USA & Canada

🇺🇸The 10 Safest States in America 2024 1 - New Hampshire 2 - Maine 3 - Idaho 4 - Rhode Island 5 - Connecticut 6 - New Jersey 7 - Kentucky 8 - Massachusetts 9 - West Virginia 10 - Iowa (U.S. News & World Report) @VwaltLink

🇺🇸The top 25 nationalities of US immigrants: 🇲🇽 Mexico: 10.7M 🇮🇳 India: 2.8M 🇨🇳 China: 2.2M 🇵🇭 Philippines: 2.0M 🇸🇻 El Salvador: 1.4M 🇻🇳 Vietnam: 1.3M 🇨🇺 Cuba: 1.3M 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic: 1.3M 🇬🇹 Guatemala: 1.1M 🇰🇷 South Korea: 1.0M 🇨🇴 Colombia: 929k 🇭🇳 Honduras: 844k 🇨🇦 Canada: 821k 🇯🇲 Jamaica: 805k 🇭🇹 Haiti: 731k 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 677k 🇻🇪 Venezuela: 668k 🇧🇷 Brazil: 619k 🇩🇪 Germany: 537k 🇪🇨 Ecuador: 518k 🇵🇪 Peru: 472k 🇳🇬 Nigeria: 448k 🇺🇦 Ukraine: 427k 🇮🇷 Iran: 407k 🇵🇰 Pakistan: 399k 🌎 Other: 11.6M According to Migration Policy Institute (MPI) tabulation of data from U.S. Census Bureau. Based on 2022 estimates. Figures rounded @VwaltLink

Average monthly salary after tax: 1. Switzerland 🇨🇭: $6,518 2. Luxembourg 🇱🇺: $5,380 3. USA 🇺🇸: $4,526 4. Singapore 🇸🇬: $4,393 5. Hong Kong 🇭🇰: $4,112 6. Qatar 🇶🇦: $4,097 7. Australia 🇦🇺: $3,737 8. Denmark 🇩🇰: $3,662 9. UAE 🇦🇪: $3,539 10. Netherlands 🇳🇱: $3,453 ~ 11. Norway 🇳🇴: $3,261 12. Ireland 🇮🇪: $3,074 14. Germany 🇩🇪: $3,035 16. UK 🇬🇧: $2,958 17. Canada 🇨🇦: $2,852 19. Sweden 🇸🇪: $2,719 23. France 🇫🇷: $2,488 24. South Korea 🇰🇷: $2,388 26. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦: $2,138 27. Japan 🇯🇵: $2,103 28. Spain 🇪🇸: $1,898 29. Italy 🇮🇹: $1,698 36. Poland 🇵🇱: $1,395 38. South Africa 🇿🇦: $1,306 47. China 🇨🇳: $920 52. Mexico 🇲🇽: $776 55. Turkey 🇹🇷: $671 61. India 🇮🇳: $621 67. Russia 🇷🇺: $552 73. Brazil 🇧🇷: $444 76. Argentina 🇦🇷: $433 81. Ukraine 🇺🇦: $388 85. Indonesia 🇮🇩: $321 94. Pakistan 🇵🇰: $175 95. Nigeria 🇳🇬: $168 96. Egypt 🇪🇬: $132 May 2024 - stats feed @VwaltLink

⛽️ Gasoline (Petrol) prices: 🇮🇷 Iran: $0.029 (litre, US$) 🇱🇾 Libya: $0.031 🇻🇪 Venezuela: $0.035 🇪🇬 Egypt: $0.28 🇩🇿 Algeria: $0.34 🇲🇾 Malaysia: $0.43 🇳🇬 Nigeria: $0.50 🇷🇺 Russia: $0.61 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: $0.62 🇦🇪 UAE: $0.88 🇮🇩 Indonesia: $0.97 🇺🇸 United States: $1.04 🇵🇰 Pakistan: $1.04 🇨🇴 Colombia: $1.05 🇧🇩 Bangladesh: $1.11 🇯🇵 Japan: $1.13 🇧🇷 Brazil: $1.15 🇦🇺 Australia: $1.16 🇨🇳 China: $1.22 🇮🇳 India: $1.25 🇰🇷 South Korea: $1.30 🇵🇭 Philippines: $1.31 🇹🇷 Türkiye: $1.35 🇿🇦 South Africa: $1.35 🇨🇦 Canada: $1.41 🇲🇽 Mexico: $1.43 🇲🇳 Mongolia: $1.49 🇲🇦 Morocco: $1.54 🇵🇱 Poland: $1.67 🇪🇸 Spain: $1.80 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: $1.87 🇩🇪 Germany: $1.94 🇫🇷 France: $2.04 🇮🇹 Italy: $2.05 🇫🇮 Finland: $2.08 🇩🇰 Denmark: $2.20 🇳🇱 Netherlands: $2.23 🇭🇰 Hong Kong: $3.20 (GasolineAffordabilityRanking, May 06, 2024) @VwaltLink

🇺🇸 US explores AI to train immigration officers on talking to refugees SAN FRANCISCO, May 7 (Reuters) - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is piloting artificial intelligence to train officers who review applicants for refugee status in the United States, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters on Tuesday. Read more @VwaltLink

🇨🇦 IRCC approves Manitoba’s request to extend work permits for some PNP candidates Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has approved a request by the government of Manitoba to extend temporary resident status for some nominees identified in the province's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Read more @VwaltLink

🇨🇦 Troubleshooting Common Issues with IRCC Applications Tips and Fixes By following these steps, you should be able to resolve many of the common technical issues that occur when applying to IRCC online. Read more @VwaltLink

🇨🇦 Here are six common issues you may encounter when applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online and suggestions for how to fix them: 1. Documents downloaded from IRCC don’t open or appear blank: - Issue: The document may not open or might appear blank. - Fix: Ensure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher installed. Open the document using Adobe Reader instead of other PDF viewers like Microsoft programs or Preview on Apple operating systems. 2. "Validate" button doesn't work and no barcodes appear: - Issue: The validate button at the bottom of the form doesn’t work, and barcodes don't appear. - Fix: - Update Adobe Reader to the latest version. - Try validating on a laptop instead of a tablet or mobile phone. - Fill in all mandatory fields marked with an asterisk (*). - Use the format "YYYY-MM-DD" for dates and avoid past or future dates as required. - Avoid special characters, including spaces, in the entry fields. 3. Error when uploading a validated form: - Issue: Errors occur when uploading validated forms. - Fix: - Leave the Unique Client Identifier (UCI) field blank if this is your first application. - Ensure you are still eligible for the program you're applying for. - Use the original digital version of the form downloaded from IRCC. - Update your browser to the latest version. - Verify that none of your documents have expired. 4. Documents are too large to upload: - Issue: Files larger than 2 or 4 MB cannot be uploaded. - Fix: - Compress files to meet the size requirements. - Use the links provided for specific guidance on reducing file sizes for PDF, JPG, TIFF, PNG, DOC, and DOCX formats. - Be cautious of third-party compression tools as IRCC doesn't recommend them. 5. Online application is down: - Issue: IRCC online services might be down due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. - Fix: - Check for messages on the application webpage for information about scheduled downtime. - For unscheduled downtime, monitor IRCC's official X (formerly Twitter) account for updates. 6. Technical issues persist: - Issue: If you're still experiencing issues despite trying the above fixes. - Fix: - Contact IRCC directly via the IRCC webform for assistance. - Provide as much relevant information as possible in your request. - Keep in mind it may take up to 30 days for IRCC to respond. - Note that IRCC won't respond to queries about the processing time if your application is still within the official timeline. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve many of the common technical issues that occur when applying to IRCC online. @VwaltLink

🇨🇦 Will my job offer get me Comprehensive Ranking System points as an Express Entry candidate? 1. National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code: The job offer must fall under a NOC 2021 code in one of the following Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories: 0, 1, 2, or 3. 2. Continuous, Paid, Full-time Employment: The job offer must be continuous, paid, and full-time, which means at least 30 hours per week. 3. Non-Seasonal Job: The job should not be seasonal and should be a year-round position. 4. Validity of the Offer: The job offer must be valid for at least one year from the date you receive your permanent resident (PR) visa. 5. LMIA Requirement: - If you are working in Canada, you must have a valid work permit based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that approves the offer and names you and your position, or an LMIA-exempt work permit. - If you are currently working in Canada under a valid work permit (LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt) and have one year of full-time experience with the employer, you may still qualify for CRS points if the employer offers you a valid job offer of at least one year in length from the date your PR visa is issued. 6. Work Permit Doesn't Automatically Qualify: Simply having a work permit does not qualify as a job offer for CRS points. The job offer needs to meet specific criteria, including being in writing, recent, non-seasonal, and specifying the job details such as pay, deductions, duties, and employment conditions. 7. Documentation: The job offer must be in writing, stating the terms of employment, including pay, deductions, duties, and conditions of employment. Note: If your job offer meets all the above conditions and you have the necessary documentation, you may be eligible to earn CRS points for "arranged employment." Make sure your job offer aligns with these requirements before submitting your Express Entry profile to increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If you have further questions or concerns, consider consulting with an immigration expert or legal professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. @VwaltLink

🇨🇦 Here are 5 key things you need to know about Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs): 1. What is an LMIA? - An LMIA is a document that employers in Canada may need before hiring a temporary foreign worker. It confirms that hiring the foreign worker will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labour market. - A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter. 2. When is an LMIA required? - Employers typically need an LMIA to hire foreign workers unless the job is LMIA-exempt. - LMIA requirements and exemptions depend on various factors, such as the type of job and the employer's situation. 3. Why do you need a new LMIA to extend a work permit? - LMIAs are valid for a specific period, usually six months, and must be valid when applying for a work permit. - If an initial LMIA expires and an employer wants to extend a worker's permit, a new LMIA is needed. - The extension application process is treated as a new application by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), meaning the assessment process starts over. 4. Do entrepreneurs need an LMIA? - Entrepreneurs do not require an LMIA to apply for a work permit, but they must prove their business in Canada will provide significant social, cultural, or economic benefits, and create or maintain jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 5. How does an LMIA impact Express Entry applicants? - Obtaining an LMIA can help improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score as an Express Entry applicant. - A valid job offer supported by an LMIA can increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence. Additionally, note the recent change announced on March 21, which reduces the LMIA validity period back to six months from 12 months as of May 1, 2024. This change reverts back to pre-pandemic standards and impacts the hiring process for foreign workers in Canada. @VwaltLink