16
Mar 2023
Tag: Immigration
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
22
Dec 2021
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update: Provincial Nominee Draw On December 22, 2021, 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 720, and 746 candidates were invited to apply. To […] Read More
10
Dec 2021
Immigration Update
Omicron’s Effect on Canadian Immigration: New Rules In light of the new dangers presented by the Omicron variant of concern, the Government of Canada has established entry prohibitions from certain designated countries and reinstituted testing requirements for all individuals who have travelled to a country other than Canada or the United States within the past […] Read More
24
Nov 2021
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update: Provincial Nominee Draw On November 24, 2021, 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 737, and 613 candidates were invited to apply. To […] Read More
1
Nov 2021
Immigration Update
BARTLAW LLP welcomes Sean Fraser, Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Mr. Fraser is a 37-year-old former lawyer from Nova Scotia that was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015. He was re-elected in 2019 and 2021. He replaces Marco Mendicino, who now becomes Canada’s public safety minister. Mendicino had held […] Read More
1
Oct 2021
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update: Provincial Nominee Draw On September 29, 2021, 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 742, and 761 candidates were invited to apply. To […] Read More
19
Aug 2021
Immigration Update
On August 18, 2021 and August 19, 2021, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. The August 18, 2021 draw invited candidates who qualify for selection under the Provincial Nominee Class. The minimum score selected was 751 and 463 candidates […] Read More
5
Aug 2021
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update On August 4, 2021 and August 5, 2021, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued two new rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. The August 4, 2021 draw invited candidates who qualify for selection under the Provincial Nominee Class. The minimum score selected was 760 […] Read More
22
Jul 2021
Immigration Update
Canada To Re-Open to International Travellers on September 7, 2021 On September 7, 2021, assuming that Canada’s epidemiologic situation remains under control, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who are fully vaccinated with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entry and who meet immigration […] Read More
21
Jul 2021
Immigration Update
Borders Restrictions Lifting for Fully Vaccinated Travellers Since March 2020, our border has been closed for optional and discretionary travel to Canada. In order to enter Canada, international travellers have had to fit into certain exemptions to be able to cross the Canadian border. Starting next month, the restrictions will be eased to allow for […] Read More
9
Jul 2021
Immigration Update
Canada will ease quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on July 5, 2021 When the Canadian government introduced new vaccine quarantine exemption rules for fully vaccinated eligible travelers, immigration lawyers and their clients were ecstatic. Fully vaccinated eligible workers will be quarantine exempt, as of July 6, 2021, if they meet the following conditions: Have […] Read More
21
Jun 2021
Immigration Update
Canada will ease quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on July 5, 2021 As of July 5th, 2021 at 11:59 PM EDT, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and other eligible travellers who are entitled to enter Canada will be able to do so without quarantining, provided they have received all required doses of their COVID-19 vaccine […] Read More
10
Jun 2021
Immigration Update
Full Vaccination Will Reduce Quarantine Requirements Well over seventy percent of Canadians have received one vaccine and twenty percent are fully vaccinated. That is good news for quarantine restrictions. Canadian citizens and permanent residents and other exempt travelers who are fully vaccinated will soon have a reduced quarantine requirement when arriving from abroad. Health Minister […] Read More
8
Jun 2021
Immigration Update
On June 8, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced the opening of two (2) new programs offering a pathway to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents. Both programs are only applicable to Hong Kong residents currently living in Canada. The eligibility requirements for each program are as follows: A: In-Canada Graduate Stream • Applicants […] Read More
1
Jun 2021
Immigration Update
Express Entry Draw This Week: Canadian Experience Class Scores Drop to 380 On May 31, 2021, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. The May 31, 2021 draw invited candidates who qualify for selection under the Canadian Experience Class. The […] Read More
26
May 2021
Immigration Update
Government extends flight ban from India, Pakistan until June 21 The Canadian government has extended its ban on flights from India and Pakistan until June 21, 2021 in a move to prevent and control the spread of the novel coronavirus and its variants. Express Entry Update: Provincial Nominee Class Draw Today On May 26, 2021, […] Read More
13
May 2021
Immigration Update
Will China take Canada’s Immigrants? The recent Globe and Mail article by John Ibbitson (April 28, 2021), and Doug Saunders’ tweet one day earlier, stating that the reduced birth rate in China ‘will help make immigration a seller’s market’ which will compete against Canada’s immigration targets is a good point. However, it misses a fundamental […] Read More
29
Apr 2021
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update On April 29th 2021, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. Today’s draw invited candidates who qualify for selection under the Canadian Experience Class. The minimum score selected was 400, and 6,000 candidates were invited to apply. […] Read More
28
Apr 2021
Immigration Update
Ontario Re-Opens the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and Employer Job Offer: International Student Streams, with New Expression of Interest System On April 28th 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced the re-opening of the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and Employer Job Offer: International Student streams. These programs are pathways to permanent residence […] Read More
19
Apr 2021
Immigration Update
Express Entry Update On April 16th 2021, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a new round of invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. This draw invited candidates who qualify for selection under the Canadian Experience Class. The minimum score selected was 417, and 6,000 candidates were invited to apply. […] 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
29
Jul 2016
The Intersection of Immigration and M&A Law
In our previous newsletter, we outlined the regulatory amendments and the risks associated with overlooking immigration in an M&A due diligence process. In this newsletter, we will continue our review of the impact of immigration regulations on M&A transactions Read More
15
Jun 2016
Immigration Due Diligence Requirements in Mergers and Acquisitions
In December 2015, a number of regulatory amendments came into force in Canada that could create significant liability for businesses who are engaged in an M&A or other corporate restructuring without addressing the immigration implications. Read More
8
Mar 2016
Higher Immigration Levels Announced For Canada
Today, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, John McCallum, announced that Canada will welcome a greater number of immigrants in 2016.The Government of Canada plans to bring in between 280,000 and 305,000 new permanent residents in 2016. Read More
4
Jan 2016
BARTLAW LLP Immigration Update
On December 18, 2015, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced the eligibility criteria for their new Entrepreneur stream. To apply, applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria Read More
4
Nov 2015
Canada’s Trudeau Government: A New Era for Immigration
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was officially sworn into office as Canada’s 23rd leader today. The new Liberal Government has announced a 31 member cabinet that includes new ministers for Immigration, Public Safety, and Employment. Read More
25
Jun 2014
Government Announces Fundamental Changes to Various Immigration Programs
On Friday, June 20, 2014, major changes were announced by Ministers Kenney and Alexander to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The TFWP is being re-organized into two distinct programs. The Labour Market Opinion has now been renamed the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Read More
21
Apr 2014
BARTLAW LLP Immigration News: Global Immigration Seminar in Toronto
BartLAW is pleased to announce that it is sponsoring and hosting a Global Immigration Seminar in Toronto which is the first of its kind in the world. The seminar is a joint collaboration between the International Association of Lawyers and the International Association of Young Lawyers Read More
25
Mar 2014
Ontario Is Requesting More Provincial Immigrants
The Ontario government has introduced legislation proposing an expansion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Under the proposal, Ontario would select 5,000 immigrants per year, which is a dramatic increase from the current 1,300 economic immigrants accepted in the program each year. Read More
29
Aug 2013
Four New Developments in Canadian Immigration Law
Chris Alexander is Canada’s new Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. He replaces Jason Kenney, who is the new Minister of Employment and Social Development (formerly Human Resources and Skills Development). Mr. Alexander, who was elected to the House of Commons for the riding of Ajax-Pickering in 2011 Read More
12
Apr 2013
Canada Opens a New Immigration Category Pilot: The Start Up Business Class Immigration Program
After announcing the creation of a new type of entrepreneur application process in 2012, on March 30, 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Canada ( “CIC”) changed the law and policy in Canada to implement the Start-Up Business Class, which is currently in a Pilot (ie. test) format subject to further CIC assessment. Read More
21
Jan 2013
Canada’s New Immigration Rules 2013
Canada’s efforts to counteract an ageing population and the need for young skilled workers has led to a re-evaluation of the Federal Skilled Worker program and the introduction of new immigration rules by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”). The FSW program has been in suspension since July 1, 2012 Read More
23
Nov 2012
November 2012 Canadian Immigration Updates
The new regulations apply to spouses or partners in a relationship of two years or less and who have no children in common with their sponsor at the time they submit their sponsorship application. The spouse or partner must live in a legitimate relationship with their sponsor Read More
19
Sep 2012