Permanent Residence

Humanitarianism continues to be an important part of Canada’s immigration strategy.

IRCC will now allow physicians who are already in Canada to apply for PR under Express Entry programs.

A Statistics Canada report reveals job vacancies are reaching all-time highs in Canada.

The number of job vacancies in Canada reached a record-high of 1,012,900 in March, more than the previous record of 988,300 in September 2021. There was an increase in 186,400 vacancies between February and March. The job vacancy rate, which measures the number of vacant positions as a proportion of vacant and filled positions, matched the record high of 5.9% also observed last September (not seasonally adjusted).

IRCC is looking to welcome 31,500 French-speaking permanent residents (PRs) in 2025 and 36,000 newcomers under the same category in 2026 for admission outside Quebec.

Perhaps, it’s finally time to stop hiding

Skilled newcomers overqualification must be addressed, amid immediate need for more healthcare professionals.

Canada is lifting its COVID-19 test requirements for fully vaccinated travellers.

Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travellers to Canada will no longer need a pre-arrival COVID-19
test.

The Canadian government announced the new measures would affect travellers arriving at all ports of entry. Although pre-arrival testing requirements will be dropped, the government may still randomly test travellers upon arrival. The purpose of the random tests will be to identify and track COVID-19 variants. If fully vaccinated travellers are selected for an on-arrival test, they will not need to quarantine while waiting on their result.

In addition, the immigration minister may designate international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to Super Visa applicants in the future.

IRCC has just announced major reforms to the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa.

IRCC Minister Sean Fraser is set to announce a new immigration pathway that aims to connect employers in Canada with skilled refugees and displaced persons.

Effective March 1, 2023, new measures will make it easier for Iranians already in Canada to extend their temporary stay and move between temporary streams.

Canada's federal court has ruled that visa officers do not need to consider an applicant's criminal rehabilitation unless it is specifically requested by the applicant.

Canada introduces an action plan to attract French speaking immigrants. The new Action Plan includes $1.4 billion over five years in addition to the $2.7 billion in the previous Action Plan. This adds up to over $4.1 billion over five years. It is the largest amount ever provided by a government to support official languages.

In 2022 over 550,000 new study permits were issued for international students from 184 countries. Currently Canada has almost 810,000 New international students.

A growing number of Canadians report that French is their first official language. IRCC announced the goal of 4.4% of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec by 2023.

Canada has extended its ban on foreign home buyers until 2027 to keep more homes available for its citizens and permanent residents. This move restricts non-Canadians from purchasing residential properties, with exceptions for specific situations like inheritance or property development.

Asia

IRCC’s primary objective in Asia is migration management and refugee protection.

Canada’s population has surpassed 40 million people.

The military is making major change to its recruitment policy.

The inventory across all lines of business has progressed as follows since July 2021:

The backlog has grown by nearly 300,000 people since June.