Here Are Latest IRCC Processing Times As Of November 30!

Last Updated On 6 December 2022, 8:19 PM EST (Toronto Time)

In the beginning of 2022, IRCC updated online processing tool, to offer accurate information on processing timelines. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced this update on March 31, 2022, to improve Canadian immigration system. This article enlists the latest processing times from the IRCC as of November 30, 2022.

The immigration backlog in Canada has decreased from 1.49 million on September 30, 2022 to 1.2 million as of October 31, 2022. IRCC updated this data on November 16, 2022. Furthermore, 1.04 million applications were still being processed within IRCC service standards. So, in total, IRCC had approximately 2.2 million applications under processing as of October 31.

What Updates Does the Processing Time Include 

The processing period begins when the application is received by IRCC and concludes when the immigration officer makes a decision on the application. IRCC bases processing time on the time they take to process prior similar applications. Furthermore, the processing time may differ depending on whether the application was filed on paper or online.

These processing times are designed to offer new weekly timelines from the last 6 months’ data. Furthermore, it correlates the application volume with operational issues to assist future immigrants in better planning their journey.

Processing Times for Citizenship & PR cards

Processing Time for Family Sponsorship

• Click here for November 22 processing update!
• Canada Immigration Backlog At 1.2 Million – Latest IRCC Data

Processing time for Canadian Passport 

Processing time for Economic Class

• You may also like:
• New Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025
• Here Is IRCC Minister Response On The Future Of TR2PR
• Canada Immigration Backlog At 1.2 Million – Latest IRCC Data
• Click here for November 22 processing update!

Processing Time for Temporary Residence Application 

• *Applications for critical occupations are being prioritised. If you are not applying for a job in a critical occupation, your processing time may be longer than shown above.
• **IEC 2022 (International Experience Canada) Ended On Oct 17

Source: IRCC

• 
  Canada Budget 2023 New Proposals For Immigration29 March 2023, 8:52 AM EDT

  Today, the finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled Canada budget 2023 amid rising grocery costs.

  Budget reiterated that Canada will welcome 500,000 new permanent residents per year by 2025 with the vast majority of whom will be skilled employees.

  This will assist in addressing the labour shortages that so many Canadian firms are currently facing.

  The budget proposes new funding to improve processing and boost visitors to Canada.

  Additionally, it also allocates new funding for promoting francophone funding as well as to support legal aid for Asylum Seekers.

  Canada Budget 2023 Proposal for Immigration

  Canada budget 2023 proposes $104.3 million for citizenship, visitors, asylum seekers + $123.2 million for promoting francophone immigration.

  As per 2022 budget, Canada already has plan to spend $1.6 billion over six years and $315 million ongoing to achieve ambitious target of welcoming 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025.

  Moreover, $50 million is also being spend to address immigration backlogs.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/new-minimum-wage-in-canada/

  Safe and Efficient Citizenship Applications: $10 million over 5 years

  Applications for citizenship are screened using name-based searches rather than biometric methods like fingerprints, which are used in visa and permanent residency applications.

  Name-based searches take longer and are less precise, resulting in longer processing times.

  So, budget 2023 proposes $10 million over five years, beginning in 2023-24, with a remaining amortization of $14.6 million for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to implement biometrics.

  Supporting Travel to Canada: $50.8 million in forgone revenue over 4 years

  Canada acknowledges that Visitors to Canada generate billions of dollars in revenue. The federal government is dedicated to simplifying and streamlining the application process for anyone wishing to visit Canada, while not compromising national security.

  Budget 2023 proposes expanding eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) eligibility to low-risk, trusted travellers from additional visa-required countries.

  This will assist to make Canada a more appealing destination for trustworthy travellers while also allowing the government to direct resources where they are most needed, such as screening higher-risk travellers.

  This approach will cost $50.8 million in forgone revenue over four years. The list of qualifying countries will be released in upcoming weeks.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3GRvo0FmGk

  Legal Aid for Asylum Seekers: $43.5 million

  As per Canadian government, access to legal counsel, information, and guidance guarantees that Canada’s asylum procedure is fair and efficient for all.

  In collaboration with provinces and territories, the federal government helps fund legal aid services for asylum seekers who cannot afford it.

  Canada budget 2023 proposes to give Justice Canada $43.5 million in 2023-24 to sustain government financing for immigration and refugee legal aid programmes.

  Francophone (French-Speaking) immigration: $123.2 million

  Budget proposes $123.2 million to enhance Francophone immigration in Canada. Although, it is immigration related, but it falls under the action plan for official languages section of the budget.

  This includes assistance to Canadian firms in recruiting French-speaking overseas employees and improved assistance to these immigrants after they arrive.

  Grocery Rebate Canada Budget 2023

  Most talked across Canada is the “grocery rebate” announced by the minister, which is a one-time payment (a maximum amount of $153 per adult, $81 per child, and $81 for singles).

  As a result, eligible couples with 2 children may receive up to $467, while individuals may receive up to an extra $234. Furthermore, Seniors may receive up to $225.

  This is expected to benefit For 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families to offset the cost of rising grocery inflation. However, this is too petite amount.

  Example explained in the budget on Grocery Rebate eligibility

  Sam works part-time as a cook at a restaurant, while Alex works as a clerk at a convenience store. They make $38,000 each year to support their two young children.

  Increasing grocery prices have stretched their already limited budget, and they are fighting to make ends meet.

  In addition to the improved Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Child Benefit, and GST Credit they already get, the Food Rebate will provide them with $467 to help them afford the healthful food their growing children require.

  ---

  

• 
  Canada Foreign Worker Program Transitioning To LMIA Online Portal Effective April 327 March 2023, 3:37 PM EDT

  Effective April 3, 2023 the Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will begin shifting to the LMIA Online Portal as the primary means of submitting LMIAs.

  The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian business or employer require before recruiting a foreign worker.

  With positive LMIA, a foreign worker can apply for a work permit and come to Canada for employment.

  This change to LMIA Online Portal will streamline processing even further, allowing firms to respond labour market demands more swiftly.

  New Extension of Temporary Foreign Worker Program COVID Measures

  Furthermore, Minister of Employment, Carla Qualtrough extended below listed temporary measures until October 23, 2023. These measures were introduced during the COVID.

  • Allowing employers in seven sectors with demonstrated labour shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction, and food manufacturing) to hire up to 30% of their workforce for low-wage positions through the TFWP;
  • extending the validity period of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to 18 months; and
  • extending the maximum duration of employment for low-wage positions to two years.

  The Canadian labour market remains tighter than it was prior to the pandemic, with the job vacancy rate reaching an all-time high in the third quarter of 2021.

  Still unemployment rate in Canada continues to remain near-record low at 5.0%.

  As of March 19, 2023, 56.5% more files (108,592) have been processed this year than during the same time period the prior fiscal year (69,379).

  Despite the huge rise in demand, national average LMIA processing times improved by more than ten days in fiscal year 2022-23.

  LMIA processing times have continued to improve and are now at 29 days nationwide, down from 40 days at the start of this fiscal year.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/new-minimum-wage-in-canada/

  What is the LMIA Online Portal

  The LMIA Online Portal is a trustworthy and secure electronic resource.

  It enables Canadian employers and third-party representatives to submit an LMIA application to Service Canada on their behalf.

  

  LMIA Online Portal Features

  Employers or third-party representatives can do the following in the LMIA Online Portal after setting up a Job Bank account:

  • Submit LMIA application anytime (24×7 = 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • Complete or revise an LMIA application at any time prior to submitting it to Service Canada
  • Upload supporting documents
  • Securely pay LMIA fees
  • Receive real-time updates on the status of LMIA application
  • Employer can access and follow the status of application, when a third party representative is submitting an LMIA application on employer’s behalf
  • View correspondence and decision letters issued by Service Canada,
  • Review previously submitted applications,
  • Create a new LMIA application by copying the information from a previous application, and
  • Contact TFWP system experts for help with technical issues.

  “We are taking a balanced approach to adjust the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to meet the changing needs of Canada’s workforce and Canadian employers. Renewing these measures addresses immediate labour shortages, while ensuring Canadians have access to jobs. We’ll continue working with provinces, territories and other partners to build the strong, skilled workforce Canada needs to support our economy.”

  – Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/lmia-approved-jobs-in-canada-here-is-how-to-find-one/

  How to request an exemption

  If applicants meet one of the below listed exemptions, then they may contact edsc.demande.formulaire.ptet-tfwp.form.request@servicecanada.gc.ca to make a request for an exemption and request a PDF LMIA application form.

  • business name
  • business telephone
  • justification(s) for the exemption(s), citing the exception to which applicant is entitled
  • the stream(s) applicant want to apply for

  If you fulfil the requirements for the exemption, Service Canada will assess your request and make a determination. Email replies will be sent out within two business days.

  LMIA Portal Exemptions

  In April 2023, all LMIA application forms will be taken down from Canada.ca website.

  However, employer or their representative is unable to use the LMIA Online Portal because of the below listed reasons, then they might be granted exemption from submitting the application online.

  Exemption 1

  Employers or their representative is/are unable get a Job Bank account if they;

  • don’t have a SIN
  • don’t have a payroll account number associated with CRA business number

  Exemption 2

  Employers is facing limitations or technical difficulties (example, limited internet or computer access).

  Exemption 3

  Applicants cannot use the Online Portal due to a system outage. In this situation, a notification outlining the steps to submit an LMIA application during this time will be placed on the Online Portal.

  Temporary Foreign Worker LMIA Employers List

  Below is the latest official list of Employers who have been issued positive LMIAs so far.

  LMIA Employers List 2022 Q3 (July – September)

  LMIA Employers List 2022 Q4 (October – December)

  What is LMIA Online Portal?

  The LMIA Online Portal is a trustworthy and secure electronic resource. It enables Canadian employers and third-party representatives to submit an LMIA application to Service Canada on their behalf.
  
  Effective April 3, 2023 the Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will be transitioning to the LMIA Online Portal as the primary means of submitting LMIAs.

  ---

• 
  Roxham Road Border and Safe Third Country Agreement25 March 2023, 9:49 PM EDT

  The Canadian government has secured an agreement with the United States on irregular migration that now allows Canada to block the Roxham Road unofficial crossing at the Canada-United States border.

  On March 24, 2023, Canada and the United States announced the expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) across the whole land border, including internal waterways.

  The expansion takes effect on March 25, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. If you crossed the border to seek asylum (refugee) and do not fit one of the Agreement’s exclusions, you will be deported to the United States.

  As part of this commitment, Canada will accept an additional 15,000 migrants from the Western Hemisphere on a humanitarian basis over the course of the year.

  This is to maintain the expansion of the safe, regular pathways already provided throughout the hemisphere as an alternative to unauthorized migration and as a path to job opportunities.

  Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States are among the 23 nations of North America in the Western Hemisphere.

  Apart from these, 12 countries from South America also fall in Western Hemisphere. These are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Urugya, and Venezuela.

  According to sources, those positions will be new and will not reduce the number of immigrants and refugees that Canada has previously stated it will welcome.

  What is Roxham Road Crossing

  Roxham Road is an unofficial land border (dirt road) between Canada and United States, which runs through Quebec and New York. It is located around 50 kilometres south of Montreal.

  The route serves as a popular unauthorized border crossing for asylum seekers attempting to enter Canada.

  Since 2017, Canada has experienced an influx of refugees crossing the border from the United States at different irregular entry sites.

  According to federal government figures, more than 39,000 persons sought refuge in Quebec in 2022 after entering the country illegally.

  

  What is Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)?

  A safe third country is a country where an individual, passing through that country, could have made a claim for refugee protection. 

  Canada and United States has a Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) which means any foreign national in the United States cannot enter Canada and seek refuge.

  It is illegal for an asylum seeker to cross the border anyplace other than an established port of entry.

  However, once a person sets foot on the Canadian soil by any means (such as via Roxham road), then that person is lawfully permitted to apply for asylum and seek refugee status.

  Previously, the STCA was only applicable at official border crossings and Roxham road is just an unofficial country-side ditch road connecting two countries.

  On March 24 U.S and Canada has expanded this agreement to include all the official and unofficial borders effective March 25.

  Now if any foreign national enters Canada from the United States and apply for asylum (refugee status), then Canadian authorities will return them back to the U.S.

  Where is the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) applicable now?

  The Safe Third Country Agreement applies to refugees seeking entrance into Canada from the United States.

  • at Canada-US land border crossings
  • after crossing between ports of entry and claiming refugee protection within 14 days of entering Canada
  • by train, or
  • at airports, only if the person seeking refugee protection in Canada has been denied refugee status in the US and is in transit through Canada after being deported from the US.

  Exemptions to the STCA

  Exceptions to the Agreement take into account the value of family unity, children’s best interests, and the public interest. There are four different kinds of exceptions:

  • Family members.
  • Unaccompanied minors.
  • Document holders
  • Public Interest

  1. Family member exemption

  Refugee applicants may be eligible for this exemption if they have a family member who:

  • is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or a protected person under Canadian immigration legislation
  • has made a claim for refugee status in Canada that has been accepted by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
  • has had his or her removal order stayed on humanitarian and compassionate grounds
  • holds a valid Canadian work permit
  • holds a valid Canadian study permit
  • is above the age of 18 and has a refugee protection claim that has been referred to the IRB for adjudication.

  Below listed relationships meet the definition of a family member:

  • spouse
  • legal guardian
  • child
  • father or mother
  • sister or brother
  • grandfather or grandmother
  • grandchild
  • uncle or aunt
  • nephew or niece
  • common-law partner
  • same-sex spouse

  2. Exemption for unaccompanied minors

  Minor refugee claimants who are (under the age of 18) and

  • are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  • having no spouse or common-law partner, and
  • do not have a mother, father, or legal guardian in Canada or the United States.

  3. Exemption of document holders

  Refugee claimants may be eligible for this category of exceptions if they meet the following criteria:

  • possess a valid Canadian visa (other than a transit visa)
  • possess a valid work permit possess a valid study permit
  • have a travel document (for permanent residents or refugees) or other valid entry document issued by Canada, or are not required (exempt) to get a temporary resident visa to visit Canada yet require a visa granted by the United States to enter the United States.

  4. Public Interest Exemption

  Public interest exemption applies to asylum seekers if they have been charged with or convicted of an offence that might result in the death sentence in the United States or another nation.

  A refugee claimant, on the other hand, is disqualified if he or she has been deemed inadmissible in Canada on security grounds, for breaching human or international rights, or for severe crime, or if the Minister considers the person to be a threat to the public.

  Is Roxham road border crossing open?

  Roxham Road is no longer open to refugees seeking to enter Canada. The Canadian government and the United States have agreed to block Roxham Road, an illegal border crossing just south of Montreal.
  
  Canada is now turning away asylum seekers trying to enter via Roxham Road.

  Where is Roxham Road border crossing?

  Roxham Road is an unofficial land border (dirt road) that extends across Quebec and New York between Canada and the United States. It is around 50 kilometres south of Montreal.

  What is Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) Roxham?

  The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States (U.S.) is part of the Smart Border Action Plan between the two countries.
  
  As per this agreement, refugee claimants are obligated to seek refugee status in the first secure nation they arrive or land in.

  Source: STCA

  ---

• 
  BREAKING: New Canada Immigration Pathway Announced By IRCC25 March 2023, 6:20 PM EDT
  Last Updated On 6 December 2022, 8:19 PM EST (Toronto Time)

  March 27, 2023 – Today, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Honourable Sean Fraser announces a new Canada Immigration pathway.

  Minister offers a keynote talk and unveil new permanent residency (PR) pathway at the Empire Club of Canada in Toronto little late than scheduled time of 11:30 am EST.

  Fraser spoke with NGOs, business leaders, and civil society organizations and discuss how Canada’s immigration measures can help employers from different sectors address the labour shortages.

  You can select your preferred language below to read the whole announcement for better understanding.

  New Immigration Pathway LIVE UPDATES:

  Canada announces a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to assist firms in hiring qualified refugees and other displaced people.

  The Canadian government is expanding the EMPP by establishing a new federal pathway.

  In order to solve specific labour shortages in high-demand industries like healthcare, skilled crafts, and information technology, Canada has set ambitious goals for the EMPP.
  
  During the next years, Canada will expand it further and accept 2,000 eligible refugees and other displaced people.

  As a result of the uniform qualifying requirements and the requirement to submit only one application, the new federal immigration program application procedure will be simpler and quicker.
  
  The majority of applications will be approved within 6 months, allowing EMPP applicants to travel to Canada and begin employment immediately.

  This summer will see the launch of this new pathway, which will supplement current EMPP pathways.

  The new federal pathway will allow companies additional chances to fill a variety of in-demand positions, including those for teachers, tourist and hospitality employees, truck and delivery service drivers, software engineers, web designers, mechanical and electrical engineers, and long-term care aides.
  
  The EMPP offers EMPP candidates the chance to resume their professions and their lives in safety with their families here in Canada while giving companies another way to meet their labour market demands.

  The EMPP will also now take a more accommodating stance towards eligibility by allowing other displaced individuals who require international protection and lack a long-term solution to apply.

  In the upcoming weeks, more details on the new federal pathway, including eligibility requirements, will be made accessible on the EMPP website.

  Employers will be allowed to recruit refugees and other displaced persons who qualify under any National Occupation Classification 2021 category TEER 0-5 according to the new government gateway.

  “Canada is a global leader in helping skilled refugees connect with employers struggling to find workers in critical areas, while giving newcomers the opportunity to restart their careers and their lives here in Canada. Our government will continue to develop and scale innovative immigration measures to help employers address their critical labour shortages and provide refugees with the opportunity to live in safety while rebuilding their lives.”

  – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/new-minimum-wage-in-canada/

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xww8pJeCih4

  

  Source: Canada immigration official website

  Speculations Regarding the Announcement

  Below listed were the some speculations around the web regarding today’s announcement:

  • While some anticipated that it would have something to do with implementation of Bill C19 and expansion of Express Entry targeted pathway.
  • There were also talks about new program for 15,000 migrants on a humanitarian basis from Western Hemisphere including Haiti and Central America based upon recent Biden’s visit to Canada and closure of Roxham road.
  • Furthermore, some believed that it could also be related to undocumented foreign workers in Canada to address labour shortages as per the mandate letter.
  • Some were expecting new pathway similar to TR to PR for international students and foreign workers.
  • There were also some smoke in relation to seven sectors with labour shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction, and food manufacturing) as per ESDC press release just before this announcement.

  New Canada immigration pathway has been announced which you can watch at INC News now.

  What is the new pathway of PR for Canada?

  Canada announces a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to assist firms in hiring qualified refugees and other displaced people.
  
  The majority of applications will be approved within 6 months, allowing EMPP applicants to travel to Canada and begin employment immediately.

  Will there be a new immigration program in Canada?

  Yes, Canada will be launching a new economic immigration pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) in summer of 2023 which will have processing time of 6 months.

  What is EMPP – Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot?

  The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) combines economic immigration and refugee resettlement.
  
  It is a pathway for helping talented refugees move to Canada using existing economic immigration programs and provide Canadian employers access to a fresh pool of competent people to fill job opportunities.

  What is the 2023 2025 Canada immigration plan?

  New Canada immigration levels plan of 2023 2025 plans to accept 465,000 new immigrants in 2023, followed by 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.

  ---

  Canada immigration news

• 
  Canada Population 2023 Approaches 40 Million Due To Immigration23 March 2023, 8:18 AM EDT

  Canada population is estimated to be at 39,566,248 as on January 1, 2023, following a record population rise of 1,050,110 individuals from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023.

  Canada’s real-time population clock displayed total population of 39,732,937 as on March 23, 2023.

  

  This is the first 12-month period in Canadian history in which the population increased by more than one million people, and the greatest annual population growth rate (+2.7%) on record since 1957 (+3.3%).

  Canada continues to dominate the G7 countries in population growth in 2022.

  Canada’s population rose by 273,893 (+0.7%) from October 1 to December 31, 2022, marking the fourth quarter of 2022.

  This was the best fourth-quarter growth rate since the same time in 1956 (+0.7%). During the fourth quarter of 2022, immigration accounted for virtually all of the rise (97.7%).

  This quarter witnessed the greatest projected net new non-permanent residents (+196,262) of any fourth quarter for which comparable statistics exist, with 83,152 immigrants added.

  As per Statistics Canada report, temporary immigration is the most important source of growth in Canada.

  Canada accepted 437,180 immigrants in 2022, with a net increase in non-permanent residents anticipated at 607,782.

  Both of these figures are the highest on record, indicating greater immigration objectives and a milestone-breaking year for immigration application processing at IRCC.

  The net expected number of non-permanent temporary residents in all provinces and territories increased year-over-year in 2022.

  Number of new work and study permits as well as the number of asylum seekers increased across Canada in 2022.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/top-9-reasons-why-immigrants-are-leaving-canada/

  Latest Canada Population 2023 (Estimated)

  Geography	Total Population	Net Change	Percentage Change
  Canada	39,566,248	1,050,110	2.73%
  Ontario	15,386,407	445,495	2.98%
  Quebec	8,787,554	149,904	1.74%
  British Columbia	5,399,118	147,540	2.81%
  Alberta	4,647,178	164,793	3.68%
  Manitoba	1,431,792	33,489	2.39%
  Saskatchewan	1,214,618	29,307	2.47%
  Nova Scotia	1,037,782	35,341	3.53%
  New Brunswick	825,474	26,229	3.28%
  Newfoundland and Labrador	531,948	9,447	1.81%
  Prince Edward Island	173,954	7,096	4.25%
  Northwest Territories	45,493	-217	-0.47%
  Yukon	44,238	997	2.31%
  Nunavut	40,692	689	1.72%

  Interprovincial Migration In 2022

  In total 396,281 Canadians changed their usual place of residence and moved to another province.

  Alberta continues to be the top gainer in net interprovincial migration, with Canadian residents moving to the province for better prospects.

  Ontario being the largest province by area and population, lost net 52,017 residents to interprovincial migration.

  Geography	In-Migrants	Out-Migrants	Net Change
  Alberta	111,899	66,373	45,526
  Nova Scotia	28,928	16,711	12,217
  New Brunswick	22,562	13,273	9,289
  Newfoundland and Labrador	9,532	7,213	2,319
  Prince Edward Island	6,287	4189	2098
  British Columbia	69,788	69,307	481
  Yukon	1812	1734	78
  Nunavut	1623	1581	42
  Northwest Territories	1856	2756	-900
  Quebec	30,123	33,241	-3,118
  Saskatchewan	18,424	24,307	-5,883
  Manitoba	13,989	24,121	-10,132
  Ontario	79,458	131,475	-52,017

  ---

• 
  New Minimum Wage In Canada And 5 Provinces Effective April 121 March 2023, 8:55 PM EDT

  On April 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage in Canada will increase from $15.55 to $16.65 per hour in order to keep up with inflation.

  As a result, about 26,000 Canadian workers who make less than the current wage will benefit from the raise.

  The federal minimum wage in Canada is mandated for all federally regulated private sectors, including banking, postal and courier services, as well as interprovincial air, rail, road, and maritime transportation.

  Furthermore, employees in these sectors get higher rate if their provincial or territory minimum pay is greater than the federal minimum wage.

  The federal minimum wage in Canada is revised every year on April 1 based on the Consumer Price Index (inflation).

  Previously, the federal minimum wage increased from $15 in 2021 to $15.55 on April 1, 2022.

  The April 2023 hike in minimum wage is double ($1.10) as compared to that $0.55 raise last year.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/know-canada-weekly-earnings-in-all-the-provinces/

  New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Effective April 1

  Apart from the rise in federal minimum wage in Canada, Manitoba and Yukon will also increase their provincial minimum wage effective April 1, 2023.

  Minimum wage in Manitoba will increase by $0.65 to $14.15 per hour.

  Manitoba’s minimum wage was increased on October 1, 2022 from $11.95 to $13.50 per hour.

  Now Manitoba will revert to yearly changes based on province CPI, and it is anticipated that on October 1, 2023, the hourly wage will again increase to $15 per hour.

  Furthermore, minimum wage in Yukon will also increase by $1.05 to $16.77 per hour.

  Nova Scotia minimum wage is also set to increase to $14.50 per hour.

  New Brunswick new minimum wage effective April 1, 2023 will be $14.75 per hour, up from $13.75.

  The minimum wage will also rise for Newfoundland & Labrador by 80 cents per hour on April 1, 2023, reaching $14.50 per hour.

  Minimum Wage By Province In Canada

  Below listed are the latest minimum wage in Canada as of April 1, 2023.

  Geography	Minimum Wage Per Hour	Next Raise
  Canada (Federally regulated private sectors)	$16.65	April 1, 2024
  Ontario	$15.50	October 1, 2023
  Manitoba	$14.15	October 1, 2023
  New Brunswick	$14.75	April 1, 2024 (Expected)
  Nova Scotia	$14.50	October 1, 2023
  Saskatchewan	$13.00	October 1, 2023
  Newfoundland & Labrador	$14.50	October 1, 2023
  Alberta	$15.00	To Be Decided (TBD)
  British Columbia	$15.65	To Be Decided (TBD)
  Quebec	$14.25	May 1, 2023
  Nunavut	$16.00	To Be Decided (TBD)
  Prince Edward Island	$14.50	October 1, 2023
  Northwest Territories	$15.20	September 1, 2023
  Yukon	$16.77	April 1, 2024

  What is Canada’s minimum wage 2023?

  $16.65 per hour is the new minimum wage effective April 1, 2023 applicable to for all federally regulated private sectors. The federal regulated private sectors include banking, postal and courier services, as well as interprovincial air, rail, road, and maritime transportation.

  What is the highest minimum wage in Canada?

  Yukon has the highest minimum wage at $16.77 per hour, followed by Federal minimum wage that is $16.65 per hour, and Nunavut which has the minimum wage of $16 per hour.

  What is minimum wage Ontario 2023 and when will it increase?

  Starting in 2022, the minimum wage rates may rise yearly on October 1st. The new rates that will take effect on October 1 will be released no later than April 1.
  
  Currently, $15.50 is the minimum wage in Ontario.

  What is the minimum wage in British Columbia?

  $15.65 effective since June 1, 2022

  Federally regulated private sectors

  • air transportation, including airlines, airports, aerodromes and aircraft operations
  • banks, including authorized foreign banks
  • grain elevators, feed and seed mills, feed warehouses and grain-seed cleaning plants
  • First Nations band councils and Indigenous self-governments (certain activities)
  • most federal Crown corporations, for example, Canada Post Corporation
  • port services, marine shipping, ferries, tunnels, canals, bridges and pipelines (oil and gas) that cross international or provincial borders
  • postal and courier services
  • radio and television broadcasting
  • railways that cross provincial or international borders and some short-line railways
  • road transportation services, including trucks and buses, that cross provincial or international borders
  • telecommunications, such as, telephone, Internet, telegraph and cable systems
  • uranium mining and processing and atomic energy
  • any business that is vital, essential or integral to the operation of one of the above activities
  • Federally regulated public sector (parts II and IV of the Code only):
    • the federal public service
    • Parliament (such as, the Senate, the House of Commons and the Library of Parliament)
  • Private-sector firms and municipalities in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (part I of the Code only)

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• 
  Canada Announces New Open Work Permit For Turkish & Syrian Nationals18 March 2023, 7:32 PM EDT

  Today, immigration minister of Canada, the Honourable Sean Fraser announced new measures to support Turkish and Syrian temporary residents.

  Effective from March 29, 2023 nationals of Türkiye and Syria will benefit from below listed new measures:

  • extension of temporary status (study, work or visitor) within Canada free of charge.
  • priority processing of immigration applications submitted by earthquake victims
  • new open work permit of up to 3 years for temporary residents already in Canada.
  • easier transition between temporary residents statuses.
  • no requirement of passports and travel document requirements for the Canadian permanent residence applicants outside Canada.
  • For Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Turkey and Syria, there will be no costs for temporary passports, passports with restricted validity, emergency travel papers, Canadian citizenship certificates, or permanent resident travel documents.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKLlkP_Pz0s&t=1170s

  Applications for temporary residency from the impacted areas, both new and old, as well as applications for permanent residence, including applications for refugee resettlement, are all being processed on a priority basis.

  This includes requests for visiting visas for members of a person’s immediate family who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents so they can visit their loved ones.

  The purpose of these new immigration measures announced today is to assist Turkish and Syrian temporary residents who may not be able to leave Canada at this time owing to the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes in the area.

  Over 16,000 applicants have applications being processed in Turkey and Syria as of February 8, 2023.

  Among them, about 1,700 (750 permanent residents and 920 temporary residents) came from the earthquake-affected region.

  These new measures will stay in effect until September 25, 2023.

  As part of its resettlement programme, Canada is also collaborating with UN partners in the region to offer temporary housing to refugees who have been negatively affected while they wait for their applications to be reviewed.

  Further details on how to apply for these new measures will be accessible on the IRCC website in the upcoming weeks.

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• 
  Here Are New Updated IRCC Processing Times As Of March 77 March 2023, 6:43 PM EST

  This page includes the latest processing times reported by the IRCC as of March 7, 2023, along with a comparison to the processing times from the previous week.

  To fully comprehend what these processing timeframes mean, please read the following details carefully.

  The IRCC changed its processing tool in the beginning of 2022 so that it now provides correct data on normal processing times rather than merely service standard times.

  These processing times are intended to provide prospective immigrants and visa seekers to Canada a rough idea of how long it could take for a decision to be made on their application.

  These durations are based on information gathered over the preceding 6 months for 80% of the applications that have already been approved and are intended to provide latest weekly processing timelines.

  This does not mean that it will take the same length of time to process your application.

  This processing of your application may take longer or less time than shown because it is an average of the processing timings for 80% of the applications.

  Remember that the application processing period starts when IRCC receives it and ends when the immigration officer decides whether to accept or reject it.

  For more than a year, we have been tracking and comparing the processing timeframes for our readers as updated by the IRCC on a weekly basis.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/canada-opens-new-ircc-operation-centre-for-faster-processing/

  Citizenship & PR cards

  Application Type	Current Processing Time	Change From Last Week
  Citizenship grant	23 months	No Change
  Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)*	14 months	No Change
  Resumption of citizenship	30 months	+ 6 months
  Renunciation of Citizenship	14 months	– 1 month
  Search of citizenship records	16 months	No Change
  New PR card	36 days	– 3 Days
  PR card renewals	69 days	– 2 Days

  *Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship): Applications submitted outside of Canada and the United States may take longer.

  The IRCC is currently sending over acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizens who applied during the week of January 16, 2023.

  Family Sponsorship

  Application Type	Current Processing Time	Change From Last Week
  Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada	16 months	No Change
  Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada	13 months	– 1 month
  Parents or Grandparents PR	39 months	No Change

  According to the most current IRCC figures, Canada’s immigration backlog has nearly hit one million people.

  Moreover, 969,900 applications were handled within the IRCC service standard timelines. IRCC was processing around 2 million applications as of January 31, 2023.

  Canadian Passport 

  Application Type	Current Processing Time	Change From Last Week
  In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services)	10 business days	No Change
  In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre)	20 business days	No Change
  In-Canda Urgent pick-up	By the end of next business day	No Change
  In-Canada Express pick-up	2-9 business days	No Change
  Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada	20 business days	No Change

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/here-are-ircc-service-standards-for-processing-various-applications/

  Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time

  Application Type	Current Processing Time	Change From Last Week
  Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	12 months	– 4 months
  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)	30 months	– 1 month
  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)	70 months (not updated this week)	No Change
  Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry	11 months	No Change
  Non-Express Entry PNP	20 months	– 1 month
  Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW)	20 months	+ 1 month
  Quebec Business Class	67 months	No Change
  Federal Self-Employed	43 months	+ 1 month
  Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)	24 months	+ 1 month
  Start-Up Visa	33 months	No Change

  Temporary Residence Application 

  Application Type	Current Processing Time	Change From Last Week
  Visitor visa outside Canada	Varies by country India: 58 Days Nigeria: 376 Days United States: 24 Days Pakistan: 166 Days Philippines: 31 Days UAE: 320 Days Bangladesh: 185 Days Sri Lanka: 135 Days United Kingdom: 30 Days	– 12 Days for India + 46 Days for Nigeria No Change for United States – 17 Days for Pakistan – 2 Days for Philippines + 2 Days for UAE – 18 Day for Bangladesh + 3 Days for Sri Lanka – 5 Days for UK
  Visitor visa inside Canada	Online: 12 days Paper-Based: 32 days	– 1 Day for online No Change for paper-based
  Parents or Grandparents Super Visa	Varies by country India: 133 Days Nigeria: 396 Days United States: 121 Days Pakistan: 422 Days Philippines: 226 Days UAE: 327 Days Bangladesh: 253 Days Sri Lanka: 304 Days United Kingdom: 169 Days	– 1 Day for India No Change for Nigeria – 4 Days for United States + 6 Days for Pakistan – 2 Days for Philippines + 13 Days for UAE + 4 Days for Bangladesh + 24 Days for Sri Lanka + 1 Day for UK
  Study Permit Outside Canada	10 Weeks	No Change
  Visitor Extension (Visitor Record)	Online: 181 days Paper-Based: 91 days	+ 6 Days (Online) – 4 Days for Paper-Based
  Study Permit Inside Canada	4 Weeks	No Change
  Study Permit Extension	Online: 109 Days Paper-Based: 107 Days	– 9 Days (Online) – 6 Days (Paper-Based)
  Work Permit Outside Canada*	Varies by country India: 8 Weeks Nigeria: 27 Weeks United States: 15 Weeks Pakistan: 45 Weeks Philippines: 12 Weeks UAE: 42 Weeks Bangladesh: 30 Weeks Sri Lanka: 21 Weeks United Kingdom: 11 Weeks	No Change for India No Change for Nigeria – 1 Week for United States + 2 Weeks for Pakistan – 2 Weeks for Philippines + 6 Weeks for UAE – 1 Week for Bangladesh – 1 Weeks for Sri Lanka – 1 Week for UK
  Work Permit Inside Canada	Online: 156 Days Paper-Based: 53 Days	– 2 Days (Online) – 5 Days for paper-based
  International Experience Canada (Current Season)	3 Weeks	+ 1 Week
  Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP)	25 Days	+ 3 Days
  Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)	5 minutes	No Change

  *Applications for the critical job positions are currently being prioritized. Your processing time can be longer than indicated above if you are not applying for a position in a critical occupation.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/iec-2023-rounds-of-invitations-sent-2076-new-invites/

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• 
  Victim Of Fraud; International Students In Canada Facing Removal Orders7 March 2023, 9:48 AM EST

  Several international students in Canada are facing removal orders from the Canadian immigration department.

  It is an unfortunate situation because most of these international students are actually victims of fraudulent agents.

  These agents, who without their knowledge, submitted forged documents including fake offer letters or GICs.

  Moreover, they are trapped by the outdated Canadian system since the immigration department is sending them removal order letters after 2-3 years of completion of their studies in Canada.

  The removal order letters are being sent since 2021 offering these students to appeal the removal orders.

  Some of these students are receiving letters now. According to one of the sources, the number of international students facing removal orders is in the multiple of 100s.

  Recently, in a similar case of Karamjeet Kaur, the federal court upheld the decision by Immigration Division (ID) ordering her to leave Canada.

  She now only has humanitarian and compassionate consideration of her case left.

  Ironically, she came to Canada on a study permit in 2018 and her agent in India used the fake letter to get her file processed, which she was unaware of.

  Karamjeet got a removal order in 2022 when she applied for her permanent residency (PR), 4 years after her entry to Canada.

  However, in February 2023 Federal court ruled that it was her responsibility to call the college and confirm whether the offer letter was genuine or not.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/karamjeet-kaur-canada-immigration-case-all-you-need-to-know/

  Gaps In The Canadian Immigration System

  International students have been protesting against these removal orders and pointing out gaps in the Canadian immigration system.

  Offer letters or GICs or documents are not usually verified by students as they trust their consultants or agents back in India.

  As per students, if the offer letter or GIC or any document was fake in their study permit application, the immigration department should have pointed out it at the time of issuing a visa to Canada.

  IRCC offices in India, who are trained and experienced at catching forged documents in an applications were also deceived by the same fake documents.

  If such officials are unable detect fake documents, then how a teenager or naive young student would have caught such a scam?

  Rather, they themselves were victims of this fraud.

  Moreover, when they landed at a Canadian airport and an immigration check was done, no official were able to point out the forged documents.

  As in Karamjeet Kaur’s case, the agent told her after she landed in Canada, that he had some dispute with the college authorities, so she would have to change her college.

  Being new at such a young age in Canada, in such a situation, no one reaches out to college and confirms whether their offer letter is fake or original.

  Now that these scams are made public, definitely new students will be cautiously confirming all the documents are original or not. But at that time, nobody knew about these frauds.

  After completing their studies in Canada, international students apply to the immigration department for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

  Even at that point, the immigration department didn’t point out any inconsistencies and issued them work permit to legally work in Canada.

  Most of these students are receiving removal orders after 3-4 years of coming to Canada at the time they applied for permanent residency (PR) under one or another program.

  What is a removal order in these cases?

  The common word used by most people is “deportation.” Deportation is the permanent ban from returning to Canada and people cannot return unless they apply for an  Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).

  However, most of these international students are facing an “exclusion order” because of “misrepresentation.” This means that they are removed from Canada for 5 years.

  Misrepresentation is defined as intentional or unintentional misrepresentation or withholding substantial information on a relevant topic that causes or may cause an error in decision making.

  International students now have the option to appeal their removal orders and the court will decide their fate.

  Click here to know the basis of the Federal court’s decision in the Karamjeet Kaur Canada removal order case.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/removal-orders-from-canada-here-is-all-you-need-to-know/

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• 
  Canada Opens New IRCC Operation Centre For Faster Processing3 March 2023, 2:10 PM EST

  Today, IRCC announced that Canada has opened a new application processing centre in Manila, Philippines.

  This new centre is aimed at supporting the Indo-Pacific strategy for Canada immigration and to speed up the processing of immigration applications both domestically and internationally.

  There are already more than 50 IRCC visa offices spread among Canadian high commissioners, consulates, and embassies across the world.

  And, this new centre will be supported by 37 new employees to boost global immigration processing capacity and support Indo-Pacific strategy.

  The new facility is housed inside the Canadian Embassy in Manila and will help to manage the large number of visa applications received from throughout the world.

  Additionally, it will support continuing initiatives of IRCC to enhance customer service and assist in achieving Canada’s future plans of record immigration numbers.

  Canada is aiming to welcome around 1.5 million immigrants, in accordance with immigration levels plan of 2023-2025.

  960,000 individuals of Philippine origina reside in Canada, according to the census of 2021. Furthermore, an increasing number of Filipino residents come to the country to visit friends and family.

  Moreover, Canada is also one of the top choice by Filipinos to study for higher education and eventually integrate into Canadian economy.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/india-continues-to-be-top-source-of-newcomers-to-canada/

  What is Indo-Pacific Strategy in regards to Canada Immigration

  The Indo-Pacific region is the fastest-growing economic region in the world and a large source of new immigrants for Canada.

  India, China, and the Philippines were the top three source countries for permanent residents to Canada in 2022.

  The goal of Canada’s policy is to boost the capacity for processing applications locally and throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Islamabad, and Manila, with an initial expenditure of $74.6 million over five years.

  With such a huge investment specifically for Indo-Pacific strategy, it is clearly evident how important this region is for Canada immigration.

  These new resources will assist ongoing efforts to manage the huge amount of visa applications from the Indo-Pacific area, bringing more individuals to Canada—whether for visits, studies, employment, or permanent immigration—and doing so more promptly.

  

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• 
  Canada May Soon Introduce The New One-Click Citizenship Oath1 March 2023, 9:26 AM EST

  Beginning in as soon as June 2023, new citizens of Canada may be able to take the oath without the necessity for a citizenship judge.

  The Canada Gazette published on February 25, 2023 in regards to regulations amending the citizenship regulations (Oath of Citizenship).

  This amendment is now open for a 30-day consultation period until March 27, 2023 and can come into force around June 2023 after consultation process is completed.

  Critics believe that this will cheapen the processing of citizenship oath as swearing an oath has been a legal condition of becoming a citizen in this country since 1947.

  In this oath, citizenship candidates make a solemn promise to uphold Canadian laws and fulfil their responsibilities as citizens.

  As reported by Toronto Star, Daniel Bernhard (CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship) criticizes this move.

  He says it will be as easy as to just read and click the terms and conditions to take oath of citizenship, as it has been to create any social media accounts such as Facebook or TikTok.

  Latest statement by the immigration department says that new citizens would now be able to complete the requirements of citizenship by signing a written attestation online without a witness.

  However, applicants would still have the choice to do so in front of a citizenship judge.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/canadian-citizenship-know-eligibility-and-how-to-apply/

  What Are The Exact Proposed Amendments?

  Below are simplified version of official amendments to citizenship regulations.

  • Any person (at least 14 years old) on the day they are given citizenship must, at the Minister’s invitation, take the oath of citizenship, whether in or outside of Canada,
    • through the means that the Minister makes accessible or specifies for that purpose; or
    • before the Minister, a person authorized in writing by the Minister to act on the Minister’s behalf, or a citizenship judge.
  • An individual shall be delivered the citizenship certificate after they have taken the oath of citizenship.
  • While taking the oath of citizenship as per the above listed regulation, the individual must sign the document provided by the Minister, verifying that they have taken the oath.
  • Any person who has been granted citizenship may take the oath of citizenship in front of
    • the Minister,
    • a person the Minister has authorized in writing to act on their behalf,
    • as well as a citizenship judge

  

  February 14, 2023 Citizenship Oath Ceremony

  Why new changes?

  New statistics shows a 20-year decline in citizenship uptake, which could be the biggest reason for the proposed adjustment.

  Lesser permanent residents are now converting to Canadian citizens.

  Just 45.7% of permanent residents became citizens as per 2021 census, down from 60% in 2016 and 75.1% in 2001.

  Although, the number of citizenship applications granted yearly having increased dramatically over the previous 5 years from 113,000 to 243,000.

  But, the processing time for citizenship has doubled during the pandemic compared to the previous 12-month service standard.

  As per IRCC data dated January 31, 2023 – there were total of 303,000 citizenship applications under processing.

  Out of these, 83,000 applications were still being processed after exceeding the normal service standard. While 220,000 are still being processed under normal service standards.

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• 
  IRCC Makes New Extension For Visitors to Work Permit Policy By 2 Years28 February 2023, 11:08 AM EST

  Today, IRCC announces new extension to temporary policy allowing visitor visa holders to apply for work permit within Canada, until 2025.

  This extension came in as previous temporary policy was due to expire today. This is a huge news for visitor visa holders.

  Canada implemented this policy during pandemic to fill in labour gaps with visitors in the country. Usually, foreign nationals holding a visitor visa cannot apply for work permit from within Canada.

  As per IRCC news release, foreign nationals who are visiting Canada and obtain a genuine employment offer will be able to apply for and acquire a work permit without leaving the country.

  Visitors applying under this public policy who have held a work permit within the past 12 months may also obtain temporary work permit to begin working for their new company.

  So, this public policy has now been extended by two years, until February 28, 2025. Aim of the this extension is give firms in Canada another choice, since many are suffering major labour shortages.

  Eligibility Criteria:

  An applicant seeking benefit from this temporary public policy must:

  • have a valid visitor status in Canada on the day they apply
  • have a job offer backed by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment
  • submit an application for an employer-specific work permit before February 28, 2025, and
  • satisfy all other standard admissibility requirements

  Candidates with visitor status who already held a work permit in last 12 months under this temporary policy are also eligible, if they meet below listed criteria:

  • When you apply, you must be physically present in Canada.
    • You must remain in Canada while your application is being processed.
    • You will not be eligible for this public policy if you depart while your application is being processed.
  • While applying for a work permit, you must be a visitor with valid status.
    • If your visitor status has expired, you must restore it before applying for a work permit.
  • applied for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025
  • had a valid work permit in the 12 months before to applying for a new work permit

  Candidates with visitor status who have held a valid work permit in the last 12 months can follow specific guidelines to get interim work authorization.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/ircc-resumes-biometrics-for-new-temporary-residence-applicants-in-canada/

  How To Get Interim Work Authorization:

  Reiterating, Interim Work Authorization is only available to visitor visa holders who held a valid work permit in the last 12 months under this temporary policy.

  After applying for work permit under this policy, applicants will need to fill out the IRCC Web form with message as specified by IRCC.

  

  After filling out the webform, you will need to wait for an email from IRCC informing you that you may begin working. This might take up to 30 days (6 weeks).

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