WES Weekly Roundup February 7, 2023

_{World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.}

Canada holds fist Federal Skilled Workers-only draw in Express Entry history (CIC News)

On February 2^nd, IRCC issued invitations to 3,3000 individuals with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 489. This draw was exclusively for the candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the first time since the inception of Express Entry that a FSWP specific draw was established. Similarly, on February 1^st a Provincial Nominee program (PNP) specific draw inviting 893 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 733 was issued. This was the first time since June 2022 that a PNP specific draw was held. In the future, 2023 is expected to be a year of more changes as Bill C-19 has received royal assent and allows IRCC to invite candidates via Express Entry based on category-based groupings set by the Minister of Immigration.

A data-based case for diversification: Study finds that only 14 countries account for half of all international student enrolments (ICEF)

A recent analysis from Studyportals identifies that global student flows are highly concentrated in a smaller pool of sending markets. The report indicates that only 14 countries contribute to just under half of all international students. Nearly 30 percent of international students abroad are from China and India, with India's share of international students being the highest in countries including Canada and the United Kingdom. Out of 209 countries, just 54 account for 80 percent (4 out of 5) of all students pursuing higher education abroad. These include Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and Philippines. Strong trends of student interest outside of the top 14 sending countries indicate increasingly diversified enrolment for many destinations in the future.

Refugee Resettlement

Canadian MPs unanimously vote to resettle 10,000 displaced Uyghurs (Global News)

Canadian Members of Parliament have unanimously called on Ottawa to develop a humanitarian protection program for 10,000 Uyghurs fleeing persecution in China. The motion recently passed would give 100 days (until May 12) to develop an outline of a program that should start in 2024, for target completion within two years. The plan would allow resettlement for displaced Uyghurs living in countries such as Turkey. Advocacy groups are welcoming the announcement are cite their commitment to working with the federal government to develop a comprehensive plan.

Further Reading:

• Family of some temporary foreign workers now eligible for Canadian work permits under temporary measure
• Poll shows more people than ever want to immigrate to Canada
• Quebec lawyers, activists throw support behind Amira Elghawaby as pressure for resignation mounts
• More Health Care Workers on Track to Join Saskatchewan's Health Care System
• Immigration Francophone: Les Partis Fédéraux sortent le bâton
• United Way - Building Inclusive Communities Report
• CEWIL Canada and Future NB Partnership announcement
• China: students must return to study destinations “as soon as possible”
• Canada extends and expands open work permit program for Hong Kong residents
•  Universities and colleges want to enrol more students. But where are they supposed to live?
• Canada’s tech company’s platform will play key role in U.S. push for private refugee sponsorship