Since last year in 2024, permanent resident hopefuls have been bombarded with bad news that immigration targets and programs alike are being reduced or cut and wondering how this will affect their chances at qualifying for permanent residence. It’s now mid-May and this year’s Express Entry statistics show that things are not business as usual with the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Let’s take a quick glance at the Express Entry statistics available so far this year and compare them to the same period in 2024 to see what’s changed in terms of the number and types of invitations to apply (ITA) that have been issued.
BlogCommunicating With Your Immigration Representative – Why Language Matters and the Value of Second Opinions
22 April 2025
It is a natural tendency for people to communicate in the language that is most familiar to them. This natural tendency does not jive with Canada’s immigration program where there is a significant emphasis, if not the most significant emphasis, on language proficiency in English and/or French. Communicating in your native tongue, while comfortable, does not lend itself to garnering points in our immigration scoring systems for language proficiency. It is also tempting for prospective applicants to search out an immigration representative who can communicate with them in their native language. There are sound reasons to resist this temptation. Let’s review some real-life situations where failure to communicate in English or French can be problematic.
BlogInterim Measures: The First-Generation limit on Canadian Citizenship – What you need to know!
7 April 2025
Over the past several months, I have been consulting with clients eager to obtain their Canadian citizenship. Through my conversations with these individuals and their families, it has become evident that Canadian citizenship holds significant value, not only for those who currently reside in Canada, but also for individuals and families with ancestral ties to the country.
On March 25, 2025, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that foreign nationals with Canadian job offers will no longer receive bonus points towards receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence under Canada’s Express Entry (EE) System. This substantial change took effect immediately and applies to all EE candidates who have not already received an ITA. Given the current uncertain immigration environment, permanent resident hopefuls must now re-evaluate their chances of receiving an ITA and proactively plan their next steps. Here is what you need to know.
On March 22, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of two new immigration pilots aimed at strengthening rural and Francophone minority communities across the country. These initiatives—the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot—are designed to attract and retain skilled newcomers who can help local economies thrive.
As Canada’s population continues to grow, evolve and age, the demand for skilled home care workers has never been higher. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has demonstrated through their programs over the years that caregivers play an essential role in Canada to support vulnerable populations, including children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. Home care workers also enable families to continue working while ensuring that their loved ones are well cared for. The previous Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot programs ended on June 17, 2024 and were based on the amount of qualifying work experience an applicant had.
This past Friday, March 7, 2025, brought some welcome news for prospective immigrants in Canada’s construction sector. Recognizing the need for a stronger construction worker labour force, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC), Marc Miller, announced steps to strengthen the opportunities for foreign construction workers in Canada including the creation of an industry advisory council, expansion of a pilot project to enable out-of-status workers to be legally employed and for apprentices in the trades to study without authorization enabling them to obtain their official trade certification in Canada. These steps have been introduced to both increase the pool of construction workers in Canada and to boost housing construction for the benefit of Canadians and the Canadian economy.
BlogHow do I get a work visa for Canada?How do I immigrate to Canada?Work PermitsWorking in CanadaUkrainians in Canada, It’s Your Last Chance! Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Stay in Canada Longer!
24 February 2025
In 2022, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Canadian government introduced a special program for Ukrainians — the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). This program allowed Ukrainians to find safety in Canada and to also obtain a 3-year open work permit.
BlogCanadian Immigration ProgramsHow do I immigrate to Canada?President Trump is back! Implications for prospective immigrants to Canada?
20 January 2025
Every US presidential election brings renewed interest in Americans seeking to come to Canada. This is not unique to President Trump, but Trump brings some specific Canadian immigration consequences to his being elected President of the United States. Immediately following his election on November 8, 2016, the dramatic interest in Canadian immigration resulted in a crash to our online information system. Many of his proposed policies piqued interest for many Americans and non-Americans without status seeking residency and/or protection in Canada. However, the Canadian immigration reality is very different from 2016 and Canada is not as welcoming as it has been in the past. Prospective immigrants from the US need to know the current lay of the Canadian immigration landscape.
BlogCanadian Immigration ProgramsBill C-71: What to Expect in 2025. Understanding the Canadian Citizenship Act and Changes to the First-Generation Rules
14 January 2025
The Canadian Citizenship Act governs the process through which individuals can acquire Canadian citizenship, which is an essential part of Canadian identity. To become a Canadian citizen, you must meet several requirements. First, you must be a permanent resident of Canada and have lived in the country for at least 3 out of the last 5 years. You must also have filed your taxes (if required), passed a citizenship test on your rights, responsibilities, and knowledge of Canada, and demonstrated proficiency in either English or French. Additional requirements may apply depending on your specific situation, such as for minors or adopted children.
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