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 …

Canada Announces Humanitarian Permanent Residence Pathway for Colombians, Haitians, and Venezuelans

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration

Canada recently unveiled a significant initiative to welcome 11,000 Colombians, Haitians, and Venezuelans through a new humanitarian permanent residence pathway. This effort is part of Canada’s commitment to receive 15,000 migrants from the Americas in response to the growing need for safe migration alternatives. Starting this fall, foreign nationals from Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela, located in Central or South America …

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 …

Welcoming Week 2023

Lejia Feng Community

Welcoming Week is an annual celebration that reminds us the values and efforts that create inclusive and welcoming communities for newcomers. It’s a time to acknowledge the contributions of immigrant settlement organizations and highlight the importance of embracing diversity. This year, Welcoming Week takes place from September 8 to 17, offering a perfect opportunity to recognize the significant work of …

News: Canada’s new tax-free First Home Savings Account and first-ever trades-specific Express Entry invitation

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration

As the cost of housing continues to rise, making the dream of homeownership seems distant for many Canadians, particularly newcomers and younger generations. The Government of Canada is taking significant steps to make housing more accessible, highlighting the newly introduced tax-free First Home Savings Account and the first category-based Express Entry invitation aimed at tradespeople, bolstering the homebuilding sector. The …

Canada’s Express Entry System Enhances Pathways for Skilled Tradespeople

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration

Canada’s Express Entry system has been revamped to offer an efficient and targeted route for individuals specializing in critical fields. With a strategic focus on skilled newcomers in trades, Canada is taking steps to address talent shortages, fulfill essential roles, and drive economic growth. On August 1, Canada revealed that the first-ever trades-based selection round will commence this week. This …

Canada Enhances Pathways to Permanent Residence for Hong Kong Residents

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration

On July 11, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the removal of the education requirement under the Canadian work experience stream (Stream B) of the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways. Effective August 15, 2023, this progressive change opens up new opportunities for Hong Kongers with Canadian work experience to qualify for permanent residence, eliminating the constraints imposed by their education …

Latest Immigration Updates: Express Entry Enhancements and Tech Talent Strategy Unveiled by Canada

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration

Launch of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy The Government of Canada launched its first-ever strategy to attract top talent and drive innovation in high-growth industries. Measures include open work permit for H-1B visa holders in the US, innovation stream, promotion of Canada as a destination for digital nomads, and improvements to the Start-up Visa Program. By implementing these initiatives, Canada is …

Celebrating Citizenship Week: Canada welcomes over 13,500 new Canadians

Lejia Feng Citizenship & Immigration

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a remarkable milestone, representing the culmination of an immigration journey filled with hopes and dreams. Each year, Citizenship Week provides a momentous occasion to celebrate the diversity, history, and culture that define Canada and its citizens. In line with its commitment to modernizing services, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made significant strides in …

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 …