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
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
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 …
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 …
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, …
Family Work Permits to be Extended to Temporary Workers’ Spouses and Working-Age Children
Canada will begin extending work permits to family members of temporary foreign workers starting in January 2023 to help address labour shortages. This temporary 2-year measure will expand eligibility to work in Canada to spouses and working-age children through a phased approach for workers at all skill levels. It is estimated that family members of more than 200,000 foreign workers …