Gunness & Assocaites | Canadian Immigration specialists in Ontario

On February 5, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided further details on the recent announcement of reforms to the International Student Program; Canada aims to address the unsustainable growth in recent years while ensuring a positive experience for international students. As of January 22, 2024, post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application.  Secondary, effective February 15, 2024, graduates from master's degree programs less than two years in length are eligible for an extended 3-year PGWP. This change supports their transition to Canada's labor market and potential permanent residence. Other PGWP lengths remain aligned with the study program's duration. IRCC has restricted PGWPs for public-private partnership college programs.  Finally, open work permit eligibility for spouses and common-law par

IRCC sets new wage rules for employers recruiting temporary foreign workers From January 1, 2024, employers recruiting through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must adjust foreign workers' wages to match updated prevailing rates, as per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Although some employers are exempt, this usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The Job Bank updates provincial wage differences annually.  Canada is inviting foreign workers to boost its economy amid labor shortages, with potential losses of $38 billion due to shortages, as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reported. Foreign workers in Canada are legally entitled to the same rights as Canadians, with employers required to ensure a fair work environment and access to healthcare. Even if the prevailing wage falls, the updated wage can never fall below the wage identified in the positive LMIA at any time during a TFW's employment period. Emplo

Canada provides undocumented individuals with a new route to permanent residency  Canada's Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a comprehensive program allowing undocumented people to apply for permanent residence . This aligns with Canada's immigration targets, aiming to admit up to 500,000 immigrants by 2025. An estimated 300,000 to 600,000 individuals currently live in Canada without valid documents, facing potential deportation.  The program will also cover those who overstayed their visas . However, not all will be eligible to apply. Undocumented migrants typically fall out of status due to failing eligibility criteria for overstaying their authorized period. A small portion unlawfully entered or was trafficked into Canada. In addition to people who entered the nation illegally, the proposed program will also cover people who initially came as foreign students or temporary workers and decided to stay in the country after their visas expired. To be a Permanent Residen

US workers showing a growing interest in migrating to Canada Many US workers are considering migrating to Canada due to its welcoming immigration measures, which aim to address labor shortages. In July, Canada launched a pilot program allowing 10,000 H-1B visa holders to apply for a three-year open work permit.  The program reached its cap within 48 hours, and 6,000 US foreign workers have migrated since then. The move can be attributed to restrictions faced by H-1B holders and their families in the US.  Many skilled workers, particularly in tech, were laid off during the "US Tech Wreck," leading them to seek opportunities in Canada. Canada's former Immigration Minister Sean Fraser saw this as an opportunity to fill Canada's STEM shortage, leading to the launch of the Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023. About the Open Work Permit A work permit is a legally recognized document that enables a foreign national to work in Canada. A work permit that has no limits to

  Ontario faces a shortage of construction workers Ontario's construction sector faces a shortage of 72,000 workers, driven by high retirement rates and booming demand for housing and infrastructure. Over 80,000 workers are set to retire in the next decade, needing more new workers to fill their positions.  This shortage could leave about 118,900 construction positions vacant by 2033. The government is investing $3.6 million in projects to prepare 2,200 women and young people for careers in construction. Meanwhile, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that Canada needs 5.8 million new homes for affordable housing, but current construction rates could only supply 2.3 million units by 2030. About the Construction workers in Canada  Canada, which is ranked as the fifth best country in the world to live and work in the construction industry, is becoming a more alluring choice for construction workers seeking greater job opportunities. To put it simply, in terms of funds,