30
Oct 2023
Year: 2023
30
Oct 2023
ESDC Announces Adjustments to Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Response to Current Economic Conditions and Concerns of Wage Suppression
In April 2022, the Canadian government introduced the TFWP Workforce Solutions Road Map to help employers meet their labour needs in a tight labour market featuring historically low unemployment. The government also committed to reviewing and adjusting policies under this Road Map as labour market and economic conditions evolved over time. This week, several changes […] Read More
30
Oct 2023
Express Entry Update: Health Care Professionals, French-Speakers and Provincial Nominees Targeted
Recently, IRCC has issued three (3) new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. On October 24, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a round of invitations to candidates under the Provincial Nominee category. This draw invited 1,548 candidates to apply. The minimum score required for selection […] Read More
12
Oct 2023
Express Entry Update: All Program Draw Invites 3,750 Candidates
On October 10, 2023, IRCC issued a general round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates in all occupations, and under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This draw invited 3,725 candidates to apply, and the minimum […] Read More
12
Oct 2023
Immigration Minister Announces New Humanitarian Permanent Residence Pathway for Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan Nationals
On October 10, 2023 the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a new humanitarian pathway to permanent residence for Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan Nationals. To qualify, the applicant must be a Colombian, Haitian or Venezuelan national located in Central America, South America, or the Caribbean. The applicant must have a family connection in Canada. […] Read More
29
Sep 2023
BARTLAW News
Oliver Mao of our office participated in a Canadian Bar Association presentation entitled “Portal Tips and Tricks and Hot Fixes “on September 27, 2023. Please refer to this link to access the presentation. Read More
29
Sep 2023
Express Entry Update: Canada Holds First Draw For Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
To date this week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued three (3) new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. On September 28, 2023 Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued their first round of category-based selection invitations to candidates with work experience in Agriculture and Agri-Food occupation. […] Read More
21
Sep 2023
Express Entry Update: Canada Holds First Draw Targeting Transport Occupations
To date this week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued two (2) new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. On September 20, 2023 Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued their first round of category-based selection invitations to candidates with work experience in transport occupations. Selected occupations […] Read More
21
Sep 2023
Open Work Permits now available to family members of foreign workers under the Agri-Food Pilot
As part of its ongoing efforts to address serious labour shortages in the Canadian economy, over the past year IRCC has been steadily removing restrictions on obtaining open work permits for family members of temporary workers in Canada. Where open work permits were once only available to spouses and common-law partners of workers in skilled […] Read More
21
Sep 2023
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program Update: New Invitations to be Sent to Applicants in the 2020 Expression of Interest Pool
On September 08, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an update to the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program. IRCC announced that the program will not be accepting new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) at this time. Rather than opening the program to new submissions, they will be selecting potential sponsors from the pool of […] Read More
18
Aug 2023
Express Entry Update: 4,300 Candidates Invited in General Draw
On August 15, 2023 Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for Express Entry. Invitations were issued to candidates under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw was not restricted to specific occupations, all […] Read More
9
Aug 2023
ESDC Introduces the Recognized Employer Pilot
Starting in Fall 2023, Employment and Social Development Canada is introducing a Recognized Employer Pilot (“REP”). This is a three-year pilot program to implement a trusted employer model in the temporary foreign worker program. The REP is designed to reduce the administrative burden for select employers hiring workers for in-demand occupations. The REP will provide […] Read More
9
Aug 2023
New Opportunities for Icelandic Youth
Canada and Iceland signed a new Youth Mobility Agreement on August 4, 2023, allowing young people from both countries expanded opportunities to travel and work abroad. Beginning in 2024, Icelandic young people ages 18-30 will be eligible to apply under the Canadian International Experience Class for a work permit of up to 12 months. There […] Read More
3
Aug 2023
New Permanent Residence Pathway for Ukrainians with Canadian Family Members
On July 15, 2023, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announced a new pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainian nationals. To qualify, a Ukrainian national must be living in Canada with valid temporary resident status. They must have one or more family members in Canada who are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Eligible family […] Read More
3
Aug 2023
Express Entry Update: Canada Targets Trade Occupations with Low Cut Off Score
To date this week, IRCC has issued three (3) new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. On August 03, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a round of invitations to candidates with work experience in the trades. Selected trades include carpenters, plumbers, machine fitters and contractors […] Read More
14
Jul 2023
Canada’s Supreme Court Rules on the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement
After 20 years in force, the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) has ruled on the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America: For cooperation in the examination of refugee status claims from nationals of third countries, known as the Safe Third Country Agreement (“STCA”). Importantly, at the […] Read More
14
Jul 2023
Canada Expands Eligibility for Permanent Residence and Work Permits for Hong Kong Residents
On July 11, 2023, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announced a modification to the Hong Kong Permanent Residence Pathways. The Permanent Residence pathways for Hong Kong residents are intended to facilitate a permanent immigration pathway for Hong Kong residents who are currently in Canada. The program is in effect until August 31, 2026. Effective […] Read More
14
Jul 2023
Express Entry Update: Cut Off Score for French-Speaking Candidates Drops to 375
In the last week, IRCC has issued three (3) new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. On July 11, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued a general round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates in all occupations, and under all Express […] Read More
5
Jul 2023
Express Entry Update: First Category-Based Draws Target Health Care Workers, STEM Professionals
Over the last week, IRCC has issued three (3) new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. Two of these draws have used IRCC’s new category-based selection to target candidates in specific occupations. To date, candidates in health care and STEM occupations have been invited to apply. On July […] Read More
28
Jun 2023
New Federal Economic Pathways to Permanent Residence for Skilled Refugees and Displaced Persons
Recently, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced two new federal pathways allowing skilled refugees and displaced persons to apply for permanent residence under Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Program. To qualify for either pathway, the applicant must have proof of eligibility as a refugee or displaced person via the United Nations Refugee Agency or UN […] Read More
28
Jun 2023
Updates to Regional Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Program
In addition to the two new federal pathways outlined above, applicants can also apply to the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot through regional programs including provincial nominee programs, the Atlantic immigration program, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. Recently, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announced new measures to make this program more facilitative to […] Read More
28
Jun 2023
Expansion of the Francophone Mobility Programs: New Opportunities for French-Speakers to Work in Canada
On June 15, 2023, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announced that Canada is expanding the Francophone mobility program. The Francophone mobility program allows French-speaking workers with a job offer in Canada to obtain a Canadian work permit. The process is facilitative for employers and does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Previously, this […] Read More
28
Jun 2023
BARTLAW LLP-authored Chambers Publication
Jacqueline Bart and Oliver Mao authored the Canadian Chapter of the Chambers Corporate Immigration Global Practice Guide 2023. This practice guide is published by Chambers and Partners, which identifies, ranks and showcases legal talent globally. Chambers specifically requested BARTLAW LLP’s legal authorship of the Canadian Immigration Chapter of the global immigration practice guide. Read More
28
Jun 2023
Express Entry Update: Cut off Score Stays at 486
On June 27, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw invited 4,300 […] Read More
28
Jun 2023
Canadian Immigration’s Revised Focus on Innovation, Tech Talent, and Highly Skilled Foreign Workers
The government has announced fundamental changes to immigration policy. These changes are designed to attract highly skilled workers to Canada including innovative business ideas and the people behind them. The latest changes include the following new policy and program announcements: Global Skills Strategy Return to 2 Week Processing The Global Skills Strategy is a 2017 […] Read More
8
Jun 2023
Median Wage Updates
As of May 31, 2023, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has updated the median hourly wages required to determine the stream of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (low-wage or high-wage). While median wages in Alberta did not change and decreased in Nunavut, all other provinces and territories saw a median wage increase. ESDC will […] Read More
8
Jun 2023
Minister Sean Fraser Hints at New Programs
Speaking to the Canadian Bar Association’s Immigration Law Conference on June 2, 2023, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada Sean Fraser discussed some upcoming changes to Canadian Immigration Law. In recognizing that an estimated 500,000 people live in Canada without immigration status, Minister Fraser is working on a policy to allow for […] Read More
8
Jun 2023
New Verified Traveller Program
Beginning June 21, 2023, Canada will introduce new Verified Traveller screening lines to replace its current Trusted Traveller program. Eligible Verified Travellers will be able to go through security screening more efficiently, keeping large electronics and carry-on sized liquids and gels in their bags. Travellers will no longer need to remove shoes, light jackets, or […] Read More
8
Jun 2023
New Visa Exemptions
Canada will now allow certain citizens of thirteen (13) countries, who previously required visas to enter Canada, to apply for Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs). This new list of countries includes: Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Brazil Costa Rica Morocco Panama Philippines Kitts and Nevis Lucia Vincent and the Grenadines Seychelles Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Uruguay The […] Read More
8
Jun 2023
Student Direct Stream
Certain study permit applicants are eligible to apply under the Student Direct Stream, an expedited study permit application process for students from designated countries. The advantage of the Student Direct Stream is a processing time of approximately twenty (20) days, versus the current study permit processing times of approximately six (6) weeks. In order to […] Read More
8
Jun 2023
Express Entry Update: 4,800 New Candidates Invited to Apply in First June Draw
On June 08, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw invited 4,800 […] Read More
8
Jun 2023
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Announces Category-Based Selection for Express Entry: Focus on Healthcare, Tech, Trade, Transport and Agriculture Sectors, and French Proficiency
On May 31, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced the launch of category-based selection for Express Entry candidates. Going forward in the 2023 year, IRCC will prioritize inviting candidates who have experience in several in-demand occupations, as well as candidates who are bilingual. The categories for selection in the 2023 year will be as […] Read More
7
Jun 2023
30
May 2023
IRCC Announces Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate the Issuance of Permanent Resident Visas for Physicians Providing Publicly Funded Medical Services in Canada
On April 25, 2023, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announced a Temporary Public Policy to grant exemptions to certain provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations for physicians applying for permanent residence through Express Entry. The purpose of the exemptions is to facilitate permanent residence applications for physicians providing publicly funded medical services […] Read More
30
May 2023
Agri-Food Pilot Extended until May 14, 2025, Annual Quotas Removed
On May 8, 2023, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announced the extension of the Agri-Food Pilot Program. The program will be extended until May 14, 2025. The Minister also announced the removal of the annual occupation caps, and the limits for how many candidates can apply for a specific occupation under the pilot. The […] Read More
30
May 2023
IRCC Announces New Measures to Facilitate Family Reunification for Spousal Sponsorship Applicants: New Open Work Permit for Family Class Applicants
On May 26, 2023, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announced new measures intended to support family reunification for applicants under the Family Class. The new measures include the following: New Open Work Permit for Family Class Applicants Previously, only applicants under the Spouse-in-Canada class were eligible to apply for an open work permit. Under […] Read More
24
May 2023
Express Entry Draw: Cut off Score Increases to 488
On May 24, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw invited 4,800 […] Read More
24
May 2023
New Canadian Passport Design
Later this summer, Canada will be issuing passports with a new design and new security features. The passports contain a polycarbonadate data page with an imbedded electronic passport chip, a Kinegram over the main photo, a custom see-through window, and laser engraved personal information to protect the passport. The passport pages will also change when […] Read More
24
May 2023
New Work Opportunities for Finnish and South Korean Youth
Over the past week, the Government of Canada has announced new measures for Finnish and South Korean youth, beginning in 2024. The Canada-South Korean Youth Mobility Arrangement will expand the ability of South Korean youth to participate in the international Experience Canada program. Starting in 2024, the eligibility will be expanded to include youth up […] Read More
27
Apr 2023
Express Entry Draws Continue Despite Labour Disruption
On April 26, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw invited 3,500 […] Read More
27
Apr 2023
Immigration Support for Sudanese Nationals
In light of the recent increase violence in Sudan, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has announced the implementation of new measures to facilitate the immigration process for Sudanese nationals. Sudanese nationals already in Canada will be able to extend or change their temporary status in Canada, free of charge. Removals to Sudan will also be […] Read More
19
Apr 2023
Public Service Alliance of Canada Strike to Impact Immigration and Passport Services
Beginning today, April 19, 2023, the Public Service Alliance of Canada has voted to strike. Over 150,000 federal government employees are included in this strike included Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada employees. As a result, multiple immigration, citizenship, and passport services will be impacted: In-person citizenship events will be postponed; IRCC contact centre responses will […] Read More
12
Apr 2023
Athletes, Artists, Competition and Entertainment Visas
There are approximately sixty (60) different work permit exempt, visitor and work permit application options for athletes, artists or persons entering Canada for competitions or entertainment industry purposes. Some of these options required Labour Market Opinion Assessment (LMIA) based work permits and other options allow for entry as visitors. Some of them are based on […] Read More
12
Apr 2023
Express Entry Update
On April 12, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw invited 3,500 […] Read More
30
Mar 2023
Immigration-Related Exemptions from the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act
Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act S.C. 2002 c. 10, s. 235. Came into force effective January 1, 2023. The Act prohibits non-Canadians from purchasing residential property (Permanent Residents are included in the definition of “Canadian”). March 27, 2023, the Minister of Housing Diversity, and Inclusion announced amendments to the Act. […] Read More
30
Mar 2023
IRCC’s Response to the Earthquakes in Syria and Turkey
From March 29, 2023 until September 25, 2023, IRCC is instituting special measures for certain individuals impacted by the disaster. For Syrian and Turkish temporary residents inside of Canada who hold valid temporary status, this measure will allow applicants to extend their current status. It will also allow applicants to change their temporary status from […] Read More
30
Mar 2023
Express Entry Update: Cut Off Scores Continue to Drop
On March 29, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw once again […] Read More
23
Mar 2023
Post-Graduation Work Permits to be extended an additional 18 months
A new public policy is set to be released in the coming weeks, allowing post-graduation work permit holders to apply for work permit extensions up to 18 months. This policy will benefit those who were eligible to apply for post-graduation work permit extensions under the 2022 policy, and those who had post-graduation work permits expire […] Read More
23
Mar 2023
Extending Measures for Ukrainian Citizens
The Government of Canada has extended the temporary measures in place under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program. Eligible applicants overseas can apply for a visa under CUAET until July 15, 2023. Fees will continue to be waived until this date. After July 15, 2023, no special measures will be available for Ukrainian nationals […] Read More
23
Mar 2023
Express Entry Update: Cut Off Score Drops to 484
On March 23, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw invited 7,000 […] Read More
16
Mar 2023
Express Entry Update: IRCC Holds Largest All-Program Draw in 2023 to Date
On March15, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. This week’s draw invited 7,000 candidates […] Read More
2
Mar 2023
Express Entry Update: Provincial Nominee Draw
On March 1, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under the Provincial Nominee Class. The minimum score selected was 748, and 667 candidates were invited to apply. This draw invited only candidates who qualify […] Read More
2
Mar 2023
Temporary Policy to Allow Visitors to Obtain Work Permits from Inside of Canada
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has extended for two (2) years a temporary policy, allowing certain visitors to apply for work permits without leaving Canada. Visitors must have valid status in Canada and a valid job offer (either an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment) and meet all other admissibility criteria to be eligible […] Read More
2
Mar 2023
New measures for Iranian citizens in Canada beginning March 1, 2023
As of March 1, 2023, the Government of Canada has introduced a new public policy to extend the temporary stay of Iranian Citizens in Canada. Iranian citizens, currently in Canada under valid temporary status, can apply to extend their stay from inside of Canada or change their temporary status. These measures include eligibility to apply […] Read More
2
Feb 2023
Express Entry Update: Federal Skilled Worker Draw
On February 2, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under the Federal Skilled Worker Class. This draw indicted 3,300 candidates to apply. The minimum score selected was 489. This […] Read More
2
Feb 2023
Work Permits for Dependent Children and Spouses of Foreign Workers
As of January 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has increased the eligibility of accompanying family members to obtain work permits. Dependent children (under the age of 22) can now obtain an open work permit if their parent is authorized to work in Canada and is currently employed. In addition, spouses of low skilled workers […] Read More
2
Feb 2023
Update on Ukraine – February 2, 2023
Since March 2022, over 800,000 individuals have applied for temporary residence in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (“CUAET”). To date, over 500,000 of these applications have been approved. Currently, the CUAET program remains open and available for Ukrainian nationals and their family members to apply for temporary status in Canada. The CUAET […] Read More
11
Jan 2023
Express Entry Update: First Draw of the New Year
On January 11, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. Invitations were issued to candidates who qualify for selection under all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program, and Canadian Experience Class. […] Read More
11
Jan 2023
The New Year Ushers in Accelerated Growth for Canadian Immigration
The pandemic has made sharp and lasting changes to immigration law and policy. As the threat of the pandemic receded, the government re-opened our borders. What is next on the Immigration front in Canada? What will the new year bring? The following is a list of the main Canadian immigration rules and trends we can […] Read More
10
Jan 2023
Open Work Permits for Youth and Adults 18-35
This week the government has announced eligibility for work permits for youth and adults 18-35, under the international experience work permit category, if they are nationals of partner countries. Processing of the work permit takes approximately six weeks. Eligibility criteria is minimal and it is an excellent opportunity for youth to receive an open work […] Read More
10
Jan 2023
PGWP program transitioning back to restrictions on distance learning
In response to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 public health measures on international students and the unavoidable shift to distance learning that had to occur, IRCC put in place temporary public policy changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program which were intended to minimize the impact of pandemic public health restrictions on affected students. […] Read More
10
Jan 2023
Negative COVID-19 tests required for travellers from China, Hong Kong, and Macao
Following an abrupt increase in COVID-19 cases in the People’s Republic of China and surrounding regions and given the limited available data on this new variant of the virus, the Government of Canada has put in place temporary public health restrictions on air travel from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Macao. As […] Read More
10
Jan 2023
Five new occupations eligible for expedited LMIAs and work permits
Since its introduction in 2017, the Global Talent Stream has been one of the most effective and efficient pathways for Canadian employers to both attract and hire skilled talent from around the world. Under this stream, the government maintains a Global Talent Occupations List setting out the occupations that they have determined to be in-demand […] Read More
10
Jan 2023