Month: May 2023

Canada Starts Accepting Skilled Immigrants With Work Experience As Permanent Residents

Date Posted: 2023/05/31

Canada has started a new procedure to accept qualified immigrants with work history into prioritized occupations as permanent residents.

Today, Express Entry, Canada’s economic immigration management system, officially launched category-based selection for the first time, according to Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Sean Fraser. Canadian government is creating an immigration system that serves as a growth catalyst, empowering businesses, assisting them in meeting their labour demands, and enhancing French communities.

Invitations will be sent to all prospective Canadian permanent residents who have particular skills, training, or language proficiency, thanks to category-based selection in the following industries:

healthcare
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
trades
transport
agriculture and agri-food

Category-based selection supports Canada’s mission to bring in-demand professionals to communities across the nation and enable the welcoming of more talented Canadian workers in these professions. It is important to mention that the Government of Canada is guaranteeing for French communities can continue to live their lives in Canada in the official language of their choice by putting a specific emphasis on Francophone immigration.

Public details and further information on how to apply will be published in summer.

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Tags: Express Entry, permanent residence, Visitor Status, Work Permit

Immigration Canada Reunites Families By Announcing New Measures

Date Posted: 2023/05/30

Family Reunification Being Prioritized by Canadian Immigration

On May 26, 2023, Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, presented new measures for strengthening family reunification in Canada. Family reunification through immigration is a core tenet of Canadian immigration law, and their reunion is crucial support for the development of diverse and resilient communities as well.

By reuniting families and enabling newcomers to find employment and sustain themselves more rapidly after arriving, Canada is assisting both Canadians and immigrants.

New Measures for Family Reunification in Canada

✅ New ability for families to come to Canada temporarily while awaiting PR.

✅ Faster TRV processing times & new processing tools for spousal applicants.

✅ A new open work permit for spousal & family class applicants.

Minister Fraser also declared that open work permit holders, including spousal applicants, who have open work permit expirations between August 1 and December 31, 2023, will be allowed to extend their work visas for an additional 18 months. Many people with post-graduation Canadian work permits that were about to expire recently received a similar privilege.

In order to ensure that families can be reunited sooner while their permanent residency applications are being finalized, Minister Fraser has proposed changes to speed up the processing of Canadian Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) and improve consideration for applicants. In the future, the bulk of these applications will be handled within 30 days thanks to special processing procedures for Family Class Immigration, Canada Super Visa, and Spouse Visa requests.

This public policy makes it easier for foreign nationals applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class or the Family Class, as well as their family members, to receive an open work permit if they have a valid temporary resident status, have maintained their status, are qualified for and have applied to have their status restored, and have the same residential address as their Canadian sponsor.

For spouse candidates and their dependent children who live in Canada with their sponsor and have temporary residence status, Canada has also made open work permits available. The spouse or common-law partner in Canada class (SPCLC) or other family class programs now allow spouses, partners, and dependents to apply for and receive an open Canadian work permit as soon as they submit a complete permanent residence application.

To meet the labour shortages listed on the Canada Occupation In-demand List, immigration continues to be a key component. As stated by Federal policy, promotion of the temporary resident status for wives, partners, and dependent children while they wait for their permanent residence, enables sponsored partners to support their families and create a life together in Canada. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the labour of sponsored spouses, partners, and their families generates social and economic benefits.

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Tags: sponsorship, visitor visa, Work Permit

Want To Study In Canada And Bring Your Family?

Date Posted: 2023/05/29

To study in Canada, international students typically require a study permit. A Canadian study permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Dependents, such as spouses or common-law partners and dependent children, may also be eligible to accompany or join the international student in Canada.

Crucial points for study permits and bringing dependents to Canada:

Study Permit Application: International students need to apply for a Canadian study permit before coming to Canada. The application process involves submitting required documents, including a letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of financial support, and other supporting documents. It’s essential to check the specific requirements and procedures outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs): Ensure that the Canadian educational institution you plan to attend is a designated learning institution. DLIs are authorized by provincial or territorial governments to host international students. The list of DLIs can be found on the official IRCC website.

Eligibility of Dependents: Dependents, including spouses or common-law partners and dependent children, may be eligible to accompany the international student to Canada. In such cases, they will need to apply for their own permits, known as “Canadian study permits for accompanying family members.” It’s important to note that these permits are not automatically granted and are subject to their own eligibility requirements.

Document Requirements for Dependents: When applying for Canadian study permits for accompanying family members, the following documents are generally required: proof of relationship (marriage certificate, common-law partnership proof, birth certificates for children), valid passports, medical examinations (if applicable), and proof of financial support.

Financial Requirements: Both the student and their dependents must demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves while in Canada. This may include proof of tuition payment, living expenses, and other applicable costs. The specific amount required may vary depending on the number of dependents.

Working Opportunities: Study permit holders in Canada, including their accompanying dependents, may have the opportunity to work part-time during their studies. However, it’s essential to review the specific regulations and restrictions related to employment for study permit holders.

It is highly recommended to consult with a professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding study permits and bringing dependents to Canada. Immigration policies and procedures can change, so it’s important to make sure you have the latest information.

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Tags: canada, families, Initial study permit, live in Canada, study permit

Dependents Sponsored for Canada

Date Posted: 2023/05/25

Canada has a number of programs and policies in place to facilitate the immigration and welcoming of dependents. Here are some ways in which Canada welcomes dependents:

Family Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents have the opportunity to sponsor their eligible family members to come and live in Canada. This includes sponsoring spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their foreign spouses or common-law partners to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The sponsor must meet certain Canadian eligibility criteria and commit to supporting their partner financially for a specified period.

Dependent Children: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can include their dependent children in their immigration applications. Dependent children are generally defined as those under the age of 22 and unmarried. However, there may be exceptions for children with disabilities or those who are financially dependent on their parents.

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration to Canada. This program has a limited annual intake and requires meeting specific income requirements.

Open Work Permits for Spouses/Common-Law Partners: Spouses or common-law partners of certain Canadian skilled workers and international students in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit. An open work permit allows them to work for any employer in Canada without the need for a job offer.

Study Permits for Dependents: Dependents of individuals studying in Canada can apply for study permits themselves. This allows them to accompany their family members and pursue their own education in Canada.

It’s important to note that specific eligibility requirements and processes may vary depending on the immigration program and the individual circumstances of the applicants. It is advisable to consult with a qualified immigration consultant for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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Tags: Express Entry, permanent residence, sponsorship, study permit, Work Permit

Express Entry Reforms – Latest Update

Date Posted: 2023/05/19

Express Entry Reforms – Latest Update

In 2022 the Canadian Government started the evaluation and preparation for the biggest reforms in history for the Canada Express Entry system, since it was introduced as an application management system in January, 2015.

Bill C-19 has been evaluated by Canada’s Parliament and the new policy goal is to allow Canada’s Immigration minister to be able to form groups based on occupations in demand, allowing Canadian temporary foreign workers of all skill levels to meet the full range of labour needs and pathways to Canadian permanent residence.

Up until now, IRCC was issuing ITAs based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and the Canada Express Entry program of eligibility. The CRS awards candidates a score based on criteria such as their age, education, language skills, and work experience. Those with the highest CRS score were invited by the Government to immigrate to Canada and have permanent residence.

The latest CRS draw score is 691 cut off score from the last recent draw offered in May this year and this means that anyone with this or a higher score will have received an invitation to apply for Canada’s Express Entry.

Why is the Express entry changing?

With an aging population, Canada will have 9 million retired Canadians by 2030, and with the low birth rate the impact will be huge on the economy, so Canada is relying on immigrants and work force. One of the ways to combat this the permanent residence program for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada.

The Canadian Express entry system and CRS in Canada have started improving the process by allowing candidates to be invited on a new basis focusing on the most pressing economic needs and urgent labour shortages.

How Express Entry works:

Step 1: Eligibility: To be eligible for Canadian Express Entry, you must meet the requirements of one of the three federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with Canadian work experience.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople with work experience in a specific trade.

Step 2: Creating an online profile: If you are eligible, you need to create an online profile through the Government of Canada’s website. You’ll provide information about your skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other details.

Step 3: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: Once you’ve created your profile, you’ll be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is based on factors like your age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and additional factors like having a job offer or a provincial nomination.

Step 4: Express Entry draws: Regularly, the Canadian government conducts Express Entry draws, where they issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with the highest CRS scores. Those who receive an ITA can then proceed to apply for permanent residency.

Step 5: Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you receive an ITA, you will have a limited time (usually around 60 days) to submit a complete application for permanent residency, including supporting documents and fees.

Step 6: Application for permanent residency: Once you’ve received an ITA, you’ll need to gather all the required documents, such as proof of education, work experience, language proficiency tests, and medical and background checks. You’ll then submit your application through the online portal.

Step 7: Application processing: The Canadian government will review your application and assess whether you meet all the eligibility requirements. They may request additional information or documentation if needed.

Step 8: Permanent residency decision: If your application is approved, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. You can then proceed to travel to Canada as a permanent resident.

It’s important to note that Canada’s Express Entry is a highly competitive system, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation to apply or approval for permanent residency. The CRS scores of the candidates who receive ITAs vary in each draw, depending on the number of candidates and the specific requirements set by the Canadian government.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about Express Entry and the Canadian immigration process, it’s recommended to visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

For any questions, help or support in this Express Entry process, we are inviting you to contact us and to book a consultation with our team.

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Tags: Express Entry, permanent residence

Current Immigration Measures to support immediate family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents who have departed Sudan.

Date Posted: 2023/05/05

Due to the armed conflict that has erupted between rival factions in Sudan, Canada has announced a new temporary public policy.

Due to the armed conflict that has erupted between rival factions in Sudan, Canada has been taking measures to ensure a secure departure from Sudan to a safe third country to enable individuals the chance to decide their next steps for onward travel to Canada.

If you meet certain requirements a foreign national may be eligible for facilitated travel to Canada:

are the family member – per the definition of subsection 1(3) of the Regulations (see below) – of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023;
are outside of Sudan and in a third country; and
left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023

To be eligible under these measures, the foreign national is not required to have travelled with the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member.

To be eligible for the in-Canada application benefits, a foreign national must have entered Canada before July 15, 2023.

Family Member definition is;

the spouse or common-law partner of the person;
a dependent child of the person or of the person’s spouse or common-law partner; and

a dependent child of a dependent child referred to in paragraph (b).

Extended family members are not eligible and are not included under these measures.

If you are a Sudanese national and are already in Canada then you are eligible to extend your stay for free.

If you are overseas there are specific measures that must be taken. A dedicated IRCC portal has been created that clients must sign up for – https://www.ircc.canada.ca/visit-visiter/en/get-account-ircc-portal

A code will then be issued allowing you to submit an application through the portal where all fees will be waived

On Arrival to Canada

If you are eligible and have been admitted into Canada under these temporary measures before 15 July, 2023 it will make you eligible to apply for fee-exempt open work permits and study permits. There is also an option of submitting fee-exempt permanent resident applications.

This public policy is in place as of May 1st, 2023 and will continue through to April 30^th, 2024

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Sponsorship Spousal Open Work Permit – Update

Date Posted: 2023/05/05

Sponsorship Spousal Open Work Permit – Update

Pursuant to the Ministerial Instructions issued on December 22, 2014, a Canadian Permanent Resident applicant in an In-Canada Class Common-law or Spousal Sponsorship is entitled to apply for a Canadian Open Work Permit. As Canadian sponsorship applications used to take longer to process, IRCC granted this open work permit to help the applicant stay with their family in Canada without worrying about their status, to have the ability to legally work and use the healthcare system while their sponsorship application is being processed.

Before September 2022, the Canadian spousal open work permit applications could be submitted at the same time as the sponsorship. As long as the applicant was in valid temporary status at the time the application package would be received by IRCC, they would remain in valid status until a decision would be made on either the sponsorship or the Canadian work permit application.

Online Applications

After Sep 2022, IRCC made online submission of sponsorship applications mandatory, as a result, there was no other option than to submit the work permit application separately after receiving the Acknowledgement of Receipt for the sponsorship application through a GCKey account. This meant that the client needed to be in valid temporary status until they would receive the Acknowledgement of Receipt for the Canadian sponsorship application to be eligible to submit the work permit application based on IRCC’s guide:

If you’re sponsoring your spouse or partner under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class, they can apply for an open work permit if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that their application for permanent residence is complete.

Remember that while your spouse or partner’s permanent residence application is being processed, they must

maintain legal status as a temporary resident in Canada and
wait for their work permit application to be approved before starting to work
- If they already have a work permit that is expiring, they can keep working as long as they maintain their status as a worker.

We have noticed much faster processing times (2-4 months) with online In-Canada class application. However, the average processing time for the online open work permit is approximately 140 days (and even more at times). This would make the application for PR being processed much earlier than the open work permit and would make the open work permit application unnecessary.

Online Work Permit Update

The PR portal that is now used to submit sponsorship applications, have had continuous changes since Sep 2022 and a recent change is the addition of the form IMM5710 which is related to the open work permit application, in the dropdown list related to additional forms that the applicant can choose to add.

This is great news for all the In-Canada class applicants as this means privileges that existed before switching to online applications might be granted earlier again. These include a possible faster processing time for the open work permit, being in valid temporary status at the time the sponsorship and the open work permit applications are submitted and to possibly receive allowance to work and receive healthcare earlier in the process.

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Tags: open work permit, sponsorship

Immigration Fraud

Date Posted: 2023/05/02

Immigration Fraud

When you think of immigration fraud, most people tend to have an image of a shady character that is complicit in trafficking people into the country for illegal work or providing people with counterfeit documents.

Immigration fraud can be much more subtle than that with far reaching effects on both individuals and society as a whole. Some of these possible effects can be;

Financial loss: Immigration fraud often involves money or fees paid by individuals seeking immigration to Canada. Fraudulent immigration consultants or lawyers may charge exorbitant fees, promising quick and guaranteed immigration, and then disappear with the money. Victims of immigration fraud may suffer significant financial loss, which can be devastating.
Emotional trauma: Immigration fraud can cause emotional trauma to individuals and families who have invested their hopes, dreams, and resources into the immigration process. Victims of immigration fraud may experience feelings of anger, frustration, disappointment, and helplessness.
Legal consequences: Immigration fraud is a serious crime in Canada and can result in legal consequences for both the perpetrator and the victim. Victims of immigration fraud may face deportation, removal from Canada, or ineligibility for future immigration applications.
Undermining Canada’s immigration system: Immigration fraud can undermine the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and erode public trust in the system. It can also lead to delays in processing legitimate immigration applications and negatively impact the reputation of Canada as a welcoming and inclusive country.
Exploitation of vulnerable individuals: Immigration fraud often targets vulnerable individuals, such as those with limited English or French language skills, lack of knowledge about Canadian immigration laws and policies, or those who are desperate to immigrate. These individuals may be exploited by fraudulent immigration consultants or lawyers who take advantage of their vulnerability and lack of information.

As a legitimate immigration company, we ourselves have been targets of fraudulent activity. Certain individuals or ‘ghost consultants’ use our details to lead people into thinking they are working for or with us. They often use our address or our company name on their social media page or they will use WhatsApp and give our number out to make it seem like they are part of our team. A quick check will make people think it’s legitimate when they see the telephone number matches.

There are various things to look out for when you are enlisting the help of a professional in your immigration endeavors;

They guarantee success: No immigration consultant or lawyer can guarantee that your application will be successful. If someone promises you a guaranteed visa or permanent residency in exchange for money, this is a red flag.
They are not authorized: Only authorized representatives can legally represent you in your immigration application. You can verify an immigration consultant or lawyer’s authorization status;

Citizenship or immigration consultants must be a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) https://www.college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant?l=en-CA.
Lawyers or notaries must be a member of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, or the Chambre des notaires du Québec https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigration-citizenship-representative/choose/authorized.html#law-societies.
Paralegals (Ontario only) must be members of the Law Society of Ontario https://lso.ca/home

They charge excessive fees: Be wary of consultants or lawyers who charge excessive fees or demand payment upfront. Legitimate consultants or lawyers will usually charge a reasonable fee and may offer a payment plan.
They provide misleading information: If an immigration consultant or lawyer provides you with false or misleading information, this is a sign that they may not have the necessary expertise or qualifications to assist you with your application.
They use high-pressure sales tactics: Be cautious of immigration consultants or lawyers who use high-pressure sales tactics to persuade you to use their services. Legitimate professionals will provide you with accurate information and allow you time to make an informed decision.

In this age of social media, it can be very easy to become a victim of fraud. Most immigration companies have a social media presence, and this is an easy way for fraudsters to prey on people. It’s extremely important to remember that if you have any doubts about a company then conduct some thorough research;

Go to their website and look through it. Check out the staff and confirm the consultants are registered with CICC.
Call the company up and ask to speak to an agent that you see on the website. Make multiple calls to see if you get the same person all the time when there are multiple people showing on the website.
Ask them to email you some information so you can check their knowledge and their email address.
Check their google reviews and see what other people are saying.

Carrying out due diligence is the only way to fully ensure you are not going to be their next victim. If everybody works together then there is hope that these fraudsters won’t get a chance to ruin anymore lives.

If you suspect someone is a fraudulent Canadian immigration consultant, you can file a complaint to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. If they are a fraudulent lawyer or notary, you can file a complaint to the Canadian provincial or territorial law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec (available in English and French)

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Tags: immigration fraud

Month: May 2023

Canada Starts Accepting Skilled Immigrants With Work Experience As Permanent Residents

Immigration Canada Reunites Families By Announcing New Measures

Family Reunification Being Prioritized by Canadian Immigration

New Measures for Family Reunification in Canada

Want To Study In Canada And Bring Your Family?

Crucial points for study permits and bringing dependents to Canada:

Dependents Sponsored for Canada

Express Entry Reforms – Latest Update

Express Entry Reforms – Latest Update

Why is the Express entry changing?

Current Immigration Measures to support immediate family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents who have departed Sudan.

Due to the armed conflict that has erupted between rival factions in Sudan, Canada has announced a new temporary public policy.

Sponsorship Spousal Open Work Permit – Update

Sponsorship Spousal Open Work Permit – Update

Online Applications

Online Work Permit Update

Immigration Fraud

Immigration Fraud

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