Alberta proposes software engineer title expansion

Lejia Feng Employment, Newcomer Information Leave a Comment

Alberta’s technology sector is experiencing remarkable growth, attracting companies and venture capital at record rates. The Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy predicts a $5 billion annual contribution to the provincial GDP and the creation of 20,000 jobs by 2030. Proposed changes to the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act aim to allow the use of the title “software engineer” to attract …

Canada’s Strategic Immigration Plan 2024-2026 Unveiled: Fostering Economic Growth and Supporting Communities

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration, Newcomer Information, Settlement & Community News

On November 1, 2023, Canada introduced it’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026. This strategic plan underscores the pivotal role of immigration in fueling the nation’s economy, addressing labour shortages, and supporting key sectors. With a commitment to balancing economic growth with societal needs, the plan maintains a target of 485,000 permanent residents for 2024, reaching 500,000 by 2025. Post-2026, the …

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Update

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration, Newcomer Information, Settlement & Community News

On October 10, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin sending Invitations to Apply to potential sponsors who previously submitted their applications. Invitations will be sent by email over the next two weeks. Family reunification is a pillar of Canada’s immigration system, and Canada will continue to reunite families by accepting up to 15,000 complete applications for sponsorship under …

Canada Unveils New Canadian Passport with Enhanced Security and Designs

Lejia Feng Newcomer Information

The Canadian passport holds immense significance as a powerful travel document globally, symbolizing connection, exploration, and the culmination of an immigration journey towards Canadian citizenship. Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, proudly introduce the newly redesigned Canadian passport. This comprehensive transformation encompasses state-of-the-art …

Canada Introduces Immigration Measures to Support Sudanese Temporary Residents Amidst Crisis

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration, Newcomer Information, Settlement & Community News

In light of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Sudan, the Government of Canada has announced new immigration measures to assist Sudanese temporary residents currently in Canada who may be unable to return home. Under these upcoming measures, Sudanese nationals will have the opportunity to apply for an extension of their stay in Canada and seamlessly transition between temporary streams. This …

Government to provide a new grocery rebate for Canadians

Lejia Feng Finance, Newcomer Information

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlighted Budget 2023’s initiatives to support the most vulnerable Canadians by providing a new Grocery Rebate. The Grocery Rebate, aimed at providing targeted inflation relief to 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families, will offer up to $467 for eligible couples with children, an additional $234 for single Canadians without children, and …

Canada to Extend Work Permits for International Graduates to Address Labour Shortage

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration, Employment, Newcomer Information, Settlement News

Employers in Canada are experiencing unprecedented challenges in finding and retaining the workers they need for economic recovery and growth. In response to this, Government of Canada has announced that foreign nationals with recently expired or expiring post-graduation work permits (PGWP) will now qualify for an extended work permit to remain longer and gain more work experience, for up to …

Canada invests $1.1M to support Tech Connect program for racialized newcomer women in Metro Vancouver

Lejia Feng Employment, Newcomer Information, Settlement & Community News, Settlement News

The Canadian Government is committed to ensuring that all women and girls have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential, including those who face unique challenges such as racialized newcomer women. To support their employment, the YWCA of Metro Vancouver will receive up to $1.1 million over two years under the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot, announced by Marie-France Lalonde, …

Canada Opens New Application Processing Centre in Manila to Boost Immigration in Indo-Pacific Region

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration, Newcomer Information, Settlement & Community News, Settlement News

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 …

In 2022, Canada Welcomed the Highest Number of Francophone Newcomers Since 2006

Nicole H. Citizenship & Immigration, Newcomer Information, Settlement & Community News, Settlement News

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 …