Author: lpen

An adviser in Canada's immigration department has warned against immigration programs favouring entrepreneurs due to previous failures. These programs, including the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, allegedly resulted in minimal new businesses, inflated housing prices, and low-income tax contributions. Despite this warning, the immigration department is considering expanding the SUV program. Previously, similar schemes resulted in only 15% of immigrants starting…

On January 18, 2024, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) held the first round of invitations in Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. In this round, the OINP issued 984 Invitations to Apply for the Francophone candidates. The Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) range of candidates who received the Notification of Interest from the OINP was between 317 and 469…

As of January 2024, more Canadian employers can apply for the second phase of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)'s Recognized Employer Pilot (REP). REP, designed for compliant employers, offers faster processing, longer Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) validity, and simpler applications. Eligibility requires obtaining at least three positive LMIAs over five years and hiring temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in…

Effective from January 1, 2024, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program implemented a few changes to the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream: Firstly, ITAs will continue to be issued to in-province candidates who hold a qualifying job offer, provided they have demonstrated a minimum of six months residency in New Brunswick. Secondly, out-of-province and overseas candidates will only receive ITAs…

From January 1, 2024, employers recruiting through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must adjust foreign workers' wages to match updated prevailing rates, as per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Although some employers are exempt, this usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Job Bank updates provincial wage differences annually. Canada is inviting foreign workers to boost its…

On January 4, 2024, the Government of Canada published an update regarding the increase in the processing and collection of fees. According to the update, as of December 1, 2023, there has been an increase in the following fees: The fee for the Temporary Resident Permit increased from $200 to $229.77. The Restoration of Temporary Resident Status fee rose from…

On January 2, 2024, the Government of Ontario announced changes to the eligibility requirements of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) Employer Job Offer: International Student stream. According to the new update, as of January 1, 2024, international students who have completed a one-year college graduate certificate are eligible for OINP’s EJO IS stream. Before, the OINP's EJO IS stream…

Beginning on January 1, 2024, a new agreement between Canada and Quebec came into effect. This agreement posits a new framework for immigration and work permits and indicates that selected investor candidates who receive a Quebec notice of intent to select letter - a critical document in the immigration process, will become eligible to apply for an open work permit.…