8 Jun 2023
Author: BartLaw Editor
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 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
Canada welcomes over 430,000 new permanent residents in 2022
In the past year, Canada welcomed the largest number of new permanent residents in the country’s history, with over 431,645 new permanent residents having been accepted. This exceeds the previous record set in 2021, when Canada welcomed just over 401,000 new permanent residents. To build on this success, the federal government has continued to set […] Read More 19 Dec 2022
15 Dec 2022
NEXUS Backlogs – Limited Solutions Available
With increase of post-pandemic travel has come major travel delays and lineups across airports and border crossings. Ironically, the one program designed to facilitate smoother and faster travel experiences in Canada and the United States, NEXUS, has a backlog of over 330,000 applications since the start of covid. NEXUS is a trusted traveler program, jointly […] Read More 13 Dec 2022
New Open Work Permit for Family Members of Work Permit Holders
Starting in January 2023, IRCC will expand the eligibility of some family members of work permit holders to obtain open work permits in Canada. Currently, only spouses of highly skilled workers are eligible to obtain work permits. With the introduction of this temporary measure, spouses of workers at all skilled levels will be eligible, along […] Read More 8 Dec 2022
Accelerated Work Permit for Asylum Claimants
Starting November 16, 2022, IRCC will being issuing accelerating work permits for certain asylum claimants inside of Canada. This measure will be in place for eighteen (18) months. Once the claimant has provided biometrics, submitted the required documents, and completed an immigration medical exam, a work permit application will be automatically generated. This will allow […] Read More 17 Nov 2022
Significant Updates to the National Occupational Classification (“NOC”) System
The National Occupational Classification (“NOC”) is Canada’s national system for describing and categorizing occupations. This system is overhauled every ten (10) years to reflect changes in the economy and nature of work. The NOC 2021 iteration has been released, and effective today (November 16, 2022) IRCC has switched the programs to reflect the new NOC […] Read More 17 Nov 2022
New Youth Mobility Agreement between Italy and Canada
In December 2020, Canada and Italy signed a Youth Mobility Agreement to allow the bilateral movement of youth for work and travel. That agreement has now come into force. As a result of this agreement, Italian youth between 18 and 35 (inclusive) will have more options to apply for Canadian work permits through the International […] Read More 10 Nov 2022
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Launches New Entrepreneur Success Initiative Pilot Program
On November 9, 2022, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced a new Entrepreneur Success Initiative (ESI) pilot program. The program will be administered by the Toronto Business Development Centre. The ESI pilot program is designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs who intend to establish a new business or purchase an existing business outside of the […] Read More 10 Nov 2022
Express Entry Update
On November 9, 2022, 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. This week’s draw invited 4,750 candidates to apply, […] Read More 10 Nov 2022
New Employer Compliance Requirements in Force
On September 26, 2022, amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, SOR/2002-227 came into force placing additional compliance requirements on employers of temporary foreign workers under both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (“TFWP”) – pursuant to a Labour Market Impact Assessment (“LMIA”) – and the International Mobility Program (“IMP”). The purpose of these measures […] Read More 27 Oct 2022
Express Entry Scores Drop Below 500
On October 26, 2022, 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. This week’s draw invited 4,750 candidates to apply. […] Read More 27 Oct 2022
Are You Missing Something? Immigration Liabilities in Mergers and Acquisitions
There is nothing more frustrating than completing a long and complex project, only to discover that you have overlooked a key component in making that project a success. In mergers and acquisitions, corporate lawyers, in-house counsel, tax experts, and many others spend countless hours conducting due diligence, pouring over details of contracts, sales numbers, capital, […] Read More 13 Oct 2022
Express Entry Update
On October 12, 2022, 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. This week’s draw invited 4,250 candidates to apply. […] Read More 13 Oct 2022
New Invitations to Apply Issued for Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program
On October 11, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced they are issuing another round of invitations to apply to the parent/grandparent sponsorship program. 23,100 invitations to apply will be issued to potential sponsors over the next two (2) weeks. In light of the covid-19 pandemic, IRCC has also lowered the minimum necessary income […] Read More 7 Oct 2022
Canadian travel restrictions lift, facilitating entry of skilled workers to Canada
On October 1, 2022, the Canadian government lifted all travel restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, which were in effect for over two years. Prior to October 1, 2022, certain skilled workers were unable to enter Canada due to vaccination status and quarantine requirements. Following the removal of Canada’s pandemic-related travel restrictions, employers can now […] Read More 7 Oct 2022
Unlimited Working Hours for International Students Subject to Conditions
Beginning on November 15, 2022, Canada will temporarily lift the cap on the number of hours eligible study permit holders can work per week. Currently, study permit holders who maintain full-time studies are eligible to work part-time off campus, to a maximum of twenty (20) hours per week. In response to Canada’s current labour shortage, […] Read More 4 Oct 2022
Canada To Revise Express Entry Criteria in 2023
The Canada government has decided to modify its Express Entry system in a bid to counter its persisting labour shortage woes post pandemic. The new rules will be effective from 2023. In addition, IRCC is also planning to issue Invitations to Apply for Permanent Residence (ITA) to candidates with specific work experience and education. On […] Read More 27 Sep 2022
COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions in Canada to be Lifted on October 1, 2022
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government has been committed to taking all necessary steps to keep Canadians safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19. The public safety measures that travelers have had to follow over the last two years – including masking, vaccination and quarantine requirements – have been some of […] Read More 16 Sep 2022
Express Entry: Draw Sizes Continue to Increase
On September 14, 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. This week’s draw invited 3,250 candidates to apply. The […] Read More 2 Sep 2022
Expansion of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program
On August 26, 2022, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced pending changes to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP), to expand on the existing pilot program. The following will be implemented effective fall of 2022: Expanding the geographic boundaries of the following participating communities, so more employers are able to participate: […] Read More 2 Sep 2022
Express Entry: CRS Scores Continue to Decline
On August 31, 2022, 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. This week’s draw invited 2,750 candidates to apply. […] Read More 18 Aug 2022
Express Entry Draw Scores Continue to Drop
On August 17, 2022, 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. This week’s draw invited 2,250 candidates to apply. The minimum score selected was 525, down from 533 in the previous […] Read More 3 Aug 2022
Permanent Residence: Express Entry Selection Scores Continue to Decrease
On August 3, 2022, 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. This week’s draw invited 2,000 candidates to apply. This marks an increase from the previous draw, in which 1,750 candidates […] Read More 3 Aug 2022
Canada Allows Post-Graduate Work Permit 18-Month Extensions
Former foreign students, whose post-graduation work permit expired or will expire from September 20, 2021, to December 31, 2022, will have the opportunity to work in Canada for an additional 18 months by either extending their work permit or applying for a new one. Those currently in Canada will also be allowed to work in […] Read More 21 Jul 2022
Second Express Entry Draw in 2022 High Minimum Selection Score
On July 20, 2022, 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. This week’s draw invited 1,750 candidates to apply. This marks an increase from the July 6, 2022 draw, in which […] Read More 7 Jul 2022
After a 2 ½ Year Pause, Immigration to Canada Resumes for Foreign Applicants (under the Federal Skilled Worker Category)
We are pleased to announce that overseas immigration applicants are now eligible for selection for immigration to Canada. On July 6, 2022, 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 […] Read More 22 Apr 2022
Extension of Temporary Public Policy Allowing Visitors in Canada to Apply for Employer-Specific Work Permits
Finally, the Minister announced today that the temporary public policy allowing visitors in Canada to apply for employer-specific work permits without having to leave Canada will be extended until February 28, 2023. Read More 22 Apr 2022
Changes to the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway Program
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced three changes today to the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident pathway program. While intake under this program is now closed, these changes will affect those with applications currently in process. The changes are as follows: Applicants will no longer be required to remain in Canada while […] Read More 22 Apr 2022
New Temporary Policy: Extension of Post-Graduate Work Permits
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced today a new temporary policy for extension of post-graduate work permits. The policy will take effect in the summer of 2022. Post-graduate work permit holders with permits set to expire between January and December 2022 will be eligible to apply for a new open work permit, […] Read More 22 Apr 2022
Federal Skilled Worker (and CEC and FST) Draws to Resume in July 2022
Federal Skilled Worker draws have been paused since December 2020. Today, April 22, 2022, The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that draws under the federal Express Entry system will be resuming in early July 2022. Draws under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class programs have been […] Read More 6 Apr 2022
Good News For Canadian Employers: ESDC Announces Facilitative Measures to Temporary Foreign Worker Program
As Canada’s unemployment rate has now dropped to 5.5% – its lowest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic – the number of job openings available has been steadily outpacing the ability of employers to find and hire workers. To help employers meet their labour needs in the current job market, ESDC has committed […] Read More 1 Apr 2022
Express Entry Update: Provincial Nominee Draw
On March 30, 2022, 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 785, and 919 candidates were invited to apply. To qualify for selection under the Provincial […] Read More 17 Mar 2022
Immigration Update
Canada’s Very Special (And Exceptional) Measures for Ukrainians Fleeing the War Our Canadian government has provided a swift immigration response to Russian’s violent invasion of Ukraine by introducing several new immigration streams for Ukrainians who wish a safe refuge in Canada temporarily or permanently. For Ukrainians who wish to travel to Canada temporarily, the Canadian […] Read More 3 Mar 2022
Immigration Update
New Travel Measures Allow for More Facilitative Entry to Canada As of February 28, 2022, Canada has amended some travel measures allowing for greater ease of entry for vaccinated travellers. Antigen tests taken the day prior to travel may now be used as pre-entry tests, or travellers may continue to use molecular tests taken within […] Read More 16 Feb 2022
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update: Provincial Nominee Draw On February 16, 2022, 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 710, and 1082 candidates were invited to apply. To […] Read More 9 Dec 2020
Immigration Update
Expedited Permanent Residence For Refugee Health Care Workers On December 14, 2020, Canadian Immigration will begin accepting applications for permanent residence from refugee claimants who work in Canada’s health-care sector and provide direct care to patients. Applications will be accepted from December 14, 2020 until August 31, 2021. In-Canada family members of the principal applicant […] Read More 25 Nov 2020
Immigration Update
Border Closures in Effect to December 21, 2020 The COVID-19 travel restrictions in place at the Canada-U.S. land border will remain in effect for at least another month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last Friday. The current agreement on the U.S.-Canada border closure to non-essential travel was first imposed in March to limit the spread […] Read More 19 Nov 2020
Immigration Update
Canada Invites 5,000 Candidates to Apply for Permanent Residence in Yesterday’s Draw In the largest permanent residence draw from Canada to date, on November 18th, 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. Yesterday’s draw invited candidates who qualify under […] Read More 11 Nov 2020
Immigration Update
Government of Canada Announces New Pandemic Self-Reporting Requirements for Travellers Entering Canada The Canadian federal government has announced new self-reporting measures for international travellers in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Effective November 21, 2020, all travellers entering Canada by air will be required to provide specific information electronically through the ArriveCAN mobile phone […] Read More 5 Nov 2020
Immigration Update
Canada to Welcome 1.2 Million Immigrants in Next Three Years Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new immigration levels for the next three years, resulting in 1.2 million immigrants being selected and accepted by Canada between 2021 to 2023. This revised government plan is intended to offset the reduced intake of immigrants during […] Read More 28 Oct 2020
Immigration Update
With the benefit of hindsight, Canada relaxes restrictions on international students When COVID-19 was first declared a global pandemic, the Canadian government immediately introduced very strict restrictions on travel to Canada. Almost all travellers were prohibited from entering Canada under these restrictions unless they qualified for a small number of narrow exemptions. At the time, […] Read More 28 Oct 2020
BARTLAW LLP In Global Legal News
Jacqueline Bart, Managing Partner of BARTLAW LLP, Canadian Immigration, Barristers and Solicitors, will be speaking at the International Bar Association (IBA) on an American Bar Association (ABA) Panel for the International Law Section on Canadian Immigration for the following topic: Immigration, Employment, and Business Solutions for Border Closures and Global Pandemonium. The American Immigration Lawyers’ […] Read More 14 Oct 2020
Immigration Update
Canadian Government announces changes to COVID-19 border restrictions, permitting entry for some new groups of foreign nationals On October 2nd, 2020, the government announced broadened access to Canada under COVID-19 travel restrictions for certain extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents as well as an increased presence of public health officials at the […] Read More 30 Sep 2020
Immigration Update
IRCC Announces New Measures to Speed up Spousal Reunification in Canada On September 24, 2020, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will be speeding up the processing of spousal sponsorship applications, in order to finalize applications more quickly and to facilitate the reunification of couples in […] Read More 20 Aug 2020
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update On August 19th and August 20th 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence, under the Provincial Nominee Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Provincial Nominee Program On August 19th 2020, 600 candidates were invited to apply under the Provincial Nominee Program. […] Read More 23 Jul 2020
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update On July 22nd and July 23rd 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence, under the Provincial Nominee Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Provincial Nominee Program On July 22nd 2020, 557 candidates were invited to apply under the Provincial Nominee Program. […] Read More 8 Jul 2020
Immigration Update
Breaking News! We are pleased to announce that the government has once again resumed the pre-pandemic Express Entry draws for international permanent residence applicants. This is welcomed news for overseas and US-based applicants that have been in the permanent residence pool since March 2020 and have not had an opportunity to apply for permanent residence […] Read More 25 Jun 2020
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update On June 24th and June 25th 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence, under the Provincial Nominee Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Minimum scores selected under the Canadian Experience Class program continue to decrease, with this week’s cut-off score being […] Read More 12 Jun 2020
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update On June 10th and June 11th 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence, under the Provincial Nominee Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Minimum scores selected under the Canadian Experience Class program continue to decrease, making this an ideal time for […] Read More 28 May 2020
Immigration Update
Complying with Canada’s Mandatory Self-Isolation and Quarantine Laws All travellers entering Canada are subject to the federal Quarantine Act. Under this act, the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 2 (the “Mandatory Isolation Order”) requires travellers to self-isolate for 14 days immediately upon entry to Canada. Compliance is […] Read More 19 May 2020
Immigration Update
Foreign Workers to be Able to Change Employers More Quickly to Aid in Economic Recovery In the last two months over three million Canadian jobs have been lost from business closures due to COVID-19, and tens of thousands of businesses have been forced to close permanently. This has caused the thousands of foreign workers included […] Read More 1 May 2020
Immigration Update
Recent Updates to Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Response In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the Government of Canada continues to update its policies and regulations relating to travel and immigration to Canada. The most recent set of changes aim to contain the spread of COVID-19 while also recognizing the important contributions that immigrants, temporary […] Read More 16 Apr 2020
Express Entry Update
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada continues to process applications for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. On April 15th 2020 and April 16th 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two additional rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence, under the Provincial Nominee Program and the Canadian Experience Class. In the April […] Read More 13 Apr 2020
Express Entry Update
On April 9th 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. These draws targeted candidates who have either received a nomination from a province or territory, or who have completed one year of skilled work in Canada. The first round of […] Read More 7 Apr 2020
COVID-19: Canadian Foreign Worker Safety Rules
The Canadian government has released guidelines for employers of temporary foreign workers, acknowledging that such employers play an important role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. On March 26, 2020, a mandatory 14-day isolation period came into effect for all travellers entering Canada, including foreign workers. The period of employment for foreign workers entering Canada […] Read More 31 Mar 2020
Canada’s New COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Penalties
Since it was first announced that Canada would be closing its borders to limit the spread of COVID-19, the specifics of these travel restrictions have shifted on a daily basis. This uncertainty has caused travellers and businesses, particularly those with a presence in the United States, to have to scramble over the last two weeks […] Read More 26 Mar 2020
COVID-19: Practical Impacts on Foreign Nationals In Canada
Recently, news outlets have focused their coverage on the drastic travel restrictions implemented by the Canadian government in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These border closures are intended to limit the number of foreign nationals entering Canada that could introduce the virus to new populations within Canada. There have also been significant measures […] Read More 24 Mar 2020
Immigration Update
Canada Continues to Process Applications for Permanent Residence While border closures due to the coronavirus have temporarily affected travel, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada continues to accept and process applications for permanent residence in Canada. In the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada held two new draws inviting candidates to apply for permanent residence […] Read More 18 Mar 2020
Travel Ban Update: Canada’s Response to COVID-19
March 18, 2020 The Government of Canada continues to provide updates on the measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Canada. We will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available, and we recommend that you monitor official Government of Canada releases for the most up-to-date information. Canada-U.S. Border […] Read More 17 Mar 2020
Travel Ban Update: Additional Clarifications from the Canadian Government
The Government of Canada continues to provide updates on the measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Canada. We will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available, and we recommend that you monitor official Government of Canada releases for the most up-to-date information. TRAVEL BAN UPDATE Further to our […] Read More 17 Mar 2020
URGENT: CANADA BORDER CLOSURES EFFECTIVE MARCH 18, 2020
As concerns over COVID-19 continue to escalate, the Government of Canada announced additional measures to protect the health, safety and well-being of Canadians and to limit the spread of the virus in Canada. Specifically, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the following measures, effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, for air travel […] Read More 6 Mar 2020
Express Entry Update
On March 4th 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. The minimum score selected in this draw was 471, an increase of 1 point from the previous draw on held on February 19th 2020. Fewer candidates were invited in this […] Read More 19 Feb 2020
Immigration Update
The Immigration of a Virus – Protecting the Health of Canadians at the Borders As fears surrounding the Coronavirus continue to grow, many governments, including the U.S, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan have issued travel bans against any foreign nationals that have recently travelled to China. There are a number of ways that the executive […] Read More 5 Feb 2020
Immigration Update
Critical Immigration Terms and Conditions For Foreign Students Acceptance to a Canadian post-secondary school and the approval of a study permit is a celebratory achievement for all foreign students, providing them with excellent opportunities to enhance academic or professional skills and a pathway to permanent residence. Once in Canada, what foreign students often fail to […] Read More 22 Jan 2020
Immigration Update
Express Entry Today, January 22nd 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. This is the second draw of the 2020 year. IRCC issued a total of 3,400 invitations. The minimum score selected in today’s draw was 471, a decrease of […] Read More 8 Jan 2020
Immigration Update
Express Entry Today, January 8th 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. This is the first draw of the 2020 year. IRCC issued a total of 3,400 invitations. The minimum score selected in today’s draw was 473, an increase of […] Read More 19 Dec 2019
Express Entry Update
Today, December 19th 2019, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. IRCC issued a total of 3,200 invitations. The minimum score selected in today’s draw was 469, a decrease of three points from last week’s draw. This week’s draw issued 3,200 […] Read More 11 Dec 2019
Immigration Update
Quebec’s Bill 21 is Oppressive to Religious Minority Immigrants Bill 21, “An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State” came into force June 16th 2019. The Act’s stated purpose is to affirm the laicity, or secularity, of the state. However, the Act significantly restricts religious freedoms of certain public sector employees by prohibiting them from […] Read More 27 Nov 2019
Immigration Update
Certain Religious Minority Immigrants No Longer Welcomed In Quebec BARTLAW authored an article for The Lawyer’s Daily regarding Bill 21. The government of Québec recently passed Bill 21, “An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State”. The intention of Québec’s Bill 21 is to affirm the laicity, or secularity, of the state. While laicity is […] Read More 13 Nov 2019
Immigration Update
Express Entry Today, November 13th 2019, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. IRCC issued a total of 3,600 invitations. The minimum score selected in today’s draw was 472. While this is a slight decrease from the previous draw on October […] Read More 30 Oct 2019
Express Entry Update
Today, October 30th 2019, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. IRCC issued a total of 3,900 invitations. The minimum score selected in today’s draw was 475. This is an increase from the previous draw open to all programs on October […] Read More 16 Oct 2019
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update: Federal Skilled Trades Draw Today, October 16th 2019, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. Invitations were only issued to candidates who meet the eligibility requirements under the Federal Skilled Trades Class. IRCC issued a total of 500 […] Read More 2 Oct 2019
Immigration Update
Express entry update Today, October 2nd 2019, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. IRCC issued a total of 3,900 invitations. The minimum score selected in today’s draw was 464. This is an increase from the previous draw on September 18th […] Read More 18 Sep 2019
BARTLAW LLP, Canadian Immigration, Barristers and Solicitors Newsletter – Express Entry Draw and Excluded Family Members Policy Change
Express Entry Update Today, September 18th 2019, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued another round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. IRCC issued a total of 3,600 invitations. The minimum score selected in today’s draw was 462. This is the 19th Express Entry draw held in the 2019 […] Read More 13 Sep 2019
BARTLAW LLP, Canadian Immigration, Barristers and Solicitors: Partner Announcement — Carrie Wright
Partner Announcement BARTLAW LLP is very pleased to announce and introduce the firm’s new partner, Carrie Wright, effective immediately. “I am immensely proud to welcome this talented and remarkable lawyer to join the firm as a partner” said Jacqueline Bart, the firm’s Managing Partner. “Ms. Wright’s admission to partnership is in recognition of her outstanding […] Read More 2 Aug 2019
Habeas Corpus is a Possible Solution for Immigration Detention
Immigration lawyers everywhere whose clients include those being held in immigration detention have a new avenue for seeking the release of their clients, thanks to the the Supreme Court’s decision in Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, et al. v. Tusif Ur Rehman Chhina, 2019 SCC 29. In this seminal decision, the Supreme Court […] Read More 23 May 2019
BARTLAW LLP Received Two Additional Awards
We are pleased to share that BARTLAW Canadian Immigration, Barristers and Solicitors has received two additional awards: For the second year in a row, BARTLAW has received the award of Law Firm of the Year – Immigration Law – Canada and was listed in the official Global 100 – 2019 edition which will be published […] Read More 29 Apr 2019
Hiring Global Talent: The new Trans-Pacific Agreement Provides Facilitative Work Permit Options for Canadian Employers
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (“CPTPP”) opens new ways to bring talent to Canada for business visitors, intra-corporate transferees, investors, and professionals and technicians. Seven of the eleven signatory countries have ratified the agreement, including: Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Singapore. The remaining four signatory countries that have yet to […] Read More 11 Jan 2019
BARTLAW LLP Canadian Immigration News
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Re-Opens on January 28, 2019 On noon, January 28, 2019, Canadian Immigration will reopen the parent and grandparent sponsorship category. The government has increased the annual cap on applications to 20,000 in 2019. This is about 4 times the number of applications accepted in 2015. Processing also promises to be […] Read More 13 Sep 2018
BARTLAW LLP Canadian Immigration Newsletter – September 2018
Canada and Australia Increase Age Limits for the Youth Mobility Arrangement On August 28, 2018, Canada and Australia announced an agreement to expand the eligible age range in the Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Australia concerning Youth Mobility. Australian young adults aged 18 to 35 are now able to apply through the International Experience […] Read More 21 Aug 2018
Important Compliance Considerations – Compliance with Employment/Recruitment Legislation and Providing an Abuse-Free Workplace
When employers think of their compliance obligations with respect to the employment of temporary foreign workers, most employers think of their responsibilities to the foreign worker specifically – the requirements to pay temporary foreign workers the correct wage, provide them with the benefits promised to them, ensure that they work in the positions offered to […] Read More 13 Jul 2018
BARTLAW LLP Canadian Immigration Newsletter
When Express Entry Immigration is Not Possible, Prince Edward Island’s Business Immigration Entrepreneur Program Offers an Excellent Alternative The province of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.)’s provincial nomination program for entrepreneurs is an attractive option for experienced business owners and entrepreneurs who may not qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker program, or who have Express Entry […] Read More 5 Jul 2018
BARTLAW LLP Canadian Immigration Newsletter and Firm News
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Announces Updated List of Eligible Occupations for the International Skilled Worker: Occupations In-Demand sub-category The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has announced a revision to the list of eligible occupations under the Occupations In-Demand program stream. This program is designed to attract high skilled workers with experience in occupations currently in […] Read More 14 Jun 2018
1 Jun 2018
Latest News on Express Entry Immigration Applications: What does Canada Value?
In an effort to offset our aging work force, Canada’s immigration system has been re-engineered to increase economic immigration by approximately 60 percent over the next three years. These quota changes are designed to achieve the immigration of one percent of Canada’s population on a yearly basis by 2020, which will begin with 310,000 […] Read More 18 Apr 2018
Jacqueline Bart Ranks #1 Canadian Corporate Immigration Lawyer
“Wonderful attorney” Jacqueline Bart of BartLAW Canadian Immigration Barristers and Solicitors ranks as the leading Canadian immigration practitioner in this year’s research. Peers endorse her as “a highly personable, knowledgeable and effective lawyer” For the fourth year in a row, Jacqueline has ranked first amongst Canadian corporate immigration lawyers by Law Business Research. Nominees have […] Read More 6 Apr 2018
LMIA Processing in Under 10 Days—What Employers Need to Know
Employers who need to bring foreign workers into Canada on a temporary basis have a few options available. Generally, we advise applying under one of the International Mobility Program options, which encompass a wide range of work permits including Intra-Company transfers, NAFTA Professionals and International Experience Canada work permits. Occasionally, however, the Temporary Foreign Worker […] Read More 2 Feb 2018
Winter 2018 Express Entry Immigration To Canada – Update
Over the last six months, we have seen consistent bi-weekly rounds of invitations issued to candidates with profiles in the federal Express Entry system. With the exception of draws aimed specifically at candidates under the Provincial Nominee or Federal Skilled Trades programs, the scores selected have remained in the range of approximately 430-450. Below is […] Read More 19 Jan 2018
Canada: With NAFTA’s Uncertain Future, CETA is Poised to Step Up For Business Travelers
Since 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has facilitated business mobility to and from Canada, along with other Canadian free-trade agreements — including those between Canada and Chile, Peru, Colombia, South Korea and, most recently, the European Union in the form of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). With NAFTA renegotiations between […] Read More 1 Dec 2017
BARTLAW LLP Canadian Immigration News
Liberalization of Marijuana? Not for Foreign Nationals Trying to Enter Canada Published by the Lawyer’s Daily Monday, November 27, 2017 @ 10:50 AM | By Jacqueline Bart and Carrie Wright The legalization of marijuana is no easy feat. It is not simply a matter of changing the existing drug laws to remove marijuana. Legalization requires […] Read More 21 Nov 2017
Manitoba’s New Immigration Program Facilitates Immigration for Applicants with Ties to Manitoba
The province of Manitoba recently announced upcoming changes to its Provincial Nominee Program, including a new Express Entry pathway for skilled workers overseas coming into effect in January 2018. The Overseas Skilled Worker program targets applicants with experience in an occupation considered in-demand in the province. Applicants must also demonstrate an established connection to Manitoba, […] Read More 4 Oct 2017
New Citizenship Residence Criteria Reduces Physical Presence in Canada to Three Out of Five Years Starting October 11, 2017
Following the recent amendments to the Citizenship Act that came into effect on June 19, 2017, the Government of Canada has confirmed that additional amendments will be coming into effect on October 11, 2017, further easing the criteria to apply for Canadian citizenship. These new changes will narrow the age requirement for meeting the language […] Read More 29 Sep 2017
CETA: Canada Eases Restrictions for EU Citizens Working in Canada
The Canada-European Union: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement[1] (“CETA”) came into force on September 21, 2017. The agreement includes temporary entry provisions for inter-company transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, short-term business visitors, and investors. Citizens of EU member states who qualify under one of these categories are exempt from the requirement to obtain a […] Read More 1 Sep 2017
Saskatchewan’s Facilitative Immigration Program (No Job Offer/Employment Required)
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Announces Updated List of Eligible Occupations for the International Skilled Worker – Occupations In-Demand sub-category The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) announced the new list of eligible occupations under the Occupations In-Demand program stream. This program is unique in that unlike many Provincial Nominee Programs, the applicant is not required to […] Read More 22 Aug 2017
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Launches New Employer-Based In-Demand Skills Stream
On August 16th 2017, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced the launch of a new Employer Job Offer In-Demand Skills Stream. This program targets applicants in in-demand occupation in the agricultural and construction sectors. The following occupations are eligible: NOC 7441 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers; NOC 7521 – Heavy equipment […] Read More 6 Jul 2017
Canada Eases Citizenship Criteria
The Government of Canada has confirmed that Bill C-6, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act and make consequential amendments to another Act, has received Royal Assent on June 19, 2017, resulting in significant changes to the Citizenship Act. These include a number of changes to the physical presence requirement for applying for citizenship, the […] Read More 21 Jun 2017
Canada’s New Work Permit Rules For Hiring Foreign Global Talent
Global Talent Stream On June 12, 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced a new two-year pilot project within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program – the Global Talent Stream – as part of the Global Skills Strategy. This stream is meant to provide innovative firms in Canada with a faster way of hiring highly skilled […] Read More 9 Jun 2017
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Announcements
The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) recently announced the launch of a new Provincial Nomination Stream for skilled tradespeople currently in Canada. The Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream targets skilled trades in the construction and agriculture sectors. In order to qualify, applicants must have a valid profile in the […] Read More 5 Jun 2017
OINP and EE Changes
Changes to the Express Entry System Effective June 6th 2017 Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing changes to the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System. The changes are as follows: Additional Points for a Sibling in Canada • Applicants with a sibling who is living in Canada will now receive an additional 15 points […] Read More 9 May 2017
BARTLAW’s LLP Canadian Immigration Newsletter
Changes to Visa Requirements for Romanian, Brazilian and Bulgarian Citizens As of May 1, 2017, citizens of Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa, are eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa in […] Read More 26 Apr 2017
New Canadian Immigration Opportunities: The Atlantic Pilot Program
The Atlantic Immigration program was introduced in March 2017, with the intention of attracting skilled workers to the Atlantic provinces in order to promote economic growth in the region. 2000 Applications to the program will be accepted in 2017. The program requires potential employers to become designated by one of the four Atlantic provinces: New […] Read More 25 Apr 2017
Express Entry Draws Attract Skilled Immigration to Canada
Since the introduction of the Express Entry system in January 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC) has been regularly selecting candidates with active express entry profiles and inviting them to apply for Permanent Residence. These draws have been taking place approximately every two weeks since the introduction of the express entry system. In each […] Read More 31 Mar 2017