2023: A preview of Canadian immigration
The most recent census revealed that immigrants now make up their largest-ever share of Canada’s total population (23%), besting a record that had previously been set 100 years ago. Heading into 2023, the Canadian government seems steadfast in its continued commitment to immigration and welcoming newcomers to this country. Canada hopes that heightened immigration will…
Can I leave Canada and still be eligible for Canadian citizenship?
You may become a Canadian citizen as long as you meet certain eligibility requirements, including the physical presence requirements. Canada requires you to have lived in the country for at least three years or 1,095 days out of the past five years before applying for Canadian citizenship. The calculation period starts on the day that…
Exploring immigration options to Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada is made up of four provinces: Nova Scotia (NS), New Brunswick (NB), Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). According to Canada’s most recent census, “the share of immigrants settling in Atlantic Canada has [nearly] tripled” in the last decade and a half. In fact, the percentage of Canadian immigrants that…
What is the Student Direct Stream?
Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program designed to expedite applications for a study permit for international students from 14 countries. Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will aim to process applications of individuals applying through this program within 20 days. The eligible countries are: Antigua and Barbuda; Brazil; China; Colombia; Costa Rica; India;…
2022: Express Entry year in review
The past year has been a unique one for Canada’s Express Entry application management system. The resumption of all-program draws, after an 18-month pause that began in December 2020, has allowed Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to work towards, pre-pandemic targets of Express Entry invitations. Over the year, the department has been working towards…
Celebrating Christmas in Canada
Canada welcomes newcomers and cultures from around the world. Its reputation for stability and tolerance makes it a popular destination for those considering a fresh start in a new country. Even with the growing number of immigrants in Canada, Canadians tend to observe holidays and traditions leftover from Canada’s earlier history as a French and…
Global Talent Stream adds five new eligible occupations to program
On December 22nd, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) expanded the list of eligible occupations in the Global Talent Stream (GTS). Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm ESDC is a government department that works to support Canada’s labour force, and so has oversight over many immigration matters—including issuance of…
Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island issue invitations for provincial nomination
Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island have issued invitations to apply to candidates through their Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) this week. Although provincial nomination is not in itself the same as a permanent residence, it can act as the first step towards gaining permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Most…
Understanding how a Canadian temporary resident can maintain, lose, and restore their status
According to the 2021 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, Canada was home to 256,740 study permit holders and 326,116 temporary work permit holders (under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP)) in 2020. Individuals in these two groups make up part of the country’s population identified as temporary residents…
Is your parent a Canadian citizen? Submit your Proof of Citizenship application
You may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if you were born outside Canada and at least one of your biological or legal parents at birth were a Canadian citizen when you were born. Get a Free Legal Consultation on Applying for Proof of Canadian Citizenship The Canadian government’s process to determine if you are a…