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

11 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
September 12	Alberta	1,376 Invitations
September 04	Manitoba	3,347 Invitations
September 03	Ontario	1,893 Invitations
Aug 29	Newfoundland and Labrador	125 Invitations
Aug 28	Ontario	468 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

Express Entry Draw 367 Opens Opportunities for Education Professionals

On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw 367, targeting the education category. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of 462, the lowest for this category in 2025 outside of French-language draws. The occupations eligible under this draw include early childhood educators, elementary and secondary school teachers, special needs instructors, and teaching assistants. For many candidates in the education sector, this round provides a strong opportunity to transition to permanent residency, reflecting Canada’s recognition of the critical role educators play in supporting a growing population and strengthening communities.

Express Entry Draw 368 Prioritizes Trade Occupations

Just days after the education-focused round, IRCC held Express Entry Draw 368 for trade occupations. In this draw, 1,250 invitations were issued, with a CRS cut-off of 505. Eligible candidates needed to have submitted their profiles before November 5, 2025. This was the first trades-focused round in nearly a year, and it underscored the high demand for skilled tradespeople across Canada. Sectors such as construction, mechanics, welding, and electrical work remain vital to the economy. Although the CRS cut-off was higher than in other category-based draws, the inclusion of trade occupations demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to attracting workers in these essential roles.

IRCC Increases Alberta AAIP Nomination Capacity for 2025

Another important update comes from Alberta, where IRCC announced an increase in the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) nomination allocations. For 2025, Alberta’s allocation has risen by 1,528 spots, bringing the total to 6,403 nominations. The AAIP provides pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to gain provincial nominations and accelerate their route to permanent residency. With Alberta’s economy growing in key sectors such as energy, healthcare, agriculture, and technology, this increase ensures that employers have access to the talent they need while newcomers benefit from more opportunities to settle in the province. The higher allocation also signals IRCC’s recognition of Alberta’s expanding role in Canada’s overall immigration strategy.

Alberta Introduces Canadian Citizenship Marker on IDs and Driver’s Licenses

Looking ahead to 2026, Alberta is set to launch a new Canadian citizenship marker on all newly issued and renewed driver’s licenses and provincial ID cards. This change will allow residents to prove both their identity and citizenship using a single document, reducing the need to carry multiple forms of identification. The measure is also designed to safeguard democratic processes by making it easier to verify voter eligibility. For new Canadian citizens, the change means proof of citizenship will be required when applying for or renewing identification starting in the fall of 2026. Alberta’s decision aligns with international best practices and reflects a broader shift toward secure, efficient identity verification systems.

Stay Connected with Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast continues to provide trusted, timely updates on Express Entry draws, provincial immigration programs, and settlement changes that affect future Canadians. With over 2 million subscribers worldwide, the podcast and newsletter deliver essential insights for anyone planning their immigration journey. Subscribe today to stay informed about the latest opportunities and policies that could shape your path to permanent residency in Canada.

Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
367(Education)	2500	462
366 (PNP)	228	746
365 (French)	4500	446
364 (CEC)	1000	534
363 (PNP)	249	772
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜