Abramovich Immigration Law provides a comprehensive weekly news review covering recent changes, policies, and key updates. Check our social media for the latest immigration information.

Canada Continues To Welcome Immigrants Through Express Entry Draws 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to demonstrate its commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants through recent Express Entry draws. On September 9, 2024, the eighth Express Entry draw of the year for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates took place, resulting in 911 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued. Additionally, IRCC issued 1,000 ITA to francophone candidates in round #314, which was held on September 13. With 205,569 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool, Canada has already issued 80,874 invitations through regular Express Entry draws in 2024. 

Express Entry is essential to Canada’s immigration system for managing skilled worker applications for permanent residence. The system allows candidates to create profiles that are then ranked based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Regular draws are conducted to select top-ranking candidates, who are then invited to apply for permanent residence. This streamlined process has proven effective in attracting talented individuals worldwide, contributing to Canada’s economic growth and cultural diversity. If you are considering immigrating to Canada and need expert assistance with your Express Entry application, do not hesitate to contact Abramovich Immigration Law for professional guidance and support.

Canadian Cities Shine As Top Solo Travel Destinations 

Three Canadian cities have secured top spots among the world’s best destinations for solo travellers. Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto have been ranked second, third, and seventh, respectively, solidifying Canada’s position as a prime location for independent adventurers. This recognition comes as the solo travel trend continues to gain momentum globally, with 25% of travellers planning solo trips in the next six months. The rankings were determined based on factors such as safety, hotel satisfaction scores, and cultural richness, including museums, theatres, and concert halls. 

An online consumer survey also played a role in assessing how welcoming these cities are to solo travellers. Each Canadian city offers unique experiences: Vancouver blends urban sophistication with natural beauty, Montreal boasts a rich history and vibrant festival scene, and Toronto stands out for its multicultural environment and diverse attractions. As solo travel becomes increasingly popular, especially in the post-pandemic era, these Canadian cities are well-positioned to cater to the growing number of independent explorers seeking new adventures.

Immigrant Entrepreneurs Fuel Canada’s Economic Growth 

Recent data released by the Government of Canada highlights a significant trend: newcomers to the country are establishing more successful businesses than ever before. Between 2019 and 2021, immigrant-owned enterprises saw a substantial increase in both number and revenue, outpacing their non-immigrant counterparts. This surge is particularly notable among immigrants who have been in Canada for 5 to 9 years, with many scaling their businesses to earn between $1 million and $2.5 million annually. 

The data also reveals interesting geographical and industry trends. While Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec lead in the number of immigrant business owners, rapid growth is observed in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Manitoba. Newcomers who arrived within the past five years are showing a preference for retail and wholesale trade, accommodation and food services, and real estate sectors. This data highlights immigrants’ crucial economic impact and Canada’s support for newcomer entrepreneurship.

Ontario Held Multiple OINP Draws In The Past Week 

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted five separate draws targeting various streams, including Employer Job Offer: Foreign Workers, International Students, In-Demand Skills, and Human Capital Priorities. The province issued a total of 3,756 invitations across these draws, with a particular focus on healthcare professionals and skilled trades workers. These targeted invitations aim to address specific labour market needs in Ontario, showcasing the program’s adaptability to current economic demands. 

The OINP remains a vital pathway for immigrants looking to make Ontario their new home. Through its various streams, the program allows skilled workers, international students, and in-demand professionals to apply for permanent residency in Canada. With 37,754 invitations issued under all OINP streams in 2024 alone, the province is actively working to meet its immigration targets and contribute to Canada’s overall economic growth through skilled immigration. For expert guidance on OINP applications, Abramovich Immigration Law can help navigate requirements and enhance your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency.

Canada’s Immigration Landscape Shifts As Hopeful Immigrants Turn To French 

In a surprising twist to Canada’s immigration narrative, an increasing number of hopeful immigrants are now learning French to boost their chances of gaining permanent residency. This trend emerges as other pathways to residency have become more challenging, showcasing the determination of potential newcomers. However, this shift has sparked debate among economists and policymakers about the long-term implications for Canada’s talent acquisition and economic growth.

Critics argue that prioritizing French language skills in the immigration process may hinder Canada’s ability to attract top talent, particularly in fields like computer science. Economists like Prof. Skuterud from the University of Waterloo and Prof. Oreopoulos from the University of Toronto suggest that favouring French speakers over highly skilled applicants could impact productivity and labour market success. Despite these concerns, the Canadian government maintains that supporting Francophone immigration is crucial for fulfilling obligations under the Official Languages Act and fostering prosperous Francophone communities across the country.

International Students Face Mounting Challenges In Canada 

Recent policy changes have created significant hurdles for international students seeking to remain in Canada after graduation. The Canadian government’s decision to halt extensions for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and alter the criteria for permanent residency selection has left many foreign graduates uncertain. These shifts, coupled with new priorities in the Express Entry system, have made the path to permanent residency increasingly complex and unpredictable for international students. 

The impact of these changes is expected to be substantial, with estimates suggesting that tens of thousands of PGWP holders may be forced to leave Canada in the coming years. According to the Naujawan Support Network, approximately 70,000 individuals could face this predicament in 2024 and 2025 alone. The situation highlights the growing challenges international students face in pursuing long-term opportunities in Canada, raising concerns about the country’s approach to retaining global talent. 

Canada Ended The Temporary Work Permit Policy For Visitors 

The Government of Canada has officially terminated its policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits while in the country. The decision, announced on September 9, 2024, marks the end of a measure implemented in August 2020 to address labour shortages and support economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change signals a return to standard procedures for obtaining work permits, potentially impacting thousands of temporary workers and visitors seeking employment opportunities in Canada. 

The now-defunct policy had enabled eligible visitors to apply for employer-specific work permits within Canada, exempting them from certain temporary residence compliance requirements. It also allowed former temporary workers to continue working during the application processing period. With the policy’s termination, concerns arise about its impact on the labour market and immigration landscape. This shift underscores Canada’s evolving approach to managing temporary foreign workers and highlights the need for visitors to adhere to traditional work permit application processes moving forward.

Abramovich Immigration Law facilitates the intricate Canadian immigration process for individuals and families. Leveraging our comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in Canadian immigration law, we offer expert guidance across various immigration categories, including skilled worker programs, family sponsorship, and business immigration.

Our experienced legal professionals and immigration specialists collaborate closely with clients to evaluate eligibility, prepare and submit applications meticulously, and provide step-by-step guidance throughout the immigration journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward realizing your Canadian immigration goals.