Canada changes immigrant accepting rules: News of the week

The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate again. Depending on this rate, banks set interest rates on deposits, loans, and mortgages. The rate now stands at 4.75%, the highest level in 22 years. By raising the rate, the Bank of Canada is trying to control inflation.

Artificial Intelligence is the great achievement of our time, which this year has triggered a real technology race. The Canadian government has not stood by. The government has allocated funding for the development of reliable and secure artificial intelligence.

Wildfires have become a disaster for Canada this year. And according to recent ministerial statements, fire activity is likely to be higher than usual in the coming months. Firefighters from France, South Africa, the United States, and other countries are coming to Canada to help.

In addition to the economy and the environment, the country's air quality suffers severely as smoke from fires spreads for kilometers. Seniors, children, pregnant women, and people with lung and respiratory diseases are at risk. If you are in Canada, some simple tips can help reduce your exposure to smoke.

Cost of living in Canada

Over the past two years, rents in Canada have risen an average of 20%. In May, the average price for a one-bedroom apartment rented across the country was CAD 1,800. The highest prices are now in Vancouver and Toronto. But in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, housing will cost on average CAD 1,000 a month cheaper.

In addition, the country is trying to fight unscrupulous landlords who unreasonably raise rents. For example, in Alberta, an elderly man recently won a lawsuit. His rent was raised from CAD 870 to 1,500, causing him to hastily look for a new place to live.

Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. But it turns out you can also live there on a modest budget. A Canadian journalist shared his own tips on how he lives in downtown Toronto on a small salary.

But many people with modest incomes prefer to move to smaller cities to save money. There are some advantages there — a quieter life, lower housing prices, and proximity to nature. But we shouldn't forget the advantages of megacities, such as career and educational opportunities, a wide range of goods and services, and easy access to friends of interest.

Wages in Canada

Salaries in Canada are much higher than in many countries, but they vary widely by region and profession. In 2023, the minimum rate across Canadian provinces is between CAD 13 and 16.77 per hour, and the average is between CAD 22.50 and 38 per hour. We also collected data on average annual salaries for popular occupations.

One of the in-demand and popular professions among immigrants in Canada is truck driver. Now many employment opportunities in this occupation have appeared in the province of Alberta. The region is in second place in Canada by the number of job openings for truck drivers, and the average salary of such workers is CAD 28 per hour.

In addition to employees, Canada is interested in entrepreneurs. Recently they have become especially needed in agriculture because the country has to constantly increase the volume of produce grown both for the domestic market and for export.

Ways to immigrate to Canada

Great news for residents from 13 countries — they can now travel to Canada visa-free. The list includes countries in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.

This summer, Canada will start targeted Express Entry draws. The government is interested in candidates with knowledge of French, in trades, healthcare, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, transportation, and agriculture occupations. In each category, the list of eligible professions is quite impressive.

One sure way to get permanent residency in Canada is to go to study. There are immigration programs specifically for graduates, but they have different requirements. We talked about programs popular with graduates and what their requirements are in terms of the study program, language level, and work experience.

But education is not the only proven way to move. Canada has many immigration programs, some of which are more reliable than others. Our immigration consultant Ivanna Pavlenko shared 7 immigration programs in Canada, which approve up to 98% of applicants for permanent residency.

Immigration draws

On June 5, Ontario had a round of invitations for French-speaking skilled workers. The region selected 417 people with professions in healthcare, education, finance, technology, and trades.

On June 6, British Columbia selected candidates with in-demand professions. 162 invitations were extended to technicians, educators, healthcare professionals, and veterinarians.

On June 8, Canada held another drawing in the Express Entry system. The passing score was lowered to 486, but it is still high. The number of invited candidates is 4,800.

On the same day, the Saskatchewan selection took place. The region sent invitations to 500 candidates with in-demand occupations in several fields.

Another draw on June 8 was held in Alberta. 150 people with professions in agriculture and a good knowledge of French were selected.

Alex Pavlenko, founder of the Immigrant.Today emigration portal