Podcast Episode 140: What if I am not invited in an Express Entry Draw?

Host: Mark Holthe
Guest: Alicia Backman-Beharry

Introduction:

• Welcome to another episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast.
• In today’s episode, we delve into what happens if you are not invited in an Express Entry draw, a pertinent question for many amidst the high CRS scores of recent general draws.

Key Points:

1. Overview of Express Entry:

   • Explanation of the Express Entry system, which started in January 2015.
   • It is designed to manage applications for Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and some Provincial Nominee Programs.

2. Challenges with Express Entry:

   • Discussion on the high CRS scores making it challenging for individuals outside Canada to qualify.
   • Emphasis on the need for strategies to improve chances of receiving an ITA.

3. Strategies to Improve CRS Scores:

   • Possibility of increasing language scores, gaining additional work experience, and pursuing higher education.
   • Consideration of provincial nominee programs for additional points.

4. Category-Specific Draws:

   • Insight into how targeted draws based on specific criteria such as occupation or language can offer alternative pathways to receive an ITA.

5. Alternatives to Express Entry:

   • Exploration of other immigration pathways including provincial nominee programs, family sponsorship, and temporary work permits.

6. Future of Express Entry:

   • Discussion on potential changes and the importance of staying informed about immigration policies and category-specific draws.

7. Role of Immigration Lawyers:

   • How consulting with an expert can provide personalized guidance and strategies tailored to individual circumstances.

Conclusion:

• Recap of the importance of having a strategic plan when navigating through the complexities of Express Entry.
• Reminder to stay informed and proactive in managing one's immigration journey.

Resources:

• Express Entry Accelerator Course
• Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube Channel

Next Episode Preview:

• Join us for the next episode where we will discuss the impact of recent changes in immigration law on temporary foreign workers in Canada.

Listen and Subscribe:

• Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and directly on the Canadian Immigration Podcast website.

Title: Making Sense of the Filipino Temporary Foreign Worker Exit Visa Requirements

Introduction: Welcome back to another episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. Today, we delve into one of the most complex aspects of immigration for Filipino workers—the exit visa requirements. This episode, which is also available as a vodcast on our Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube channel, features a special guest, Canadian Immigration Lawyer Lou Janssen Dangzalan.

Key Highlights:

1. Introduction of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW):

   • Lou explains the recent establishment of the DMW in the Philippines, which now handles the affairs of Filipinos working abroad. This department evolved from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, centralizing services under one department.

2. Understanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs):

   • Discussion on the concept of OFWs, their importance to the Philippine economy, and the legal framework that defines and governs their employment abroad.

3. Exit Visa Requirements:

   • A comprehensive overview of the Philippine government's requirements for Filipinos working overseas, including the necessity for exit clearances and how these regulations impact both workers and their foreign employers.

4. Direct Hiring Ban and Exemptions:

   • Insight into the Philippine Labor Code’s stipulations against direct hiring by foreign employers and the specific exemptions that allow for direct recruitment under certain conditions.

5. Enforcement Mechanisms:

   • Lou discusses how the Philippine government enforces compliance with employment regulations for OFWs, including blacklisting non-compliant employers and recruitment agencies.

6. Implications for Employers and Workers:

   • Practical advice for both employers and Filipino workers on navigating the complexities of compliance to ensure smooth and legal employment practices.

Conclusion: This episode sheds light on the critical but often misunderstood regulations affecting Filipino workers abroad. Understanding these rules is essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding legal pitfalls in the recruitment and employment of OFWs.

Additional Resources:

• Visit the Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube Channel for more insights and discussions on various immigration topics.
• For detailed information and assistance with Canadian immigration matters, consider booking a legal consultation through www.holthelaw.com.
• Book a consultation with Lou Janssen Dangzalan: https://www.ljd-law.ca/about

Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on platforms like iTunes and Spotify and leave a review if you found this episode informative. Share this episode with anyone who might benefit from understanding more about Filipino exit visa requirements and the broader implications for international employment practices.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Labor Code of the Philippines: (Art.18. Ban on direct-hiring): https://www.ilo.org/dyn/travail/docs/1131/Labor%20Code%20of%20the%20Philippines%20-%20DOLE.pdf

Book a consult with Lou Janssen Dangzalan: https://www.ljd-law.ca/consultation

DMW Advisory 09/2024 - Documentation of Filipinos as OFWs under Canada’s Immigration Programs/Systems: https://dmw.gov.ph/resources/dsms/DMW/ISN-EXT/2024/DMW-ADVISORY-09-2024.pdf

Welcome to Episode 138 of the Canadian Immigration Podcast. In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia delve into the freshly released Budget 2024 to unearth the key takeaways impacting immigration. They offer insights into the potential directional shifts in policies based on where the government is channelling its financial resources.

Key Highlights:

1. Stabilization of the Refugee System: Discussion on the government's dual strategy to reduce asylum claims and manage the expulsion of individuals with denied claims. Mark and Alicia consider the impact of recent steps such as the visa requirements for Mexican citizens and changes in legislation affecting the immediate cancellation of temporary resident visas upon issuance of removal orders.

2. Sustainable Immigration Strategy: With a focus on a more sustainable approach to immigration, the podcast addresses the current imbalances in the system, particularly in the International Student Program, which is now under strict scrutiny.

3. Support for Newcomers: The budget has earmarked funds for legal aid to assist individuals with immigration proceedings, and $50 million for the recognition of foreign credentials, signalling a move toward better integrating skilled immigrants into the Canadian workforce.

4. Adjustment of Temporary Resident Intake: The podcast discusses the federal government's unprecedented move to set targets for temporary resident levels in an effort to manage intake and improve processing times, with an emphasis on transparency and policy planning.

5. Focus on Economic and Community Integration: This segment explores how the government's financial commitments indicate a desire for improved integration of immigrants into Canada's economic fabric and community support networks.

6. Targeted Draws: The discussion here is on the government's continued focus on targeted draws within the Express Entry system, which favours certain economic sectors and specific NOC codes known for chronic labour shortages.

Bonus Point:

Fee Increases: The podcast closes with a bonus discussion on the planned increase in government fees for immigration applications and the implications for potential immigrants and practitioners in the field.

For more insights and updates on Canadian immigration, visit Joorney Business Plans at www.joorney.ca with the code HOLTHEJOORNEY10 for a discount on business plan services, or book a legal consultation at www.holthelaw.com. Don't forget to subscribe to the Canadian Immigration Institute YouTube channel for live Q&As that occur every Wednesday at 10:00am MT.

If you need any immigration legal advice, please feel free to book a consultation with our firm Holthe Immigration Law: https://www.holthelaw.com/consultation