ready2north

04/07/2025

LMIA Update – Low-Wage Stream Only

On April 4, 2025, the Government of Canada released the latest unemployment rates for Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs), effective until July 10, 2025.

As a result, 24 Canadian cities will not be processing new LMIA applications under the low-wage stream because their unemployment rates are at or above 6%.

What this means:
If you’re hiring for a low-wage position, you must check if the job is located in a CMA.
If that CMA has a 6%+ unemployment rate, your LMIA will not be processed for that location.

Cities affected until July 10, 2025:
Saint John, St. John’s, Fredericton, Drummondville, Montréal, Kingston, Peterborough, Oshawa, Toronto, Hamilton, St. Catharines-Niagara, Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Brantford, Guelph, Windsor, Barrie, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Kelowna, Kamloops, Abbotsford-Mission, Vancouver, Nanaimo.

If your city is not on the list, LMIA processing continues as usual.
Next update: July 11, 2025.

03/25/2025

Starting today, March 25, 2025, the Government of Canada has removed job offer points from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in Express Entry.

This change applies to both current and future candidates in the pool and affects:
🔹 Senior management positions (NOC 00), which previously earned 200 points
🔹 All other eligible skilled jobs, which used to be worth 50 points

IRCC has stated that CRS scores may take a few days to update in the system. Keep an eye on your profile!

03/21/2025

Looking to immigrate to Canada? Attaining French CLB 7 can boost your Express Entry chances. With low cut-off points, it’s a shortcut to higher CRS scores and more ITAs. Start your journey now! 🍁

If you’ve received an invitation and need assistance with your PR application, we’re here to help. Whether you want a comprehensive application or just a review of your self-prepared one, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s navigate your journey to Canadian permanent residence together! 🇨🇦✨

03/14/2025

Mark Carney, Canada’s new Prime Minister, has announced his cabinet in anticipation of the coming 2025 federal election, shuffling immigration ministers in the process.

Canada’s new minister of immigration is Rachel Bendayan, a Member of Parliament from Outremont, Quebec. She will serve as the head of Canada’s immigration department, taking over from previous Immigration Minister Marc Miller.

02/28/2025

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, Announces 2025 Express Entry Plan with New Education-Focused Category

Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled the 2025 Express Entry plan today, introducing a new category specifically for candidates in the education sector.

In 2025, the selection process will prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience (CEC) for permanent residency invitations.

Additionally, to support francophone immigration targets and address labor shortages in key sectors, IRCC will conduct category-based draws in the following areas:

Strong French language skills
Work experience in:

Health care and social services, including family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and chiropractors

Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
Education, including teachers, child care educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities

IRCC will also continue promoting economic growth through francophone immigration outside Quebec, prioritizing French-speaking candidates in Express Entry draws.

02/05/2025

Today’s Express Entry draw (Canadian Experience only) saw a 521-point cutoff and issued 4000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)!

🎉 If you’ve received an invitation and need assistance with your PR application, we’re here to help. Whether you want a comprehensive application or just a review of your self-prepared one, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s navigate your journey to Canadian permanent residence together! 🇨🇦✨

01/23/2025

Today’s Express Entry draw (Canadian Experience only) saw a 527-point cutoff and issued 4000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)!

🎉 If you’ve received an invitation and need assistance with your PR application, we’re here to help. Whether you want a comprehensive application or just a review of your self-prepared one, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s navigate your journey to Canadian permanent residence together! 🇨🇦✨

01/22/2025

Updated SOWP Eligibility Criteria!

As of January 21st, 2025, changes have been made to Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility! Here’s the key requirement:

✅ Principal Applicant must have:

A valid work permit with at least 16 months remaining at the time of application.
📸 Check the post images for the full list of eligible job positions!

💼 Need guidance? Ready2North is here to help! Book your consultation and let us make your application process seamless.

📧 Email: [email protected]

01/08/2025

Today’s Express Entry draw (Canadian Experience only) saw a 542-point cutoff and issued 1350 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)!

🎉 If you’ve received an invitation and need assistance with your PR application, we’re here to help. Whether you want a comprehensive application or just a review of your self-prepared one, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s navigate your journey to Canadian permanent residence together! 🇨🇦✨

12/24/2024

🚨 Important Update: Flagpoling Ending Soon! 🚨

As part of Canada’s Border Plan, the Government of Canada has announced that work and study permits will no longer be issued to flagpolers at a port of entry, effective December 23 at 11:59 pm ET.

What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling occurs when foreign nationals in Canada leave the country and re-enter—typically after a brief visit to the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon—to access immigration services at the border.

This change could impact how you apply for or renew your permits. Stay informed and plan accordingly!

📩 Have questions? Reach out to us for guidance.

12/18/2024

📢 Big Change Coming to Express Entry!

Express Entry candidates will soon no longer receive additional CRS points for having an LMIA-based job offer.

🔍 Previously, candidates could gain 50 or 200 points for a valid LMIA job offer—often the difference between receiving an ITA or missing out.

🗓️ Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this change on December 17, but the effective date remains unclear.

💻 As of December 18, the government’s online points calculator still includes LMIA-based points.

👉 Wondering how this impacts your chances? Contact us today!

11/19/2024

Today’s Express Entry draw (Canadian Experience only) saw a 547-point cutoff and issued 400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)!

🎉 If you’ve received an invitation and need assistance with your PR application, we’re here to help. Whether you want a comprehensive application or just a review of your self-prepared one, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s navigate your journey to Canadian permanent residence together! 🇨🇦✨

10/31/2024