19
Dec 2024
Year: 2024
16
Dec 2024
BARTLAW LLP News
On November 28, 2024, Carrie Wright, Partner at BARTLAW LLP, co-chaired the Ontario Bar Association’s annual Year in Review: Critical Immigration Law Updates, featuring an expert panel that shared helpful advice on key recent changes in immigration legislation and policies. She mediated the portion of the panel related to changes for international students and the […] Read More
16
Dec 2024
IRCC Pauses Private Sponsorship Refugee Programs
The Canadian government has temporarily stopped accepting new applications from groups of five and community sponsors under the Private Sponsorship Refugee (PSR) Program as of November 29, 2024. This is disappointing news for Canadian private sponsors because for over 40 years, the PSR program, a model for other countries around the world, has brought hope and opportunity to hundreds of thousands of […] Read More
16
Dec 2024
IRCC Implements Fee Increases Effective December 1, 2024
As highlighted in our previous article of November 25, 2024, the announced immigration fee increases for specific inadmissibility applications took effect on December 1, 2024. The adjustments apply to the following categories: Restoration of temporary resident status (for visitors, students, and workers) increased to $239.75. Temporary Resident Permits increased to $239.75. Authorization to Return to […] Read More
16
Dec 2024
Express Entry: Recent Invitations Reflect Canada’s Strategic Focus
The final month of 2024 has seen significant activity in Canada’s Express Entry system, with targeted draws reflecting the government’s strategic priorities for permanent residency admissions. December 3, 2024 – French Language Proficiency Draw: IRCC issued 800 invitations in a category-based selection draw for candidates with strong French language skills. The minimum CRS score required […] Read More
25
Nov 2024
BARTLAW LLP News
Jacqueline Bart, Managing Partner of BARTLAW LLP, published an article titled “Canadian Immigration demand surges following Trump re-election” on Law360 Canada. Click this link to access the article. Read More
25
Nov 2024
Upcoming Increase in IRCC Inadmissibility Fees
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced that fees for specific inadmissibility-related applications will increase effective December 1, 2024. This adjustment will apply to the following application types: Restoration of temporary resident status (for visitors, students, and workers) Authorization to return to Canada Criminal rehabilitation (including for serious criminality) Temporary resident permits This marks the […] Read More
25
Nov 2024
Key Highlights from November 2024 Express Entry Draws
In November 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted six Express Entry draws, focusing on category-specific priorities. These draws align with the objectives outlined in the new Immigration Levels Plan announced by IRCC last month, emphasizing the selection of skilled and educated individuals with strong potential for integration into Canadian society. Below is a […] Read More
25
Nov 2024
New Regulations for International Student Program Now in Effect
On November 15, 2024, IRCC announced the implementation of new regulations under the International Student Program. These changes, first proposed earlier this year, are part of a broader effort to enhance the integrity of the program while supporting international students in Canada. Among the key updates, eligible international students may now work up to 24 […] Read More
28
Oct 2024
Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates
The Canadian government has introduced a new temporary public policy aimed at facilitating work permits for prospective Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. This policy seeks to streamline the transition from temporary status to permanent residency by offering key exemptions from current work permit regulations. In addition, it aims to ensure the retention of skilled workers […] Read More
28
Oct 2024
IRCC Announces New Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027
In addition to our October 24, 2024 email update, this article delves deeper into Canada’s newly released Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027. This initiative reflects a strategy aimed at managing population growth while enhancing Canada’s economic outlook. For the first time, this plan includes controlled targets for temporary residents, particularly international students and foreign workers, […] Read More
28
Oct 2024
Upcoming Changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Strengthening Worker Protections and Prioritizing Domestic Talent
Following our October 24, 2024 email update on the latest program developments, this article offers a closer look at the specific changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program announced by the Canadian government. With new measures set to take effect on October 28 and November 8, 2024, these changes represent a significant shift aimed […] Read More
28
Oct 2024
IRCC Extends Exemption for Immigration Medical Examinations (IME) to 2029
On September 27, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an extension to the temporary public policy exempting certain low-risk foreign nationals from the requirement to undergo a new Immigration Medical Examination (IME). Initially introduced on October 12, 2022, the policy was designed to accelerate application processing by allowing individuals who had completed an […] Read More
24
Oct 2024
Canadian Government Announces Further Restrictions to LMIA Eligibility
In recent months, Canadian government has taken decisive action to restrict access to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), including prohibiting applications from being processed for low-wage positions in areas with an unemployment rate of over 6%, and temporarily barring all applications from being processed for low-wage positions in the Montreal region. When these restrictions were […] Read More
24
Oct 2024
Canadian Immigration Targets Decrease Substantially
In today’s release of the Immigration Levels Plan, the Canadian government announced an overall reduction in immigration targets. The updated targets for permanent resident admissions are as follows: 2025: 395,000, down from the 2024 target of 485,000. 2026: 380,000, down from the previous 2024-2026 target of 500,000. 2027: 365,000, also down from the 2024-2026 target […] Read More
20
Sep 2024
BARTLAW LLP Publication – September 5, 2024
Jacqueline Bart, Managing Partner at BARTLAW LLP, and Brunelle Lewis, an associate lawyer, published an article titled “Immigration due diligence in mergers, acquisitions, corporate restructuring: What’s new?” on Law360 Canada. Click this link to access the article. Read More
20
Sep 2024
Evolving Temporary Resident Measures for Ukrainian Citizens
The Canadian government has recently announced updates and extensions to the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, aimed at facilitating the integration and well-being of Ukrainian nationals and their families. The current program availability depends on when the CUAET application was approved, and the date that the individual entered Canada. Applications Approved on or […] Read More
20
Sep 2024
Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the GTA Eligible to Apply for Permanent Residence until December 31, 2024
In January 2, 2020, a temporary public policy was put in place to regularize the status of foreign national construction workers currently employed in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by creating a pathway for such workers to directly apply for permanent residence and a work permit. This policy, which had previously expired, has now been […] Read More
20
Sep 2024
IRCC Continues Canadian Experience Class Draws
On September 19, 2024, IRCC issued a round of invitations to candidates who qualify for selection under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The minimum score selected was 509 points, and 4,000 candidates were invited to apply. The minimum score selected in this draw increased by two points from the most recent Canadian Experience Class draw […] Read More
20
Sep 2024
IRCC announces new measures to decrease the number of temporary residents in Canada
Earlier this week, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada announced multiple significant change to temporary resident programs in Canada. These changes will impact many foreign workers, students, and their spouses, both for individuals already in Canada and for individuals seeking to come to Canada in the future. Reductions to Number of Foreign Students This past year, […] Read More
27
Aug 2024
Suspension on Low-Wage LMIA Processing in Montreal, Quebec
Starting September 3, 2024, the Quebec government will be suspending the processing of all Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in the Montreal region for positions being offered a wage below the provincial median wage (i.e. below $27.47 per hour). This processing suspension affects LMIAs in all streams, including the general stream as well as […] Read More
27
Aug 2024
Restrictions on Processing of Low Wage LMIAs Starting September 26, 2024
As a result of shifting labour market conditions, the Federal Government has announced that several adjustments will be made to the Low-Wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in the next month. Starting on September 26, 2024, Service Canada will no longer be processing Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under the Low-Wage stream […] Read More
15
Aug 2024
Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class Scores Continue to Drop
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently issued two new rounds of invitations to apply to Express Entry. On August 13, 2024, IRCC issued a round of invitations to candidates who qualify for selection under the Provincial Nominee Class. The minimum score selected was 690, and 763 candidates were invited to apply. To qualify for […] Read More
6
Aug 2024
Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Immigration Provisions in Effect as of July 1, 2024
Although Canada and Ukraine have had a free trade agreement in place since August 2017, this agreement was limited. It did not include sections on areas such as investment, trade in services, inclusive trade, or temporary entry of businesspersons, among other areas addressed by many of Canada’s other free trade agreements. As a result, Canada […] Read More
6
Aug 2024
Quebec Investor Program is Now Open for French-Speaking Investors
After being closed for several years, the Quebec Investor Program has re-opened to intake. The criteria for the Quebec Investor Program in 2024 is as follows: Investment: the applicant must agree to enter into an investment agreement with a financial intermediary that has signed a participation agreement with the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation […] Read More
6
Aug 2024
Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Draws Continue: Scores Drop to 510
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently issued two new rounds of invitations to apply to Express Entry. On July 30, 2024, IRCC issued a round of invitations to candidates who qualify for selection under the Provincial Nominee Class. The minimum score selected was 686, and 964 candidates were invited to apply. To qualify for […] Read More
11
Jul 2024
Express Entry Draw Target Trade and Healthcare Occupations
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently issued three new rounds of invitations to apply to Express Entry. On July 02, 2024, IRCC issued a round of invitations to candidates who qualify for selection under the Provincial Nominee Class. The minimum score selected was 739, and 920 candidates were invited to apply. To qualify for […] Read More
11
Jul 2024
Temporary Measures for Israeli nationals and Palestinian Passport Holders
IRCC has extended the temporary policy in place for Israeli nationals and Palestinian passport holders in Canada until July 2025. Individuals who qualify under this policy are eligible to apply for open work permits, study permits, or visitor records from inside of Canada. IRCC will waive the fees and will issue the work permits and […] Read More
11
Jul 2024
Understanding the Changes to Work Permits for Spouses of Foreign Students in Canada
In a recent update, Canada has revised its regulations concerning work permits for spouses of foreign students, significantly impacting eligibility criteria. These changes aim to streamline and focus eligibility on specific categories of students, limiting the availability of work permits for spouses. Under the revised rules, only spouses of graduate students, students in professional programs, […] Read More
11
Jul 2024
Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement Immigration Provisions in Effect as of July 1, 2024
A renegotiated and modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (“CUFTA”) came into force on July 1, 2024. The CUFTA now includes provisions that facilitate reciprocal market access for both citizens and permanent residents through the temporary entry of businesspersons in four categories: business visitors, investors, intra-company transferees, and professionals. Business visitors are defined as those for […] Read More
27
Jun 2024
BARTLAW LLP News
Jacqueline Bart, Managing Partner of BARTLAW LLP, presented on Fire Away S7E05 (a Rudner Law production) about Immigration Law for Employers: What You Need to Know About Compliance and Penalties, on June 18, 2024. Link available here. Oliver Mao, Senior Associate Lawyer at BARTLAW LLP, was a speaker at the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Immigration […] Read More
27
Jun 2024
Canada Expands Citizenship to Second Generation Born Abroad
In a landmark ruling in December 2023, Canada’s first generation limit to citizenship by descent was deemed unconstitutional. The Canadian government was given a deadline until June 19, 2024, to amend the law in compliance with the court’s decision. In response, a bill proposing changes to the legislation is currently under consideration in Parliament. The […] Read More
31
May 2024
Express Entry Draws Resume with first Canadian Experience Class Targeted Draw since 2021
This week, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply to Express Entry. On May 30, 2024, IRCC issued a round of invitations to candidates who qualify for selection under the Provincial Nominee Class. The minimum score selected was 676, and 2,985 candidates were invited to apply. To qualify […] Read More
31
May 2024
Trump Could Be Banned from Canada due to Guilty Verdict
The May 30th, 2024 guilty verdict for Donald Trump could have more than just criminal implications for the former president. Individuals who are convicted of certain criminal offences outside of Canada are banned from entering Canada. The criminal offence must be one that is equivalent to an indictable offence in Canada, and Trump’s charges of […] Read More
9
May 2024
Self-Employed Permanent Residence Applications
Minister Miller has announced a temporary suspension of application intake for the Self-Employed Persons Program, effective April 30, 2024, to prioritize the processing of existing applications. This program offers a pathway to permanent residence for individuals with considerable experience in fields such as art, culture, recreation, or sports, who will enhance Canada’s cultural landscape. Due […] Read More
9
May 2024
Start-Up Visa Caps for Designated Organizations
As of April 30, Canada has imposed a cap on the number of permanent residence applications associated with the Start-Up Visa program. This cap restricts applications to ten startups per designated organization annually. Designated organizations include venture capital firms, angel investors and business incubators. This decision, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aims […] Read More
9
May 2024
Changes to Working Hour Rules for International Students
In the ever-evolving landscape of Canada’s international study program, IRCC has made yet another revision to the rules surrounding working hours for international students. Effective fall 2024, full-time international students will now be permitted to work off campus for a total of 24 hours a week. Previously, students were restricted to a maximum of 20 […] Read More
12
Apr 2024
Foreign Buyers Tax in Canada
This legislative summary offers a concise overview of the foreign buyer’s tax in Canada and its potential implications for those considering purchasing property in the country. The foreign buyers tax rules effective from January 1, 2023, restrict non-Canadian individuals and commercial entities from acquiring Canadian residential properties. This legislative move aims to address concerns about […] Read More
12
Apr 2024
More Options for Open Work Permits for H-1B Work Permit Holders
Bringing experts in STEM fields and other highly skilled professions to Canada aligns with our government’s endeavors to attract and retain top talent to tackle labor market shortages and skills gaps. On September 27, 2023, a fresh temporary public policy came into effect, aimed at streamlining specific applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada […] Read More
12
Apr 2024
Canada Issues Third STEM Draw Under Express Entry Category Based Selection
This week, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply to Express Entry. On April 10, 2024, IRCC issued a general 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 […] Read More
14
Mar 2024
Canada Targets Transport Sector in This Week’s Express Entry Draw
This week, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply to Express Entry. On March 12, 2024, IRCC issued a general 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 […] Read More
14
Mar 2024
BARTLAW LLP Publication – Start-Up Visas
The Start-Up Visa category is an excellent option for tech professionals not eligible under Express Entry. Jacqueline Bart and Clara Morrissey co-authored the article “The Start Up Visa Program and Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy”, ABA International Law News Winter 2024 Vol. 51 No. 2, February 2024. The article can be accessed here. Read More
14
Mar 2024
Finland-Canada Expand Youth International Mobility
On March 1, the Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the Canada–Finland Youth Mobility Agreement, signed on May 19, 2023, is now in effect. This agreement will allow Canadians and Finns aged 18 to 35 to work and travel in each other’s country through the international experience program or the Finnish equivalent. Read More
14
Mar 2024
Open and Closed Work Permits for Young Foreign Nationals
Individuals 35 years and under may qualify under at least three possible categories of participation through bilateral agreements and arrangements such as: Working Holiday (travel and work): Participants are eligible to apply for an open work permit that will allow them to work for any employer or location in Canada to subsidize their stay as they travel […] Read More
1
Mar 2024
Iranian Special Measures Extended
The special measures have been extended to February 28, 2025, whereby Iranian nationals in Canada with valid temporary resident status can continue to study, work or visit family by applying for an extension of their status free of charge. They can also apply to move between temporary streams, from within Canada, at no cost. Canadian […] Read More
1
Mar 2024
Canada Continues to Target French-Speaking Candidates in New Express Entry Draw
This week, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply to Express Entry. On February 28, 2024 IRCC issued a general 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 […] Read More
1
Mar 2024
Canada Reverts to Visa Requirement for Mexican Citizens
Mexicans will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa as of February 29, 2024, for travel to Canada. However, Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for […] Read More
16
Feb 2024
Canada Targets Healthcare Professionals in This Week’s Express Entry Draw
This week, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply to Express Entry. On February 13, 2024, IRCC issued a general 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 […] Read More
2
Feb 2024
Canada Invites 7,000 French-Speaking Candidates to Apply for Express Entry
On February 01, 2024, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a round of category-based selection invitations to candidates with proficiency in French. This draw invited 7,000 candidates to apply, making it one of the largest Express Entry draws we have seen in the last 12 months. The minimum score required for selection was 365 […] Read More
2
Feb 2024
New Permanent Residence Pathway for Foreign Nationals who were in State Care
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced a new temporary public policy providing a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals who were in state care in Canada. To be eligible, the applicant must meet the following criteria: Have come to Canada before they were 19 years old; Have continuously resided in Canada for at […] Read More
26
Jan 2024
BARTLAW LLP Publication – January 22, 2024
Carrie Wright, a partner at BARTLAW LLP, and Annsley Kesten, a senior associate lawyer, published a two-part article titled “2023 in review: Key changes to Canadian immigration, part one” and “2023 in review: Key changes to Canadian immigration, part two” on Law360 Canada. Click this link to access part one and this link to access part two […] Read More
26
Jan 2024
BARTLAW LLP Publication – January 23, 2024
Annsley Kesten, a senior associate lawyer at BARTLAW LLP, published an article titled “International students: Two-year cap, post-graduation and spousal restrictions” on Law360 Canada. Click this link to access the article. Read More
26
Jan 2024
All Program Express Entry Draw Invites 1,040 Candidates to Apply
On January 23, 2024, 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 and Canadian Experience Class, and in all occupation classifications. This week’s draw […] Read More
26
Jan 2024
Major Changes to Canadian Citizenship by Descent Forthcoming
In December, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice published a decision finding Canada’s “first generation” limit on citizenship unconstitutional. At present, if you obtain Canadian citizenship by birth or through naturalization, you can pass on Canadian citizenship to your children who are born outside of Canada. Your children, however, cannot pass on citizenship to their […] Read More
12
Jan 2024
Latest BARTLAW LLP Publication
Jacqueline Bart, our managing partner, and Genevieve Giesbrecht, an associate lawyer at BARTLAW LLP, published an article titled “Federal Court’s new definition of ‘espionage’ widely broadens immigration officer discretion” on Law360 Canada. Click this link to access the article. Read More
12
Jan 2024
Last Chance for Iranian nationals in Canada to apply for Open Work Permits
Iranian nationals with valid temporary status in Canada have until February 28, 2024, to apply for open work permits, study permits, or extended visitor status. As such, if you are interested in applying under this policy, please contact us as soon as possible. Read More
12
Jan 2024
Special Temporary Measures for Extended Family Members in Gaza
On December 21, Canada announced that it would be introducing special temporary measures for Palestinians living in Gaza who have family members in Canada, in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas that commenced after the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas and the taking of Israeli hostages by the attackers on October […] Read More
12
Jan 2024
New Permanent Residence Pathway for Foreign Nationals Affected by the Conflict in Sudan
On February 27, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will open intake under the new Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Permanent Residence to Certain Foreign Nationals Affected by the Conflict in Sudan with Family in Canada. To qualify, the applicant must have been living in Sudan on April 15, 2023. The applicant must not have […] Read More
12
Jan 2024
Expansion of Canada’s International Experience Canada Program in 2024
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is expanding the International Experience Canada (IEC) program to include Finnish youth. The Canada-Finland Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and Finland under the IEC program facilitates the opportunity for 18 to 35-year-olds to work and explore each other’s countries for up to 12 months in three designated categories: Working […] Read More
12
Jan 2024
Quebec Investor Program Re-opens with New Criteria
After being closed for several years, the Quebec Investor Program has re-opened to intake effective January 01, 2024. The program has implemented new eligibility criteria. As of this time, no quota on the number of applications to be accepted has been announced. The updated criteria for the Quebec Investor Program in 2024 is as follows: […] Read More
12
Jan 2024