May 31, 2023 Government of Canada Launches Category-Based Selection for Express Entry, Focusing on In-Demand Professions and French Language Proficiency Government of Canada Launches Category-Based Selection for Express Entry, Prioritizing Specific Professions and French Language Proficiency In an attempt to address the labor shortages across the country, the Government of Canada has announced the introduction of category-based selection for its economic immigration management system, Express Entry. The move aims to... Read More
May 29, 2023 Start Your Educational Journey: The International Student’s Guide to Study Permits in Canada For international students contemplating studying in Canada, the Canadian study permit program presents compelling prospects for academic advancement and cultural immersion. Understanding Canada’s study permit program, however, is crucial as it forms the foundation of your journey as an international student in the country. To assist with your education journey... Read More
May 26, 2023 Lululemon and the Canada-British Columbia Immigration Agreement: An Example of Canada’s Dire Shortage of Skilled Workers The world-renowned yoga and athletic apparel company, Lululemon, is no stranger to the headlines. Recently, it has gained recognition for its substantial investment project in Vancouver, which promises to stimulate British Columbia's economy and workforce significantly over the next five years. One key aspect of this expansion is the company's... Read More
May 9, 2023 The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot has been extended by IRCC Agri-Food Pilot Program was launched in 2020 to assist employers in the meat processing, mushroom, greenhouse crop production, and livestock-raising industries in hiring foreign workers to fill ongoing labour shortages with full-time, year-round employees. The Agri-Food Pilot which will now run until May 14, 2025, enables eligible workers in the... Read More
May 3, 2023 IRCC Updates Proof of Fund Requirements for Skilled Immigrants (Express Entry) in Canada On May 2, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the proof of settlement funds requirement for skilled immigrants applying for permanent residency under the Express Entry system. The revision of the IRCC’s minimum amounts for skilled workers is effective as of April 25, 2023. If you are a... Read More
Apr 10, 2023 Canada relaxes the rules against foreign ownership of Canadian property On March 27, 2023, the Government of Canada quietly relaxed the rules barring non-Canadians from owning Canadian property by modifying some of the exceptions to the law. The amended Regulations now make it easier for foreign workers with valid Canadian work permits to buy and own property in Canada. The... Read More
Apr 10, 2023 IRCC reminds visa officers that Dual Intent is a legitimate policy setting IRCC released an update to one of it's guidance manuals (aimed at visa officers) to remind them that the policy of Dual Intent is a legitimate policy that is designed to encourage both temporary residents and immigration applications to Canada. With a dire shortage in critical labour skills and an... Read More
Mar 21, 2023 Post-Graduate Work Permit holders entitled to extend for another 18 months (even if they already extended before) On March 17 IRCC announced a new public policy that allows existing Post-Graduate Work Permit holders (PGWP) with valid or recently expired permits to apply for an extension that can be valid for an additional 18 months. The policy rationale is driven by Canada's need to fill gaps in its... Read More
Feb 28, 2023 Public policy allowing visitors to apply for a work permit extended until February 2025 Today IRCC announced that the COVID-19 public policy allowing visitors in Canada with a valid visitor visa to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada has been extended for two years, until February 2025. This is welcome news given the severe labour shortages the country is experiencing.... Read More
Jan 12, 2023 First Express Entry draw of 2023 invites over 5000 applicants The year's first round of invitations from Canada's Express Entry system, on 11 January 2023, resulted in a large number of invited applicants, 5,500 to be exact. The invitations were from all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and others. The minimum score required to... Read More
Nov 17, 2022 Big changes to Express Entry. Canada expands who qualifies for immigration under a revised NOC system On November 16th, IRCC Minister Sean Fraser announced the long-awaited introduction of the revised National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, which tracks and categorizes job titles and qualifications in the Canadian labour market. The NOC system serves as the underlying scheme used to determine who qualifies for Canadian permanent residence under... Read More
Nov 4, 2022 Express Entry Draw for October 26, 2022 On October 26th, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held their most recent Express Entry draw. The results of this draw again saw Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores fall. The minimum score has dropped by 4 points to 496, marking the first time the minimum score has fallen under 500... Read More