If your immigration application to Canada has been refused, you might be feeling frustrated and confused, especially if the refusal letter was vague. This blog post will help you navigate through the three main options available to challenge a refusal: Reapply, Submit a Reconsideration Request, or Challenge the Refusal in Federal Court. Option 1: Reapply (submit new application) Reapplying is often the most straightforward and cost-effective option. If your application was refused due to issues like insufficient funds or lack of ties to your home country, you can address these concerns in a n ..read more

The reopening of the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) has been nothing short of a debacle. As Canadian immigration lawyers based in Alberta, we have witnessed firsthand the frustration and confusion experienced by thousands of applicants. Here's a detailed breakdown of the challenges and issues that have emerged with the new intake process, along with tips on how you can prepare for future intakes. Unlimited Demand vs. Very Limited Number of Spots On June 11 ,2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) reopened its portal for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, an ..read more

On May 30, 2024, IRCC revealed the introduction of two new advanced analytics tools (in other words, AI tools) designed to optimize the processing of overseas Family Class spousal and partner applications. These tools are part of IRCC's ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to improve client service and processing efficiency while maintaining program integrity. Here's everything you need to know about how these innovative tools are set to transform Spousal Sponsorship in Canada. How do the new IRCC AI tools work? The spousal and partner sponsorship applications are divided into two main ..read more

The good news is that the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) is reopening under the Alberta PNP as of June 11, 2024. The bad news is that, effective June 11, 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is moving to a new system to manage the limited number of nomination spots it has for 2024. The Federal Government gives each Province a certain allocation of nomination spots each year. It has finally been confirmed that Alberta will get the same number of nominations that it had last year: 9,750 spots. To deal with huge demand and in an attempt to try to reduce processing times that ..read more

In a significant update from IRCC released on April 29, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller announced an adjustment to the off-campus work hours for international students. Starting Fall 2024, students will be permitted to work up to 24 hours per week during their studies. This update is part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity of the International Student Program while ensuring students remain shielded from fraud and financial vulnerability. The Off-Campus Work for International Students before May 1, 2024 Before COVID students were permitted to work up to 20 hours per week duri ..read more

The New Tourism & Hospitality Stream On Tuesday, Feb 13, 2024, the AAIP site announced the launch of a new PNP stream that went live March 1, 2024. The AAIP only opened the new tourism & hospitality stream to 500 applicants and the flood of applications caused the stream to max out on the initial intake by the next business day. On Friday, March 1, AAIP said it would accept 500 initial applications and then perhaps over another 100 applications in another stage. As of Monday, March 4, the stream is not open to intakes until the AAIP processes the current applications. Stay tuned becaus ..read more

The Canadian federal government has recently unveiled the CAN Work Philippines initiative, aiming to bolster the work permit process for Filipinos. This new pilot program, spearheaded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at its Manila visa office, aspires to facilitate and expedite work permit procedures for Canadian employers interested in hiring talent from the Philippines. Key Features of CAN Work Philippines: Canadian employers can participate in this program if they intend to employ around 50 or more workers from the Philippines, especially from pivotal sectors such a ..read more

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 medical exams is covered, it allows applicants to access a loan program and it provides assistance through trusted partner organizations who h ..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

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