On October 11, 2022, the Government of Canada announced that it will accept up to 15,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program this year to reunite families. Family reunification plays a significant role in attracting, retaining, and integrating immigrants who contributed to Canada. The family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents the option to …
Canada Temporarily Lifts Cap on Off-Campus Work Hours for Post-Secondary Students
On October 7, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the temporary lifting of the 20-hour-per-week cap on the number of hours eligible post-secondary students are allowed to work off-campus while class is in session. Starting from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students who are in Canada and who have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will …
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day 2022
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Canada. For more than a century, thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools. The term residential schools refers to a school system set up by the Canadian government and administered by churches that had the objective of educating …
National Day of Mourning to Commemorate Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
The Prime Minister has announced that Monday, September 19, 2022, will be a one-time National Day of Mourning for the federal public service, including the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), to coincide with Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral and the end of the official period of mourning in Canada. “On September 19, Canadians from across the country will pay their respects to …
Update to Canadian Immigration Application Backlogs
Canada’s Immigration Minister, the Honourable Sean Fraser, has recently highlighted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) ongoing efforts to strengthen Canada’s immigration system and reduce application backlogs. As part of this plan, the Minister announced that IRCC will have hired up to 1,250 new employees by the end of the fall to increase their processing capacity and tackle the backlogs. This …
Over 17 Thousand Afghan Refugees Arrived in Canada Since August 2021
The Government of Canada is working hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan refugees in Canada as quickly and safely as possible. We developed several special programs and measures that reflect the long and enduring relationship we have with Afghans, and to protect some of the most vulnerable groups in Afghanistan. 17,375 Afghan refugees have arrived in Canada, under all …
Heritage Day 2022
Heritage Day long weekend is coming up! Heritage Day takes place on the first Monday of August each year in Alberta and recognizes and celebrates the varied cultural, architectural, and historical heritage of the people who have shaped this province. We encourage you to set out to find museums, historical sites, festivals, or natural heritage sites around Alberta on Heritage …
IRCC Gradually Resuming Express Entry Draws
Good news! Starting July 6, 2022, IRCC has gradually resumed inviting qualified candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class Immigrate to Canada through Express Entry (EE) – Useful Links Stay informed and updated: Sign up for Express Entry latest news Instructions that explain how the rounds …
Canada is Extending Current Border Measures for Travellers entering Canada
On June 29, the Government of Canada extended current border measures for travellers entering Canada until at least September 30, 2022. You must continue to submit your mandatory travel information in ArriveCAN through the free app or web site. You can now save time at the airport by using ArriveCAN to answer customs and immigration questions before your flight lands in Canada. …
Celebrate Canada Day on July 1
July 1 is Canada Day. Take advantage of events happening in Calgary. Reconnect with your loved ones and your community and celebrate what makes you proud on Canada Day! From 10 am to 11 pm, head downtown for all events, including learning more about Indigenous culture and a full day of music, entertainment and fireworks. Fort Calgary – Canada Day …