Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #51: BC PNP Draw, IEC Program Success, TFW Program Reforms and Nova Scotia’s AIP Guide

Published

12 months ago

November 5, 2024

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #51: BC PNP Draw, IEC Program Success, TFW Program Reforms and Nova Scotia’s AIP Guide

00:00 / 4:34

This podcast episode #51 covers major developments in Canadian immigration, including updates on BC PNP draw, a record-breaking year for Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program, reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, and Nova Scotia’s Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) guide for employers.

Here’s what we’ll be discussing in this episode:

1. British Columbia Invites 127 Candidates in the Latest BC PNP Draw
On October 22, 2024, British Columbia conducted a new draw under its Provincial Nominee Program, issuing 127 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to qualified individuals in high-demand fields like tech, healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care. This latest draw is part of BC’s ongoing effort to address labor shortages across critical sectors, providing skilled workers with pathways to permanent residency in Canada.

2. Canada Wraps Up IEC Program 2024 with Record-High Invitations
Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program, aimed at young international travelers seeking work experience, wrapped up its 2024 program with a record-breaking number of invitations. The final IEC draws invited 3,847 young individuals to apply for open work permits, with a total of 40,435 candidates registered in the pool by October 21. This year’s program has shown Canada’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and meeting labor demands across the country.

3. Reforms to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program: New Wage Standards & Employer Verifications
On October 21, 2024, Minister Randy Boissonnault announced significant changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, focusing on stronger wage standards and more rigorous employer verification measures. Effective November 8, 2024, the TFW program will enforce a higher wage threshold for high-wage LMIA applications and introduce stricter assessments of employer credibility. These reforms aim to enhance protections for Canadian workers while supporting labor market needs by attracting foreign talent responsibly.

4. Nova Scotia’s New AIP Endorsement Guide for Employers
In 2024, Nova Scotia launched an Employer Endorsement Guide for participants in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This guide provides employers with comprehensive steps for completing the endorsement process effectively, minimizing errors and streamlining the hiring of skilled international workers. This tool aims to simplify the immigration process for Nova Scotian businesses, enabling them to better support Canada’s economic growth through a well-managed and accessible AIP.

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Date	Province	Invitations
October 2	British Columbia	485 Invitations
September 26	Newfoundland and Labrador	107 Invitations
September 25	Alberta	144 3 Invitations
September 19	PEI	129 Invitations
September 17	New Brunswick	1052 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

Express Entry Draw 370 Invites 1,000 Canadian Experience Class Candidates

On October 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw #370, exclusively for candidates under the Canadian Experience Class. In this draw, 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, and the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 534 — consistent with the previous two CEC-specific rounds. The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set for February 21, 2025, at 04:01:57 UTC.

This draw reaffirms IRCC’s ongoing focus on transitioning skilled workers already employed in Canada to permanent residency. Candidates with Canadian work experience tend to integrate faster into the labor market and local communities, contributing to Canada’s long-term economic resilience. The steady CRS threshold also signals predictability for future applicants planning their CEC profiles.

Express Entry Draw 371 Highlights French Language Proficiency Candidates

Just days later, on October 6, 2025, IRCC held Express Entry Draw #371, issuing 4,500 Invitations to Apply to candidates with French-language proficiency. The CRS cut-off for this draw was 432, with eligibility limited to profiles submitted before June 13, 2025, at 7:07 p.m. UTC.

This French-language draw was one of the largest of the year, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to boosting Francophone immigration outside Quebec. By awarding additional CRS points to French-speaking candidates, IRCC continues to strengthen Canada’s bilingual identity and meet labor needs in provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. The focus on Francophone applicants also aligns with Canada’s broader strategy to support linguistic diversity and rural population growth.

Why Canada Tops the List of the World’s Most Desired Immigration Destinations

A recent global survey ranked Canada as the #1 choice for individuals planning to move abroad. The findings highlighted quality of life, career growth, and cultural diversity as the top motivators behind the preference. For many, Canada represents the perfect balance between opportunity and stability.

The country’s clean environment, inclusive policies, and access to universal healthcare make it a top destination for families and professionals alike. Beyond employment prospects, Canada’s multicultural cities and welcoming communities provide a sense of belonging for newcomers. Whether one values financial security, lifestyle balance, or personal growth, Canada consistently stands out as the place where all these aspirations converge.

U.S. Visa Fee Hike Creates Opportunity for Canada’s Tech Sector

The United States recently announced a $1,000 annual fee for H-1B worker visas, which could reshape global competition for skilled professionals. This decision may discourage U.S. employers from hiring international talent — but it opens a door for Canada.

With its streamlined immigration pathways such as Express Entry, the Global Talent Stream, and tech-focused Provincial Nominee Programs, Canada offers an appealing alternative for skilled professionals in technology, engineering, and innovation. Industry experts predict that the new U.S. fee will drive more tech workers north, particularly as Canada continues to provide clear routes from temporary work to permanent residence.

This shift reinforces Canada’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and skilled immigration. As the world’s top talent seeks stability and long-term opportunity, Canada’s welcoming policies make it an increasingly attractive destination.

Stay Connected with Canada Immigration News Podcast

Stay informed about every new Express Entry draw, policy change, and immigration update with the Canada Immigration News Podcast. Join over 2 million subscribers who rely on us for accurate, real-time information about Canada’s immigration system. Subscribe to our podcast and newsletter today and never miss an update on your journey to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
371 (French)	4500	432
370(CEC)	1000	534
369(PNP)	291	855
368(Trade)	1250	505
367(Education)	2500	462
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜