Here Are New IRCC Processing Times As Of November 9!

Sean Fraser IRCC Minister Canada

Last Updated On 9 November 2022, 12:11 PM EST (Toronto Time)


IRCC changed their online processing tool in the beginning of 2022, to offer accurate information on processing timelines. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced this modification on March 31, 2022, as part of an effort to improve Canadian immigration system. This page contains the latest processing times from the IRCC website as of November 9, 2022.

What Updates Does the Processing Time Include 

IRCC bases processing time on the time it took to process prior similar applications. The processing period begins when the application is received by IRCC and concludes when the immigration officer makes a decision on the application. 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 preceding 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

Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
Citizenship grant24 monthsNo Change
Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)16 monthsNo Change
Resumption of citizenship34 monthsNo Change
Renunciation of Citizenship17 monthsNo Change
Search of citizenship records15 monthsNo Change
New PR card102 days+ 37 Days
PR card renewals90 days– 3 Days

Processing Time for Family Sponsorship

Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada20 monthsNo Change
Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada14 monthsNo Change
Parents or Grandparents PR37 monthsNo Change
Processing time for Canadian Passport 
Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services)10 business daysNo Change
In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre)20 business daysNo Change
In-Canda Urgent pick-upBy the end of next business dayNo Change
In-Canada Express pick-up2-9 business daysNo Change
Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada20 daysNo Change
Processing time for Economic Class
Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 19 monthsNo Change
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 27 monthsNo Change
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)49 monthsNo Change
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) vis Express Entry14 monthsNo Change
Non-Express Entry PNP22 monthsNo Change
Quebec Skilled Worker22 monthsNo Change
Quebec Business Class65 monthsNo Change
Federal Self-Employed42 monthsNo Change
Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)14 monthsNo Change
Start-Up Visa31 monthsNo Change


Processing Time for Temporary Residence Application 
Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
Visitor visa outside CanadaVaries by country (India: 162 days)+ 4 Days
Visitor visa inside CanadaOnline: 18 days
Paper-Based: 43 days
+1 Day (Online)
+ 2 Days (
Paper-Based)
Parents or Grandparents SupervisaVaries by country (India: 138 days)+ 24 Days
Visitor Extension (Visitor Record)Online: 201 days
Paper-Based: 173 days
– 2 Days (Online)
– 2 Days (Paper-Based
)
Study Permit Outside Canada13 WeeksNo Change
Study Permit Inside Canada4 WeeksNo Change
Study Permit ExtensionOnline: 78 Days
Paper-Based: 73 Days
– 2 Days (Online)
– 2 Days (Paper-Based
)
Work Permit Outside Canada*Varies by country (India: 14 Weeks)No Change
Work Permit Inside CanadaOnline: 169 Days
Paper-Based: 83 Days
No Change For Online
– 1 Day (Paper-Based
)
International Experience Canada (Current Season)7 WeeksNo Change
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)**5 minutesNo Change
Source: IRCC

  • Canada Budget 2023 New Proposals For Immigration

    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.

    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.

    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 Budget 2023
  • Ontario-OINP Official Data On Top 20 Nominated Occupations

    On March 23, 2022, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) released important data about the 2022 selections.

    The OINP reached the annual PNP allocation of 9,750 nominations in December 2022.

    This is an important data as it helps understand permanent residency (PR) seekers their chances of selection this year.

    Apart from the international students and work experience holders in Canada, OINP is also a great option for Express Entry applicants (inside or outside Canada).

    More than 60% of the nominations in 2022 were issued directly to the Express Entry profiles.

    Furthermore, OINP has much higher PNP allocation (16,500) this year making the program even more attractive.

    Overview of All the OINP Nominations

    The OINP nominated people with employment offers from approximately 1,300 employers across all industries in Ontario in 2022.

    Manufacturing, construction, and professional, scientific, and technical services were the main industries sponsored by the OINP in 2022.

    OINP directly sent 13,057 invites to Express Entry profiles. Out of these, 6,149 received the nomination.

    More than 50% of these were Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades category. These Express Entry profiles had CRS score as low as 266.

    So, OINP turned out to be a good option for FST applicants as there was no dedicated Express Entry draw for them since 2020.

    Overall 40% of the nominations across all streams were issued to to individuals with work experience or a job offer in a skilled trade occupation.

    Those with work experience or a job offer in a high-tech occupation received around 25% of all nominations.

    The program nominated around 150 health care employees, including over 75 nurses and personal support workers.

    Ontario PNP Nominations By Stream

    StreamNumber of nominations
    Express Entry Skilled Trades stream3,196
    Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream2,370
    Masters Graduate stream1,480
    Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream885
    Employer Job Offer: International Student stream771
    Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream583
    PhD Graduate stream303
    Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream159
    Entrepreneur stream3
    Grand total9,750

    Top 20 Occupations Nominated

    Top 20 occupationsNumber of nominations
    NOC 2173 – Software engineers and designers729
    NOC 7231 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors636
    NOC 7237 – Welders and related machine operators397
    NOC 7246 – Telecommunications installation and repair workers383
    NOC 2174 – Computer programmers and interactive media developers341
    NOC 2172 – Database analysts and data administrators301
    NOC 124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers292
    NOC 213 – Computer and information systems managers261
    NOC 6332 – Bakers260
    NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting233
    NOC 7311 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics191
    NOC 601 – Corporate sales managers187
    NOC 2175 – Web designers and developers167
    NOC 7245 – Telecommunications line and cable workers155
    NOC 1121 – Human resources professionals153
    NOC 7271 – Carpenters144
    NOC 122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers142
    NOC 2171 – Information systems analysts and consultants139
    NOC 7305 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators138
    NOC 631 – Restaurant and food service managers124
    All other occupations4,377
    Total9,750

    Top 10 OINP Countries By Birth

    In 2022, nominations were sent to citizens from approximately 120 different countries.

    The most nominations were given to candidates from India, China, and Nigeria.

    Country of birthNumber of nominations
    India5,524
    China1,155
    Nigeria446
    Iran293
    Pakistan165
    Lebanon162
    Brazil150
    South Korea126
    Vietnam105
    Portugal91
    All other countries1,533
    Total9,750

    Ontario Entrepreneur Stream Update

    The Entrepreneur Stream issued 3 nominations in 2022. At the end of the year, 17 more applicants were in the compliance monitoring process for the stream.

    An additional 151 applications are being processed in the stream. Five entrepreneurs have been nominated and are operating their businesses in Ontario as of December 2022.

    OINP expects that by establishing their enterprises in the province, the 17 new applicants will spend approximately $10,248,746 million and employ 67 Ontarians.

    Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream Full List Of Occupation Invited

    DateExpress Entry CRS ScoreNumber of InvitesOccupations Invited
    December 19, 2022484 – 490936Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
    Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
    Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
    Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
    Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
    Web designers (NOC 21233)
    Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
    Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
    Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers (NOC 21311)
    September 28, 2022496 and above1,179Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
    Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
    Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
    Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
    Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
    Web designers (NOC 21233)
    Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
    Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
    Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers (NOC 21311)
    February 22, 2022455 – 600773NOC 0114 – Other administrative services managers
    NOC 0122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers
    NOC 0124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
    NOC 0125 – Other business services managers
    NOC 0211 – Engineering managers
    NOC 0311 – Managers in health care
    NOC 0601 – Corporate sales managers
    NOC 0631 – Restaurant and food service managers
    NOC 0711 – Construction managers
    NOC 0731 – Managers in transportation
    NOC 0911 – Manufacturing managers
    NOC 1121 – Human resources professionals
    NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting
    NOC 2161 – Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
    NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
    NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
    NOC 3231 – Opticians
    NOC 3233 – Licensed practical nurses
    February 8, 2022463 – 467622Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
    Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
    Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
    Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
    Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
    Web designers (NOC 21233)
    Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
    Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
    Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers (NOC 21311)
    January 12, 2022464 – 467502NOC 0114 – Other administrative services managers
    NOC 0122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers
    NOC 0124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
    NOC 0125 – Other business services managers
    NOC 0211 – Engineering managers
    NOC 0311 – Managers in health care
    NOC 0601 – Corporate sales managers
    NOC 0631 – Restaurant and food service managers
    NOC 0711 – Construction managers
    NOC 0731 – Managers in transportation
    NOC 0911 – Manufacturing managers
    NOC 1121 – Human resources professionals
    NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting
    NOC 2161 – Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
    NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
    NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
    NOC 3231 – Opticians
    NOC 3233 – Licensed practical nurses

    Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Full List Of Eligible Occupations

    The occupation of interested applicants’ Express Entry profile just has to fall into one of the key NOC 2021 groupings listed below.

    • Major Group 72, technical trades and transportation officers and controllers, excluding Sub-Major Group 726, transportation officers and controllers
    • Major Group 73, general trades
    • Major Group 82, supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production
    • Major Group 83, occupations in natural resources and related production
    • Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers
    • Major Group 93, central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
    • Minor Group 6320, cooks, butchers and bakers
    • Unit Group 62200, chefs

    Express Entry French-Speaking Stream Full List Of Occupation Invited

    DateExpress Entry CRS ScoreNumber of InvitesOccupations Invited
    December 13, 2022341 – 49016041220 – Secondary school teachers
    41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
    43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
    41200 – University professors and lecturers
    63202 – Bakers
    63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale
    72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
    72106 – Welders and related machine operators
    72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
    72024 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
    73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
    72310 – Carpenters
    72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
    72311 – Cabinetmakers
    72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
    72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
    72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
    72101 – Tool and die makers
    73110 – Roofers and shinglers
    73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
    72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
    73111 – Glaziers
    73100 – Concrete finishers
    72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
    72201 – Industrial electricians
    72421 – Appliance servicers and repairers
    72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
    72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
    72302 – Gas fitters
    72320 – Bricklayers
    72300 – Plumbers
    72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
    82020 – Supervisors, mining and quarrying
    73402 – Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
    72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
    September 23, 2022326 and above363NOC 0213 – Computer and Information Systems Managers
    NOC 2147 – Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers)
    NOC 2172 – Database Analysts and Data Administrators
    NOC 2173 – Software Engineers
    NOC 2174 – Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
    NOC 2175 – Web Designers and Developers
    NOC 3011 – Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
    NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
    NOC 3111 – Specialist physicians
    NOC 3112 – General practitioners and family physicians
    NOC 3113 – Dentists
    NOC 3114 – Veterinarians
    NOC 3121 – Optometrists
    NOC 3122 – Chiropractors
    NOC 3124 – Allied primary health practitioners
    NOC 3125 – Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
    NOC 3131 – Pharmacists
    NOC 3132 – Dietitians and nutritionists
    NOC 3141 – Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
    NOC 3142 – Physiotherapists
    NOC 3143 – Occupational therapists
    NOC 3144 – Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
    NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
    NOC 3212 – Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants
    NOC 3214 – Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
    NOC 3216 – Medical sonographers
    NOC 3217 – Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c.
    NOC 3219 – Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)
    NOC 3221 – Denturists
    NOC 3222 – Dental hygienists and dental therapists
    NOC 3223 – Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants
    NOC 3231 – Opticians
    NOC 3232 – Practitioners of natural healing
    NOC 3233 – Licensed Practical Nurses
    NOC 3236 – Massage therapists
    NOC 3237 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
    June 21, 2022440 and above356NOC 2173 – Software Engineers
    NOC 0213 – Computer and Information Systems Managers
    NOC 2172 – Database Analysts and Data Administrators
    NOC 4031 – Secondary school teachers
    NOC 2147 – Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers)
    NOC 2174 – Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
    NOC 2175 – Web Designers and Developers
    NOC 4032 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
    NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
    NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
    NOC 3233 – Licensed Practical Nurses
    June 9, 2022481 and above153NOC 4031 – Secondary school teachers
    NOC 5125 – Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters
    NOC 4032 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
    NOC 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
    NOC 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
    April 28, 2022460 – 467301All the French Speaking Express Entry Profiles with CRS cut off score of 463 – 467
    February 8, 2022463 – 467206All the French Speaking Express Entry Profiles with CRS cut off score of 463 – 467

    OINP Update
  • Canada Foreign Worker Program Transitioning To LMIA Online Portal Effective April 3

    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.

    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 login

    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

    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.

    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 Agreement

    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.

    Roxham Road Border Crossing

    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 IRCC
    Last Updated On 9 November 2022, 12:11 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
    New Canada Immigration Pathway announcement

    Source: Canada immigration official website

    Speculations Regarding the Announcement

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

  • IEC 2023 New Round Of Invitations Sent >900 Invites

    11th IEC 2023 (International Experience Canada) round of invitations for the week ending March 24 sent more than 900 invitations across three categories.

    The 3 categories include the Working Holiday visa category, Young Professionals, and International Co-Op (Internship).

    Over 558 invites were sent to candidates in pool from more than 30 different countries under the IEC Working Holiday visa category.

    Working Holiday category now has 30,761 available spots for this year.

    IEC is now slowing down on the number of invitations since more than 75% of IEC 2023 quota has been exhausted.

    Citizens of only 7 countries now have an excellent probability of earning an invitation in the upcoming IEC 2023 Working Holiday category next week.

    The countries with high chance of invite next week include Andorra, Croatia, Luxembourg, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, and Sweden.

    Candidates from the other countries in the Working Holiday category have a limited likelihood of earning an invitation based on the number of candidates in the pool and available slots, but they can still participate.

    More than 200 invites were sent to the applicants in pool for the IEC 2023 Young Professionals category. Moreover, there are only 3,314 spots left for 2023.

    Additionally, 135 invites were given to the candidates under the International Co-op (internship) category.

    According to the most recent IRCC official processing update of March 23, the current IEC season has a processing time of less than three weeks.

    Below listed is the category-wise data for each country on the number of invitations, applicants in the pool, and available spots.

    1. IEC 2023 Working Holiday Visa Category

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations 
    Issued In 2023
    Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    Andorra010219
    Australia903,646472Unlimited
    Austria0154250
    Belgium868269282
    Croatia2801225
    Czech Republic862449593
    Denmark418233212
    Estonia280564
    France016,8854,2850
    Germany402,5173162,706
    Greece322817159
    Hong Kong32401690
    Ireland504,6764747,625
    Italy201,242141995
    Japan303,1114154,049
    Korea Republic1007,5561,2811,696
    Latvia07250
    Lithuania53094321
    Luxembourg221065
    Netherlands1067771335
    New Zealand401,2431161,589
    Norway349699
    Poland547953359
    Portugal15532651,368
    San Marino04022
    Slovakia432923110
    Slovenia128067
    Spain101,1791191,079
    Sweden2320411466
    United Kingdom805,8347466,466
    Total55852,8738,85930,761

    2. IEC Young Professionals Category

    CountryInvitations Issued This WeekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    Australia3673Unlimited
    Austria17160
    Chile193098148
    Costa Rica7136036
    Croatia06017
    Czech Republic6133762
    Estonia0308
    France981,644701,218
    France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE)1120338362
    Germany152069229
    Greece3950114
    Ireland8692136
    Italy61362149
    Latvia0606
    Lithuania015012
    Luxembourg00010
    Norway05010
    Poland639292
    Portugal0180191
    Slovakia131016
    Slovenia14013
    Spain5955109
    Spain via ICEX VivesNot applicableNot applicableNot applicable47
    Sweden016195
    Switzerland9154893
    Taiwan492581
    Total2033,4891613,314

    3. IEC International Co-op (Internship)

    CountryInvitations issued this weekTotal Invitations Issued In 2023Candidates In PoolAvailable Spots
    France1272,683932,330
    Ireland310343
    Germany4514134
    Luxembourg0309
    Switzerland019037
    Taiwan11219
    Total1352,7781012,562

    IEC 2023
    International Experience Canada
About Satinder Bains 75 Articles
Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work process at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on "Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications" was one of the notable work on our news website