Canada has announced the opening of a new application processing centre in Manila, Philippines, as part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy to foster ties between Canadians and the region. The new centre, located within Canada’s Embassy in Manila, will be supported by 37 new employees and will help boost immigration application processing within Canada’s centralized network, as well as abroad. This …
Canada Announces New Measures to Support Iranian Temporary Residents
Canada has announced new measures to support Iranian temporary residents in the country. The measures, effective March 1, 2023, will make it easier for Iranians to extend their temporary status in Canada and to move between temporary streams, allowing them to continue studying, working, or visiting family by applying for a new permit from inside Canada. In addition, an open …
In 2022, Canada Welcomed the Highest Number of Francophone Newcomers Since 2006
In 2022, Canada achieved its target of 4.4% of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. This is a significant jump of 3.02% (from 1.38% to 4.4%) between 2006 and 2022. These Francophone newcomers contribute to the development of Canadian communities outside Quebec and to the diversity of our country’s cultural and linguistic landscape. They also help strengthen our economy. Francophone immigration outside …
Canada extends and expands the open work permit program for residents of Hong Kong
On February 6, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Canada is extending and expanding the open work permit program for eligible Hong Kong residents. Canada is extending the deadline to apply to February 7, 2025. It is also expanding eligibility to Hong Kong residents who have graduated within the past 10 years from …
Caregivers to Benefit from Reduced Work Experience Requirements and Pathways to Permanent Residence in Canada
On February 10, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the caregiver program. Effective April 30, 2023, the amount of work experience required in Canada for a caregiver to qualify for permanent residence will be reduced from 24 months to 12 months, and some spaces in the program will be reserved for caregivers who have prior …
Changes to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Will Attract Global Talent
The Alberta Government is updating the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) to attract more newcomers. AAIP is an economic immigration program that allows Alberta to nominate qualified workers for permanent residency. Alberta’s economy is facing a shortage of labour and currently has 100,000 job openings across all sectors. To address this issue, Alberta’s government is making changes to the AAIP …
Government of Canada Announces Expansion and Opening of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program
On January 9, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is now accepting applications from international youth interested in coming to Canada to gain work and travel experiences. International youth bring valuable and diverse skills to Canada’s economy through the IEC program, while Canadian youth also benefit from gaining international experience through working and traveling …
Canada Welcomes Record Number of Newcomers in 2022
On January 3, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it welcomed 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022, representing the largest number of people ever welcomed in a year, in Canadian history. Canada has experienced one of the fastest recoveries from the pandemic, thanks in large part to its approach to immigration. Newcomers enrich our communities, and contribute to our economy …
Canada Expands Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) Program to Help More Skilled Refugees
On December 13, 2022, the Government of Canada announced new funding for partner organizations to help expand Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to more skilled refugees. Over the next few years, Canada is aiming to work with employers and communities across the country to expand the pilot and welcome 2,000 skilled refugees to fill specific labour shortages in high-demand …
More International Youth will be Allowed to Work and Travel in Canada
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has launched the 2023 International Experience Canada (IEC) Program with a 20% increase in the number of applicants who can apply. Applicants will be able to apply to the program starting on January 9, 2023. IEC is a reciprocal program that allows Canadian and international youth to work and travel in each other’s countries, …