Here Are New IRCC Processing Times As Of November 9!

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

Processing Time for Family Sponsorship

• Click here for November 3 processing update!
• Canada Immigration Backlog At 1.49 Million – Latest IRCC Data

Processing time for Canadian Passport 

• Know here Canada Passport Offices Latest Wait Times
• Total of 13 New Service Canada Centers-Offering 10 Day Passport Pick Up

Processing time for Economic Class

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• New Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025
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• Canada Immigration Backlog Reduces By 95,204 – New IRCC Data
• Click here for November 3 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.

  ---

  

• 
  Ontario-OINP Official Data On Top 20 Nominated Occupations28 March 2023, 9:14 AM EDT

  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

  Stream	Number of nominations
  Express Entry Skilled Trades stream	3,196
  Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream	2,370
  Masters Graduate stream	1,480
  Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream	885
  Employer Job Offer: International Student stream	771
  Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream	583
  PhD Graduate stream	303
  Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream	159
  Entrepreneur stream	3
  Grand total	9,750

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

  Top 20 Occupations Nominated

  Top 20 occupations	Number of nominations
  NOC 2173 – Software engineers and designers	729
  NOC 7231 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors	636
  NOC 7237 – Welders and related machine operators	397
  NOC 7246 – Telecommunications installation and repair workers	383
  NOC 2174 – Computer programmers and interactive media developers	341
  NOC 2172 – Database analysts and data administrators	301
  NOC 124 – Advertising, marketing and public relations managers	292
  NOC 213 – Computer and information systems managers	261
  NOC 6332 – Bakers	260
  NOC 1122 – Professional occupations in business management consulting	233
  NOC 7311 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics	191
  NOC 601 – Corporate sales managers	187
  NOC 2175 – Web designers and developers	167
  NOC 7245 – Telecommunications line and cable workers	155
  NOC 1121 – Human resources professionals	153
  NOC 7271 – Carpenters	144
  NOC 122 – Banking, credit and other investment managers	142
  NOC 2171 – Information systems analysts and consultants	139
  NOC 7305 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators	138
  NOC 631 – Restaurant and food service managers	124
  All other occupations	4,377
  Total	9,750

  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 birth	Number of nominations
  India	5,524
  China	1,155
  Nigeria	446
  Iran	293
  Pakistan	165
  Lebanon	162
  Brazil	150
  South Korea	126
  Vietnam	105
  Portugal	91
  All other countries	1,533
  Total	9,750

  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.

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/new-ontario-oinp-quota-for-2023/

  Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream Full List Of Occupation Invited

  Date	Express Entry CRS Score	Number of Invites	Occupations Invited
  December 19, 2022	484 – 490	936	Data 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, 2022	496 and above	1,179	Data 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, 2022	455 – 600	773	NOC 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, 2022	463 – 467	622	Data 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, 2022	464 – 467	502	NOC 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

  Date	Express Entry CRS Score	Number of Invites	Occupations Invited
  December 13, 2022	341 – 490	160	41220 – 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, 2022	326 and above	363	NOC 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, 2022	440 and above	356	NOC 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, 2022	481 and above	153	NOC 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, 2022	460 – 467	301	All the French Speaking Express Entry Profiles with CRS cut off score of 463 – 467
  February 8, 2022	463 – 467	206	All the French Speaking Express Entry Profiles with CRS cut off score of 463 – 467

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• 
  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.

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• 
  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

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• 
  BREAKING: New Canada Immigration Pathway Announced By IRCC25 March 2023, 6:20 PM EDT
  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

  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.

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  Canada immigration news

• 
  IEC 2023 New Round Of Invitations Sent >900 Invites25 March 2023, 9:49 AM EDT

  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.

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

  1. IEC 2023 Working Holiday Visa Category

  Country	Invitations Issued This Week	Total Invitations  Issued In 2023	Candidates In Pool	Available Spots
  Andorra	0	10	2	19
  Australia	90	3,646	472	Unlimited
  Austria	0	154	25	0
  Belgium	8	682	69	282
  Croatia	2	80	1	225
  Czech Republic	8	624	49	593
  Denmark	4	182	33	212
  Estonia	2	80	5	64
  France	0	16,885	4,285	0
  Germany	40	2,517	316	2,706
  Greece	3	228	17	159
  Hong Kong	3	240	16	90
  Ireland	50	4,676	474	7,625
  Italy	20	1,242	141	995
  Japan	30	3,111	415	4,049
  Korea Republic	100	7,556	1,281	1,696
  Latvia	0	72	5	0
  Lithuania	5	309	43	21
  Luxembourg	2	21	0	65
  Netherlands	10	677	71	335
  New Zealand	40	1,243	116	1,589
  Norway	3	49	6	99
  Poland	5	479	53	359
  Portugal	15	532	65	1,368
  San Marino	0	4	0	22
  Slovakia	4	329	23	110
  Slovenia	1	28	0	67
  Spain	10	1,179	119	1,079
  Sweden	23	204	11	466
  United Kingdom	80	5,834	746	6,466
  Total	558	52,873	8,859	30,761

  https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/international-experience-canada-eligibility-how-to-apply/

  2. IEC Young Professionals Category

  Country	Invitations Issued This Week	Total Invitations Issued In 2023	Candidates In Pool	Available Spots
  Australia	3	67	3	Unlimited
  Austria	1	7	1	60
  Chile	19	309	8	148
  Costa Rica	7	136	0	36
  Croatia	0	6	0	17
  Czech Republic	6	133	7	62
  Estonia	0	3	0	8
  France	98	1,644	70	1,218
  France via Volontariat international en entreprise (VIE)	11	203	38	362
  Germany	15	206	9	229
  Greece	3	95	0	114
  Ireland	8	69	2	136
  Italy	6	136	2	149
  Latvia	0	6	0	6
  Lithuania	0	15	0	12
  Luxembourg	0	0	0	10
  Norway	0	5	0	10
  Poland	6	39	2	92
  Portugal	0	18	0	191
  Slovakia	1	31	0	16
  Slovenia	1	4	0	13
  Spain	5	95	5	109
  Spain via ICEX Vives	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	47
  Sweden	0	16	1	95
  Switzerland	9	154	8	93
  Taiwan	4	92	5	81
  Total	203	3,489	161	3,314

  3. IEC International Co-op (Internship)

  Country	Invitations issued this week	Total Invitations Issued In 2023	Candidates In Pool	Available Spots
  France	127	2,683	93	2,330
  Ireland	3	10	3	43
  Germany	4	51	4	134
  Luxembourg	0	3	0	9
  Switzerland	0	19	0	37
  Taiwan	1	12	1	9
  Total	135	2,778	101	2,562

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFasfNBpD7U&t=1s

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