Canada’s labour market- immigrants are set to have a bright future

Canada is enjoying its lowest unemployment rate ever. On the surface, this may seem strange given the coronavirus pandemic. However there was little doubt the labour market would recover given the major demographic shifts that were transforming Canada’s workforce prior to the pandemic and that will continue to transform it over the next decade. From […]

New Canada Immigration Fees for 2022 Announced

Canada is increasing fees for all permanent residence applications on April 30. This fee often is less expensive than countries with similar immigration systems such as Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA. The fee increases will apply to economic, permit holder, family and humanitarian classes. In 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased permanent residence fees […]

Immigration minister commits to speeding up work permit processing

Work permits are among five priorities on IRCC’s $85 million budget this year. Canada’s immigration minister restated his promise to improve processing times for work permits during meetings with the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. Last week, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser told the committee that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will use its $85 million budget […]

Canada’s Immigration backlog stands at 1.8 million people, but now its improving

IRCC’s inventory remains at 1.8 million persons as of February 1. However there are signs of progress among immigration, study permit, and citizenship applications. The backlog includes applications from future citizens, permanent residents, international students, temporary workers and visitors. Adding up these categories brings the total to 1,815,628 persons waiting for decisions. In December, the […]

With a criminal record can I enter Canada?

While a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer can deny you entry into Canada if you have a criminal record, you still have the possibility to enter the country if you prepare in advance. The Canadian government recognizes that those with criminal records are capable of being rehabilitated and also may not necessarily pose a […]

IRCC finalizing over 14,000 CEC applications, and under 600 FSWP applications, per month – Express Entry  

New IRCC data shows how the department is currently prioritizing Express Entry applications. The data represents the number of permanent residence applications submitted under Express Entry that have been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Express Entry is the main way Canada welcomes economic class skilled immigrants. Candidates that meet the criteria of an Express Entry program […]

Canadian Citizenship – Applicants with representatives can now apply online

Canada’s online citizenship application portal is open to people who have representatives, but reps will not be able to apply on their behalf until sometime next year. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expanded its online portal to include applications from applicants who have representatives on November 30. “These applicants will still need to complete, sign, date and […]

Travel ban over Omicron variant concerns – Canada adds more countries to list

Canadian health authorities have restricted travel to 10 countries to prevent the spread of a new variant of the COVID-19 virus. Nigeria, Egypt, and Malawi have been added to the list as of 30th Nov 2021. On November 30, the Canadian government announced several more countries have been added to the list of those currently […]