On April 24, 2104, Employment Minister Kenny imposed an indefinite moratorium on restaurants using the temporary foreign worker program. As a practical matter, this means that no new temporary foreign worker program applications for restaurants will be accepted or processed. Further, any pending applications and all unfilled approved applications are suspended indefinitely. This drastic action was taken shortly after the C.D. Howe Institute released a
Opportunity Lives Here
Author Archives: Matthew Watt
Spousal Sponsorship And Canada Work Permits
Spousal Sponsorship and Open Work Permits In Canada: The Basics Many Canadians, particularly newly settled Canadian immigrants, have a foreign spouse or partner who also seeks residency and employment in Canada. They may be assured Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to keeping families united. This includes giving immigrant couples the opportunity for both partners to live and work in Canada, through the spousal
Canada Continues Recruiting Skilled Immigrants To Benefit Economy
Canada Continues Recruiting Skilled Immigrants To Benefit Economy A recent meeting of Canadian immigration ministers at the federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) levels has reconfirmed the government’s priority on skill-stream immigration. FPT governments will continue to recruit skilled immigrants, while assisting their integration into Canadian society and their successful contribution to the economy. Co-chairing the meeting were citizenship and immigration minister Chris Alexander and Thomas
Entering Canada With A DUI
How To Enter Canada With A DUI In 2002, the Canadian government enacted the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, or IRPA. Among other provisions, the law renders those with certain criminal charges and convictions inadmissible to Canada. One such infraction is a DUI. Canadian law treats driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) extremely seriously. Canada does not care that most US jurisdictions treat the
New Canadian Study Permit Rules For Foreign Students
New CIC rules improve services for international students Citizenship and Immigration Canada will soon enforce new regulation for international students. The updated rules will help maintain the integrity of the Canada study permit program by ensuring study permits go to applicants intent on pursuing their studies in Canada. The following changes will be effective as of June 1, 2014: Required enrolment and continuing attendance Currently,
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Calls for Increased EOI System Efficiency
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Calls for Increased EOI System Efficiency In order to more effectively attract the best and the brightest workers, Canadian Immigration Minister Chris Alexander is implementing the new “Expression of Interest” EOI system for skilled immigrant workers in early 2015. The EOI system, which we first blogged about here, operates by allowing interested individuals to electronically provide information regarding their educational and
Canadian Immigration Improvements in 2014 – Canadian Immigration News
Canadian immigration minister Chris Alexander has outlined his goals for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in 2014, including improved services for prospective immigrants, and shorter waiting times for visas. Continued focus on skill-based immigration Mr. Alexander’s plans follow the policy changes of the previous minister, Jason Kenney. Between 2008 and 2013, Kenney re-directed the focus of Canadian immigration from family-stream to skill- and employment-based applicants,
Opportunity for Nurses to Immigrate to Canada
Canada is Seeking Nurses to Overcome Labour Shortage Recent changes to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program have made it easier for foreign-trained nurses to qualify for Canadian immigration. Unlike other Canadian immigration programs, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program does not require applicants to have a Canadian job offer in order to qualify. Nurses are currently in high demand throughout Canada. The Canadian Nurses Association recently
The Reason Czech Nationals Were Declared Exempt from Visa Requirements
According to a press release issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) late last year, the Czech Republic now meets the Canadian criteria for visa exemption. The new designation means that Czech nationals will no longer require a visitor visa, aka Temporary Resident Visa, to visit Canada, and may remain for up to six months. The current list of countries, territories, and passport holders who
Canada to Expand Provincial Nominee Program – Canadian Immigration News
Candidates seeking to immigrate to Canada have a number of options available to them. Canadian immigration programs incorporate a number of considerations into their selection criteria, such as country of origin, educational experience, profession, and available work opportunities. Recognizing the potential economic and social value of a well-managed immigration model, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander have announced several new programs