VIA Rail Jobs Hiring Now For Toronto And Montreal Locations

Via Rail Jobs



VIA Rail Canada is hiring for On-Train Service Attendants for Toronto and Montreal Terminals. It is an excellent opportunity for people with experience in hospitality, food restaurants, or airline companies and looking for entry level jobs.

The position requires customer service, such as greeting people on board, answering their needs and showing sincere appreciation for their business. The job pays $26.26 per hour. 

What’s more? You even get paid training along with several benefits. Learn about the position details, requirements and how to apply below. 

Position Summary for Toronto candidates

  • Job Title: On-Train Service Attendant 
  • Job Category: Customer Service 
  • Hourly Rate: $26.26
  • Number of positions to fill: 12
  • Application deadline: November 30, 2022

Position Summary for Montreal candidates

  • Job Title: On-Train Service Attendant 
  • Job Category: Customer Service 
  • Hourly Rate: $26.26
  • Number of positions to fill: 12
  • Application deadline: December 2, 2022


Benefits

  • Competitive $26.26 hourly rate
  • generous pay and benefits package
  • Paid training 
  • A supportive and close group of coworkers 
  • A workplace that promotes employee health and happiness
  • Employees and their families can take advantage of various health and wellness benefits, including complete telemedicine service.
  • An employer who values equity and offers possibilities for advancement
  • An opportunity to be a part of a sustainable transportation service that connects Canadian communities.

The paid training sessions begin on January 16, 2023, and last approximately seven weeks. You must complete the training session successfully to obtain the position. 

Travel requirements

If you apply to work in Montreal Terminal as an On-Train Service Attendant, you may need to travel to Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City, Jonquière and Senneterre.

Similarly, if you apply to work in Toronto Terminal, you would have to travel from Toronto to Windsor, Niagara and Montreal. 

Responsibilities and duties

As an On-Train Service Attendant, some of your daily duties will include the following: 

  • Ensure that every traveller receives exceptional, professional service.
  • Provide safety instructions 
  • Escort passengers on their journey and help them with their luggage
  • Offer, provide and serve food and drinks, including meat and alcohol. 
  • Sell refreshments and snacks 
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the work areas and the restrooms.
  • During each journey, pay attention to the little things.

Job schedule 

The position requires you to travel, and below is how much you may need to travel:  

  • On-call schedules that are variable, including weekends and holidays (bonuses for statutory holidays)
  • Away from home travel for each trip where each trip may last for one to three days 
  • Long-distance trips include accommodation and meals.

Job Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you have to meet the following requirements: 

  • Greet customers and can communicate in English and French 
  • Hold a high school diploma. 
  • Possess the physical ability to repeatedly handle loads of up to 23 kg (50 lb.). 
  • Have at least one year of customer service experience, preferably in the food service industry, restaurant, or as a flight attendant for an airline

How to apply? 

To apply, you must create an account using your email if you are a new candidate. Then, fill out your details such as identification, contact information, educational background, experience, availability, language ability and position questionnaire. 


  • New Minimum Wage In Canada And 5 Provinces Effective April 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces Effective April 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Minimum Wage By Province In Canada

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

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

    What is Canada’s minimum wage 2023?

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

    What is the highest minimum wage in Canada?

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

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

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

    Currently, $15.50 is the minimum wage in Ontario.

    What is the minimum wage in British Columbia?

    $15.65 effective since June 1, 2022

    Federally regulated private sectors

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


    Minimum wage in Canada 2023
    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.


    Canad Immigration Minister March 18
  • 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

    Express Entry CRS Score distribution - March 15
    #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.


  • 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.

    Express Entry Cost

    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.

    Projected number of Express Entry stream admissions

    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 TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Citizenship grant23 monthsNo Change
    Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)*14 monthsNo Change
    Resumption of citizenship30 months+ 6 months
    Renunciation of Citizenship14 months– 1 month
    Search of citizenship records16 monthsNo Change
    New PR card36 days– 3 Days
    PR card renewals69 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 TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada16 monthsNo Change
    Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada13 months– 1 month
    Parents or Grandparents PR39 monthsNo 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 TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted in person at Service Canada Centre – Passport services)10 business daysNo Change
    In-Canada New Passport (Regular application submitted by mail to Service Canada Centre)20 business daysNo Change
    In-Canda Urgent pick-upBy the end of next business dayNo Change
    In-Canada Express pick-up2-9 business daysNo Change
    Regular passport application mailed from outside Canada20 business daysNo Change

    Economic Class Permanent Residency Processing Time

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange 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 Entry11 monthsNo Change
    Non-Express Entry PNP20 months– 1 month
    Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW)20 months+ 1 month
    Quebec Business Class67 monthsNo Change
    Federal Self-Employed43 months+ 1 month
    Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)24 months+ 1 month
    Start-Up Visa33 monthsNo Change

    Temporary Residence Application 

    Application TypeCurrent Processing TimeChange From Last Week
    Visitor visa outside CanadaVaries by country
    India: 58 Days
    Nigeria: 376 Days
    United States: 24 Days
    Pakistan: 166 Days
    Philippines: 31 Days
    UAE: 320 Days
    Bangladesh: 185 Days
    Sri Lanka: 135 Days
    United Kingdom: 30 Days
    – 12 Days for India
    + 46 Days for Nigeria
    No Change for United States
    – 17 Days for Pakistan
    – 2 Days for Philippines
    + 2 Days for UAE
    – 18 Day for Bangladesh
    + 3 Days for Sri Lanka
    – 5 Days for UK
    Visitor visa inside CanadaOnline: 12 days
    Paper-Based: 32 days
    – 1 Day for online
    No Change for paper-based
    Parents or Grandparents Super VisaVaries by country
    India: 133 Days
    Nigeria: 396 Days
    United States: 121 Days
    Pakistan: 422 Days
    Philippines: 226 Days
    UAE: 327 Days
    Bangladesh: 253 Days
    Sri Lanka: 304 Days
    United Kingdom: 169 Days
    – 1 Day for India
    No Change for Nigeria
    – 4 Days for United States
    + 6 Days for Pakistan
    – 2 Days for Philippines
    + 13 Days for UAE
    + 4 Days for Bangladesh
    + 24 Days for Sri Lanka
    + 1 Day for UK
    Study Permit Outside Canada10 WeeksNo Change
    Visitor Extension (Visitor Record)Online: 181 days
    Paper-Based: 91 days
    + 6 Days (Online)
    – 4 Days for Paper-Based
    Study Permit Inside Canada4 WeeksNo Change
    Study Permit ExtensionOnline: 109 Days
    Paper-Based: 107 Days
    – 9 Days (Online)
    – 6 Days (Paper-Based)
    Work Permit Outside Canada*Varies by country
    India: 8 Weeks
    Nigeria: 27 Weeks
    United States: 15 Weeks
    Pakistan: 45 Weeks
    Philippines: 12 Weeks
    UAE: 42 Weeks
    Bangladesh: 30 Weeks
    Sri Lanka: 21 Weeks
    United Kingdom: 11 Weeks
    No Change for India
    No Change for Nigeria
    – 1 Week for United States
    + 2 Weeks for Pakistan
    – 2 Weeks for Philippines
    + 6 Weeks for UAE
    – 1 Week for Bangladesh
    – 1 Weeks for Sri Lanka
    – 1 Week for UK
    Work Permit Inside CanadaOnline: 156 Days
    Paper-Based: 53 Days
    – 2 Days (Online)
    – 5 Days for paper-based
    International Experience Canada (Current Season)3 Weeks+ 1 Week
    Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP)25 Days+ 3 Days
    Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)5 minutesNo 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.

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


  • Know How Job Offers Without LMIA Work For Express Entry

    While most employers need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support your job offer for Express Entry, some jobs are LMIA-exempt. 

    However, LMIA-exempt job offers may not be as common as they have specific conditions and requirements.

    Getting an LMIA-exempt job offer depends on the type of work you do and your employer. 

    Learn below when your employer does not require an LMIA and about the jobs that are LMIA-exempt. 

    Situations when your employer does not need an LMIA 

    If you meet the following requirements, your employer does not need an LMIA to support your job offer: 

    1. You must have worked for an employer mentioned on your work permit for at least one year or have accumulated equivalent part-time experience.
    2. Have a valid job offer, and 
    3. A valid work permit which is exempt from an LMIA under: 
      • International agreement
      • Federal-provincial agreement
      • “Canadian interests” category

    If you meet the above requirements, you may be exempt from needing an LMIA under the below categories. 

    LMIA-Exempt Jobs 

    You may be excluded from needing an LMIA for Express Entry if your current temporary work is LMIA-exempt, mentions a specific employer or employers (for skilled trade jobs, up to two employers can make a job offer), and is:

    1.  Part of an international agreement, such as CUSMA or GATS, and non-trade agreements. It can include professionals, traders and investors.
    2. It is an agreement between Canada and a province or territory, including “significant investment” projects.
    3. Exempt for “Canadian interests” for the following reasons:
      • Providing “significant benefit“-if your employer can demonstrate that you will provide significant social, cultural, and economic benefit to Canada. This could include:
        • General: such as self-employed engineers, technical workers, creative and performing artists, etc
        • Workers transferred within a company, such as intra-company transferees with specialized knowledge – only those whose talents and experience will help Canada.
        • Workers who are under Mobilité francophone
      • Having Reciprocal employment- it allows foreign workers to get jobs in Canada while Canadians have similar opportunities in other countries
        • The general category includes professional coaches and athletes working for Canadian teams. 
        • International Experience Canada – it is a work-abroad program for young professionals
        • Individuals part of exchange programs such as visiting lecturers and professors 
      • Minister designated 
        • These include academic researchers, guest lecturers and visiting professors sponsored by a recognized federal program. 
        • Competitiveness and public policy 
          • fellows and medical residents 
          • Post-doctoral fellows and those who won academic awards from Canadian schools
        • Religious and charity workers, excluding volunteers 

    It is important to note that even though these jobs are exempt from LMIA, you still need a valid work permit. In addition, you must also meet the initial requirements that exempt employers from getting you an LMIA

    Source: IRCC


  • Canada Opens New IRCC Operation Centre For Faster Processing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What is Indo-Pacific Strategy in regards to Canada Immigration

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

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

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

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

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

    Sean Fraser on new operations centre in Manila

  • New Express Entry Draw Today Invites 667 PNP Profiles

    Express Entry Draw today issued 667 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR), targeting the profiles having a provincial nomination.

    Invitations were sent to Express Entry profiles with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 748 or above.

    This means Express Entry profiles having just the score of 148 + 600 points from provincial nomination were invited in this draw.

    The CRS cut off score has reduced by only 43 points as compared to February 15 Express Entry PNP draw.

    Below are the details of Express Entry draw announced today:

    • Provincial Nominee Program
    • Number of invitations issued: 667
    • Rank required to be invited to apply: 667 or above
    • Date and time of round: March 01, 2023, at 17:24:39 UTC
    • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 748
    • Tie-breaking rule: December 12, 2022, at 10:48:12 UTC

    Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draws include all Express Entry profiles from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) with an approved nomination from one of the Canadian provinces.

    According to the CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of March 1, 2023, the next draw is expected to be no program specified or FSW or CEC targeted draw.

    Reason is because only 606 profiles have a CRS score of 601-1200. Furthermore, there are only 2,129 profiles having a CRS score between 501-600.

    We hope that this next draw comes later today or tomorrow similar to the FSW draw announced on February 2 after the PNP draw on February 1.

    After the first quarter of 2023, the IRCC may begin conducting targeted Express Entry draws with new proposed categories.

    Full CRS score distribution of applicants in the Express Entry pool as of March 1, 2023 is shown below.

    CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of March 1, 2023

    Express Entry draw today

    Latest processing time for Express Entry as of February 28

    As of February 28, Express Entry processing times increased for all the three categories as listed below:

    • Canadian Experience Class – 16 months
    • Federal Skilled Worker Program – 31 months
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program – 70 months
    • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry – 11 months

    Canada Express Entry Draws

    DateImmigration programInvitations issuedCRS Score Cut-Off
    February 15, 2023Provincial Nominee Program699791
    February 2, 2023Federal Skilled Worker3,300489
    February 1, 2023Provincial Nominee Program893733
    January 18, 2023No Program Specified5,500490
    January 11, 2023No Program Specified5,500507
    November 23, 2022No Program Specified4,750491
    November 9, 2022No Program Specified4,750494
    October 26, 2022No Program Specified4,750496
    October 12, 2022No Program Specified4,250500
    September 28, 2022No Program Specified3,750504
    September 14, 2022No Program Specified3,250510
    August 31, 2022No Program Specified2,750516
    August 17, 2022No Program Specified2,250525
    August 3, 2022No Program Specified2,000533
    July 20, 2022No Program Specified1,750542
    July 6, 2022No Program Specified1,500557
    June 22, 2022Provincial Nominee Program636752
    June 8, 2022Provincial Nominee Program932796
    May 25, 2022Provincial Nominee Program590741
    May 11, 2022Provincial Nominee Program545753
    April 27, 2022Provincial Nominee Program829772
    April 13, 2022Provincial Nominee Program787782
    March 30, 2022Provincial Nominee Program919785
    March 16, 2022Provincial Nominee Program924754
    March 2, 2022Provincial Nominee Program1,047761
    February 16, 2022Provincial Nominee Program1,082710
    February 2, 2022Provincial Nominee Program1,070674

    What is Canada Express Entry System?

    The Express Entry system is the quickest way to become a permanent resident (PR) of Canada.

    It has a usual processing period of 6 months after accepting the invitation to apply (ITA) and submitting documents.

    The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based system, is used to score applicant profiles in the Express Entry system.

    Profiles with a score greater than the CRS cut off declared in a draw are sent an Invitation to Apply (ITA), which invites them to apply for permanent residency.

    The Express Entry system manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

    Applicants in the Express Entry pool with profiles in one of the aforementioned programs and a provincial nomination receive 600 extra points.

    Express Entry Frequently Asked Questions

    Is TEER 3 Eligible For Express Entry system?

    Yes, TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 are eligible for Express Entry system.


  • Canada May Soon Introduce The New One-Click Citizenship Oath

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What Are The Exact Proposed Amendments?

    Below are simplified version of official amendments to citizenship regulations.

    • Any person (at least 14 years old) on the day they are given citizenship must, at the Minister’s invitation, take the oath of citizenship, whether in or outside of Canada,
      • through the means that the Minister makes accessible or specifies for that purpose; or
      • before the Minister, a person authorized in writing by the Minister to act on the Minister’s behalf, or a citizenship judge.
    • An individual shall be delivered the citizenship certificate after they have taken the oath of citizenship.
    • While taking the oath of citizenship as per the above listed regulation, the individual must sign the document provided by the Minister, verifying that they have taken the oath.
    • Any person who has been granted citizenship may take the oath of citizenship in front of
      • the Minister,
      • a person the Minister has authorized in writing to act on their behalf,
      • as well as a citizenship judge
    Canada Citizenship Ceremony February 2023

    February 14, 2023 Citizenship Oath Ceremony

    Why new changes?

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

    Lesser permanent residents are now converting to Canadian citizens.

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

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

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

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

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


  • IRCC Makes New Extension For Visitors to Work Permit Policy By 2 Years

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Eligibility Criteria:

    An applicant seeking benefit from this temporary public policy must:

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

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

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

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

    How To Get Interim Work Authorization:

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

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

    Visitors to work permit policy

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


  • India Continues To Be Top Source Of Newcomers To Canada

    IRCC released new data in February 2023 regarding new landed permanent residents (PRs) in Canada and international students last year.

    This article enlists:

    Source of Permanent Residents and Destination Province

    Around 46% of newcomers landed in Canada in 2022 were from Asia as per new IRCC data unveiled February 2023.

    India continues to be the biggest source with more than 1/4th of newcomers to Canada. 118,095 Indians landed as permanent residents (PRs) in 2022.

    This is 6 times higher than the second source of new immigrants, China. 31,815 Chinese nationals landed in Canada as PRs in 2022.

    Below is the list of source countries for newcomers to Canada in 2022

    CountryTotal immigrants for 2022% age of immigrants in 2022
    India118,09527%
    China31,8157.2%
    Afghanistan23,7355.4%
    Nigeria22,0855.05%
    Philippines22,0705.04%
    France14,1453.2%
    Pakistan11,5852.6%
    Iran11,1052.5%
    United States of America10,4002.3%
    Syria8,5001.9%

    List of Destination Province for Permanent Residents in 2022

    Ontario continues to land highest proportion of permanent residents in 2022, but comparatively less (-6.7%) when compared to 2021.

    Ontario is followed by Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in landed immigrants.

    Quebec saw an increase of 3.4%, Saskatchewan 2.2%, and Alberta 1.4% as compared to 2021. However, British Columbia experienced -3.1% lesser immigration in contrast to 2021.

    ProvincePermanent Residents in 2022% of all PRs in 2022
    Ontario184,72542.2%
    Quebec68,68515.7%
    British Columbia61,21514%
    Alberta49,46011.3%
    Manitoba21,6454.9%
    Saskatchewan21,6354.9%
    Nova Scotia12,6502.8%
    New Brunswick10,2052.3%
    Newfoundland and Labrador3,4900.7%
    Prince Edward Island2,6650.6%
    Yukon4550.1%
    Northwest Territories2350.0%
    Nunavut450.0%
    Province not stated200.0%

    Source of International Students Landed and Already In Canada

    India again tops the list followed by China and Philippines for new international students landed in 2022.

    Indian students account for more than half the total of international students entering Canada last year.

    CountryNumber of Students
    Coming in 2022
    India226,450
    China52,165
    Philippines23,380
    France16,725
    Nigeria16,195
    Iran13,525
    Korea11,535
    Japan10,955
    Mexico10,405
    Brazil10,405

    Furthermore, there were 319,130 international students from India already living and studying in Canada as of December 2022.

    Number of Indian student is 3X the second leading source nation, China. There were almost 100K Chinese students studying in Canada.

    CountryNumber of students already
    living and studying in Canada
    India319,130
    China100,075
    Philippines32,455
    France27,135
    Nigeria21,660
    Iran21,115
    Korea16,505
    Vietnam16,140
    Mexico14,930
    United States of America14,485

    Ontario being the largest province, continues to accommodate more than 400,000 international students.

    This number is even higher when compared to the total of other Canadian provinces altogether. Moreover, this number is double from the second leading province, British Columbia.

    In total, 377,785 international students were attending the education institution in rest of the Canadian provinces in 2022.

    ProvinceNumber of Students
    Ontario411,000
    British Columbia164,000
    Quebec93,000
    Alberta43,000
    Manitoba22,000
    Nova Scotia20,850
    Saskatchewan13,135
    New Brunswick11,140
    Newfoundland and Labrador6,175
    Prince Edward Island4,485

  • Canada Failing To Utilize Skills of Immigrants: New RBC Report

    On February 22, 2023 RBC released a report with headline as we quote “Canada is failing to put immigrant skills to work.”

    The Royal Bank of Canada is a Canadian multinational financial services corporation and the country’s largest bank by market value.

    Report is focused that the main barrier to properly using immigrant expertise is because of the low recognition of foreign credentials.

    So, it will be essential to remove this barrier to ensure that the Canadian workforce is not just larger, but also more productive.

    The report emphasizes that, Canada attracts the most immigrants among the G7 countries, accounting for 90% of population increase today.

    Furthermore, it states that immigrants to Canada are better educated and younger than the domestic workforce.

    Yet, they are working in professions that requires significantly lower educational requirements as compared to their education and work history.

    Immigration Statistics

    In 2021, increased immigration accounted for over 90% of total population growth.

    By 2050, Statistics Canada projects that to be 100%.

    So, only immigration will be able to make up for population ageing and reduced birth rates.

    These immigrants are bringing critical talents in the face of ongoing labour shortages.

    In fact, more than half of the 1.5 million immigrants that the Canadian government plans to bring over the next 3 years will be under the skilled economic immigration.

    RBC anticipates that Canada’s Economy will grow faster than other advanced nations mostly due to these skilled immigrants and accompanying stronger workforce.

    Newcomers Are Young & Educated, Yet Not Able To Work In Their Field

    Also, newcomers to Canada are younger and often more educated.

    Compared to little over 1/5th of non-immigrants, more over 1/3rd of immigrants hold advanced degrees, meaning a bachelor’s degree or higher.

    More educated immigrants are also more likely to have majored in STEM-related subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math).

    However, immigrants typically do poorly when it comes to obtaining a suitable employment, despite being younger and having higher academic achievement.

    In simpler words, a greater proportion of individuals ends up working in jobs that demand less education than they already possess.

    This problem, which affects many industries, is especially difficult for those who have degrees in medical, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or optometry.

    According to RBC calculations, foreign-born workers are 6 times more likely to hold positions that don’t need for specialized training.

    As a result, as compared to non-immigrants with equivalent degrees, their abilities are “under-utilized.”

    Immigrants’ Skills Recognition Will Help

    As per RBC, higher levels of immigration will not solve long-term structural labour supply challenges, but they will help.

    They may be of much greater assistance if immigrant skill sets are well utilized to fill in the gap.

    New immigrants can fill unfilled positions, but they also enhance housing and consumer goods demand, which raises labour demand.

    They are also more likely to live in houses that are inadequate for the size or composition of their family.

    All of these stresses may be alleviated by making the economy more productive.

    Since last summer, the number of job openings in Canada has decreased. According to the Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey, more Canadian firms foresee a poorer outlook in Q4 2022.

    Moreover, due to aggressive interest rate rises and increasing inflation, the economy is entering a modest slowdown.

    As a result, fears about inadequate consumer spending have grown substantially, while investment and hiring aspirations have declined.

    The greatest obstacle to properly using immigrant abilities is a lack of acknowledgment of foreign credentials properly.

    Looking forward, removing such hurdles will be important to guaranteeing Canada’s continued success in attracting immigrants.

    Effective integration of their abilities might help address worker shortages, contribute to a more productive labour force, and alleviate inflation and housing pressures.


  • New IRCC Policy For Iranian Temporary Residents In Canada

    On February 23, 2023 IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) announced new measures for Iranians on temporary status in Canada making it easier for them extend their stay.

    This new temporary policy announced by Canada will come in effect on March 1, 2023 and will be applicable until February 28, 2024.

    This temporary IRCC policy was signed by Canadian immigration minister, Sean Fraser on February 9, 2023.

    This new measure will allow Iranians to switch between temporary streams, allowing them to continue studying, working, or visiting relatives in Canada by simply applying for a new permit from within Canada.

    Furthermore, an open work permit will also be made available to Iranians who are currently in Canada. Moreover, applications from Iranians living in Canada will also be prioritized.

    Additionally, the Canadian government is eliminating processing fees (including biometrics) for Iranians applying for open work permit, study permits, and extension of temporary resident status in Canada.

    Canada will also waive fees for limited-validity Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel document (PRTD) for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who seek to leave Iran.

    Important: This new policy will not be applicable to applications already under processing. It will only apply to applications submitted on or after March 1, 2023.

    Details on how to apply will be made public by IRCC on March 1, 2023.

    Canada is also looking into reforms to other programs, such as the Human Rights Defenders stream. This is one of the few in the world with a dedicated, permanent immigration program for people who guard and promote human rights.

    For refugees who are outside their home country and unable to return, Canada has three resettlement options. The Government-Assisted Refugees Program, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, and the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program.

    Previously, the Government of Canada announced actions on October 7, 2022, including labelling the Iranian regime as one that participates in serious or systematic human rights violations and terrorism.

    As a result, this made top officials of that regime inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.


  • Canada Immigration Backlog Increases By 6% – New IRCC Data

    Canada immigration backlog ends 4-month reduction streak as per latest IRCC data updated yesterday. IRCC backlog stood at 974,600.

    This is a 6% increase in backlog numbers as compared to the official IRCC data of December 2022.

    Immigration backlog was continuously reducing since September 2022. It came down from 1,322,500 to 918,300 as of December 31, 2022.

    Increase is backlog was only recorded among temporary residence applications (+15%), but permanent residence (-3.5%) and citizenship applications (-2.35%) actually saw a drop in backlog.

    Furthermore, 969,900 applications were still being processed within the IRCC service standards. This is a drop from 1.055 million applications in December.

    Overall, IRCC was processing total of 1,944,500 applications according to data noted on January 31.

    DateBacklogTotal Applications
    Under Processing
    January 31, 2023974,6001,944,500
    December 31, 2022918,3001,973,800
    November 30, 20221,086,2002,111,400
    October 31, 20221,202,7902,239,700
    September 30, 20221,322,5002,610,700

    IRCC minister has previously mentioned that backlog data and service standard data should be seen differently.

    For example, if spousal sponsorship has a 12-month standard processing period, an application that is handled within 12 months is “NOT” a backlog. It will instead be regarded as normal processing.

    But, if it exceeds the 12-month service standard, then only it should be considered a backlog.

    IRCC aims to finish 80% of applications within these service standards. Click here to know more about IRCC service standards.

    Application TypeOverall Processing InventoryBacklogWithin Service Standards
    Citizenship303,00083,000220,000
    Permanent Residence617,500348,600268,900
    Temporary Residence1,024,000543,000481,000
    Total1,944,500974,600969,900

    IRCC Projections On Canada Immigration Backlog For 2023

    1. Backlog Projections For Federal High Skilled

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2289%
    Feb 2292%
    Mar 2298%
    Apr 2299%
    May 22100%
    Jun 22100%
    Jul 2299%
    Aug 2290%86%
    Sep 2268%72%
    Oct 2245%59%
    Nov 2231%46%
    Dec 2222%20%
    Jan 2320%20%
    Feb 2320%
    Mar 2320%

    2. Backlog Projections For Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2256%
    Feb 2255%
    Mar 2254%
    Apr 2251%
    May 2247%
    Jun 2245%
    Jul 2243%
    Aug 2242%39%
    Sep 2240%35%
    Oct 2242%31%
    Nov 2242%28%
    Dec 2241%20%
    Jan 2338%40%
    Feb 2339%
    Mar 2338%

    3. Backlog Projections for Spouses, Partners and children applications

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2234%
    Feb 2232%
    Mar 2230%
    Apr 2229%
    May 2227%
    Jun 2227%
    Jul 2226%
    Aug 2225%24%
    Sep 2225%23%
    Oct 2224%22%
    Nov 2224%20%
    Dec 2224%19%
    Jan 2324%24%
    Feb 2324%
    Mar 2324%

    4. Citizenship Backlog Projections

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2246%
    Feb 2245%
    Mar 2242%
    Apr 2240%
    May 2239%
    Jun 2237%
    Jul 2235%
    Aug 2230%30%
    Sep 2230%30%
    Oct 2228%28%
    Nov 2229%27%
    Dec 2228%26%
    Jan 2327%26%
    Feb 2325%
    Mar 2324%

    5. Study Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2242%
    Feb 2234%
    Mar 2227%
    Apr 2232%
    May 2231%
    Jun 2230%
    Jul 2231%
    Aug 2238%39%
    Sep 2231%42%
    Oct 2226%33%
    Nov 2228%31%
    Dec 2232%33%
    Jan 2335%36%
    Feb 2333%
    Mar 2323%

    6. Work Permit Applications’ Backlog Projections

    **According to IRCC, about 73% of work visa applications originate from the Canada-Ukraine emergency travel permission.

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2248%
    Feb 2251%
    Mar 2229%
    Apr 2223%
    May 2226%
    Jun 2228%
    Jul 2228%
    Aug 2234%29%
    Sep 2227%35%
    Oct 2223%49%
    Nov 2224%55%
    Dec 2225%60%
    Jan 2326%26%
    Feb 2328%
    Mar 2328%

    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.

    MonthBacklog (Actual)Backlog (Projected)
    Jan 2270%
    Feb 2274%
    Mar 2255%
    Apr 2255%
    May 2256%
    Jun 2271%
    Jul 2267%
    Aug 2271%68%
    Sep 2274%71%
    Oct 2274%70%
    Nov 2270%67%
    Dec 2270%77%
    Jan 2368%68%
    Feb 2368%
    Mar 2365%