Canada Eliminates Field of Study Restrictions for Graduates of College Bachelor’s Programs

Canada has recently updated its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria, eliminating field of study restrictions for graduates of college bachelor’s programs. Previously, these graduates were only eligible for a PGWP if their program of study was linked to labor market shortages. This change brings their eligibility in line with that of university bachelor’s graduates, […]

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Express Entry: Latest Draws

March 21, 2025 – French-Language Proficiency Draw Canada has issued 7,500 Invitations to Apply in the latest Express Entry draw targeting French-speaking candidates. The minimum CRS score required for this draw was 379. This aligns with Canada’s ongoing efforts to promote Francophone immigration outside Quebec and support the vitality of French-speaking communities across the country. […]

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Express Entry: CRS Points for Arranged Employment Eliminated

Effective March 25, 2025, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment. Previously, candidates with a valid job offer—including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—could receive either 50 or 200 CRS points, significantly improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for […]

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New Interim Citizenship Eligibility Measures for “Lost Canadians” Announced on March 13, 2025

On March 13, 2025, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced new policy measures to assist “Lost Canadians”—individuals born abroad to foreign-born Canadian parents—who have been adversely affected by restrictions in the Citizenship Act.  These measures apply to individuals affected by the “first-generation limit,” a provision that prevents first-generation Canadians born outside Canada from automatically passing their […]

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Rachel Bendayan Appointed Canada’s Minister of Immigration

Mark Carney, Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, has announced his cabinet in preparation for the upcoming 2025 federal election, including changes to the leadership of the immigration portfolio. Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont, Quebec, has been appointed as Canada’s Minister of Immigration, succeeding Marc Miller. In her new role, she will oversee the […]

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BARTLAW LLP News

Clara Morrissey, Director of Immigration Programs and Citizenship at BARTLAW LLP, published an article titled “Can Canada revoke Elon Musk’s citizenship?” on Law360 Canada. Click this link to access the article. Jacqueline Bart, Managing Partner BARTLAW LLP, presented at the Consular Corps Association in Toronto at the National Club, about Canadian Immigration Changes Relevant to […]

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Guest Spotlight: US Immigration Department to Implement Mandatory Registration and Fingerprinting for Certain Noncitizens Starting March 2025 – By: Vincent Lau, Managing Partner at Clark Lau LLC

On March 12, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be publishing an Interim Final Rule (IFR) which will take effect within 30 days requiring individuals to register their presence and provide fingerprints if they are in the US for 30 days or more.  Failure to do so could lead to criminal consequences. […]

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Recent Express Entry Draws: March 2025

Canada conducted two significant Express Entry draws in early March, creating new opportunities for immigration candidates. March 3, 2025 – A Provincial Nominee Program draw issued 725 Invitations to Apply to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 667. March 6, 2025 – A draw targeting candidates with French language proficiency issued 4,500 ITAs, with […]

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New Pathways for Construction Workers

In response to the growing demand for skilled labor in Canada’s construction sector, the federal government has unveiled new initiatives aimed at attracting qualified tradespeople. On March 7, 2025, Canada launched a program allowing foreign workers to register for apprenticeship programs without the need for a study permit. Additionally, a new pathway to permanent residency […]

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Canada Extends Special Measures for Iranian Nationals until 2026

Although the violent protests in Iran that began in September 2022 have subsided, the Government of Canada has extended special measures designed to assist individuals who may be unable to return to Iran due to ongoing instability. These measures, first introduced in February 2023, are now extended and will remain in effect from March 1, […]

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Right of Citizenship Fee Increase – Effective March 31, 2025

The Government of Canada has announced an increase in the Right of Citizenship fee, effective March 31, 2025. The fee will rise from $100 to $119.75 to account for inflation and increased processing costs. Applicants with pending applications or those who submit their applications before the deadline will remain eligible for the current fee.

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Quebec Extends Prohibitions on Low-Wage LMIAs and Restricts Access to Facilitated LMIA Process

The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) of Quebec has recently updated requirements for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), including the extension of the refusal to process certain Low-Wage LMIA applications and revisions to occupations eligible for the facilitated LMIA process. Since September 2024, the MIFI has been refusing to process […]

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Express Entry: Category Changes to Eligible Occupations

On February 27, 2025, the Government of Canada announced significant changes to the eligible occupations under various Express Entry categories. These updates reflect the evolving needs of Canada’s labor market and align with the country’s economic and demographic goals. Among the key changes, the Transportation category was eliminated, while a new Education category was introduced. […]

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Recent Express Entry Draws: February 2025

Canada continues to invite skilled workers through the Express Entry system, with two recent draws targeting key applicant categories. On February 17, 2025, the Canadian government issued 646 invitations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Candidates in this draw required a minimum CRS score of 750. PNP nominees benefit from an additional 600 points, making […]

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Canada Expands Support for Individuals Affected by Sudan Conflict

In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Canada has announced expanded measures to support those affected by the conflict. On February 20, 2025, the Canadian government outlined plans to resettle more refugees and broaden the family-based permanent residence pathway for impacted individuals. Key initiatives include: Increased Refugee Resettlement: Canada will welcome up to […]

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IEC Work Permit Holders: Changes to CRS Points for Valid Job Offers

As of December 18, 2024, foreign nationals issued employer-specific work permits under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program’s ‘Young Professionals’ category will no longer receive additional CRS points for arranged employment in their Express Entry profiles. Previously, candidates with valid job offers could obtain 50 or 200 extra CRS points, depending on their position’s National […]

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Canada Introduces New Permanent Residence Pathways for Home Care Workers

The Canadian government has announced the eligibility criteria for the highly anticipated Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, set to launch on March 31, 2025. These new pathways replace the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, which were discontinued last year, and will provide foreign home care workers with a more streamlined process […]

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BARTLAW LLP News

Jacqueline Bart, Managing Partner of BARTLAW LLP, and Carrie Wright, Partner, published an article titled “Increased information sharing on permanent residents between Canada, U.S.” on Law360 Canada. Click this link to access the article.

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Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada Processing Times

Temporary Resident Processing Times: Inside Canada: Visitor Record 125 Days Visitor Visa 40 Days Student – Initial 120 Days Student – Extension 112 Days Worker – Initial and Extension 120 Days Outside Canada:   United States India Mexico Brazil South Africa Visitor Visa 27 Days 116 Days 45 Days 98 Days 558 Days Study Permit […]

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Fee Exemptions for Victims of Family Violence and Human Trafficking

The Government of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals by waiving fees for specific immigration documents for victims of family violence and human trafficking. Under these public policies, eligible applicants can receive fee exemptions for: Temporary resident permits (TRPs) Open work permits Study permits Biometrics These pathways provide victims with temporary legal […]

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Canada’s New Rural Community Immigration Pilot Program

On January 31, 2025, the government of Canada opened a new pathway to permanent residence for immigrants intending to live in rural communities in Canada. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship praised the new pilot program as a solution to labour shortages in rural Canada. The new pilot program replaces the previous Rural and […]

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Latest Express Entry Draws: February 2025

Canada has conducted two Express Entry draws in early February, inviting a total of 4,802 candidates to apply for permanent residence. On February 4, 2025, the Canadian government issued 802 invitations under the Provincial Nominee Program. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 455 to receive an invitation. The following day, on February 5, 2025, […]

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New Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots Launching in 2025

Canada’s highly anticipated new caregiver immigration programs are set to open on March 31, 2025. Officially named the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, these new pathways will replace the previous caregiver programs that closed in June 2024. Initially announced on June 3, 2024, the enhanced programs aim to provide a more streamlined and effective route […]

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Canada Introduces Two New Immigration Pilots to Support Rural and Francophone Communities

Canada is rolling out two new immigration initiatives designed to strengthen rural and Francophone minority communities: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. These programs aim to address workforce gaps by attracting skilled newcomers to 18 designated communities outside Quebec, offering them a pathway to permanent residence. The Rural Community Immigration […]

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Canada Extends Special Immigration Measures for Haitian Nationals

In response to the ongoing crisis in Haiti, the Canadian government has extended special measures to support Haitian nationals in Canada, as well as foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are currently in Canada and unable to return to Haiti. Initially implemented on May 23, 2024, these measures will now […]

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Final Year of the Agri-Food Pilot: Limited Spaces Available

Since its launch in 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot program has played a vital role in addressing labour shortages in Canada’s agricultural and food production industries. This program has provided a pathway to permanent residence for over 4,500 agri-food workers and their families. As the pilot nears its conclusion, demand has historically exceeded the available spaces […]

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Changes to Open Work Permit Eligibility for Family Members of International Students and Foreign Workers

Effective January 21, 2025, the Government of Canada has introduced new eligibility criteria for open work permits (OWPs) for family members of international students and foreign workers. Under the new rules, only the spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will be eligible to apply for an OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will […]

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Regional International Student Caps for 2025 Announced

The Government of Canada has released the 2025 provincial and territorial study permit allocations, continuing its efforts to manage the growth of international student enrollment. Building on the cap introduced in 2024—which reduced the number of international students by approximately 40%—the total number of study permits to be issued in 2025 is set at 437,000, […]

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Canada Express Entry Draw – January 23, 2025: Third Draw of the Year

The latest Express Entry draw, held on January 23, 2025, has issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply for permanent residence. This draw targeted candidates in the Canadian Experience Class stream, with a minimum CRS score of 527.

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BARTLAW LLP News

Oliver Mao and Jacqueline Bart published a LAW360 publication about the uncertainties and opportunities for citizenship by descent law available due to the prorogation of parliament. The text of the article can be found at this link.

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Canada Launches ReportIn App for Immigration Monitoring

The Canadian government has launched ReportIn, a mobile app to assist in monitoring individuals under immigration enforcement. Introduced on November 13, 2024, the app allows foreign nationals, refugee claimants and permanent residents to meet reporting requirements without in-person visits to Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) offices. Using advanced facial recognition and geolocation technology, ReportIn verifies […]

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Key Changes to Immigration Programs from IRCC

Several recent developments announced by the Canadian government, reflect significant changes across various pathways and programs. Below is a summary of the most notable announcements: Expanded International Experience Canada (IEC) Opportunities for Australians: In December 2024, the Canadian government implemented an enhancement to the bilateral IEC agreement with Australia. Beginning on December 18, 2024, Australians […]

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Canada’s First Express Entry Draws of 2025

The beginning of 2025 has marked the first major immigration activity of the year in Canada, with several significant draws under the Express Entry system. Both draws align with Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan and its focus to help the country meet its evolving economic and demographic goals. January 7, 2025 – Provincial Nominees: On […]

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Canada Pauses New Applications for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship in 2025

The Canadian government has announced that it will not accept any new applications to sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residence in 2025, putting their focus on prioritizing the processing of existing applications submitted in 2023 and 2024. The government’s revised targets for 2025 includes 24,500 landings of foreign nationals sponsored through the Parent-Grandparent Program […]

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CBSA Now Prohibiting “flagpoling” for Most Foreign Nationals

Effective as of December 23, 2024, significant prohibitions have been placed on “flagpoling,” the practice in which a foreign national exits and re-enters Canada at a land border to access immigration services at the port of entry. Under these new policy directives, most foreign nationals are no longer eligible to apply for work or study […]

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