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News
New and improved intake process for sponsorship of parents and grandparents to launch on January 28, 2019
News release January 11, 2019 – Ottawa, ON – Today, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, announced the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program interest to sponsor form will be available to potential sponsors starting at noon EST on January 28, 2019. The launch of the 2019 PGP Program will include a new and improved intake process. |
Canada to increase annual immigration admissions to 350,000 by 2021
Most newcomers will address skills shortages and gaps in the labour market The Canadian Press · Posted: Oct 31, 2018 5:11 PM ET Canada will take in 40,000 more immigrants in 2021 than it plans to accept this year, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said Wednesday. The target for new arrivals in Canada will rise to 350,000, which is nearly one per cent of the country's population. |
Algorithms and artificial intelligence are augmenting and replacing human decision makers in Canada’s immigration and refugee system
Ottawa’s use of AI in immigration system has profound implications for human rights PETRA MOLNAR AND RONALD DEIBERT CONTRIBUTED TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL PUBLISHED 26-Sep-2018 How would you feel if an algorithm made a decision about your application for a Canadian work permit, or determined how much money you can bring in as an investor? What if it decided whether your marriage is “genuine?” Or if it trawled through your Tweets or Facebook posts to determine if you are “suspicious” and therefore a “risk,” without ever revealing any of the categories it used to make this decision? |
Ottawa raises cap on parent sponsorship, ends lottery system
Ottawa raises cap on parent sponsorship, ends lottery system By NICHOLAS KEUNG Immigration Reporter, thestar.com Mon., Aug. 20, 2018 “By accepting even more applications this year and next, as well as enhancing the intake system, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to helping families live, work and thrive together in Canada.” Hussen said instead of randomly selecting sponsorship candidates in a draw, officials will invite applicants based on the order they submit their forms indicating their interest in sponsoring family members." Read more... |
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program - major program changes
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program - major program changes The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program has a new application stream called the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS), and an expansion to the occupations and skill levels that can be accepted. These new changes will better serve workers in Alberta who want to become permanent residents. We have simplified processes, which will reduce wait times and provide fair access for all workers who wish to build lives in Alberta. In response to the program’s expansion to include most occupations and all skill levels, the federal government requires minimum criteria for language, education and income. As of June 14, 2018, the AINP will accept applications under two streams:
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IRCC today announces the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
"To support the growth in study permit applications, IRCC today announces the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which is available to students applying for a study permit from China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. Students from those countries who demonstrate upfront that they have the financial resources and language skills to succeed academically in Canada will benefit from faster processing times. Similar programs have been in place in these 4 countries for a few years. We are aligning them together into 1 program to ensure consistency. We are also working on expanding SDS to Africa and are looking at options in Kenya and Senegal. Expansion to Senegal would be in line with the department’s focus to attract more French-speaking students to Canada." Quick facts
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Biometrics expansion
May 17, 2018. Starting in the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence you will need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years. Depending on your nationality, you may need to give your biometrics as soon as this summer Starting July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas |
Canada’s global talent pilot is working – now let’s make it permanent
"Since launching last year, the dedicated tech-talent stream of the program has received over 800 applications for nearly 900 positions. More than 300 unique employers have used the new process and more than 70 employers have returned for additional applications. Read more... |
Government of Canada brings medical inadmissibility policy in line with inclusivity for persons with disabilities News release
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada April 16, 2018 – Ottawa, ON – One of the Government of Canada’s priorities is to ensure greater accessibility and opportunities for Canadians with disabilities. Today’s announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Ahmed Hussen of changes to the medical inadmissibility provision of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act ensures that our immigration policies better align with Canadian values and reflect the importance that the Government places on the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Read more... |
Government of Canada facilitates access to Canadian citizenship for minors
February 16, 2018 – Ottawa, ON – The Government is committed to encouraging all immigrants, including minors under 18 years of age, to acquire citizenship. To help make that easier, the fee for minors applying under subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act has been reduced. On June 19, 2017, the royal assent of Bill C-6 immediately brought into force a legislative amendment that removed the requirement to be 18 years old to apply for a grant of citizenship under subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act. This made it easier for minors to apply for citizenship on their own behalf. One of the strongest pillars for successful integration into Canadian life is acquiring Canadian citizenship. |
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