Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers present a comprehensive weekly news review that covers a wide range of recent developments in Canadian immigration matters. This includes updates on new immigration policies, changes to existing laws and regulations, as well as insights into the latest trends and issues affecting immigrants in Canada. Follow us for more updates!
Canada To Open The Parents And Grandparents Program In October 2023
Canada places great importance on reuniting families, and the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) serves as the primary avenue for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to Canada. This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept up to 15,000 sponsorship applications through the PGP. Starting October 10, 2023, IRCC will send invitations to apply to 24,200 interested sponsors within two weeks. However, as there are still remaining PGP applications from previous years, IRCC will conduct a random draw to select potential sponsors from the 2020 pool.
Applicants who are not invited this year or do not qualify for the PGP program can apply for a super visa, which allows visits of up to 5 years at a time and can be extended for up to 2 years. It is important to note that the PGP is just one of the ways that Canada is working to reunite families. Those who are interested in exploring other options can consult Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers to determine which programs may be the best fit for their individual needs and circumstances.
International Students Will Have More Time To Study Online And Be Eligible For The PGWP
On September 1, 2023, the Government of Canada made an important announcement that will affect the lives of many international students. The information stated that the measures allowing international students using the distance learning option to pursue their higher education in Canada to be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have been extended. This means that students who take advantage of this option and start their online study program between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, will be eligible for the PGWP. The time spent studying online outside of Canada until December 31, 2023, will count toward the overall length of the PGWP as long as it does not exceed 50% of the program.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of international students to the Canadian economy and society. By extending the measures, the government aims to attract more international students to Canada and allow them to gain valuable work experience after they complete their studies. Extending the measures is a positive development for international students and the Canadian economy. It shows that the government is committed to supporting international students and making Canada a welcoming destination.
The Canadian Passport Has Gone Up In The Global Passport Ranking
This year, the Canadian passport has significantly jumped in the Henley Passport Index rankings, moving from eighth to sixth place. This ranking is a testament to the strength of the Canadian passport, which scored an impressive 186 points. In fact, the Canadian passport has climbed higher in the rankings than many other countries’ passports, demonstrating its growing importance and value.
The Henley Passport Index is a comprehensive ranking system that compares 199 passports for 227 travel destinations. Despite the intense competition, Canada has managed to establish itself as a global leader in passport strength and accessibility. With visa-free access to 186 destinations, the Canadian passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world.
Canada Has Secured The Second Spot Among The Best Countries In The World
Canada has once again secured a top spot in the 2023 Best Countries ranking by U.S. News, coming in 2nd place worldwide. This marks an improvement from its 3rd place ranking in 2022. The ranking process involved analyzing ten sub-categories and surveying over 17,000 people from 36 countries before the final ranking of 87 countries was determined. Canada was able to secure a place in the top five for four of the sub-categories, which were Entrepreneurship, Quality of Life, Social Purpose, and Agility. These categories highlight the country’s distinctive strengths, such as its strong entrepreneurial culture, high quality of life, commitment to social responsibility, and adaptability in the face of change.
In addition, Canada ranked in the top seven for nine other attributes, including being the 2nd best country for starting a career and promoting racial equality. These rankings underscore Canada’s appeal as a destination for immigrants looking to build a better life for themselves and their families. Indeed, Canada has a lot to offer. It provides excellent education opportunities with world-class universities and colleges. It also has a thriving job market, with many industries experiencing growth and job openings. Canada is a perfect place for those seeking career development and advancement.
Canadian Universities Are Now Providing Cost-Effective Housing Alternatives
As thousands of students arrive on university campuses across Canada, the issue of affordable housing becomes more pressing. The high demand for housing has led universities to develop innovative solutions to provide affordable housing for their communities. One such solution is the construction of new buildings that can quickly accommodate many students. Universities have also been repurposing existing facilities to meet the needs of their student population.
In addition, universities are creating new configurations for changing population needs. For example, McMaster University has recently built a new residence specifically for graduate students and their families. The University of Windsor has recently partnered with a private developer to build a new residence that offers affordable housing to students. The University of Victoria has also created a new residence incorporating Indigenous design elements and teachings. This residence has been awarded LEED V4 Gold and Passive House status, making it one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Canada.
Ontario Invited French-Speaking Candidates Through The OINP
On September 7, 2023, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) held its sixth round of invitations in the province’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream. This program is designed to attract skilled workers proficient in French and English to Ontario. In this latest round, the OINP issued 300 Invitations to Apply to Francophone candidates, with the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) ranging between 308 and 434 points. In 2023, Ontario invited a total of 1,427 FSSW candidates to apply, increasing the total number of invited candidates to 32,319.
The OINP is an immigration program for skilled workers who want to live and work in Ontario, Canada. This program allows Ontario to nominate individuals with the skills and experience needed in the local labour market for permanent residence in Canada. Ontario is committed to attracting and retaining skilled workers proficient in French and English. If you are a Francophone candidate interested in immigrating to Ontario, the OINP’s FSSW stream may be an excellent option for you to consider. Contact Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers for more information.
Canadian Provinces Attract Growing Numbers Of Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals
According to the latest report on internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs), Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan have emerged as the provinces with the highest percentage of professionals working in their fields in 2021. Interestingly, these three provinces also boasted a diverse range of fields of study among IEHPs. For instance, while Prince Edward Island had the highest percentage of IEHPs studying nursing at 53%, Newfoundland and Labrador had 30% of IEHPs trained to be physicians.
Conversely, Ontario was home to the most significant number of IEHPs, with a staggering 116,310 residing there in 2021. The report also highlighted that IEHPs were most likely to be nurses, with one-third having studied nursing. Furthermore, it was found that the fields of study varied by province, with Ontario having the highest proportion of IEHPs studying dentistry at 10% or pharmacy at 9%. The report’s comprehensive analysis thus sheds light on the diverse range of fields of study among IEHPs across Canada, thereby highlighting the need for better integration of these professionals into the Canadian healthcare system.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers understand the challenges of immigrating to a new country. That is why we offer a range of services to help individuals and families make Canada their new home. Our immigration lawyers can assist with all aspects of the immigration process, including assessing eligibility for various immigration programs, preparing and submitting applications, and representing clients in appeals and litigation. We specialize in various immigration programs, including Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, and Provincial Nominee Programs. We also offer services for temporary residency, including work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. Our team provides personalized and professional service to each and every client. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your immigration goals and start your new life in Canada.
