As of Oct 27th 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data shows that there are currently 1,792,000 total applications in inventory waiting to be processed. That’s an increase of nearly 350,000 applications since July. The inventory currently consists of (numbers are approximate): ● 548,000 permanent residence applications (economic, family, refugee and humanitarian applicants) ● 776,000 temporary temporary residence applications (work permits, study permits, temporary visitor visas and extensions) ● 468,000 Canadian Citizenship applications According to the IRCC ongoing i ..read more

On April 14, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), announced a new pathway to permanent residence for over 90,000 essential workers and international graduates. These special public policies will grant permanent status to temporary workers and international graduates who are already in Canada and who possess the skills and experience needed to fight the pandemic and accelerate Canada’s economic recovery. Effective May 6, 2021, (IRCC) will begin accepting applications under the following 3 streams: 20,000 applications for temporary workers in health care 30,000 app ..read more

The 2021 IEC pools are now open for individuals looking to live or work in Canada temporarily. IEC is a fantastic program providing people with travel and work experience in Canada. For many this program becomes the first step towards becoming a Permanent Resident.  At this time only 23 countries are eligible. The quotas vary by country as well as by specific program (Co-op Internship, Young Professionals, or Working Holiday). These quotas have been provided below and the 2021 pools will remain open until the quotas have been met.   Important: As per the Canadian government ..read more

The cost for 3-day stays at government approved hotels mandated for most air travellers landing in Canada is likely to be much lower than originally stated by Prime Minister Trudeau. Original estimates were to be around $2,000 however it appears the amount will be closer to $1,200 plus taxes for the 3 nights. This is welcomed news considering many individuals and businesses did not budget for this additional cost.      When Does the Mandatory 3 Day Hotel Quarantine Start? As of February 22, 2021 all international air travellers arriving in Canada are required to take a ..read more

Canada made a huge statement regarding its commitment to immigration by inviting more than 27,000 Express Entry candidates to apply for Permanent Residence. That’s more than 5x’s the former high of 5,000 invitations! In an unprecedented draw, we saw candidates in the express entry pool receive an invitation to apply with 75 points or higher! For reference, the last draw’s threshold score was 454 on January 21.   While we don’t know what the future holds for subsequent express entry draws, a good lesson here is to get yourself in the express entry pool, if you qualify, in hopes o ..read more

This Week’s Canadian VAC Highlights: 5 more Canadian VACs have opened in the new year. VACs in Dusseldorf, Mendoza, San Jose, Panama City & Guatemala City are now “Open with Limited Services” VACs in Mexico City, Kuala Lumpur, Bogota, Dublin, Kyiv, Abu Dhabi & Kigali are now “Temporarily Closed”  Why are Visa Application Centres (VACs) important? With some exceptions, individuals wishing to travel to Canada must submit biometrics. This is done at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). In March VACs were closed globally impacting those looking to visit, work, or study in Cana ..read more

This Week’s Canadian VAC Highlights: Two Brazil & Bangladesh VACs now “Open with Limited Services”. Both VACs in Germany temporarily close. VACs in Sao Paulo, Recife, La Paz, Chittagong, and Sylhet are now “Open with Limited Services” VACs in Berlin & Dusseldorf are now “Temporarily Closed” VACs in Mexico City & The Hague Temporarily Closed but accepting some documents via mail & Courier Why are Visa Application Centres (VACs) important? With some exceptions, individuals wishing to travel to Canada must submit biometrics. This is done at a Visa Application Centre (V ..read more

Canada issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply for Permanent Residence through its latest Express Entry draw on December 9, 2020. This matched the number of invitations issued during the past two draws. Once again the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to receive an invitation for this draw was 469. Candidates from all programs including the PNPs were eligible for this round of invitations. What is the Express Entry System? The Express Entry system is a system to manage applicants (candidates) for three Federal Skilled Worker Programs; Canadian Experience ..read more

This Week’s Canadian VAC Highlights: VACs in Romania, Kosovo and Guinea are now “Open with Limited Services”. VACs in Romania, Kosovo and Guinea are now “Open with Limited Services” VACs in Mexico City and Guatemala City are now “Temporarily Closed” Why are Visa Application Centres (VACs) important? With some exceptions, individuals wishing to travel to Canada must submit biometrics. This is done at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). In March VACs were closed globally impacting those looking to visit, work, or study in Canada as well as those applying for Permanent Resident status. W ..read more

This Week’s Canadian VAC Highlights: All India VACs now Open with limited services by appointment. In addition, eight other VACs outside India upgraded their status to “Open with Limited Services”. All India VACs open and providing limited services by appointment Paris, Buenos Aires, Dublin and Santiago among the other VACs now “Open with Limited Services” Why are Visa Application Centres (VACs) important? With some exceptions, individuals wishing to travel to Canada must submit biometrics. This is done at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). In March VACs were closed globally impactin ..read more