Our annual budget drives the direction of immigration policy and programming in Canada. Where the money goes, so too goes the future of immigration in the coming years. To better understand this future, I reviewed “Budget 2024: Fairness for every generation” and have set out below my top six takeaways. Stabilization of the Refugee System: The budget allocates significant resources ($743.5 million over five years) to IRCC, CBSA, and IRB to prop up the refugee system. Claims are off the charts, and sufficient resources to handle the spike have been needed for some time. The increased funding ..read more

The world for international students in Canada has seen some radical changes in 2024. Well, we have one more massive change that directly affects the spouses of international student and their eligibility for  SOWP (the Spousal Work Permit) in Canada. This development is significant for couples aiming to build their lives in Canada together, ensuring both partners can contribute to their household and gain valuable Canadian work experience. In this blog post we delve into the specifics of these changes, comparing the previous regulations with the new ones. The SOWP Landscape Before March ..read more

Do you need help with your immigration application or want to consult with a Canadian immigration lawyer about your file? Speak to a Lawyer The New Tourism & Hospitality Stream On Tuesday, Feb 13, 2024, the AAIP site announced the launch of a new PNP stream that will go live March 1, 2024. No applications will be accepted until March 1, 2024. The AAIP will only open the new tourism & hospitality stream to a limited number of applicants (out of Alberta’s total of around 10,000 nominations for 2024, it is predicted that perhaps 8-10% can be nominated under this new stream). A benefit of ..read more

Today, we're delving into a case that's caused quite the stir in the realm of citizenship rights in Canada. In the recent case of Bjorkquist et al. v. Attorney General of Canada, a significant decision was made regarding Canadian citizenship law. This case revolved around the constitutionality of section 3(3)(a) of the Citizenship Act, which restricts Canadian citizens born abroad from automatically passing their citizenship to their children if those children are also born abroad. This provision, often referred to as the "second-generation cut-off", was challenged as it was argued to confer ..read more

Do you need help with your immigration application or want to consult with a Canadian immigration lawyer about your file? Speak to a Lawyer As we approach the end of the year, there’s no better time to start making education, career and immigration plans for the new year. In particular, if you’re hoping to study in Canada in 2023, you need to start the process now, to ensure you have your study permit finalized in time to start your program. Key dates to be aware of  Designated Learning Institutes (DLIs) generally have three intakes throughout the year: ·      Fa ..read more

Do you need help with your immigration application or want to consult with a Canadian immigration lawyer about your file? Speak to a Lawyer What is the new Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)? The EMPP allows skilled refugees or displaced persons who are living outside of Canada to apply directly for Permanent Residence in Canada and IRCC should finalize applications within 6 months. The EMPP makes it easier for people to qualify for PR even if they don’t fit the requirements of other economic programs like Express Entry. Certain IRCC application fees are waived, the cost of immigration m ..read more

At Holthe Immigration Law, we understand the importance of staying informed about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the necessary steps to take when a temporary foreign worker (TFW) goes missing. This blog post aims to provide you with essential information on how to report a missing TFW and address potential immigration violations. When is a TFW Considered Missing? A TFW is considered missing when they fail to report to work without explanation and there is evidence suggesting they do not intend to return. Alternatively, if a TFW does not return to the workplace within a reason ..read more

Embarking on your journey of immigrating to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, it's crucial to comprehend the application process from start to finish. Navigating the minimum eligibility requirements, document checklists, and various rules can be intricate and bewildering. One of the primary points of confusion lies in the fact that a potential applicant for the FSW program must accumulate points through two grading systems: Initially, you need to amass a minimum of 67 FSW points before you're even able to create a profile in the Express Entry system. Then, once the you ..read more

On the 15th of July, an exciting announcement was made by the Minister of Immigration, unveiling a new program that would allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for Permanent Residence in Canada. This new program simplifies the process of family sponsorship and expands the range of eligible relatives who may be sponsored for Permanent Residence. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the program, discuss its implications, and shed some light on who can benefit from this opportunity. Who can sponsor Ukrainian family members? Under the new ..read more

New visa-free countries and the eligibility requirements On June 6, 2023, Canada announced that it extends the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Program by adding 13 new countries. In short, this means that some citizens of these 13 countries no longer require a Visa to travel to Canada. Please note, not all citizens are automatically eligible for the eTA, and only those who meet certain requirements may travel to Canada without a Visa. To be eligible for visa-free travel to Canada you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements: You must be a citizen of one of the following ..read more