Last week, Canada's immigration department made significant changes to improve the operations of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) based on a commissioned study.  The changes were influenced by a report from Neil Yeates, a former Deputy Minister of IRCC, who evaluated the department's structure and effectiveness. The department's Deputy...

Why are there still increasing numbers of asylum claims in Canada? In March, Roxham Road, a pathway used by many asylum seekers to enter Canada, had been closed. However, Canada has still processed over 80,000 asylum applications this year.  This is partly due to expedited visa processing and more straightforward...

On September 29, 2023, the Government of Manitoba held the 18th draw for Ukrainian candidates. The province invited 42 candidates through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) in this draw.  To be eligible, applicants must be:  Ukrainian citizens,  have a minimum of CLB 4 in each language band,  have connections...

Quebec’s immigration minister believes that new rules requiring more French proficiency from international students will not negatively impact universities like McGill and Concordia. Previously, under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), international students could easily enter Quebec by combining education with career goals.  However, in 2019, eligibility limits were imposed, causing...

The Federal Government works to prevent employers from immigration employment scams and from charging fees to temporary foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). However, some workers are still being exploited and made to pay large sums to secure jobs in Canada.  Immigrants pay to get a Canadian...

Over the last two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the new IEC draws. From September 16 to September 29, Canada invited 2,514 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of September 29, 30,757 candidates registered in the pool, awaiting the invitation. In 2023,...

On September 29, 2023, the Government of Canada implemented changes to the upfront medical examination requirement for Express Entry applicants. As of October 1, 2023, upfront medical examinations are no longer mandatory during the application process.  Instead, applicants are advised to await instructions before proceeding with a medical examination. Applicants...

On September 26, 2023, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted an invitation draw under the OINP Human Capital Priorities Stream. The OINP issued 1,696 targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates with work experience in healthcare occupations.  Invited candidates' CRS Express Entry score was between 350 and 462 points....

On September 27, 2023, the Government of Alberta published the results of the new occupation-specific AAIP draws in the Alberta Express Entry Stream. On September 12, 2023, the province held two draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and invited 300 and 16 candidates for Tourism Hospitality, and healthcare...

On September 28, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first category-based Express Entry draw for agriculture and agri-food occupations and issued 600 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates. In round #267, the cut-off score was the record low for 2023 – 354 points.  The tie-breaking rule for...