Immigration Suggestions

11/08/2022

Ministers Fraser and Petitpas Taylor mark National Francophone Immigration Week

Ottawa, November 7, 2022—The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement:

“Today, we are proud to mark the 10th annual National Francophone Immigration Week, which celebrates the contributions of French-speaking newcomers and recognizes the important role they play in fostering the vitality of Francophone communities across Canada.

“This year’s theme—our traditions, our future—offers an opportunity to reflect on the richness that French-speaking newcomers bring to Canada’s cultural landscape. It is a celebration of the many contributions Francophone newcomers bring, helping to grow our communities through shared language, culture and history. It is also a commitment for our future and a reflection of how Canada will continue to grow and prosper by promoting its 2 official languages.

“Through its immigration programs, the Government of Canada has made great strides in welcoming more French-speaking newcomers, who continue to build our workforce, grow our economy and strengthen our linguistic duality. In fact, from January 1 to September 30, 2022, Canada has already welcomed more than double the number of French-speaking newcomers outside of Quebec compared to the same period in 2021. Thanks to our provincial and territorial partners, key stakeholders, and our welcoming Francophone communities, we will continue to do everything we can to make Francophones feel at home in their new communities.

“But recent Statistics Canada data revealed the percentage of Francophones has decreased in every region of the country, except for the Yukon. This underscores why immigration to Francophone minority communities is so critical and why we are redoubling our efforts to reach 4.4% French-speaking admissions outside Quebec by 2023.

10/06/2021

How to Immigrate to Canada
Canada offers about 120 different immigration pathways for economic class candidates. Here are the most popular options.

Do you want to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker?

In 1967, Canada introduced the world’s first ever objective points system to assess whether immigration candidates could successfully integrate into the Canadian labour market. This was done through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) which continues to be one of Canada’s most prominent immigration pathways.

What has changed since 1967, however, is the number of additional Canadian immigration programs now available to skilled workers.

Today, Canada offers some 120 different economic class immigration streams. The reason for this is the Canadian Constitution defines immigration as a shared responsibility between the federal government and Canada’s 10 provinces and 3 territories.

Given how large and diverse the country is, the federal government and provinces operate many different skilled worker streams to address Canada’s diverse economic and labour market needs. This means that Canada has broad immigration programs that select the highest-scoring candidates, and also operates more targeted programs that select immigrants based on their occupational backgrounds.

Canada is guided by its Immigration Levels Plan. It is seeking to welcome the highest levels of immigration in its history, over 400,000 new immigrants per year. About 60 per cent of these new immigrants will arrive to Canada under the economic class as skilled workers and business immigrants. About 25 per cent will arrive through family sponsorship, while the remaining 15 per cent will be welcomed as refugees.

08/04/2021

Manitoba invites 1,140 Express Entry candidates in new PNP draw
The new record-breaking draw brought the number of Manitoba invitations issued to 6,139 in 2021.

Manitoba’s immigration program reached new heights on July 27. The province invited 1,140 Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination — the most ever in a single draw.

Express Entry candidates eligible for Skilled Workers Overseas stream

Number of LAAs issued: 1,140
Ranking score cutoff: 557

All candidates in the new draw were invited to apply for a provincial nomination from the Skilled Workers Overseas stream. They must have previously submitted a profile to Manitoba’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system, and had an EOI score of at least 557 to receive the Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA).

This score is tabulated based on Manitoba’s EOI scoring matrix. It is not the same as the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry. There was no CRS requirement for this draw.

That being said, if invited candidates receive the provincial nomination from Manitoba, they will automatically get 600 points added to their score. This is not unique to Manitoba. Any Express Entry-linked Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will render this same reward, putting provincial nominees at the top of the line to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

07/23/2021

Government of Canada offers refuge to Afghans who assisted Canada

News release
Ottawa, July 23, 2021—Many brave Afghans made incredible contributions to Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan—often at great personal risk. While over 800 were able to resettle in Canada over the past decade, many are still in Afghanistan. With the situation in the country deteriorating rapidly, many have become Taliban targets due to their work.

The Government of Canada is seized with the urgency of the situation, and we are working quickly to help those who put themselves at great risk to help Canada. That’s why the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today announced a special program to resettle the Afghans who were integral to Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan.

In recognition of their service to Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing special immigration measures that will offer a path to protection in Canada for those at risk due to their work. The work at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Department of National Defence (DND) is well underway to identify and assist individuals eligible for resettlement to Canada. Operational teams from IRCC, GAC and DND are currently on the ground in Afghanistan to support these efforts. Starting immediately, IRCC will begin processing individuals referred to them by GAC and DND.

Those eligible include interpreters who worked with the Canadian Armed Forces, cooks, drivers, cleaners, construction workers, security guards and locally engaged staff employed at the Embassy of Canada to Afghanistan, and their family members. Criteria to be referred for resettlement are based on applicants’ significant or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada. Applicants must meet all usual admissibility requirements, including security, criminal and health screenings, and processing timelines will be expedited. Applicants will also be subject to existing COVID-19 public health measures and safety protocols.

To protect their privacy, as well as the safety of extended family who may remain in Afghanistan, we will not disclose the identity of those who will be resettled, how they will be evacuated or when. For security reasons, we also will not comment on specific operational matters of our missions abroad.

07/20/2021

Alberta releases details of newest PNP draw
The Alberta government invited Express Entry candidates with scores of at least 301 to apply for a provincial nomination.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) invited 181 Express Entry candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of at least 301. These candidates may now apply for a provincial nomination through the Alberta Express Entry stream.
Alberta has now invited 2,613 Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination since it resumed invitation rounds in January 2021. It had taken a temporary hiatus in the latter months of 2020. Alberta is allowed to issue 6,250 nomination certificates in 2021.

07/15/2021

New open work permit available for recent permanent residency applicants
News release
July 15, 2021—Ottawa—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced today that, beginning July 26, 2021, individuals who have applied for the recently opened pathway to permanent residence will be eligible for an open work permit while awaiting the results of their application.
The pathway to permanent residence was opened to international students who graduated from a Canadian institution, health care workers and those in other designated essential occupations on May 6, 2021. To qualify for the pathway, individuals must be legally working in Canada at the time of their application and maintain their temporary resident status until a decision is made on their permanent residence application.
Many whose status is set to expire are able to extend their work permit under existing programs, or receive a new permit under one of the temporary measures put in place as a result of the pandemic, such as the public policy for post-graduation work permit holders.
We recognize the potential disruption and uncertainty for applicants who have an expiring work permit, and have been working to ensure that those who don’t qualify for existing measures won’t lose their temporary status and work authorization.
To qualify for this one-time open work permit, the applicants must show that they
have successfully submitted an application under one of the new permanent residence pathway’s streams
held a valid work permit, or were authorized to work without a work permit, at the time their permanent residence application was submitted
hold a valid work permit that is set to expire within the next 4 months
have temporary resident status, maintained status or are eligible to restore their status at the time their open work permit application is submitted
are in Canada at the time their open work permit application is submitted
were employed in any occupation at the time their permanent residence application was submitted
meet the language requirements of the stream under which they applied at the time their permanent residence application was submitted

07/09/2021

International Students: Our Student Direct Stream (SDS) is now available in 7 more countries:

• Antigua & Barbuda
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Peru
• St. Vincent & the Grenadines
• Trinidad & Tobago

More info: http://ow.ly/ZcTN50FsEK0

In total, eligible international students in 14 countries may now be able to get their study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream. Learn more about how SDS works: http://ow.ly/GROO50FsEJZ

Get the latest information about how and related travel restrictions may affect study permit applicants and international students here: http://ow.ly/NfXA50FsEK1

International Students: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put special measures in place to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants in China who have been affected by disruptions related to the novel coronavirus.

06/22/2021

Canada announces 3 new initiatives to welcome and support more refugees
News release

June 18, 2021—Ottawa—The world is facing a refugee crisis. Across the globe, millions are displaced and longing for what most of us take for granted: a safe place to call home. As a global leader in protecting those who need it most, Canada welcomed nearly half of all refugees resettled around the world in 2020. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently called Canada “a bright light in a horrible year for refugee resettlement.”

Our efforts are making a difference—yet the world’s most vulnerable are counting on us to do more. In advance of World Refugee Day, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, met with UNHCR’s representative in Canada, Rema Jamous Imseis, to announce 3 new initiatives to assist even more refugees.

These important steps will help Canada offer asylum to more people who need it, welcome more refugees through new channels and increase support to those welcomed through community sponsorship.

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

Launched in 2018, the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is a ground-breaking initiative that recognizes the talents and skills of refugees by welcoming them through economic immigration streams. This not only allows Canada to welcome more refugees, but also flips the stereotype of refugees as solely victims by demonstrating all that they contribute to our country. Today, the Minister announced a new policy that will help settle 500 refugees and their families.

The new measures will improve the EMPP process by

expediting the processing of permanent residence applications for EMPP applicants in several streams, so they can start working and contributing faster
making it easier for refugees under EMPP to get settlement funds
waiving fees for permanent residence applications
making the application process more flexible
providing pre-departure medical services to assist with immigration medical exams
Protected persons in Canada

Despite the many challenges of the pandemic, Canada’s asylum levels have remained stable. We are now building on this success by increasing the number of protected persons we’ll welcome this year from 23,500 to 45,000. We will also expedite the processing of applications, meaning that more protected persons can quickly become permanent residents and put down roots in their communities.

Currently, there are over 40,000 protected persons and their dependents residing in Canada with open permanent residence applications. In 2021, almost 17,900 protected persons became permanent residents.

Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program

Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program is a world-leading initiative, helping us welcome more refugees and better equipping them for lasting success. Since it began over 5 decades ago, private sponsors have welcomed more than 350,000 refugees to Canada. This program is now emulated all over the world, from the United Kingdom and the European Union to New Zealand, and the US has committed to creating one as well.

To further strengthen this program, IRCC recently launched a national call for proposals to improve existing pre- and post-arrival support services for private sponsors and ensure refugees take full advantage of the assistance offered to them. As a result of this process, up to $3 million over 2 years will be invested in supporting 9 organizations.

06/08/2021

Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents

This temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents who are currently in Canada provides a pathway to permanent residence for eligible applicants and their families.

There are 2 streams for which you may be eligible. You can apply for permanent residence under one of the following:

Stream A: In-Canada graduates
Stream B: Canadian work experience
This public policy will be in effect from June 1, 2021, to August 31, 2026.

05/31/2021

Express Entry: Canada holds major draw inviting 5,956 immigration candidates
CRS score drops to 380 which is the lowest in 2021 as IRCC continues to draw on candidates living in Canada amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Canada held a new Express Entry draw on May 31, inviting 5,956 candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited candidates with scores of at least 380. The new draw targeted candidates who are eligible for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Invited candidates have had at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada plus intermediate official language skills, among other criteria, in order to be eligible for the CEC.

Today’s draw was the third largest Express Entry draw ever and had the second-lowest Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) in 2021. Previous draw records were also set this year with IRCC inviting a record 27,332 CEC candidates in one draw in February and 6,000 CEC candidates each in two separate draws in April.

Compared to the previous CEC-only draw two weeks ago, Canada invited 4,114 more candidates today and the score requirement was 17 points lower. Three weeks ago, Canada also held a CEC draw, inviting candidates with scores as low as 401.

05/24/2021

Canada extends travel ban from India and Pakistan
Direct flights from Canada to India and Pakistan will continue to be banned until at least June 21.

Canada has extended the travel ban for all direct passenger and business flights from India and Pakistan for another 30 days, until June 21, 2021.

The travel ban first went into place on April 22 for 30 days, until May 22.

Cargo flights carrying vaccines and protective equipment will continue to be allowed into Canada.

Passengers may still be able to come to Canada. They will have to do so via an indirect route and will need to get a COVID-19 test from their last point of departure.

The news was confirmed by Omar Alghabra, Canada’s transport minister, at a government pandemic briefing on May 21.

“I can say that we’ve seen a significant reduction in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 arriving from international flights since this restriction was put in place,” Alghabra said.

Air Canada extended the flight ban to India last week, expecting the government’s announcement. The airline does not fly to Pakistan.

05/20/2021

Express Entry: CRS drops to 397 in surprise draw
Canada's newest Canadian Experience Class draw has the second-lowest score requirement of 2021 so far.

We have not seen an Express Entry draw with a score requirement this low since the historic February 13 draw where the cutoff score was just 75.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 1,842 candidates who may be eligible for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

IRCC published the cutoff time for the tie-break rule, as per administrative requirements. It does not necessarily mean there was an actual tie. Candidates who had the minimum score of 397 were only invited if they submitted their Express Entry profile before April 24, 2021 at 12:09:24 UTC.

Overview of Express Entry in 2021
There have been 68,317 candidates invited so far in 2021. The number of invitations issued this year is far out-pacing last year’s rate. This could be because IRCC is holding larger draws, sometimes up to 6,000. Plus, 0n February 13, IRCC invited every single CEC candidate to apply for permanent residence.