I explore a nagging question I have about Canada's much-talked about productivity decline: Are we declining in productivity because we lack talent OR because our broken systems aren't able to take advantage of all the talent we have seating around in Canada?Imole thinks we've created a strange contradiction. We bring in immigrants through Express Entry (a competitive immigration pathway meant to attract young, educated, upwardly mobile individuals.) Then we act like we're doing them a favor. Like immigration is charity work. It's not.45% of recent immigrants have university degrees but work in jobs that don't require post-secondary education. Which is an absurd waste of talent in my opinion.Imole and I chat about:Why businesses need to culturally integrate just as much as immigrantsWhy immigration is investment, not aidHow to build systems that actually deploy immigrant talentThe misalignment between immigration policy, employment strategy, and economic growth targets

In this episode, I'm speaking with Kristina McPherson, who moved from Jamaica to Canada in 2014, and now runs As Told By Canadian Immigrants, where she's the guide she wishes she had before she moved to Canada.There's a lot to unpack in this episode, but the part I can't stop thinking about is when Kristina talks about “post-immigration stress disorder,” a term she coined to describe what many immigrants go through as they try to settle into their new home. I believe it's also called Ulysses Syndrome.There's the constant anxiety. There's the uncertainty that has you feeling unsettled. There's the mental load of running two parallel tracks—getting through today while worrying if you'll even be here tomorrow.For Kristina, it was LMIA complications. Provincial nominee programs that wouldn't work in time. Express Entry launching with 800-point cutoffs. Submitting her PR application two months before her work permit expired, then living on implied status for months.During that time, Christina lived with two pots, two plates, two glasses. Everything she owned fit in a suitcase. Because if immigration forced her to leave, she wanted it to be easy.Kristina and I chat about the emotional toll of living in limbo for years. We also explore: Living two and a half years out of a suitcaseWhy she started “As Told by Canadian Immigrants”Why we need to put boundaries around how one consumes immigration information on social mediaBeing ‘in-betweeners' caught between cultures

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Labour & Express Entry Invitations by Prince Edward Island on 19 September 2025Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC News. I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, bringing to you this Provincial News Bulletin from the province of Prince Edward Island. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.Prince Edward Island selected potential provincial nominees under Labour & Express Entry Invitations on 19 September 2025.Draw Details:Invitation Date: September 19, 2025Labour & Express Entry Invitations: 129Selection Attributes: Invitations were extended to individuals working in occupations and priority sectors based on economic impact in PEI. Candidates working with a PEI Employer and international graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l'Île were prioritized.For past PEI updates, visit: https://myar.me/tag/pe/ For more information on Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, visit: https://myar.me/c To join our weekly free Zoom resource meetings (Thursdays) and Q&A with Authorized Representatives (Fridays), visit: https://myar.me/zoom For guidance on choosing a qualified immigration representative, visit: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Express Entry Stream by New Brunswick on 19 September 2025Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC News. I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, bringing to you this Provincial News Bulletin from the province of New Brunswick. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.New Brunswick selected potential provincial nominees under the Express Entry Stream – Employment in New Brunswick (All Sectors)* on 19 September 2025.Draw Details:Date of draw: August 11–19, 2025Cut-off date and time: August 10, 2025 [11:59 pm AST]Pathways: Employment in New BrunswickOccupational categories selected: All sectors*Invitations issued: 50*Exclusions for this draw:NOC 42201 – Social and community service workersNOC 62200 – ChefsFor past New Brunswick updates, visit: https://myar.me/tag/nb/ For more information on Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, visit: https://myar.me/c To join our weekly free Zoom resource meetings (Thursdays) and Q&A with Authorized Representatives (Fridays), visit: https://myar.me/zoom For guidance on choosing a qualified immigration representative, visit: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Canada Immigration Provincial Pick – Alberta Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | September 2, 2025 Alberta has conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry on September 2, 2025. Draw Details: Stream: Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express EntryMinimum CRS Score: 49Number of Invitations: 126For past updates from Alberta, visit: https://myar.me/tag/ab/ If you are interested in the Canadian Permanent Residence Program through Express Entry or Provincial pathways, connect with us here: https://myar.me/c Join our free weekly resource sessions:Zoom Resource Meetings every ThursdayAuthorized Representative Q&A Sessions every FridayDetails: https://myar.me/zoom For guidance on choosing a qualified Canadian immigration representative, visit: https://ircnews.ca/consultant 

Canada Immigration Provincial Pick – Alberta Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry) | September 3, 2025Alberta has conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Non-Express Entry on September 3, 2025.Draw Details:Stream: Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Non-Express EntryMinimum Score: 44Number of Invitations: 67For past updates from Alberta, visit: https://myar.me/tag/ab/If you are interested in the Canadian Permanent Residence Program through Express Entry or Provincial pathways, connect with us here: https://myar.me/cJoin our free weekly resource sessions:Zoom Resource Meetings every ThursdayAuthorized Representative Q&A Sessions every FridayDetails: https://myar.me/zoomFor guidance on choosing a qualified Canadian immigration representative, visit: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Canada Immigration Provincial Pick – Alberta Express Entry Stream: Agriculture Priority | September 5, 2025Alberta has conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Agriculture) on September 5, 2025.Draw Details:Stream: Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)Minimum CRS Score: 48Number of Invitations: 71For past updates from Alberta, visit: https://myar.me/tag/ab/If you are interested in the Canadian Permanent Residence Program through Express Entry or Provincial pathways, connect with us here: https://myar.me/cJoin our free weekly resource sessions:Zoom Resource Meetings every ThursdayAuthorized Representative Q&A Sessions every FridayDetails: https://myar.me/zoomFor guidance on choosing a qualified Canadian immigration representative, visit: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Alberta has conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Construction) on September 8, 2025.Draw Details:Stream: Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Construction)Minimum CRS Score: 61Number of Invitations: 121For past updates from Alberta, visit: https://myar.me/tag/ab/If you are interested in the Canadian Permanent Residence Program through Express Entry or Provincial pathways, connect with us here: https://myar.me/cJoin our free weekly resource sessions:Zoom Resource Meetings every ThursdayAuthorized Representative Q&A Sessions every FridayDetails: https://myar.me/zoomFor guidance on choosing a qualified Canadian immigration representative, visit: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Canada Immigration Provincial Pick – Alberta Express Entry Stream: Health Care Priority | September 9, 2025Alberta has conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw under the Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (Health Care) on September 9, 2025.Draw Details:Stream: Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Health Care)Minimum CRS Score: 64Number of Invitations: 70For past updates from Alberta, visit: https://myar.me/tag/ab/If you are interested in the Canadian Permanent Residence Program through Express Entry or Provincial pathways, connect with us here: https://myar.me/cJoin our free weekly resource sessions:Zoom Resource Meetings every ThursdayAuthorized Representative Q&A Sessions every FridayDetails: https://myar.me/zoomFor guidance on choosing a qualified Canadian immigration representative, visit: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Canada Immigration Weekly PNP Selection Summary | Week Ending September 12, 2025This week, multiple provinces in Canada conducted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. The highlights are below:Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) SelectionsProvinceDateInvitations IssuedVideo LinkAlberta | September 2, 2025 | 126 | VideoAlberta | September 3, 2025 | 67 | VideoAlberta | September 4, 2025 | 891 | VideoAlberta | September 5, 2025 | 71 | VideoAlberta | September 8, 2025 | 121 | VideoAlberta | September 9, 2025 | 70 | VideoAlberta | September 10, 2025 | 30 | VideoNewfoundland & Labrador | September 12, 2025 | 353 | VideoFor past weekly PNP updates, visit: https://myar.me/tag/pnpwIf you are interested in the Canadian Permanent Residence Program through Express Entry or Provincial pathways, connect with us here: https://myar.me/cJoin our free weekly resource sessions:Zoom Resource Meetings every ThursdayAuthorized Representative Q&A Sessions every FridayDetails: https://myar.me/zoomFor guidance on choosing a qualified Canadian immigration representative, visit: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Labour & Express Entry Invitations by Prince Edward Island on 21 August 2025Prince Edward Island selected potential nominees under the Labour & Express Entry Invitations on 21 August 2025.Draw InformationInvitation Date: August 21, 2025Labour & Express Entry Invitations: 132Selection Attributes: Invitations extended to individuals in occupations and priority sectors based on economic impact in PEI. Candidates working with a PEI employer and international graduates from UPEI, Holland College, and Collège de l'Île were prioritized.PEI news archive: https://myar.me/tag/pe/ Learn about Canadian PR programs: https://myar.me/c Free weekly Zoom resource meetings: https://myar.me/zoom Choosing an immigration representative: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Canada Immigration Provincial Pick – Alberta Dedicated Health Care Pathway | Express Entry (August 7, 2025)Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC News brought to you by Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.

Canada Immigration Provincial Pick – Alberta Dedicated Health Care Pathway | Non-Express Entry (August 11, 2025)Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC News, brought to you by Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Non-Express Entry on August 11, 2025.Draw Information:Draw Date: August 11, 2025Pathway: Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Non-Express EntryMinimum CRS score: 53Invitations issued: 39Additional Info & Resources:Alberta News & Past Picks: https://myar.me/tag/ab/Canadian Immigration Guidance: https://myar.me/cJoin our Free Zoom Resource Meetings (Thursdays & Fridays): https://myar.me/zoomChoosing an Authorized Representative: https://ircnews.ca/consultantStay updated with IRC News for the latest on Provincial & Federal Immigration Programs in Canada.

The Yukon Community Program pilot ended on June 30, 2025, after successfully running for five years. This initiative allowed candidates to combine up to three part-time jobs to qualify for the Yukon Nominee Program—helping address labour shortages in a unique way. While the pilot is now complete, other Yukon immigration streams remain open, including the Business Nominee, Critical Impact Worker, Skilled Worker, and Express Entry streams. The Yukon government will work with IRCC to evaluate the pilot and explore future opportunities. Access past Yukon news: https://myar.me/tag/nt/ Learn more about Canadian Immigration Programs: https://myar.me/c Join our Thursday resource meetings & Friday Q&A: https://myar.me/zoom Choosing an authorized Canadian Immigration Representative: https://ircnews.ca/consultant 

Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC News. I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, bringing you the latest Federal News Bulletin from a CIC news release, recorded from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario.July 24, 2025 — Public Consultations on Canada's Next Immigration Levels Plan Now OpenEach year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) consults broadly to develop the annual Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines Canada's immigration targets for the coming three years — covering new permanent residents, provincial nominees, temporary workers, and international students.This year's consultations are open until August 17, 2025.

Canada Immigration Update: Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Draw – 100 Invitations | July 29, 2025Good day, ladies and gentlemen. This is IRC News, and we bring you this Provincial News Bulletin from Newfoundland and Labrador.Date of Draw: July 29, 2025 Program: Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 100This draw supports the province's objective of attracting skilled workers to address labor shortages and help grow local communities.If you've submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI), check your portal — your invitation might be there.Access past Newfoundland updates: https://myar.me/tag/nlLearn about the Express Entry pool and other PR options: https://myar.me/cJoin our free Zoom resource sessions every Thursday and live Q&A with Canadian Authorized Representatives every Friday: https://myar.me/zoomLooking for a trustworthy immigration representative? Explore your options here: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Canada Immigration Update: Newfoundland and Labrador AIP Draw – 50 Invitations | July 29, 2025Good day, ladies and gentlemen. This is IRC News, and we bring you this Provincial News Bulletin from Newfoundland and Labrador.Date of Draw: July 29, 2025 Program: Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 50This draw supports Atlantic Canada's efforts to attract and retain skilled newcomers to boost population growth and address labor market needs.If you've applied through AIP, check your portal — you may be among the selected applicants.Access past Newfoundland updates: https://myar.me/tag/nlLearn about the Express Entry pool and other PR options: https://myar.me/cJoin our free Zoom resource sessions every Thursday and live Q&A with Canadian Authorized Representatives every Friday: https://myar.me/zoomLooking for a trustworthy immigration representative? Explore your options here: https://ircnews.ca/consultant

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe and immigration lawyer Alicia Backman-Beharry relaunch the Business Immigration Series with a timely update on the evolving LMIA process in 2025. As IRCC and ESDC crack down, employers face stricter rules, higher wage thresholds, and rising refusal rates. They explore what's changed, why it's harder than ever to get an LMIA, and how employers can improve their chances. From new advertising requirements to the end of Express Entry LMIA points, this episode offers critical insights for both employers and immigration professionals navigating today's high-stakes landscape. Key Topics Discussed New Wage Thresholds: High-wage vs. low-wage LMIA explained, with updated 2025 provincial cutoffs (e.g., $36/hr in Alberta and Ontario). Tightened Restrictions: 10% cap on low-wage TFWs and automatic refusals in regions with 6%+ unemployment. Advertising Requirements: 4-week minimum, national scope ads, and strict Job Bank/Job Match compliance now critical. Processing Delays: Official timelines vs. real-world wait times—why 3–4 months is the new normal. Business Legitimacy Scrutiny: Even large employers must prove they can pay and comply. No LMIA Points in Express Entry: Loss of arranged employment points changes PR strategies. Employer Liability: LMIA applications are the employer's legal responsibility—precision and legal support are essential. Key Takeaways LMIAs are tougher than ever—especially for low-wage or high-unemployment areas. Follow Job Bank, wage, and ad rules precisely. Be prepared for a 3–4 month process. Seek legal help—errors are costly. LMIA points no longer benefit Express Entry. Quotes from the Episode Mark Holthe: “There's a concerted effort to make it as difficult as possible for employers to get LMIAs approved.” Alicia Backman-Beharry: “Fail to engage with Job Match and your ad—and LMIA—could vanish without notice.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don't miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada's immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry by Alberta  on 03 July 2025Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial Pick from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario. |  Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry on  03 July 2025.  Additional Infor and News release by province: Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under Express Entry, This is the news release by the province:   AAIP Draw information for 2025 Draw date:July 3, 2025 Worker stream, pathway, initiative or other focus and selection parameters :Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry Minimum score of invited candidates :62 Number of invitations :36  | You can always access past news from the Province of Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab/. Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.  

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry by Alberta  on 09 July 2025  Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial Pick from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario. |   Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry on  09 July 2025.  Additional Infor and News release by province: Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under non-Express Entry, This is the news release by the province:   AAIP Draw information for 2025 Draw date :July 9, 2025 Worker stream, pathway, initiative or other focus and selection parameters :Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry Minimum score of invited candidates :53 Number of invitations:32  | You can always access past news from the Province of Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab/. Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.  

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry by Alberta on 04 June 2025   | Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial Pick from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario. |  Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry on  04 June 2025.  Additional Infor and News release by province: Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathways - Express Entry, This is the news release by the province:   Draw date :June 3, 2025 Worker stream, pathway, initiative or other focus and selection parameters : Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry Minimum score of invited candidates : 60 Number of invitations : 36  | You can always access past news from the Province of Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab/. Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant. 

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe is joined by guest co-host Igor Kyryliuk to tackle one of the most critical yet misunderstood components of Express Entry applications: responding to Procedural Fairness Letters (PFLs). This episode is part of the "Time's Up" series and shines a spotlight on the rising trend of misrepresentation allegations and PFLs issued by IRCC, particularly around work history inconsistencies. Mark and Igor walk through the anatomy of a procedural fairness letter, highlight real-world examples, and break down the essential do's and don'ts when drafting your response. They also explore how changes in federal immigration policy, increased use of AI in application assessments, and the government's intent to reduce temporary and permanent residents are raising the stakes for Express Entry applicants. Whether you're currently facing a PFL or want to avoid one altogether, this episode provides vital strategies to safeguard your immigration future. Key Topics Discussed What is a Procedural Fairness Letter? Understanding its role in Canadian immigration processing. Legal duty of fairness and when it is (and isn't) triggered. Common Triggers for Procedural Fairness Letters Inconsistencies in work and education history across past applications. Undeclared prior visa refusals. Omissions vs. commissions and the role of intent. Responding to a PFL Effectively How to structure your response to rebuild officer trust. Importance of taking full responsibility and providing detailed explanations. Addressing issues proactively—even before receiving a PFL. Examples of Misrepresentation Real cases where innocent mistakes led to serious consequences. When forgetting to mention past employment or education can cost you your future in Canada. Consequences of Misrepresentation Five-year inadmissibility bans. Loss of status, future refusals, and trouble with immigration systems worldwide. Strategic Considerations When to disclose new information voluntarily via a webform. Use of GCMS notes to anticipate officer concerns. Consulting with an immigration lawyer to preempt or respond to issues. Key Takeaways A small mistake in your Express Entry profile can escalate into a misrepresentation allegation with devastating consequences. Procedural fairness letters are your opportunity to clarify and defend your case—use them wisely. Owning your error and submitting a well-organized, transparent response is critical. Proactively addressing discrepancies before IRCC flags them can save your application. Legal help isn't optional—it's essential when facing a PFL. Quotes from the Episode Mark Holthe: “Even if you're not trying to mislead, a simple omission can still land you with a five-year ban for misrepresentation.” Igor Kyryliuk: “Officers don't have hours to read your documents. Your response should be clear, well-structured, and make it easy for them to say yes.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don't miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada's immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry unpack one of the most overlooked but impactful aspects of Express Entry: language testing. As one of the few areas where applicants can directly influence their CRS score, the language test often becomes the make-or-break factor in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Mark and Alicia take a deep dive into why language tests matter more than ever, how to choose the right test, and what pitfalls to avoid when entering your results into your Express Entry profile. They also examine the crucial role French proficiency now plays in Express Entry scoring, especially in the context of category-based draws and the federal government's push for Francophone immigration. Whether you're building your Express Entry profile or trying to increase your CRS score, this episode offers a detailed, practical guide to getting it right—before you risk a refusal or misrepresentation allegation. Key Topics Discussed The Power of Language Tests in Express Entry Why language test scores are one of the most controllable and impactful factors in your CRS score. How they affect eligibility under CEC, FSW, and category-based draws. Examples of missed opportunities due to expired or invalid test results. Approved Tests and Common Pitfalls A breakdown of approved English and French tests: CELPIP, IELTS (General), PTE Core, TEF, and TCF. Key differences between test formats and how they affect your performance. Why using the wrong version (e.g., IELTS Academic) can invalidate your score. Test Validity and Expiry Rules How long your test results are valid (and what date counts). What happens if your results expire between your ITA and eAPR. When to retake the test to avoid losing points—or your application. CRS Boosting Strategies The significance of CLB 7 and CLB 9: minimum thresholds vs. competitive scoring. The points advantage of adding French as a second language (up to 74 extra points). How dual-language applicants can outperform others in a tight draw environment. Data Entry and Misrepresentation Risks How to correctly input test codes, registration numbers, and scores in your profile. The hidden dangers of typing errors and mismatched documentation. What to do if your test expires mid-application. Retesting and Test Selection Strategy Why retaking a test can make a meaningful difference. Choosing between CELPIP, IELTS, and PTE based on format, availability, and your strengths. How to leverage test prep and targeted coaching to improve scores. Key Takeaways Language tests are one of the best ways to increase your CRS score quickly and legally. Accuracy matters: a small data entry error can cost you your ITA—or worse. CLB 9 opens the door to significant bonus points through skill transferability. French proficiency is now a game-changer under category-based draws. Retesting and preparation are strategic tools, not just last-ditch efforts. Quotes from the Episode Mark Holthe: "If there's one part of your Express Entry profile that you can control—and improve—it's your language test score." Alicia Backman-Beharry: "People miss out on invitations every week because of expired scores or invalid test versions. Don't let that be you." Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don't miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada's immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Express Entry by Prince Edward Island on 15 May  2025   | Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial News Bulletin from the province of Prince Edward Island. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario. | Prince Edward Island selected potential PNP nominees under Express Entry on 15 May 2025.  Additional Inform and News release by province: Prince Edward Island selected potential provincial nominees under Labour & Express Entry Invitations, This is the news release by the province:    Date of Draw: 15 May 2025 Total number of Invitations: 168 Invitation Totals for 2025: 559 Labour & Express Entry Invitations: 168 Invitations were extended on May 15, 2025 to individuals working in occupations and priority sectors based on economic impact in Prince Edward Island. | You can always access past news from the Province of Prince Edward Island by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/pe/. Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.   

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Skilled Worker Overseas by Manitoba on 15 May 2025  | Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial News Bulletin from the province of Manitoba. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario. | Manitoba selected potential PNP nominees under Skilled Worker Overseas on  15 May 2025 Manitoba selected potential provincial nominees under Skilled Worker Overseas, This is the news release by the province:   Skilled Worker Overseas Profiles that declared being directly invited by the MPNP under a strategic recruitment initiative. Number of Letters of Advice to Apply issued: 62 Ranking score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 626 Of the 62 Letters of Advice to Apply issued in this draw, 8 were issued to candidates who declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code.  | You can always access past news from the Province of Manitoba by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/mb/. Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.  

Select Express Entry Pick bearing Intake number 347 on May 13, 2025 for Canadian Experience Class Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, and I am Joy Stephen, an authorized Canadian Immigration practitioner bringing out this Express Entry Pick. I am coming to you from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, OntarioLatest Express Entry Pick Information:Round Number: 347 Date: May 13, 2025 Number of Invitations: 500 Lowest CRS Score: 547 Category: Canadian Experience ClassThis selection targets candidates with Canadian work experience. If your CRS score is 547 or higher, you should have received your invitation. Some candidates with a score of 547 may also have received one, depending on when their profile was submitted.You can always access past Express Entry picks by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/EEP/ Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through  https://myar.me/c  We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant 

 Select Express Entry Pick bearing Intake number 346 on May 12, 2025 for Provincial Nominee Program  Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, and I am Joy Stephen, an authorized Canadian Immigration practitioner bringing out this Express Entry Pick. I am coming to you from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario Latest Express Entry Pick Information: Round Number: 346 Date: May 12, 2025 Number of Invitations: 511 Lowest CRS Score: 706 Category: Provincial Nominee Program This selection is for candidates nominated by a province. If your CRS score is 706 or above, you should have received your invitation. Some candidates with a score of 706 may also have received an invitation, depending on when their profile was submitted. You can always access past Express Entry picks by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/EEP/  Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through  https://myar.me/c  We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom.  Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant 

Episode Summary In Episode 167 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry dive into one of the trickiest parts of Express Entry: properly claiming Canadian work experience under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). What sounds simple—just “a year of work”—is actually a legal and technical maze. From self-employment issues and vacation rules to miscalculating hours and unauthorized work, this episode breaks down exactly what qualifies, what doesn't, and how to avoid being found ineligible or worse—misrepresenting your case.

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry by Alberta on 08 May 2025 Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial Pick from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario. |  Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry on 08 May 2025.  Additional Infor and News release by province: Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under Alberta-Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry, This is the news release by the province:   Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry Minimum score of invited candidates-53 Number of invitations-35  | You can always access past news from the Province of Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab/. Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.  

Episode Summary In this essential episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry return with another instalment in the Express Entry “Getting it Right” series—this time focusing on physicians and healthcare professionals. While doctors may excel in their field, navigating Canadian immigration law is a whole different beast. Mark and Alicia explore the unique challenges medical professionals face in Express Entry applications—from the pitfalls of choosing the wrong ECA organization, to confusion around Canadian spouses, unpaid internships, and self-employed work experience. They also dig into the April 2023 policy change that allows self-employed physicians to finally claim Canadian work experience under CEC—if done correctly.

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry by Alberta on 01 April 2025    | Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial Pick from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario. |  Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry on 01 April 2025.  Additional Infor and News release by province: Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry, This is the news release by the province:   Draw date : April 1, 2025 Minimum score of invited candidates : 60 Number of invitations : 34 Worker stream, pathway, initiative or other focus and selection parameters : Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry  | You can always access past news from the Province of Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab/. Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant. 

Canada Immigration Provincial pick for Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry by Alberta on 08 April 2025    | Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, I am Joy Stephen, a certified Canadian Immigration practitioner, and I bring to you this Provincial Pick from the province of Alberta. This recording originates from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, Ontario. |  Alberta selected potential PNP nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry on  08 April 2025.  Additional Infor and News release by province: Alberta selected potential provincial nominees under Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry, This is the news release by the province:   Draw date : April 8, 2025 Minimum score of invited candidates : 53 Number of invitations : 28 Worker stream, pathway, initiative or other focus and selection parameters : Dedicated Health Care Pathway – non-Express Entry  | You can always access past news from the Province of Alberta by visiting this link: https://myar.me/tag/ab/. Furthermore, if you are interested in gaining comprehensive insights into the Provincial Express Entry Federal pool Canadian Permanent Residence Program or other Canadian Federal or Provincial Immigration programs, or if you require guidance after your selection, we cordially invite you to connect with us through https://myar.me/c. We highly recommend participating in our complimentary Zoom resource meetings, which take place every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Should any questions arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both of these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance throughout the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, which can be accessed at https://ircnews.ca/consultant. 

Episode Summary In this critical episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry dive deep into one of the most overlooked yet high-stakes sections of the Express Entry process: the statutory information questions in your eAPR. Whether you're answering questions about criminal history, prior visa refusals, or previous refugee claims, one careless answer—or a failure to disclose—can result in a finding of misrepresentation and a five-year bar from Canada. Mark and Alicia walk through real-world scenarios, key case law, and provide actionable advice for how to navigate this sensitive part of the application. This episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing to submit their Express Entry application and unsure how much to disclose.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry dive into one of the most critical yet confusing areas of Express Entry: what happens when your situation changes after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Whether it's a job change, a new family member, or realizing you made an error in your profile, what you do next could mean the difference between permanent residency or a five-year ban for misrepresentation. They walk you through the consequences of making changes post-ITA, what types of changes are most common, and—most importantly—how to handle them properly using Letters of Explanation (LoEs). This episode is an essential listen for anyone who's received an ITA and wants to avoid costly mistakes that could derail their immigration journey.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry tackle one of the most critical yet frequently misunderstood aspects of Express Entry applications: proving work experience. With refusals on the rise, Mark and Alicia walk you through the common mistakes applicants make when submitting reference letters and employment documents—and how to avoid them. They dive deep into the essential elements of a strong reference letter, including what must be included, what officers look for, and how to handle situations where you can't get the perfect letter. Whether you're applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), or navigating category-based draws, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about avoiding rejection and maximizing CRS points.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe breaks down the latest immigration measures introduced by the Liberal government, focusing on their impact on temporary residents, construction workers, and Canada's housing crisis. With a late Friday night announcement (as usual), Minister Marc Miller introduced new initiatives that aim to support the construction industry, but many are questioning whether these measures are fair to legal workers already in Canada. Mark takes a deep dive into the government's plan to expand the Out-of-Status Construction Worker Pathway beyond the Greater Toronto Area. While the goal is to address the labor shortage in housing, many legal workers—who have followed the rules—are being left behind. Mark is also joined by Miguel, a newly landed permanent resident and carpenter in the GTA, who shares firsthand insight into the real state of construction jobs in Canada. His shocking experience contradicts the government's claim that there is an urgent need for more workers. If you're a temporary resident, construction worker, or someone frustrated with the ongoing changes in Canadian immigration, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Discussed

Episode 161 Show Notes Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry dive deep into one of the most common and misunderstood aspects of Express Entry—settlement funds. Misconceptions about proof of funds often lead to rejected applications, unnecessary delays, and missed opportunities for permanent residence in Canada. Mark and Alicia break down who needs to show settlement funds, how much is required, how to prove financial stability, and what happens if you don't have the necessary funds. They also explore changes to proof of funds policies, the implications of the recent immigration shifts, and practical strategies to ensure compliance with IRCC's strict requirements. If you're applying for Express Entry, understanding proof of funds is critical. Whether you're applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), this episode will give you the insights you need to avoid costly mistakes. Key Topics Discussed

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe and co-host Igor Kyryliuk dive into the latest category-based Express Entry draws and the major changes announced by IRCC. With some occupations removed, new categories introduced, and controversial priorities in focus, Mark and Igor break down what's changed, who benefits, and who is left scrambling for options. With the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations slashed, IT occupations removed from STEM draws, and French language candidates dominating Express Entry invitations, it's more important than ever to understand where you stand and what your best strategy is moving forward. Key Topics Discussed Breaking Down the Category-Based Draws: What's Changed? The removal of key occupations, including software engineers and truck drivers. New additions: Education occupations and… insurance agents in STEM? The government's shifting immigration priorities—is this about labor shortages or politics? Who Wins, Who Loses? Winners: Francophones, healthcare workers, and some skilled trades. Losers: IT professionals, transport workers, and general skilled workers without category-based eligibility. The huge gap in the job market—are these changes actually solving Canada's labor shortages? French Language Dominance in Express Entry The disproportionate number of draws for French speakers—why is this happening? 74 extra CRS points for French proficiency—is it fair compared to LMIA-based job offers? How this impacts non-French-speaking candidates and Express Entry cut-off scores. Strategic Advice: What You Can Do Next How to pivot if your occupation was removed from the draw list. Exploring alternative programs—should you switch to PNPs, study permits, or job offers? Why leaving Canada could actually be your best path to PR in the future. The importance of tracking Express Entry trends and adapting quickly. Key Takeaways ✅ Express Entry priorities have changed—adapt or risk losing your chance at PR.✅ STEM draws are no longer a safe bet—most IT occupations have been removed.✅ French language remains the biggest Express Entry advantage—74 bonus CRS points.✅ Healthcare and trades still have strong demand, but some workers are left out.✅ Strategic planning is critical—book a consult to explore your best path forward. Quotes from the Episode Mark Holthe:"How did insurance agents and brokers make it into the STEM category while software engineers got removed? Somebody, please explain this to me!" Igor Kyryliuk:"If you think Express Entry is stable and predictable, think again. IRCC can change the game at any time, and you need to be prepared." Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don't miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada's immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry kick off the Express Entry Getting It Right series by tackling one of the most misunderstood aspects of Express Entry: Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs). Many applicants mistakenly assume they know when and how to submit police certificates—only to have their applications refused due to errors. Mark and Alicia break down the IRCC requirements, clarify common misconceptions, and provide essential tips to ensure you get it right the first time. With Express Entry becoming even more competitive and IRCC enforcing strict completeness checks, one mistake could cost you your ITA and delay your PR process. Key Topics Discussed Why Are Police Clearance Certificates Important? The role of PCCs in verifying admissibility under Canadian immigration law. Who needs to provide PCCs—principal applicants, spouses, and dependent children over 18. The risk of criminal inadmissibility and how it can impact your PR application. When and How to Obtain Your Police Clearance Certificate Understanding the 10-year rule—when police certificates are required. Why a PCC must be issued after your last stay in a country for 6+ months to be valid. Special cases: What to do if you currently live in the country requiring a PCC. How IRCC handles PCCs for certain high-risk countries (e.g., Mexico). Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusals Submitting a PCC issued before leaving the country—why this leads to rejection. Failing to provide PCCs for dependent children 18+. Assuming a PCC is valid if it has no expiry date—IRCC's rules differ from local laws. Misreporting time spent in a country—how incorrect address history can trigger a PCC request. Practical Tips to Avoid PCC Pitfalls Start early! Some PCCs take months to process. Follow country-specific IRCC guidelines carefully—common pitfalls with the UK, Australia, and South Africa. If a PCC isn't available before ITA deadline, provide proof of best efforts. Always submit in full colour—black-and-white scans can lead to refusal. Double-check official names of the PCC to avoid IRCC rejecting the wrong document. Key Takeaways - PCCs are mandatory for Express Entry applicants and must follow IRCC's strict timing rules.- Six-month rule: PCCs are needed for any country where you've stayed six months or more in a row in the last 10 years.- A PCC must be issued after your last departure from the country to be valid.- Mistakes = Refusal. IRCC will return your application as incomplete if PCCs are missing, incorrect, or outdated.- Start early! Delays in obtaining PCCs can derail your PR process. Quotes from the Episode Mark Holthe:"Submitting an Express Entry application without the correct police certificate is one of the most common mistakes we see—and IRCC has no mercy when it comes to refusing incomplete applications." Alicia Backman-Beharry:"The six-month rule is now in a row—not cumulative. Many people still get confused and risk losing their ITA because they misunderstand this critical requirement." Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult with Mark Holthe Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don't miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada's immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry continue the Time's Up series with an in-depth look at the Certificate of Qualification (COQ) and how it affects Express Entry points. Many applicants mistakenly assume they qualify for the 50 additional CRS points—only to have their applications refused. Mark and Alicia break down the eligibility criteria for claiming these points, common mistakes applicants make, and the step-by-step process for obtaining a legitimate COQ from a Canadian province or territory. With IRCC's tightening immigration policies and the elimination of job offer points on the horizon, getting this right has never been more important. Key Topics Discussed Understanding the Certificate of Qualification What is a Certificate of Qualification, and who needs one? The critical difference between a provincial professional license and a trade certificate of qualification. Why doctors, nurses, and other regulated professionals do NOT qualify for these points. Express Entry Eligibility: Do You Really Get Those 50 Points? The specific trades that qualify for COQ points under Express Entry. Language requirements: Why a CLB 7 or higher is essential for claiming the full 50 points. How miscalculating your CRS score can lead to refusals and lost opportunities. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Clicking “Yes” to having a COQ when you don't—why this leads to refusals. Assuming a professional certification (e.g., nursing, accounting, law) qualifies for trade points. Failing to obtain the COQ before submitting an Express Entry profile. How to Properly Obtain a Certificate of Qualification The step-by-step process of getting a COQ in British Columbia as a cook (example case study). Differences in provincial regulations—where and how to apply. The role of Red Seal certification in cross-provincial trade recognition. The Future of Express Entry: What's Changing? The upcoming removal of job offer points and its impact on Express Entry. Why trade workers may have an advantage in future Express Entry draws. The shift towards category-based Express Entry draws—what trade workers need to know. Key Takeaways Not all certifications count as a Certificate of Qualification—only specific skilled trades qualify for points. You must obtain the COQ before claiming points—falsely claiming it can lead to a refused application. Language scores matter! If your CLB is below 7, you won't get the full 50 points. With job offer points disappearing, trade workers may benefit from Express Entry changes—but only if they have a proper COQ. Consult an immigration professional before applying—small errors can cost you your chance at PR. Quotes from the Episode Mark Holthe: "There's nothing worse than filing your Express Entry application, expecting 50 points for a Certificate of Qualification, and then getting a refusal because you never actually qualified." Alicia Backman-Beharry:"Professions and skilled trades are NOT the same thing. If you're a doctor or a nurse, you do NOT qualify for these 50 points—it's as simple as that." Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult with Mark Holthe Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don't miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada's immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.