The introduction of the “Tech Talent Strategy” by Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) last month brought lots of good news for Start Up Visa (SUV) applicants including extending the work permit validity period from one year to three years, allowing for open work permits for individuals to work in Canada other than in their own businesses and also extending these perks to all the members of the SUV team rather than only for essential members. IRCC Minister Sean Fraser’s announcement is meant to alleviate situations of hardship for SUV applicants facing long processing times for their permanent residence applications and also enables Canadian employers to benefit from the skills of applicants already in Canada.
BlogThe Pandemic’s Legacy for Canadian Citizenship Applicants: The Self-Administered Oath
4 April 2023
The Citizenship Oath is both an essential and final step of the Citizenship process. Applicants must swear allegiance to Canada and commit to abiding by its laws, fulfilling their duties as citizens, and respecting the rights of all Canadians. However, attending the Citizenship ceremony, which currently take place on weekdays during regular work hours and lasts approximately 90 minutes, can be a significant hardship for many applicants. Many applicants have to take time off (unpaid) from work and travel long distances causing financial difficulties to fulfil their goal of becoming a Canadian citizen.
On May 6, 2021, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (“IRCC”) launched the Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence Pathway (“TR to PR”) for essential workers and international students in Canada. On July 26, 2021, IRCC broadened the benefits of this pathway. Candidates can now apply for a coveted open work permit while their temporary residence status is still in place (until a decision is made on their permanent residence application). This open work permit allows those who are awaiting a decision on their application to extend or remain in status during this transitional period.
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