Last Updated On 26 November 2022, 11:48 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Today, Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament for Vaughan-Woodbridge, announced a new Canada-Italy Youth Mobility Agreement on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.
With the Canada-Italy Youth Mobility Agreement, Canadian and Italian youth now have more opportunities when applying for international work or travel experience through the International Experience Canada Program.
Canada and Italy have long been youth mobility partners, supporting international work and travel opportunities. The program also assists youth in exploring different cultures, languages, and societies while gaining life skills and enhancing their future career possibilities.
The New Canada-Italy Youth Mobility Agreement
There are around 1.5 million Canadians of Italian heritage, making Canada one of the world’s largest Italian communities outside of Italy.
Under the new agreement, youth aged 18 to 35 can work and travel in Canada for up to 12 months and participate in the program twice, making it possible to travel and work for a total of 24 months.
The agreement has also expanded the program to introduce 2 new streams, International Co-op and Young Professionals. In addition, it will assist youth in gaining professional work experience abroad.
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- Extend Your Stay After IEC Working Holiday – Here Are 5 Ways
IEC Categories that can participate in New Canada-Italy Youth Mobility Agreement
The program allows for three categories of participation:
- Working Holiday participants can acquire an open work permit that enables them to work anywhere in the host nation to fund their travels.
- International Co-op (Internship) participants are provided with an employer-specific work permit, allowing students to get specific experience in their field of study.
- Young Professionals participants receive an employer-specific work permit to get specialized, professional work experience in their field of study or career choice.
This agreement with Italy creates new opportunities for future work and travel, strengthens people-to-people ties, and improves labour market access for Canadian and Italian youngsters.
About International Experience Canada (IEC)
Canada has formal youth mobility agreements in place with 36 countries and territories.
International Experience Canada (IEC) facilitates the management of reciprocal bilateral youth mobility arrangements in Canada. These agreements allow Canadians to travel and work in partner countries and territories while allowing international youth to do the same in Canada.
Nearly 200,000 Canadians have participated in the IEC Program since 2008. Many have returned to Canada with life-changing experiences that benefited their personal and professional lives.
Source: IRCC
- Check New IRCC Processing Times As of March 29
This page contains a list of the new updated official IRCC processing times as of March 29, 2023, as well as a comparison to the previous week’s processing timings.
For over a year, we’ve been tracking and publishing these processing times for our readers, which are officially updated weekly by the IRCC.
Please carefully read the following information to properly understand what these processing timeframes mean.
In early 2022, the IRCC upgraded its processing tool to include accurate information on typical processing durations rather than just service standard timelines.
These processing timelines are meant to offer potential immigrants and visa applicants to Canada an indication of how long it may take for a decision to be reached on their application.
These timelines are based on data collected for 80% of previously processed applications over the last 6 months and are meant to offer the most recent weekly processing timings.
This does not guarantee that your application will be processed in the same amount of time.
Because it is an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, the processing time for your application may be longer or shorter than displayed.
Please keep in mind that the processing time begins when the IRCC receives the application and concludes when the immigration officer determines whether or not to accept the application.
Citizenship & PR cards IRCC Processing Times
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 No Change Renunciation of Citizenship 14 months No Change Search of citizenship records 16 months No Change New PR card 29 days – 3 Days PR card renewals 63 days – 3 Days *Citizenship certificate (evidence of citizenship): Applications from countries other than Canada and the United States may be processed more slowly.
The IRCC is currently sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizenship applicants who applied between February 13th, 2023.
Family Sponsorship Processing times
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 No Change Parents or Grandparents PR 39 months No Change Canadian Passport Processing times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From
Last WeekIn-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 Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 12 months No Change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 30 months No Change Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 70 months (not updated
by IRCC since March 1)No Change Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry 11 months No Change Non-Express Entry PNP 20 months No Change Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) 20 months No Change Quebec Business Class
entrepreneurs (Quebec)
investors (Quebec)
self-employed persons (Quebec)67 months No Change Federal Self-Employed 43 months No Change Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) 24 months No Change Start-Up Visa 33 months No Change Temporary Residence Application Processing times
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Visitor visa outside Canada Varies by country
India: 25 Days
Nigeria: 357 Days
United States: 14 Days
Pakistan: 235 Days
Philippines: 29 Days
UAE: 319 Days
Bangladesh: 239 Days
Sri Lanka: 125 Days
United Kingdom: 31 Days– 12 Days for India
+ 6 Days for Nigeria
– 3 Days for United States
+ 114 Days for Pakistan
– 1 Day for Philippines
– 4 Days for UAE
+ 99 Day for Bangladesh
+ 23 Days for Sri Lanka
+1 Day for UKVisitor visa inside Canada Online: 11 days
Paper-Based: 33 daysNo Change Parents or Grandparents Super Visa Varies by country
India: 123 Days
Nigeria: 686 Days
United States: 192 Days
Pakistan: 422 Days
Philippines: 226 Days
UAE: 327 Days
Bangladesh: 253 Days
Sri Lanka: 307 Days
United Kingdom: 190 Days– 4 Days for India
+ 6 Days for Nigeria
+ 71 Days for United States
– 40 Days for Pakistan
– 5 Days for Philippines
+ 1 Day for UAE
No Change for Bangladesh
– 11 Days for Sri Lanka
+ 8 Days for UKStudy Permit Outside Canada 9 Weeks – 1 Week Visitor Extension (Visitor Record) Online: 183 days
Paper-Based: 85 days+ 2 Days (Online)
No Change for Paper-BasedStudy Permit Inside Canada 2 Weeks – 1 Week Study Permit Extension Online: 69 Days
Paper-Based: 99 Days– 8 Days (Online)
No Change for Paper-BasedWork Permit Outside Canada* Varies by country
India: 8 Weeks
Nigeria: 26 Weeks
United States: 10 Weeks
Pakistan: 47 Weeks
Philippines: 9 Weeks
UAE: 37 Weeks
Bangladesh: 46 Weeks
Sri Lanka: 19 Weeks
United Kingdom: 12 WeeksNo Change for India
+ 1 Week for Nigeria
– 4 Weeks for United States
+ 1 Week for Pakistan
– 1 Week for Philippines
– 2 Weeks for UAE
+ 7 Weeks for Bangladesh
+ 1 Week for Sri Lanka
No Change for UKWork Permit Inside Canada Online: 148 Days
Paper-Based: 25 Days– 3 Days (Online)
– 3 Days for paper-basedInternational Experience Canada (Current Season) 4 Weeks + 1 Week Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) 23 Days + 2 Days Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) 5 minutes No Change *Applications for critical occupations are being prioritized at this time. If you are not applying for a position in an essential occupation, your processing time may be longer than stated above.
- New Express Entry Draw Declares CRS Cutoff At 481
Today, new IRCC Express Entry draw issues 7,000 invitations to apply (ITA) for Canada permanent residency (PR), to applicants having a CRS score of 481 or above.
Express Entry draws are usually held bi-weekly, but today’s draw is the third back-to-back weekly round of invitations.
Details of the IRCC Express Entry draw today
- Date and time of round: March 29, 2023 13:44:01 UTC
- No Program Specified
- Number of invitations issued: 7,000
- Rank required to be invited to apply: 7,000 or above
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 481
- Tie-breaking rule: February 14, 2023 07:35:00 UTC
Just FYI, we now have a dedicated online Express Entry page which is updated as soon as the draw is out. Click here to visit our Express Entry page.
A total of 21,000 invitations to apply have been issued in last 3 consecutive weeks and CRS cut off score has dropped all the way from 490 to 481.
This is the lowest cutoff score since the beginning of “no program specified” draws post pandemic.
However, this could just be the “good days” prior to starting of new “targeted Express Entry draws” this year.
Next Express Entry Draw Prediction
Our CRS cut off score prediction last week just missed by 1 point. We predicted today’s cutoff at 480, but it came at 481.
This prediction is based on our analysis of CRS score distribution in the pool on the draw day and anticipation of new profiles until then.
Similarly, our next draw predication sees the cut off score to be around 476-478 for no program specified draws (if draw is held next week).
If no program specified draw is held after two weeks now, then the cut off is expected to be around 480.
The CRS score distribution of applicants in the Express Entry pool as of March 29, 2023 is shown below.
March 29 CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool
Click here for all the previous Express Entry draws.
Official IRCC processing times for Express Entry – March 23, 2023.
- Canadian Experience Class – 12 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – 30 months
- Federal Skilled Trades Program – 70 months
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry – 11 months
- 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.
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 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 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 QualtroughHow 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 26 November 2022, 11:48 AM 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
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
- Check Latest IRCC Processing Times As Of March 23
This article lists all the latest IRCC processing times as of March 23, 2023, as well as a comparison to the previous week’s processing times.
We have been documenting and publishing these processing times for our readers for over a year now as officially updated weekly by the IRCC.
Please carefully read the below information to fully comprehend what these processing times signify.
The IRCC changed its processing tool in early 2022 to provide realistic information on usual processing times rather than merely service standard timeframes.
These processing timelines are intended to give potential immigrants and visa applicants to Canada an idea of how long it may take for a decision on their application to be made.
These timeframes are based on data collected over the last 6 months for 80% of previously processed applications and are intended to provide the most recent weekly processing timings.
This does not indicate that your application will be handled in the same length of time.
Because it is an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, your application’s processing time may be longer or shorter than shown.
Please keep in mind that the processing period begins when IRCC receives the application and ends when the immigration officer decides whether to accept or reject it.
IRCC Processing Times for 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 No Change Renunciation of Citizenship 14 months No Change Search of citizenship records 16 months No Change New PR card 32 days – 2 Days PR card renewals 66 days – 1 Days *Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship): Applications from countries other than Canada and the United States may take longer to process.
The IRCC is now sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizenship applicants who applied in the week of February 3, 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 No Change Parents or Grandparents PR 39 months No Change Canadian Passport
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From
Last WeekIn-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 Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 12 months No Change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 30 months No Change Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 70 months (not updated
by IRCC since March 1)No Change Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry 11 months No Change Non-Express Entry PNP 20 months No Change Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) 20 months No Change Quebec Business Class
entrepreneurs (Quebec)
investors (Quebec)
self-employed persons (Quebec)67 months No Change Federal Self-Employed 43 months No Change Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) 24 months No Change 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: 37 Days
Nigeria: 351 Days
United States: 17 Days
Pakistan: 121 Days
Philippines: 30 Days
UAE: 323 Days
Bangladesh: 140 Days
Sri Lanka: 102 Days
United Kingdom: 30 Days– 13 Days for India
– 8 Days for Nigeria
– 4 Days for United States
– 22 Days for Pakistan
No Change for Philippines
+ 3 Days for UAE
– 22 Day for Bangladesh
– 6 Days for Sri Lanka
No Change for UKVisitor visa inside Canada Online: 11 days
Paper-Based: 33 daysNo Change Parents or Grandparents Super Visa Varies by country
India: 127 Days
Nigeria: 680 Days
United States: 121 Days
Pakistan: 462 Days
Philippines: 231 Days
UAE: 326 Days
Bangladesh: 253 Days
Sri Lanka: 318 Days
United Kingdom: 182 Days– 4 Days for India
+ 225 Days for Nigeria
No Change for United States
– 2 Days for Pakistan
+ 5 Days for Philippines
No Change for UAE
No Change for Bangladesh
+ 2 Days for Sri Lanka
+ 6 Days for UKStudy Permit Outside Canada 10 Weeks No Change Visitor Extension (Visitor Record) Online: 181 days
Paper-Based: 85 days+ 1 Day (Online)
– 2 Days for Paper-BasedStudy Permit Inside Canada 3 Weeks No Change Study Permit Extension Online: 76 Days
Paper-Based: 99 Days– 9 Days (Online)
– 5 Days (Paper-Based)Work Permit Outside Canada* Varies by country
India: 8 Weeks
Nigeria: 25 Weeks
United States: 14 Weeks
Pakistan: 46 Weeks
Philippines: 10 Weeks
UAE: 39 Weeks
Bangladesh: 39 Weeks
Sri Lanka: 18 Weeks
United Kingdom: 12 WeeksNo Change for India
No Change for Nigeria
No Change for United States
+ 1 Week for Pakistan
– 2 Weeks for Philippines
No Change for UAE
+ 9 Weeks for Bangladesh
No Change for Sri Lanka
No Change for UKWork Permit Inside Canada Online: 151 Days
Paper-Based: 28 Days– 2 Days (Online)
– 24 Days for paper-basedInternational Experience Canada (Current Season) 3 Weeks No Change Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) 21 Days – 3 Days Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) 5 minutes No Change *Applications for critical occupations are being prioritized at this time. If you are not applying for a position in an essential occupation, your processing time may be longer than stated above.
- Latest Express Entry Draw Issues 7,000 Invitations For All Programs
Today, IRCC Express Entry Draw issues again a record 7,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR) in a surprise round of invitations for all the categories.
The Cutoff score drops by 6 points to 484 in the “no program specified” Express Entry draw today.
Full details of the Express Entry draw today:
- Date and time of round: March 23,2023 12:27:59 UTC
- Immigration Program: No Program Specified
- Number of invitations issued: 7,000
- Rank required to be invited to apply: 7,000 or above
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 484
- Tie-breaking rule: May 19,2022 06:48:41 UTC
IRCC will complete the process of sending out all the invitations by end of the day tomorrow, March 24, 2023.
“No program specified” Express Entry draws consider all the Express Entry profiles from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Moreover, profiles with a provincial nomination are eligible for this all program draw.
Today’s cut off is just in alignment with our last week’s prediction as per the analysis based on CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool.
The next draw is predicted to declare a cut off score of roughly around 480 for no program draws and 671 for PNP only draws.
After the first quarter of 2023, the IRCC will be beginning targeted Express Entry draws with new proposed categories. Learn more here.
Below is the CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of March 22, 2023.
CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of March 22, 2023
Latest Express Entry processing times as of March 23
Below are the official IRCC processing times for Express Entry as of March 23, 2023.
- Canadian Experience Class – 12 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – 30 months
- Federal Skilled Trades Program – 70 months
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry – 11 months
- Canada Population 2023 Approaches 40 Million Due To Immigration
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.
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 1
On April 1, 2023, the federal new 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.
New Minimum Wage In Canada 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.
New Minimum Wage 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, 2022Federally 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)
Canada Minimum wages 2023 - Canada Announces New Open Work Permit For Turkish & Syrian Nationals
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.
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.
- IRCC backlog drops to 910,400 despite increase in new applications
IRCC backlog drops by around 64,000 as per new official data updated by the Canadian immigration department on March 17.
IRCC backlog now stands at 910,400 which is an all-time low number since the processing woes started in pandemic.
This reduction in IRCC backlog has been registered along all the business lines including Citizenship(-7.2%), Permanent residency(-3.78%), and temporary residency(-8.28%).
Furthermore, there has been increase of 82,300 in new immigration applications as of February 28, 2023.
Canada immigration department was processing 1,052,200 files within IRCC service standards in the end of last month.
In total, IRCC was processing 1,962,600 immigration/visa applications as of February 28.
Date Backlog Total Applications
Under ProcessingFebruary 28, 2023 910,400 1,962,600 January 31, 2023 974,600 1,944,500 December 31, 2022 918,300 1,973,800 November 30, 2022 1,086,200 2,111,400 October 31, 2022 1,202,790 2,239,700 September 30, 2022 1,322,500 2,610,700 It is important to note that IRCC backlog data and service standard data are different as explained below.
For example, if the typical processing period for spousal sponsorship is 12 months, an application that is being processed within 12 months is “NOT” a backlog. Instead, it will be treated as regular processing.
But, if it surpasses the 12-month service threshold, then only it should be regarded a backlog.
The IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within these service standards. Learn more about IRCC service standards.
Application Type Overall Processing Inventory Backlog Within Service Standards Citizenship 299,000 77,000 222,000 Permanent Residence 622,600 335,400 287,200 Temporary Residence 1,041,000 498,000 543,000 Total 1,962,600 910,400 1052,200 IRCC Backlog Projections For 2023
1. Backlog Projections For Federal High Skilled
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 89% Feb 22 92% Mar 22 98% Apr 22 99% May 22 100% Jun 22 100% Jul 22 99% Aug 22 90% 86% Sep 22 68% 72% Oct 22 45% 59% Nov 22 31% 46% Dec 22 22% 20% Jan 23 20% 20% Feb 23 20% 20% Mar 23 – 20% Apr 23 – 20% May 23 – 20% 2. Backlog Projections For Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 56% Feb 22 55% Mar 22 54% Apr 22 51% May 22 47% Jun 22 45% Jul 22 43% Aug 22 42% 39% Sep 22 40% 35% Oct 22 42% 31% Nov 22 42% 28% Dec 22 41% 20% Jan 23 38% 40% Feb 23 32% 39% Mar 23 – 32% Apr 23 – 30% May 23 – 28% 3. Backlog Projections for Spouses, Partners and children applications
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 34% Feb 22 32% Mar 22 30% Apr 22 29% May 22 27% Jun 22 27% Jul 22 26% Aug 22 25% 24% Sep 22 25% 23% Oct 22 24% 22% Nov 22 24% 20% Dec 22 24% 19% Jan 23 24% 24% Feb 23 23% 24% Mar 23 – 24% Apr 23 – 24% May 23 – 24% 4. Citizenship Backlog Projections
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 46% Feb 22 45% Mar 22 42% Apr 22 40% May 22 39% Jun 22 37% Jul 22 35% Aug 22 30% 30% Sep 22 30% 30% Oct 22 28% 28% Nov 22 29% 27% Dec 22 28% 26% Jan 23 27% 26% Feb 23 26% 25% Mar 23 – 24% Apr 23 – 24% May 23 – 24% 5. Study Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 42% Feb 22 34% Mar 22 27% Apr 22 32% May 22 31% Jun 22 30% Jul 22 31% Aug 22 38% 39% Sep 22 31% 42% Oct 22 26% 33% Nov 22 28% 31% Dec 22 32% 33% Jan 23 35% 36% Feb 23 29% 34% Mar 23 – 25% Apr 23 – 22% May 23 – 15% 6. Work Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections
**According to IRCC, about 73% of work visa applications originate from the Canada-Ukraine emergency travel permission.
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 48% Feb 22 51% Mar 22 29% Apr 22 23% May 22 26% Jun 22 28% Jul 22 28% Aug 22 34% 29% Sep 22 27% 35% Oct 22 23% 49% Nov 22 24% 55% Dec 22 25% 60% Jan 23 26% 26% Feb 23 23% 28% Mar 23 – 28% Apr 23 – 28% May 23 – 28% 7. Backlog Projections For Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Visitor Visa
**The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel accounts for 20% of temporary resident visa or visitor visa applications, according to IRCC.
Month Backlog (Actual) Backlog (Projected) Jan 22 70% Feb 22 74% Mar 22 55% Apr 22 55% May 22 56% Jun 22 71% Jul 22 67% Aug 22 71% 68% Sep 22 74% 71% Oct 22 74% 70% Nov 22 70% 67% Dec 22 70% 77% Jan 23 68% 68% Feb 23 64% 68% Mar 23 – 65% Apr 23 – 59% May 23 – 50%
- PGWP Extension 2023: New Announcement By The IRCC Minister
New announcement on PGWP Extension 2023: Today, Canadian minister of immigration the Honourable Sean Fraser makes an announcement to extend post-graduation work permits (PGWPs).
IRCC extends Post Graduation Work Permits for 18 months that are expired or expiring in 2023.
Those who were eligible for PGWP extension in 2022 will also qualify for this new extension.
Beginning April 6, 2023, these changes will allow PGWP holders who want to remain longer to participate in a facilitative procedure to extend their work permit, allowing Canada to retain high-skilled personnel.
PGWP holders who are eligible for the facilitative procedure will shortly get reminders about login onto their online IRCC Secure Account to opt in and amend critical personal information beginning April 6, 2023.
For those who apply, will receive by an email, the interim work authorization, which they can affix to their expired PGWPs.
This will enable them to continue work for 18 months in Canada and apply for permanent residency.
Former international students with expired PGWPs will also be able to apply for this new open work permit.
They will also be able to apply for restoration, even if they are beyond the time (90 days) required to apply for restoration.
You can watch live PGWP Extension 2023 announcement in the video below.
INC – Immigration News Canada reported on February 12, 2023 that IRCC Minister is working on solution of Expiring PGWPs and announcement could be made in March 2023.
What is important about PGWP Extension announcement today?
Usually, post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are not allowed any extension and an international student can only have a PGWP once.
However, IRCC implemented a temporary public policy in August 2022 that permitted PGWP holders with expiration status on or before December 31, 2022 to extend their stay for an extra 18 months.
Reason behind this was absence of any CEC draw after September 2021, which is the major pathway for international students with 1 year of Canadian experience to apply for permanent residency (PR).
This new policy permitted approximately 40,000 PGWP holders to continue working in Canada.
But the drought of CEC draws continued in 2023 and PGWPs are already expiring and some will expire soon.
As a result, IRCC Minister is expected to make another PGWP extension today.
With Canada allowing PGWP extension 2023, it will at least allow PGWP holders to continue working and stay in Canada.
Things to Watch Out For
It will be an important announcement to see what is the range of dates that minister will include to allow PGWP extension.
Moreover, the exact date on which the details on how to apply for the policy will be released.
Will the PGWP holders have to apply for the extension OR it will be automatically granted or updated?
Any hint on when the CEC only draws will resume or exact date of starting targeted Express Entry draws.
Off topic, if minister acknowledges the issue of 700 international students being deported.
- New Express Entry Draw Sent Record 7,000 PR Invites
Today, IRCC sent out record 7,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR) through the new “no program specified” Express Entry Draw.
This is the largest all program Express Entry draw ever.
The Express Entry profiles with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 490 or above received the invitations.
The information about today’s Express Entry draw is as follows:
- No Program Specified
- Number of invitations issued: 7,000
- Rank required to be invited to apply: 7,000 or above
- Date and time of round: March 15, 2023 17:08:16 UTC
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 490
- Tie-breaking rule: February 16, 2023 10:33:06 UTC
All Express Entry profiles from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are eligible for the no program specified Express Entry draws.
Furthermore, profiles having a provincial nomination are also eligible for no program specified draw.
The next draw is expected to declare a cut off score around 485 for no program draw and 671 for PNP only draw, based on the CRS score distribution of applicants in the Express Entry pool as of March 15, 2023.
The IRCC will start holding targeted Express Entry draws with new suggested categories after the first quarter of 2023. Know details here.
The table below displays the full CRS score distribution of all candidates in the Express Entry pool as of March 15, 2023.
CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of March 15, 2023
#image_title Latest Express Entry processing times as of March 14
As of March 14, Express Entry processing times increased for all the three categories as listed below:
- Canadian Experience Class – 12 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – 30 months
- Federal Skilled Trades Program – 70 months
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry – 11 months
What is Canada Express Entry System?
The easiest and fastest method to acquire Canadian PR is through the Express Entry procedure.
After accepting the invitation to apply (ITA) and uploading the required documents, the processing time is typically 6 months.
The Express Entry system rates candidate profiles using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based approach.
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is sent to profiles whose scores exceed the CRS cutoff in a draw. And the invited candidates then submit an application for permanent residency.
Applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program are managed via the Express Entry system (FSTP).
Candidates in the Express Entry pool who have a provincial nomination and a profile in one of the aforementioned programs get 600 additional points.
- New Updated IRCC Processing Times As Of March 14
This page lists the latest processing times reported by the IRCC as of March 14, 2023, as well as a comparison to the previous week’s processing timings.
For more than a year, we have been recording and analyzing the processing times for our readers, which are officially updated weekly by the IRCC.
Please read the following information carefully to properly understand what these processing durations represent.
In early 2022, the IRCC modified its processing tool to offer accurate statistics on regular processing times rather than only service standard timeframes.
These processing timelines are meant to provide potential immigrants and visa applicants to Canada an indication of how long it may take for a decision to be reached on their application.
These times are based on information obtained over the last 6 months for 80% of previously processed applications and are meant to offer the most recent weekly processing timings.
This does not imply that your application will be processed in the same amount of time.
Because it is an average of the processing times for 80% of the applications, so processing of your application may take longer or shorter than displayed.
Please note that the processing time begins when the application is received by IRCC and concludes when the immigration officer determines whether to accept or reject it.
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 No Change Renunciation of Citizenship 14 months No Change Search of citizenship records 16 months No Change New PR card 34 days – 2 Days PR card renewals 67 days – 2 Days *Proof of citizenship (Citizenship certificate): Applications from countries other than Canada and the United States may take longer to process.
The IRCC is presently distributing acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letters or emails to paper and online citizens who applied between January 30, 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 No Change Parents or Grandparents PR 39 months No Change 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 Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time
Application Type Current Processing Time Change From Last Week Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 12 months No Change Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 30 months No Change Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 70 months (not updated
by IRCC since March 1)No Change Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry 11 months No Change Non-Express Entry PNP 20 months No Change Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW) 20 months No Change Quebec Business Class 67 months No Change Federal Self-Employed 43 months No Change Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) 24 months No Change 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: 50 Days
Nigeria: 359 Days
United States: 21 Days
Pakistan: 143 Days
Philippines: 30 Days
UAE: 320 Days
Bangladesh: 162 Days
Sri Lanka: 108 Days
United Kingdom: 30 Days– 8 Days for India
– 17 Days for Nigeria
– 3 Days for United States
– 23 Days for Pakistan
– 1 Day for Philippines
No change for UAE
– 23 Day for Bangladesh
– 27 Days for Sri Lanka
No Change for UKVisitor visa inside Canada Online: 11 days
Paper-Based: 33 days– 1 Day for online
+ 1 Day for paper-basedParents or Grandparents Super Visa Varies by country
India: 129 Days
Nigeria: 621 Days
United States: 121 Days
Pakistan: 420 Days
Philippines: 231 Days
UAE: 327 Days
Bangladesh: 253 Days
Sri Lanka: 306 Days
United Kingdom: 175 Days– 4 Days for India
+ 225 Days for Nigeria
No Change for United States
– 2 Days for Pakistan
+ 5 Days for Philippines
No Change for UAE
No Change for Bangladesh
+ 2 Days for Sri Lanka
+ 6 Days for UKStudy Permit Outside Canada 10 Weeks No Change Visitor Extension (Visitor Record) Online: 180 days
Paper-Based: 87 days– 1 Day (Online)
– 4 Days for Paper-BasedStudy Permit Inside Canada 3 Weeks – Week Study Permit Extension Online: 85 Days
Paper-Based: 104 Days– 24 Days (Online)
– 3 Days (Paper-Based)Work Permit Outside Canada* Varies by country
India: 8 Weeks
Nigeria: 25 Weeks
United States: 14 Weeks
Pakistan: 45 Weeks
Philippines: 12 Weeks
UAE: 39 Weeks
Bangladesh: 30 Weeks
Sri Lanka: 18 Weeks
United Kingdom: 12 WeeksNo Change for India
– 2 Weeks for Nigeria
– 1 Week for United States
No Change for Pakistan
No Change for Philippines
– 3 Weeks for UAE
No Change for Bangladesh
– 3 Weeks for Sri Lanka
+ 1 Week for UKWork Permit Inside Canada Online: 154 Days
Paper-Based: 29 Days– 2 Days (Online)
– 24 Days for paper-basedInternational Experience Canada (Current Season) 3 Weeks No Change Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) 24 Days + 1 Day Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) 5 minutes No Change *Applications for critical occupations are being prioritized at this time. If you are not applying for a position in an essential occupation, your processing time may be longer than stated above.
- Full List Of High Demand Jobs In The Greater Toronto Area
High Demand Jobs In The Greater Toronto Area: People opt to relocate to Greater Toronto Area, Canada’s largest and most diverse urban area, for a variety of reasons including job opportunities.
Greater Toronto Area includes the City of Toronto and the regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel, and York.
Furthermore, GTA has more than 17% of total population in Canada. More the consumer, more the business, and more the job opportunities.
This article enlists most high demand jobs in the GTA to plan your career accordingly.
Most of these are also high demand occupations to get permanent residency (PR) via Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
1. Software Developer
A software developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications for businesses and organizations.
Average salary: $75,000 to $100,000 per year
2. Data Analyst
A data analyst gathers, analyses, and interprets enormous amounts of data to assist organizations in making sound decisions.
Average salary: $60,000 to $85,000 per year.
3. Financial Analyst
A financial analyst analyses financial data to assist firms in making investment choices and risk management.
Average salary: $60,000 to $85,000 per year
4. Business Development Manager
A business development manager is in charge of designing methods to improve a company’s client base and income.
Average salary: $75,000 to $100,000 per year
5. Registered Nurse
A registered nurse cares for and treats patients in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare facility.
Average salary: $70,000 to $90,000 per year
6. Project Manager
A project manager is in charge of monitoring and managing projects from beginning to end, ensuring that they are finished on schedule and within budget.
Average salary: $75,000 to $100,000 per year
7. Sales Representative
Usually, in a business-to-business (B2B) setting, a sales person promotes and sells products or services to customers.
Average salary: $50,000 to $70,000 per year
8. Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is in charge of developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote a company’s goods or services.
Average salary: $75,000 to $100,000 per year
9. Human Resources Manager
A human resources manager is in charge of a company’s personnel recruiting, hiring, and management.
Average salary: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
10. Account Manager
An account manager is in charge of managing and sustaining client and customer relationships in order to assure their happiness and loyalty.
Average salary: $60,000 to $85,000 per year
11. Web Developer
A web developer creates websites and web applications for companies and organizations.This profession is expected to grow even further in coming years.
Average salary: $60,000 to $85,000 per year
12. Graphic Designer
A graphic designer makes visual designs for a company’s products or services, such as logos and marketing materials.
Average salary: $45,000 to $65,000 per year
13. Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment for businesses and organizations.
Average salary: $70,000 to $100,000 per year
14. Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineer is someone who designs, develops, and maintains mechanical systems and equipment for companies and organizations.
Average salary: $70,000 to $100,000 per year
15. Supply Chain Manager
A supply chain manager oversees the movement of products and services from suppliers to consumers.
Average salary: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
16. Operations Manager
An operations manager is in charge of a company’s or organization’s day-to-day operations.
Average salary: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
17. Customer Service Manager
A customer service manager is in charge of overseeing and developing a company’s customer service activities.
Average salary: $60,000 to $85,000 per year
18. IT Manager
An IT manager is in charge of overseeing and maintaining a company’s information technology.
Average salary: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
- Canada Spousal Sponsorship Refusal Reasons That You Must Avoid
As per new Immigration levels plan 2023-2025, Canada is aiming to reunite more than 240,000 couples via spousal sponsorship.
IRCC has service standard of processing 80% of the spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months.
However, IRCC has not yet recovered from pandemic backlog completely. The current processing time for inland spousal sponsorship is 13 months and for outland it is still 16 months.
Spousal sponsorship is designed to reunite couples allowing them to live together permanently in Canada.
Furthermore, there is no education or language proficiency requirement for spouses.
However, the application needs to be genuine and applicant must present all the documentation accurately to prove it so.
Although, all the applicants proceed cautiously, but still many get refusal due to one reason or another.
This article delves into 10 common refusal reasons that can be avoided to ensure that at least application is not rejected due to one of these.
1. Inadmissibility
Applicants who are found to be inadmissible due to criminal or medical reasons can have their sponsorship application refused.
For e.g., if the spouse have had a DUI (Driving Under Influence) conviction in their home country, then they might be considered criminally inadmissible.
You can read more on these here
2. Lack of Genuine Relationship
The application may be denied if the immigration officer feels that the connection between the sponsor and the sponsored spouse is not real or was entered into for immigration purposes.
Ironically, many spousal sponsorship applications get rejected because their application fails to establish a genuine relationship.
As a result, they have to then appeal the refusal which can take some time to get through. Long appeal durations have also taken toll onto the breakdown of relationship for many families.
So, it is always advisable to submit your application upfront with full strength.
3. Misrepresentation
The application may be declined if the sponsor or sponsored spouse gives incorrect information or misrepresents oneself throughout the application procedure.
Lying or sending false information or documents to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a severe offence.
Furthermore, some applicants unknowingly may provide incorrect date or just an estimated date. If IRCC finds out that it is incorrect, then that applicant falls under misrepresentation.
Even if your unauthorized agent or consultant fills out incorrect information due to a clerical error, then also applicants are considered to be misrepresenting on their application.
4. Insufficient supporting documents
Failure to provide sufficient or suitable supporting documentation, such as marriage certificates, pictures, and shared financial records, might result in a denial.
Additionally, even a slight doubt of forged document (even if they are original) due to inconsistencies can result in refusal of spousal sponsorship.
Always remember, onus is on the applicants to prove that their relationship is genuine by providing strong paperwork which is consistent with each other.
5. Unsatisfactory Financial support
The sponsor must show that they have enough money to support their spouse once they arrive in Canada.
If they do not give appropriate financial support proofs, the application may be denied.
This can be in the form of pay stubs or balance in the saving account.
Always remember sponsoring spouse has 3 years of financial obligation and immigration officer do assess the financial situation of the sponsor.
6. Providing Inconsistent Answers in Interview
Immigration officer may call some sponsored spouses for an interview to clear out the doubts in application or just to establish if relationship is genuine.
This is a good chance for the sponsored spouse to satisfy the officer by provided correct and accurate answers.
Remember lies are always caught based on the answers that you provide or may result in inconsistencies.
In interviews, officer expects you to know almost all the details of your spouse including important dates and background.
7. Not Declaring all the dependents
It is important to declare all the dependents on the application. Furthermore, always declare your non-accompanying family members on family information form accurately.
The application may be denied if the sponsor fails to declare all of their dependents in their application or if their financial assistance is judged insufficient for all dependents.
8. Proof of Residency
The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Furthermore, they should be residing in Canada to submit a sponsorship application.
If they are unable to show adequate proof of residency, their application could be refused.
9. Previous Sponsorship Defaults
If a sponsor has previously failed to fulfil a sponsorship commitment, they may be judged ineligible to sponsor again.
Furthermore, the spouse is not be able to sponsor their partner, if previous sponsorship undertaking has not yet ended.
10. Incomplete Application
Always remember that an application can also be refused if the application form is incomplete or if the required fees are not paid, or if sufficient information is not provided.
Immigration officer always have the discretion of refusing an application or they may ask for additional documents.
So, submit your application with caution ensuring you are not leaving out any information.
- Express Entry: IRCC Has 65% More Staff Than Is Required
A new report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) on March 7 revealed analysis of IRCC’s Express Entry system.
This report estimates the costs of the Federal Skilled Workers Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Moreover, it also provided projections on IRCC staffing and meeting Express Entry processing standards to meet targets until 2027
Furthermore, the cost includes the gross spend on processing, pre-arrival services, and settlement services on these 3 programs.
According to the report, $792 million will be spent over the following five years to meet the target under Express Entry system.
Moreover, this cost will be offset by $743 million in application fee revenue. As a result, there will be a net total cost of $48 million on government.
In 2022-23, the net cost per accepted Permanent Resident is expected to be $91.
Express Entry Processing
IRCC has objective to process 80% of the Express Entry applications within 6 months of submission.
The PBO says that existing staffing levels at IRCC will be more than adequate to fulfil the processing time objective for the next 5 years.
Additionally, they estimate that IRCC has 65% more workers than is required to process Express Entry target in 2023.
As the number of applications grows, this percentage will decrease year by year, eventually reaching 4% in 2026-27.
Although, report highlights that IRCC has 65% more staff, but still Express Entry processing times are way higher than service standards.
This is mostly due to quite a high number of applications from backlog as well as resumption of new draws.
Express Entry Projections Until 2027
The report highlighted that the government often exceeded its immigration objectives in the three EE streams, in past year.
However, because the objectives are higher for 2023-2025, the PBO expects the targeted immigration levels to be reached rather than exceeded.
Furthermore, the PBO estimates that Express Entry targets may increase 7% annually after 2025, equivalent to the annual growth rate between 2015 and 2025.
The report also highlights below listed points:
- In 2020, fewer PRs were accepted through EE due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several persons who would have immigrated in 2020 instead came in 2021, resulting in increased admittance numbers in 2021.
- There were no draws for the three EE streams from September 2021 to July 2022. This enabled IRCC to address a backlog of applications that had accumulated during the pandemic’s early stages.
- The immigration objectives for the EE streams in 2022 were met before the end of the year. This is not likely to happen again in the foreseeable future.
Source: PBO Report
- Here Are New Updated IRCC Processing Times As Of March 7
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.
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 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 UKVisitor visa inside Canada Online: 12 days
Paper-Based: 32 days– 1 Day for online
No Change for paper-basedParents 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 UKStudy 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-BasedStudy 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 WeeksNo 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 UKWork Permit Inside Canada Online: 156 Days
Paper-Based: 53 Days– 2 Days (Online)
– 5 Days for paper-basedInternational 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.
- Victim Of Fraud; International Students In Canada Facing Removal Orders
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.
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.
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