Gunness & Assocaites | Canadian Immigration specialists in Ontario

On February 12, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced further revisions to the Agri-Food Pilot Program. These changes aim to make the program more accessible and beneficial to both workers and employers in the agri-food sector.  In line with the instructions announced on May 8, 2023, the Government of Canada updated the Agri-Food Pilot program to include the following changes: applicants in Canada now have the flexibility to meet either the job offer or education requirements and submit work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers. These changes have positive implications for both employees and employers in the agri-food sector. By providing more flexibility in meeting eligibility criteria, the revised program attracts a more diverse set of candidates, including those who may have gained relevant experience through alternative channels such as open work permits. This inclusivity not only expands the talent pool available to emplo

Canada invited over 1,000 candidates in the new Express Entry draw On January 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second Express Entry draw of 2024 and issued 1,040 Invitations to Apply (ITA). In this draw, IRCC continued inviting candidates under all immigration programs.  In round #280, the cut-off score was 543 points, three points fewer than the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was January 21, 2024, at 07:43:47 UTC. As of January 23, 2024, there were 213,526 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. This year, Canada issued 2,550 ITAs through Express Entry. It was the second draw of 2024 after the general draw on January 10th, which invited 1,510 candidates from all Express Entry-managed programs to apply. To be considered, candidates had to have a minimum CRS score of 546. Express Entry in 2023 In 2023, Canada's Express Entry application management system underwent significant transformations. Throughout the year's

IRCC will continue to hold virtual citizenship ceremonies According to the Government of Canada’s response to the petition on citizenship ceremonies, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is considering an online tool for self- administered Oath of Citizenship . The analysis is underway, considering client experience, process integrity, and preserving the importance of citizenship ceremonies.  Video ceremonies introduced in 2020 due to COVID-19 have helped reduce processing times and increased monthly oath-taking. These allow participation from rural areas and accommodate larger groups. Between January and September 2023, 276,540 new citizens were made, exceeding pre-COVID levels. Ceremonies are scheduled considering operational demands, official availability, and venue suitability. IRCC is working towards a 12-month service standard for granting citizenship. If you are applying for citizenship, you must be a permanent resident (PR) in Canada, regardless of your age. This

Immigration drives Canada's largest population growth since 1957 As of October 1, 2023, Canada's population reached an estimated 40.5 million, marking a 1.1% increase since July 1, 2023 – the highest quarterly growth since 1957. Canada added over a million people for the first nine months of 2023, breaking 2022's record.  96% of the growth in the third quarter of 2023 was due to international migration, and the rest was from natural increase. Canada welcomed nearly 108,000 immigrants in the third quarter of 2023 and reached 80% of its annual immigration target by September. All provinces and territories except the Northwest Territories saw population growth, with Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario surpassing the national average. Except for Alberta, which continued to have the highest net gains (+17,094), and New Brunswick (+21), all provinces and territories recorded losses in interprovincial migration exchanges in the third quarter of 2023. For the first time sin

New changes announced to the International Experience Canada program On December 12, 2023, the Canadian Government updated the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This program fosters travel and work collaboration between Canada and other nations, assisting in arranging transportation, job hunting, and accommodation procurement.  The refreshed instructions from December 18 mirror the roster of organizations acknowledged by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada in 2018. Notable amendments include service adjustments, the omission of Memorial University of Newfoundland from the recognized organizations list, the inclusion of International Internship Network (IIN) and Languages Canada, updates to the designations and descriptions of AIESEC Canada, Go International, IAESTE, and International Rural Exchange/A-Way to Work, and clarifications on the IEC program's participation counting methods. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizensh

IRCC eased work permit application requirements for family class applicants Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued an update regarding the public policy for spouses or common-law partners in Canada (SCLPC) class, as well as family class applicants applying within Canada.  As of December 7, 2023, to prevent family class applicants from losing their status while awaiting acknowledgment of receipt for their permanent residence application, the IRCC will now accept open work permit applications without the acknowledgment of receipt.  This policy applies to applicants who can provide the necessary proof that their work permit , study permit, or temporary resident status is due to expire within two weeks. Public Policy for Spouses or Common-law Partners in Canada This public policy allows sponsored spouses and partners to support their families and build a life together in Canada. Sponsored spouses and partners, as well as their family members, contribute to the socia