Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the launch of new category-based selection for candidates in Express Entry managed programs. The news comes almost a full year after a bill was passed granting the immigration minister the authority to

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the launch of new category-based selection for candidates in Express Entry managed programs. The news comes almost a full year after a bill was passed granting the immigration minister the authority to

Ontario is home to the top-five happiest cities in Canada according to a recent report by Point2, a real estate website that analyzes national housing trends. The five happiest cities are: Caledon, Milton, Halton Hills, Clarington, and Burlington, which are

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, has announced the launch of category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be focusing on Express Entry candidates who have a strong French language proficiency or work experience

At a recent press conference in Vancouver, Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser told reporters that “by increasing our use of technology, advanced analytics and streamlining our processing we’ve done a couple of very important things in recent months.” Fraser was

Navigating your financial journey as a newcomer to Canada can seem like a big task. At CanadaVisa, we understand, and are excited to share some advice and options that could help you manage your money with confidence. Join our free,

“Flagpoling” is the nickname for when foreign nationals with temporary status in Canada leave by crossing the border, enter the United States, and then immediately re-enter Canada to get same day immigration services. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian

After unveiling a new design for its passports on May 10, the Government of Canada has now announced that Canadians eligible for simplified passport renewals will be able to complete this process online starting in the fall. In an announcement

An Emerging Futures study conducted by IDP Education conducted in March shows that Canada is the top destination of choice for international students. This is largely because of the opportunity to gain work experience after graduating. Over 25% of survey

Quebec Premier Francois Legault has proposed major changes to Quebec’s economic immigration criteria. Speaking on May 25 with the Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, Christine Frechette and the Minister of the French Language, Jean-François Roberge, Legault says the changes

On May 23 in Toronto, Monte McNaughton, the Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development announced that Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is the first professional association in the province to remove the Canadian work experience requirement from their

Data from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that the backlog of applications in inventory, across all lines of business, is now just slightly over 800,000. The numbers are current as of April 30. There are 2,006,000 million applications

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just announced that it will accept language test results from four new tests for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants. IRCC will begin to accept test results from these four new tests effective 90

Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship will be joined by Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre to announce measures in response to the minister’s mandate letter commitment to strengthen family reunification in Canada. The announcement will

Canada is an exciting country known for its multicultural society, breath-taking landscapes, and publicly-funded health care. That said, moving to Canada can come with its fair share of challenges, such as navigating the country’s health care system, which can be

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Federal Government of Canada came to an agreement after a strike lasting from April 19th to May 1st. The strike had an impact on over 155,000 public servants, including those of

IRCC has invited candidates in the thirteenth Express Entry draw of 2023. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,800 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in an all-program draw. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 488.

Tomorrow, May 25, marks the ninth annual Newcomer Day in Toronto. It is an event hosted by the City of Toronto to help newcomers to the city (and Canada) get familiar with their new home and the settlement services that

Budgeting is a vital financial skill that everyone should develop, especially newcomers to Canada. Creating a budget allows you to track your income and expenses, identify areas where you can save money, and work towards your financial goals. As a

Every year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) celebrates Citizenship Week, which commemorates Canada’s new citizens and what it means to be a Canadian. Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm Today, the Honourable Sean

The family class welcomes the second largest number of newcomers to Canada under its Immigration Levels Plan. It allows a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to be reunited with their family and come to Canada and

As a newcomer to Canada, it is important to know how the Canadian laws regarding wages and deductions. Before you start working, you should keep in mind that the salary or wage that you negotiate is not what is going

According to Randstad, an employment agency and consulting firm with over 60 years of industry experience, the three most in-demand jobs across Canada are developers, human resource managers and mechanical engineers. Appropriately, it can be expected that international students coming

Five Canadian provinces have nominated candidates to apply for nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) this week. The PNP allows all Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) to select the economic immigration candidates that they feel are

On May 11th 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced over $65 million in funding extensions to service provider organizations across Canada. The settlement services include pre-arrival services, services for racialized newcomer women, and language training for newcomers in

Spring is when many newcomers begin to arrive in Canada. The days are becoming longer and warmer so we can finally say goodbye to the cold Canadian winters. There are many amazing places in Canada to visit this spring where

The Federal Court has ruled that it is reasonable for an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) visa officer to refuse a study permit application if the applicant has low grades from a previous program of study in “core courses”

Since its launch in November 2022, the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program (NBCWP) has generated significant interest among skilled newcomers seeking a pathway to immigrate to Canada. The program is a joint effort between the New Brunswick provincial government

Median hourly wages in all provinces and territories (except for Nunavut) will increase after May 31st. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Employers in Canada who are hiring foreign nationals use the provincial and territorial medial hourly wage

Occasionally, a candidate’s Express Entry profile, and therefore their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, changes after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence (PR). If this happens, they must ensure they remain eligible for PR until their

In late March, the province of Ontario announced a $768,000 investment in the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW). This funding is intended to help “address [employment] barriers [for women] by focusing on increasing … recruitment, retention, and advancement in

A recent report by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says that homeownership will be more attainable in the prairie provinces over the next two to three years. The report was released on April 27 and contains an outlook

To help you get ready for the written portion of your CELPIP Test, we’ve put together the 7 following strategies. We know that for some test takers, making sure their written English skills measure up to their speaking, reading, and

The permanent residents that have arrived in Canada under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has increased by almost 60% in January, compared to January of 2022. The PGP welcomed 2,065 new permanent residents in the January of 2023, compared

Four Canadian provinces have invited candidates to apply for provincial immigration in the latest round of published draw results. These draws are in addition to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only Express Entry draw that occurred on May 10. In

Each year on May 12, Canada celebrates International Nurses Day, which commemorates the work that nurses do to ensure Canadians receive the best quality healthcare possible. As Canada continues to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the population

A recent Access to Information Request (ATIP) to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) obtained by CIC News shows that the department is considering a new method of processing work permits for some foreign workers. The measure, which was proposed

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has visa processing offices worldwide. Often, one office will be responsible for a region of the world and serve nationals of many countries. This is meant to help expedite processing times but there is

IRCC has held the twelfth Express Entry draw of 2023. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a total of 589 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific draw. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System

Today, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould, have unveiled the new Canadian passports. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration The passport redesign has been in progress since 2013. The government

According to recently released data from Statistics Canada (StatsCan), both salaried and hourly employees in Canada saw their average hourly wages rise in February 2023. On average, across the country, salaried employees saw their month-over-month wages increase from $42.37 to

Moving to Canada can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but there’s no denying that it requires some preparation. In the first part of this series, we covered the first five items on our pre-arrival checklist, including gathering necessary documents,

IRCC has announced that it is extending the Agri-Food Immigration pilot and lifting annual occupational caps for program participants. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Today Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said that the Agri-Food Pilot Program will now

As many university and college programs come to an end, international students may be considering post-graduation options, which can include applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This article will provide crucial insights into the PGWP application process to help

An individual with a past felony conviction may be considered inadmissible to Canada on the grounds of serious criminality. Individuals with serious criminality must apply for criminal rehabilitation to obtain access to Canada, no matter the time that has elapsed

Four Canadian provinces have invited candidates in the most recently published Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw results. The PNP is Canada’s most prominent economic immigration pathway. According to the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, Canada will welcome 117,500 new permanent residents

As the world gathers to watch the coronation of King Charles III, there is a special significance for Canada. The new King will be officially styled as the King of Canada, among his other titles. This is the first coronation

A person may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if they were born outside Canada and at least one of their biological or legal parents at birth was a Canadian citizen when they were born. Canada limits citizenship by descent to

Canada is a top-ranking destination for international students. It has some of the world’s most sought-after universities and offers a unique student life experience. Studying in Canada is also a prominent pathway for international students thinking in the long term

Moving to a new country is a big step and being well-prepared can make all the difference. If you’re planning a move to Canada, there are a lot of things to consider before you arrive, from gathering the necessary documents

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made an update to the proof of funds required for Express Entry candidates. The change, which was announced on IRCC’s website today, on May 2nd, was effective on April 25. Proof of funds

Canada’s federal government released its Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028 in Ottawa on April 26. The new Action Plan includes $1.4 billion over five years in addition to the $2.7 billion in the previous Action Plan. This adds up

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Federal Government have reached a tentative agreement following a strike that impacted over 155,000 public servants, including those at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Note: This is a developing story.

On October 1 this year, six of ten provinces across Canada will raise regional minimum wage rates. At the beginning of this month, Canada’s federal minimum wage rose from $15.55 to $16.65. This move was impactful, as Employment and Social

Four provinces have invited candidates in recent provincial immigration draws. Most of Canada’s economic immigrant permanent residents arrive in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, there is a target of over 117,500 new

Statistics Canada has released a new study that demonstrates women’s contribution to the overall level of human capital in Canada from 1970 to 2020 (50 years). The study, Accumulation of Human Capital in Canada, 1970 to 2020: An Analysis by

Canadian employers are checking out potential job candidates on social media before offering a job or sometimes even an interview. This applies to both newcomers and Canadians alike. In January 2023, a survey was conducted by the Harris Poll, a

Since 2022, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has been among Canada’s leading immigration pathways. The success of the program is projected to continue, as outlined in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025. The PNP allows every province or territory –

As a newcomer to Canada, one of the first things you will need to do is find a place for you and your family to call home. For most people new to Canada, your first home may likely be a

IRCC has held the eleventh Express Entry draw of 2023. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a total of 3,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in an all-program draw. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score

Journalists Lyric and Asher Fergusson run a travel site dedicated to safety. At the beginning of March, they published a report called “The 203 Worst (& Safest) Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in 2023.” Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian

On April 24, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced that Canada will introduce new immigration measures to support Sudanese temporary residents who are currently in Canada and may be unable to return home due to the unstable situation in their country.

Are you planning on getting a study permit to learn English in Canada? If so, read on to find out why this is a great idea with many benefits. Learning English in Canada can be a great way to improve

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Canada trails only the United States (in 2023) and Spain (in 2024) with respect to projected Real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth over the next two years. Real GDP is a commonly used

More than 700 Indian students are facing deportation from Canada after finding that their educational institution’s admission offer letters were fake. The fraud was discovered when the students applied for permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA)

Five provinces have invited candidates to apply for provincial nomination this week. Immigration is a shared responsibility between the federal and provincial governments, Because of this, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was established in 1998 to allow provinces to nominate

Amid a strike involving over 155,000 federal government workers, here is how Canadians will be impacted when it comes to filing their taxes until the strike is resolved. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration On April 19, the

On April 19, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), a union which represents over 155,000 public servants in Canada, began a strike. PSAC says it is one of the largest strikes in Canadian history. Throughout the strike, there will

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has indicated that they expect the average price of a home across Canada to decrease by 4.8% by the end of this year. This percentage decrease is compared to the average price of a

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), a union representing 155,000 federal government employees, has announced a strike effective today that will impact most government departments, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Some Government of Canada services will be

Studying abroad can be an exciting adventure. To help you get started there are a few things that you should be aware of if you plan to come to Canada as an international student.    Study permit[1]: What you need

On April 12, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced that it would hold interest rates steady at 4.5%. Interest rates have stayed at 4.5% since January this year, following several increases over the latter half of 2022. This rate is

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and are married or in a relationship with a foreign national, you may sponsor that person to join you in Canada and become a permanent resident. Sponsor your family for Canadian

This year Canada aims to welcome 465,000 immigrants into the country—an annual influx of people that is crucial for the economy and demography of the world’s second largest nation. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration 2023’s immigration target

Through the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has the authority to hold foreign nationals (even if they have not committed a crime) in custody until a decision is made on the appropriate next

Three provinces held draws this week under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). All of Canada’s provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) operate their own PNPs to select the economic immigration candidates that they feel have the best chance of

Although Canada welcomes millions of visitors, workers, students and immigrants each year, each individual must meet admissibility requirements before being allowed to enter into the country. Schedule a Free Legal Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm If you are

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its processing instructions to provide guidance about how they assess a principal applicant’s ability to become economically established under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP is main pathway for economic class

At the start of 2023, Statistics Canada revealed its updated Index of Remoteness (IOR), a study that looked to establish a “remoteness” score to every habitable place in Canada. Learn more about Canadian immigration and discover your options The study

IRCC has held another Express Entry draw. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a total of 3,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in an all-program draw. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score was 486. In an

Canada’s federal and provincial skilled worker immigration programs require that you complete a language test. The language test requirement applies to the federal Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canada’s other various skilled worker streams. Discover if

New spending for healthcare was highlighted as a top priority in Canada’s Budget 2023. Healthcare is a provincial /territorial responsibility but due to pressure on the system caused by labour shortages and lack of funding before the COVID-19 pandemic (which

Ontario is investing $25 million more over the next three years, on top of the $15 million over three years that was announced in Budget 2022, to double Ontario’s skilled immigrant intake. The investment will work to address labour shortages

Statistics Canada released a study in 2022 which examined the relationship between pre-immigration study in Canada and post immigration earnings. Discover your options to study in Canada One of the main findings of the study was that during the first

Five provinces have issued invitations in the most recent round of draws through provincial immigration programs. Most provinces invite candidates through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs allow provincial governments to select economic immigration candidates who are the most likely

April 7 – April 10 marks this year’s Easter weekend in Canada, including Good Friday and Easter Monday. Easter is a holiday celebrated by people of the Christian faith around the world, commemorating the belief in the death and resurrection

Dual intent is present when a foreign national has applied, or may apply, for permanent residence in Canada but has also applied to enter Canada for a temporary period of time as a visitor, student or worker. Discover if You

Starting April 6, 2023, some current and former Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders may be eligible for an 18-month Open Work Permit. More information can be found on IRCC’s website. The application window will be open until December 31, 2023.

Canada is proud to be multicultural and the home to newcomers of diverse religious beliefs and backgrounds. Under the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, Canadians, regardless of their immigration status, are guaranteed freedom of thought, belief, and expression.

In March 2023, Express Entry hit four major milestones, including setting a record for the most Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in a single all-program draw since the application management system began operating in 2015. Express Entry is an application

Canada is known for its quality of life. As a newcomer to the country, you may be especially eager to start strong. You want to feel financially secure and on the right track as you embrace your new life in

Canada’s government is making it easier for newcomers, as well as Canadians, to purchase a home. Last week, the government announced it was reducing some of restrictions of an Act that made it difficult for non-Canadians to purchase residential property.

Data from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that 19,160 invitations to apply (ITAs) went to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2022. The total number of ITAs issued was 37,315 meaning 51% of ITAs in 2022

When we hear the word ‘inadmissibility’ in the scope of Canadian immigration, it is much more likely that we consider criminality than medical inadmissibility. However, according to the most recent available data from 2019, medical inadmissibility prevents around 1,400 immigration

British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have invited candidates in the most recent round of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. Immigration is a shared responsibility between the federal government and the provinces and both forms of government see the PNP

In a move designed to “keep pace with inflation”, Canada’s federal minimum wage will be increasing by $1.10 as of today. In the words of Canada’s Minister of Labour, Seamus O’Regan Jr., “the cost of living is rising, so we’re

In March 2022, the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. reported an “employment-based green card backlog” of 1.4 million skilled immigrants in the U.S. (2021). Accordingly, many foreign nationals in the U.S. are being confronted with the perils of extensive processing

Family law problems in the immigration law context usually occur because a relationship or marriage breaks down after the spouse or partner has been sponsored to come to Canada. When this happens, there may be concerns about maintaining immigration status,

IRCC has just held an all-program Express Entry draw for the third week in a row. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a total of 7,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off

Data from a 2022 survey by CBC’s Media Technology Monitor (MTM) indicates that nearly half (42%) of surveyed “newcomers who have consumed news within the last month cited social media as their go-to news source.” According to the survey, over