Latest Canadian Immigration News & Insights
Never miss important immigration updates and information on immigration processing and requirements. From Express Entry to Spousal Sponsorship to Study Permits, NextGen has you covered for all things Canadian immigration.
Afghan Resettlement Programs and Support
As much of the world watches in disbelief, we too are deeply concerned by the heartbreaking news coming out of Afghanistan.
The Government of Canada continues to offer support to vulnerable Afghans. Canada’s special immigration programs have already brought so many Afghans to Canada, and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship have further announced the resettlement of 20,000 more vulnerable Afghans threatened by the Taliban and forced to flee the country.
Efforts are expected to continue, but the following is available to those impacted by the deteriorating situation.
Implied status and work without a work permit clarified and redefined
On April 8, 2021, IRCC extensively updated the instructions to clarify this period of extended status (formally, 'implied status') under the law as well as provide transparency around authorization to work without a work permit during the processing period of a work permit extension.
New Policy on fee refunds when IRCC service standards are not met for Canadian Citizenship, IEC and some passport or travel document services
The Service Fees Act is Canadian legislation that increases accountability and predictability regarding service fees that the Government of Canada charges to Canadians. Under this new policy, the department involved is required to return a portion of the fee for some applications. As of April 1, 2021, partial refunds will be issued to complete applications received on or after April 1, 2021
Public policy extended & modified: visitors may apply for a work permit inside Canada until August 31, 2021
On March 29, 2021, the Canadian government extended and modified the temporary public policy initially introduced in August 2020. Since the policy was introduced, more than 1,000 people with visitor status in Canada have applied for a work permit.
Previously, the requirement to use this public policy was that applicants had valid status as a visitor as of August 24, 2020. This meant that any foreign national who arrived in Canada after August 24, 2020, would not qualify for this public policy. This requirement has been removed.
Criminal Inadmissibility – Driving Under the Influence
With the legalization of Marijuana in Canada, the laws for Impaired Driving were adapted to encompass all the appearances of what “driving under the influence” means in Canada.
Up until December 2018, these charges were considered to be a “hybrid,” meaning that the Crown (otherwise known as the “prosecutor”) can choose whether to charge with an “indictment” or a “summary,” and the maximum punishment possible was 5 years in prison.
Special measures to support Hong Kong residents immigrating to Canada
Canada has rolled out new measures to support the people of Hong Kong in response to the Chinese government’s implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020.
The changes range from expediting documents for Canadians and permanent residents, speeding up processing for permanent residence applications, and encouraging Hong Kong youth to study and work in Canada.
With the Owner/Operator LMIAs No More, what are the alternatives for business owners to immigrate to Canada?
With the Owner/Operator LMIAs No More, what are the alternatives for business owners to immigrate to Canada?
Biggest express entry draw to date! CRS Score, 75!
On February 13, 2021, Canada invited over 27,000 skilled workers in Canada to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry- Canadian Experience Class category.
In order to receive an invitation to apply, candidates who are eligible for CEC must score higher than the government cut-off. The previous CEC draw on January 21, 2021, was 454, with 4626 invitations sent. Today that very same score dropped to 75!
Temporary public policy – current or former PGWP holders can now apply for a new open work permit!
In most circumstances, unauthorized work or study would result in the refusal of an application. This public policy also waives the regulatory prohibition of work permit issuance where there has been unauthorized work or study unless the applicant engaged in unauthorized work for an employer who offers ‘striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages, or other ineligible employers.
Approved permanent residence applicants- can you travel to Canada now?
Applicants were instructed to submit a Web form to have their COPR and PRV reissued. As of January 5, 2021, applicants with an expired COPR and PRV are no longer required to submit a Web form. IRCC will be contacting applicants directly once they are approved to come to Canada. Additionally, the following COPR/PRV holders are able to travel to Canada.
International students – expired or expiring PGWP holders. You can apply for a new open work permit!
A new public policy was introduced on January 8, 2021, for international students who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic.
Canadian Immigration updates you need to know starting 2021
Express Entry invitations | 2020 Parent & Grandparent invitations | Out-of-status foreign nationals | Approved permanent residence applications and more!
Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship Invitations Started as of January 5, 2021
On January 5, 2021, the Canadian government started inviting potential sponsors to apply. Invitations will continue to be sent over the coming days.
Extended family members can now travel to Canada.
As of October 8th, 2020, extended family members can now enter Canada. Similarly to the immediate family member requirements, extended family members must be staying for at least 15 days and meet the eligibility and admissibility requirements.
The Parents and Grandparents Program is opening in October!
After almost a one year delay and certainly a very anticipated update, the Government of Canada has announced the opening of the parental program.
