Five provinces – British Columbia (BC), Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island (PEI) – have invited candidates for provincial immigration this week.Every Canadian province and territory, except Nunavut and Quebec, selects economic immigration candidates through regional immigration programs called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs are designed to help each participating province and territory welcome the […]
Canada processing proof of citizenship applications faster than pre-pandemic standards
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now processing proof of citizenship applications in as little as three months, with application wait-times now reduced significantly from even pre-pandemic standards. Now some foreign nationals—who have at least one biological or legal parent who is a Canadian citizen—can expect to receive a decision on their citizenship application sooner. […]
IRCC introduces new method for calculating processing times for some applications
A recent announcement by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says that the department will now publish anticipated processing times online using forward-looking processing times. This is to help applicants predict the length of time it will take to process their applications. The updated processing times will be available for several high-volume immigration programs including: Canadian […]
Who can study in Canada without a study permit?
In light of the recent news that Canada will be capping the number of international study permits issued over the next two years, foreign nationals may be looking to see if they qualify to study in Canada without a study permit. Although most foreign nationals who want to pursue an education in Canada must obtain a study permit, Immigration, Refugees […]
Where to find your cultural community in Canada
For many newcomers to Canada, finding people of their own social and cultural background can be a huge consideration in settling in a new country. Luckily, due to its ethic of multiculturalism, and emphasis on diversity, newcomers from all around the world can likely find members of their community in Canada. Below is a profile […]
Getting PR after graduating from a master’s or PhD program as an international student
It may now be easier for students who come to Canada for a master’s or Ph.D. program to obtain permanent residence (PR). On February 15, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enacted a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy that was first announced on January 22 as one of many changes coming to Canada’s international student system. This policy now means that international […]
How can a change in my NOC impact my PR application?
Occasionally, Canadian immigration applicants may apply for permanent residence (PR) with one National Occupation Classification (NOC) code but switch the NOC code later on in their immigration journey. For example, an applicant may apply for PR to Canada through one of Canada’s Express Entry-managed programs and be contacted to pursue PR through one of Canada’s 11 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). […]
IRCC will not renew temporary off-campus work hours measure
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced that temporary measures regarding off-campus work hours for international students will not be renewed. Starting in October 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began temporarily allowing international students with an off-campus work authorization on their study permits to work more than 20 hours per week while class is in session, as had previously […]
IRCC updates Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs to reduce backlogs and improve processing
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced important changes to the Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs. As of April 30th, 2024, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement new policies around processing applications for the Start-up Visa. On the same day, the department will impose a full pause on application intake for the Self-Employed Persons program. Start-up Visa changes Starting April […]
What benefits do Canadian tax-filers enjoy?
Workers and those earning an income in Canada will have until April 30th, 2024 to file their taxes for the 2023 fiscal year. For many recent newcomers and international graduates in Canada, it may be their first time doing so. While filing one’s tax return (also called “doing one’s taxes”) may seem like a disadvantage to some, […]