On this page we will provide you with major updates in Canadian immigration laws, procedures and rules. If you want to receive e-mail updates on the recent immigration changes please subscribe to the updates. |
News
Canada to accept more immigrants this year than at any time in the country’s history.
In June, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship processed 45,100 applications for permanent residence, the largest number ever in one month, according to the office of Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino. In that same month, Canada welcomed 35,600 new permanent residents. Such levels have Mr. Mendicino confident that his department will meet its goal of bringing in 401,000 new permanent residents this year, which would be the largest annual intake ever recorded. |
Two new pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents announced
June 08, 2021 Eligible Hong Kong residents in Canada can now apply for permanent residence through two new pathways that will be available until August 2026. To apply, eligible Hong Kong residents must: • have valid temporary resident status • be in Canada when they apply for permanent residence and when it is granted • meet the specified language and education requirements Detailed information about who is eligible and how to apply is available on CIC website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/hong-kong-residents-permanent-residence.html |
New pathway to permanent residence for over 90,000 essential workers and international student graduates
Today Minister Mendicino announced a new pathway to permanent residence for over 90,000 essential workers and international student graduates who are actively contributing to Canada’s economy. Starting May 6, 2021, this pathway will allow eligible international graduates, who studied in Canada, as well as temporary workers in health care and other essential occupations, to apply for permanent residence. CIC will accept applications under these policies from May 6 - November 5 2021, or until a program stream has reached its limit: • 20,000 temporary foreign workers in health care • 30,000 temporary foreign workers in selected essential occupations • 40,000 international graduates Please note: to support the vitality of Francophone minority communities, 3 additional streams with no application limit have also been launched for French-speaking or bilingual candidates. Learn more about the new pathway to permanent residency for over 90,000 essential temporary workers and international graduates here. |
International students will be able to complete entire studies online, from abroad, and still get work permits in Canada.
Toronto Star By Nicholas Keung Immigration Reporter Fri., Feb. 12, 2021 International students who are being kept out of Canada due to pandemic travel restrictions will still be eligible for coveted postgraduate work permits even if they complete their entire studies online from overseas. |
New work permit being offered to international students in Canada
Canadian Press Stephanie Levitz Publishing date:Jan 08, 2021 OTTAWA — International students are being offered a new work permit by the federal government in a bid to convince more to settle here permanently. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino says former students who hold post-graduation work permits that have expired or will soon expire can now apply for open work permits. He says that will allow affected students 18 more months to remain in Canada to try to find jobs. Applications will be accepted until July 27, 2021. The existing work permit program allows international postgraduate students to stay in Canada to work for up to three years after they finish studying. Trying to convince international students to remain in Canada permanently has been a top priority for governments as they look to immigration to deal with persistent labour shortages. |
Mandatory submission of COVID information digitally for travellers coming to Canada
November 2, 2020 - Ottawa, ON - Public Health Agency of Canada As of November 21, it will be mandatory for travellers coming to Canada to submit COVID info digitally.As of November 21, 2020, air travellers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN before they board their flight. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan (unless exempted under conditions set out in the Mandatory Isolation Order), and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment. Travellers must be ready to show their ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada; a border services officer will verify that they have submitted their information digitally. Travellers who do not submit the required information digitally before boarding their flight could be subject to enforcement action, which can range from verbal warnings to $1,000 fine. Exceptions will be made for those unable to submit documents electronically due to personal circumstances, such as disability or inadequate infrastructure. Starting on November 4, 2020, air travellers can expect to be reminded by their air carrier of the need to submit COVID-related information digitally through ArriveCAN prior to boarding their flight to Canada. |
Changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) as of October 1, 2020
Changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) as of October 1, 2020 As of October 1, 2020 the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has made several changes to its program: · A new online portal is available to submit applications. · Candidates must pay a fee to submit an application, as well for post-decision services (requests for nomination extensions, 204(c) Letters of Support and reconsiderations). · Some AINP processes have changed with the introduction of fees: o 204(c) Letters of Support are no longer issued at the time of nomination. Nominees must submit a request to be considered for a 204(c) Letter of Support. o All requests for post-decision services must be sent by email. o The steps for applying to the Self-Employed Farmer Stream have changed. · Changes have been made to several of our temporary COVID-19 application and processing adjustments. · Updates and corrections to AINP applications must be sent by email. |
Visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada
New temporary public policy will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada Change intended to benefit employers who are still facing difficulties finding workers August 24, 2020—Ottawa—Visitors who are currently in Canada and have a valid job offer will be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit and, if approved, receive the permit without having to leave the country, thanks to a new public policy announced today by the Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. |
Temporary residence applicants who are applying from within Canada are exempt from providing biometrics
Biometrics exemption for temporary residence applicants in CanadaAs a temporary measure, you’re exempt from giving biometrics if you’re applying from within Canada
This applies to all new applications as well as applications already in progress. It applies even if
This temporary measure does not apply if you’re outside Canada. |
Most VACs have temporarily closed, due to the COVID19 pandemic
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, most VACs have temporarily closed or are operating with limited hours and services. Note that we have no further information at this time and cannot offer a response to questions about the details or projected dates for reopening of VACs or VFSs that isn’t contained on this website. For up-to-date information, visit: https://bit.ly/2EhCDzS |
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