Sep 23, 2022 IRCC Promises Changes Previously Announced Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has introduced a so-called “new” strategic plan for IRCC. The stated goal of his plan is to help more newcomers obtain permanent residency. The plan came in response to a motion passed back in May that granted the Minister the ability to create a comprehensive strategy... Read More
Jun 17, 2022 Immigration Minister reveals new pathway for temporary residents to permanent resident to be unveiled in September Minister of Immigration Sean Fraser says his government is working on a programme to help speed up the process of converting temporary residents in Canada to permanent residents. In an interview that aired this weekend on CBC's The House, he said, "We are looking right now at the best path forward to... Read More
Jun 7, 2022 Super Visa program for parents tweaked Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced enhancements to Canada's super visa program. Starting in July 4, 2022, these changes will increase the length of stay for super visa holders to five years per entry into Canada, with an ability to extend their stay in... Read More
May 26, 2022 Major changes proposed to Express Entry The Minister of Immigration has proposed major changes to the Express Entry system. These changes are currently before the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, which is a group of elected officials who are responsible to study and evaluate regulatory proposals for Canada’s immigration regime. The new changes would allow... Read More
May 12, 2022 Green Card holders no longer need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) as of April 26, 2022 Starting in April 26, 2022, US Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) no longer need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to travel to Canada. However, US permanent residents will need to show both a valid passport (or authorized travel document) and proof of their green card status. Proof of Green Card... Read More
Apr 22, 2022 IRCC Major Announcements for Express Entry and Post Graduate workers Today IRCC announced policy changes that immigration lawyers have been waiting (and pushing) for a long time: Express Entry Invitations to Apply under both the Canadian Experience Class and the Skilled Worker Class are set to resume in July 2022. This is excellent news as both programs serve as key... Read More
Feb 19, 2022 Individuals with approved visitor visas can still face problems entering Canada IRCC has released the following update: Important information about your approved temporary resident visa or super visa and Canada’s travel restrictions due to COVID-19 Dear temporary resident (visitor) visa or super visa holder, Due to the evolving epidemiological situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is continuously adjusting... Read More
Jan 31, 2022 IRCC is using AI to adjudicate visa applications On January 31 IRCC released a news release confirming that they are investing $85 million in new funding to help speed up processing times across certain inventories. The investment will add new staff and is supposed help speed up study permits, work permits, and permanent resident card renewals, as well... Read More
Jan 5, 2022 New Ontario Entrepreneur Program Announced, with few details On December 14th the Province of Ontario announced a new entrepreneur program to attract foreign nationals to invest and move to Ontario. The provincial government is hoping to generate $20 million in business investment by attracting 100 entrepreneurs, with a pathway toward permanent residency. The news release is the only... Read More
Dec 14, 2021 New Ontario PNP Entrepreneur Program Here are the first details of the forthcoming Ontario entrepreneur program, which will allow foreign entrepreneurs to buy an existing business (or start a new business) with a minimum $200,000 investment in a location outside the Greater Toronto Area. It is not clear when the program will come into effect... Read More
Dec 14, 2021 Federal Government to fund IRCC Deputy Prime Minister Freeland has announced an $85 million dollar allocation to IRCC to help move along around 1.8 million applications that are currently in a processing backlog. This announcement is welcome news to applicants all over the world who face uncertainty and real hardship from not knowing when their... Read More
Sep 15, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Immigration Medical Examinations U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. We are updating our policy... Read More