Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #48: Top Tech Start-Ups, Quebec’s New Immigration Cap, BC PNP Draw, Afghan Refugee Support, and More

Published

11 months ago

October 21, 2024

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #48: Top Tech Start-Ups, Quebec’s New Immigration Cap, BC PNP Draw, Afghan Refugee Support, and More

00:00 / 4:16

In this podcast episode #48, we dive into the latest news on immigration, tech start-ups, and provincial nominee programs shaping Canada’s future.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

Canada’s Top 10 Tech Start-Ups Shaping the Future:
Canada is emerging as a leader in the global tech start-up ecosystem. In this segment, we highlight the top 10 tech start-ups driving innovation and creating job opportunities across industries like e-commerce and AI. Learn how these companies are valued in the billions and how Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program supports their success.
Quebec Introduces New Immigration Cap for 2024-2025:
Quebec has announced its latest immigration cap for 2024-2025, outlining how many foreign nationals the province will admit over the next year. We’ll break down the new limits, their impact on prospective immigrants, and what this means for those planning to move to Quebec.
British Columbia’s October 8, 2024, Skills Immigration Draw:
British Columbia held a major Provincial Nominee Program draw, inviting 178 skilled workers under its Skills Immigration stream. We discuss the importance of this draw for those looking to settle in BC and how the BC PNP continues to be a critical pathway for skilled professionals.
Canada’s Continued Support for Afghan Refugees:
Canada’s humanitarian efforts remain strong as the government announces the arrival of 565 more Afghan refugees in October 2024, bringing the total to 54,730 since the fall of Kabul. We explore the latest programs and opportunities for Afghan refugees and how Canada remains a beacon of hope for those fleeing crisis situations.
Alberta’s Latest AAIP Update for 2024:
Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) update provides valuable insights into application volumes, nomination spaces, and new opportunities for immigrants. If you’re targeting Alberta as your destination, tune in to hear what the latest update means for your immigration journey.

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Date	Province	Invitations
Aug 21	PEI	132 Invitations
Aug 21	Manitoba	77 Invitations
Aug 19	British Columbia	15 Invitations
Aug 15	Alberta	683 Invitations
Aug 7	Manitoba	37 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

Canada Targets French-Speaking Candidates in Express Entry Draw 360

On August 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third draw of the week, Express Entry Draw 360, focusing on French-speaking candidates. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481. This strategy underscores Canada’s commitment to building Francophone communities outside Quebec and strengthening bilingual workforces. French speakers gain not only lower CRS cut-offs but also additional points for bilingualism, giving them a significant advantage compared to other categories.

Provincial Nominee Program Candidates Receive ITAs with CRS 800

The week also saw Canada issue invitations to 192 PNP candidates on August 18, 2025. With a CRS cut-off of 800, this draw highlighted the continued importance of provincial nominations in Express Entry. Candidates nominated through provincial programs benefit from an automatic 600-point boost, making their profiles highly competitive. As Canada balances program-specific and category-based draws, PNP candidates remain central to meeting regional labour market demands and filling skill shortages across the provinces.

New 2026 Express Entry Categories Announced

Looking ahead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has revealed that new categories will be added to Express Entry in 2026. In addition to the current six categories, which include healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, education, and French-language proficiency, three more will be introduced: Leadership and Senior Management, Researchers and Scientists, and Highly Skilled Military Recruits. These updates demonstrate Canada’s forward-thinking approach to aligning immigration intake with future economic needs. Skilled professionals in these new categories will have greater opportunities to secure permanent residency through a more targeted selection process.

Alberta Expands Early Childhood Educator Bursary

Immigration and education are closely connected, and Alberta is addressing a critical workforce need by investing $3.3 million into its Early Childhood Educator Bursary program. This initiative provides $10,000 in tuition support for 300 students over the next three years, helping them complete certificate programs and enter licensed child-care centres. Alberta continues to face staffing shortages in early learning, and this bursary aims to remove financial barriers while encouraging more people to pursue careers in child care. For international students and newcomers considering careers in early childhood education, this investment highlights new pathways into meaningful employment in Canada.

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Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
365 (French)	4500	446
364 (CEC)	1000	534
363 (PNP)	249	772
362 (Healthcare)	2500	470
361 (PNP)	192	800
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜