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
Oct 31, 2022 Express Entry Draw – October 12, 2022 On October 12, 2022, IRCC held its most recent Express Entry Draw. As a direct result, 4,250 candidates received invitations to apply for Permanent Residence from IRCC. With minimum scores continuing to drop and changes to the system on the horizon, here is what you need to know. Lowering of... Read More
Oct 7, 2022 IRCC lifts the 20-hour work limit for students working off-campus Today Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has announced two new pilot programs that are of significant benefit for international students in Canada. Temporary removal of limits on Off-Campus Work Under a pilot project that will run from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, international students who are currently in Canada... Read More
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