Category: News

From the vitality of the cities to the splendour of nature, Canada is a truly wide and varied country. The same can be said about how different the cost of living is around the provinces and cities. Hang on to your hat as we go into more detail about the cost of living throughout each of the provinces and largest cities in Canada. Heads up;
Toronto isn’t the most expensive city in Canada.

We shall also explore factors that contribute to such costs and how you can manage your expenses well to thrive in this competitive and expensive country.

Overview of the Cost of Living in Canada

Canada ranks as the 25th most expensive country to live in around the world, with a cost of living index rating of 66.1 against the index of 100 for New York City. This ultimately means that living in Canada would be approximately 34% less costly than living in New York City. However, the cost of living does vary markedly between provinces and cities.

Key Factors Affecting Cost of Living

Accommodation

• Rent: The rent is much higher in metropolitan cities like Toronto and Vancouver, especially for bigger apartments.
• Owning a House: Buying a house is also quite expensive, especially in renowned cities.

Transportation

• Public Transportation: Public transportation in cities like Toronto and Vancouver is quite good; however, the travel expense is costly.
• Car: To own a car, expenses regarding insurance, fuel, and maintenance need to be considered.

Food

• Groceries: The cost of food items keeps fluctuating based on individual requirements and one’s way of shopping.
• Dining Out: Eating out is not financially viable to do on a regular basis.

Utilities

• Electricity, Gas, and Water: Price will vary depending on the place of residence and personal use.
• Internet and Phone: Now that they are essentially a given in life, they become yet another addition to the monthly list.

Healthcare

• Public Healthcare: While Canada pays for universal health care, there are additional costs for prescription medication, dental, and vision.

Cost of Living by Province

City	Province	Cost Index	Rent Index	Cost Plus Rent Index	Groceries Index	Restaurant Price Index
Vancouver	British Columbia	72.7	52.3	62.9	70.3	77.6
Victoria	British Columbia	77.2	45.1	61.8	77.1	75.7
Toronto	Ontario	73.5	49	61.8	67.9	80.3
Nanaimo	British Columbia	75.3	35.3	56.1	74.7	64.6
Mississauga	Ontario	65.6	44	55.2	56.4	55.6
Calgary	Alberta	73.2	33.2	54.1	66.2	71.7
Ottawa	Ontario	70.3	35.1	53.4	63	72.3
Halifax	Nova Scotia	68.6	33.1	51.6	68.2	65.1
Brampton	Ontario	63.9	35.5	50.3	56.2	59.8
Edmonton	Alberta	70.6	25.3	48.9	65.5	74.6
Montreal	Quebec	66	29.7	48.6	64.1	65.8
Fredericton	New Brunswick	70	23.6	47.8	70.9	67.9
Winnipeg	Manitoba	66.5	25.4	46.8	65.8	30.1
Red Deer	Alberta	67.2	24.3	46.6	64.4	60
Saskatoon	Saskatchewan	67.2	24	46.5	62.4	62.1
Quebec City	Quebec	68.6	21.5	46	65	68.6
Regina	Saskatchewan	62.4	21.8	43	59.9	57

Average Monthly Costs by City

City	Monthly Cost for a Family of Three
Toronto	$5,305
Vancouver	$5,693
Montreal	$3,893
Quebec City	$3,832
Ottawa	$4,872
Calgary	$5,594
Edmonton	$4,943
Winnipeg	$4,241
Halifax	$4,911
St. John’s	$4,370

Tips for Managing Your Budget

Budgeting

• Track Your Spending: Employ budgeting applications as well as spreadsheet skills to track your income and your spending.
• Set Financial Goals: Highlight most of your short-run and long-run financial goals.
• Prioritize Expenses: Use your budget for vital needs such as housing, food, and transportation.

Choose Your Location Wisely

• Consider Smaller Cities: The living cost for cities like Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Ottawa is on the low side.
• Consider Rural Areas: The cost of living in rural areas is well below the average.

Take Government Benefits Where Possible

• Child Benefits: Yes, immigrants can also receive child benefits through the Canadian government. However, there are a few criteria that you will need to meet.
• Tax Credits: Take all possible tax credits/deductions that you qualify for in reducing your taxes to as low as possible.

Cook at Home

• Meal Planning: Plan meals to reduce food waste, a major cost-saver in food.
• Cook in Bulk: Cook more; portion out and freeze enough for other meals.

Avail Public Transportation

• Monthly Pass: In case you use public transportation frequently, then it is highly advisable to invest in a monthly pass.
• Walking and Biking: Both of them are excellent modes of transportation that will save you on transportation.

By realizing these factors that dictate the cost of living in Canada, plus practicing the best practices in budgeting, you can enjoy all the benefits of Canada with full confidence without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Canada depends greatly on your location and spending habits. However, following the above tips can help you better manage your finances and minimize expenses. Be it for work, family, or a change of scenery, this guide can help you better prepare for a seamless transition to being an immigrant in Canada.

Canada, being a multicultural country, encompasses festivals and various celebrations that represent the diversified cultural heritage within it. Many of these celebrations originate from the traditions of Canada and the various multi-cultural backgrounds of the people; all are invited. 

Indeed, these are great avenues through which one can get connected, learn, and be part of Canadian society for the newcomers. Below is an overview of some of the most prominent festivals and holidays in Canadian culture combined with some resources that may support the participation of newcomers.

Canadian Holidays: A Window into National Traditions

Statutory Canadian holidays are indicative of the nation’s history, values, and concepts of identity. These holidays also offer ways to build communities through shared experiences. 

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Canadians address the end of the year in huge groups of firework, skating parties, and free outdoor concerts. Events offered at community levels such as free public skating and countdowns help to solidify relationships amongst them.

Good Friday and Easter Monday(Dates Vary)

These Christian holidays mark the Easter season with attending church services, family gatherings, and Easter egg hunts. Communities may also have Easter brunches or children’s events. 

Victoria Day (Last Monday Before May 25)

Summer begins with this holiday celebrated with fireworks and parades, along with outdoor events in honour of Queen victoria’s birthday. 

Canada Day (July 1)

A national statutory holiday to celebrate Confederation in 1867, Canada Day is a national statutory holiday usually celebrated with parades, music, fireworks and barbecues. Events take place across urban and rural areas, and newcomers are encouraged to participate.

Labour Day (First Monday in September)

Labour Day has been celebrated by parades, festivals, and even barbecues. It is even termed as a day of rest and a day that determines the unofficial end of summer before school starts again.

Thanksgiving

This is the time when families and friends come together and enjoy traditional food like roasted turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Many organizations coordinate food drives, so this is an excellent time for newcomers to help other people during the celebration of harvest season. 

Remembrance Day (November 11)

Remembrance Day shows respect for veterans and to the people who died in war. Traditionally, it was observed with ceremonies and one minute of silence. Newcomers participate by wearing a red poppy and also by visiting community monuments. 

Christmas and Boxing Day (December 25 & 26)

The holiday season is a time for festive decorations, exchanging gifts, and celebrating togetherness with loved ones.
Boxing Day accommodates post-Christmas sales and recreational activities. Holiday markets, community feasts, charity functions are for everyone: new immigrants included.

International and National Events: A Showcase of Skills and Innovation.

Canada’s multicultural character finds expression in globally recognized festivals that celebrate arts and music and ingenuity.

Montreal International Jazz Festival Late June to Early July

North America’s largest jazz festival features hundreds of artists from all over the world. From the seasoned jazz aficionado to those people who don’t know the first thing about the genre, this is one event that is just exploding with energy inside and out.

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF, Mid-September)

TIFF screens films from all over the world, and one can see films screened and question sessions with filmmakers and socialize during various social events. Other miscellaneous forms of attractions also include face paint, bouncy castles, and trampolines.

Calgary Stampede (July)

This is a 10-day extravaganza that salutes Western heritage with rodeos, top-of-the-line concerts, and parties. The event enables the newcomers to be in contact with the country life of Canada.

Quebec Winter Carnival (Late January to Early February)

This iconic winter festival, with its ice and snow sculptures, parades, and family-friendly activities, always makes for a highlight in any Canadian winter.

Winterlude (Late January to Early February)

This is held in Ottawa; it provides ice skating along the Rideau Canal, Snow Sculptures, and cultural performances.
There is a feeling of festivity in the air and events that are oriented towards family members.

Cultural Festivals of Immigrant Communities: A Tribute to Multiculturalism 

Immigrant communities do much to add to Canada’s kaleidoscope of rich cultural heritage through a host of festivals celebrating each community’s culture and tradition.

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

A major Hindu, Sikh, and Jain celebration marked by bright lights, fireworks, and feasting. Immigrants celebrate Diwali and its religious observances with a series of community events centered around a local temple or cultural center.

Lunar New Year

Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities celebrate with dragon dances, lanterns and ethnic foods. Most cities have parades, performances and public celebrations that anyone can attend.

Caribana (Toronto Caribbean Carnival)

This glorious festival is a reflection of Caribbean culture, with parades, music, and dancing. The tourists can have fun watching the parade, go around the Caribbean food markets, and catch up with the coloured season.

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

These Islamic holidays are observed through prayers, special meals, and acts of charity. Events may also be held at local community centers and mosques where newcomers can take part in the cultural and religious significance of such events.

Vaisakhi

This Sikh festival is celebrated by parades, traditional music, and free community meals. Newcomers can join this street festival and share with the Sikh communities.

Conclusion

Diversity in Canada opens a whole world of inclusive culture whereby people can come from different walks of life and celebrate as one. To a newcomer, these events mean more than celebrations but a gateway to integration within Canadian society for the purpose of finding connections and exploring the varied cultural landscapes of the country.

This will give one a glimpse into the essence of Canadian culture through participation in national holidays, international festivals, and immigrant community celebrations. The opportunity will give you, besides joy, your place in the most hospitable and welcoming Canadian community.

Let us start with a quote by J.P. Morgan that goes “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”

Canada is certainly an amazing country and because of the fact that it is quite north on the globe, it gets pretty cold during the winter. Immigrating to a new country to start a new life, a different life than your previous one,is in itself pretty challenging. So, if you’re someone new to Canada and this is your first Canadian winter,it can be quite a challenge for you. That said, it’s a lot easier to traverse through the winter if you are well prepared, both physically and mentally. In fact, it can also turn out to be fun. 

So, here is an all-encompassing guide on how to not just survive but thrive through your first (and maybe more) Canadian winter as an immigrant in Canada.

Dress for the Weather

Learning how to dress for the cold is where adapting to the Canadian winter really begins.

Science of Layering

Putting on multiple layers of clothing on your body traps warm air close to your body, and it gives flexibility where temperatures may fluctuate.

• Base Layer: Wear thermals or moisture-wicking ones that draw the sweat off your skin. Cotton would not be the best thing to wear as it retains moisture and in turn, can make you cold.

• Middle Layer: This layer should be made of insulating materials like wool and fleece that trap body heat.

• Outer Layer: Choose one of the windproof and waterproof jackets or parkas to keep snow, rain, and wind off. 

Cover the Extremities

Protect your head, hands, and feet from cold with the use of a hat, insulated gloves, and thermal socks. For protection against icy winds, your face and neck need protection with a scarf or neck warmer.

Quality vs. Cost

Winter gear can be a little pricey, but it can be considered an investment as they tend to last longer than cheap ones. Many Canadian stores offer end-of-season discounts, and second-hand shops often also carry reasonably priced gear. Look for brands known for their winter expertise.

Stay Dry to Stay Warm

Wet clothes are the quickest way to become cold; hence, it is of great importance not to get wet in winter conditions.

• Waterproof Footwear: Snow and slush can soak through regular shoes, so invest in waterproof, insulated boots with good grip to prevent slipping on icy sidewalks.

• Carry Extra Clothing: Keep an extra pair of socks, gloves, or a scarf in your bag. This is especially helpful if you’re commuting or spending extended time outdoors.

• Waterproof Bags and Covers: Use waterproof covers for your bags to protect your belongings from snow and rain.

Keep Moving

Exercising is a natural heating method as well as a great way to maintain physical and mental health during colder months.

• Indoor Fitness: Stay active by joining your local gym or community center. Most offer free or low-cost classes in yoga, dance, or swimming. It can also be a very great way to meet new people.

• Winter Sports: Ski, snowboard, go snowshoeing, and ice skate. Not only will they keep you moving, but it’s also the fun side of winter.

• Daily Walks: Even short walks in a well-layered outfit can invigorate and fight off that lethargy usually developed by the cold.

Know When to Stay Indoors

Sometimes it is better and safer to remain indoors.

• Monitor Weather Conditions: Use a dependable weather application so that you can know daily forecasts on temperature, wind chill, and storm warnings. Very low extreme cold warnings, such as -30°C or lower, and blizzards are indications to remain indoors.

• Avoid Peak Cold Hours: Understand that early mornings and late nights are always much colder in their intensity.
  Do all your running around and other outdoor activities during daylight whenever possible.

• Public Transportation Alerts: Storms with snow or ice may lead to delays or disrupt public transportation systems. Check for updates on services before heading out.

Fight Winter Dehydration

Most people really don’t consider winter hydration as much. The cold, dry air gives no typical signs of dehydration,like sweating.

• Warm Drinks: Have plenty of hot teas, infusions, and warm soups to keep one hydrated and warm.
• Wholesome Diet: Incorporate fruits and vegetables rich in water content into your diet, such as oranges, apples,and cucumbers. They will not only hydrate but also rejuvenate your immunity.
• Humidify Your Home: Dry air inside your house can further cause dehydration. Keep the moisture level high in your living area by using a humidifier.

Winterize Your Home

Your home needs to be a haven of warmth and coziness during days of harsh winter.

• Insulation Is the Key: Seal drafts at windows and doors. Apply weather-stripping and window film on them as it immensely cuts down the loss of heat. Thick curtains or blinds also help retain heat.

• Heating Systems: Understand the heating system in your home and make sure that it operates well. A checkup by a professional should be scheduled if necessary.

• Cozy your space: Throw in rugs, blankets to make it warm and cozy. They also offer added insulation.

• Winterize Your Vehicle: If you drive, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready with winter tires, an ice scraper, and an emergency kit complete with blankets, a flashlight, and non-perishable snacks.

Be Prepared for Winter Emergencies

Winter in Canada can be utterly unpredictable; preparedness is key.

• Emergency Kit: This can include blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable food in case of power outages or violent storms.

• Learn Basic First Aid: Knowing how to identify and treat frostbite, hypothermia, and other weather conditions of winter can mean the difference between life and death.

• Stay Connected: Keep your cellphone juiced up and have a handy list of emergency contact numbers.

Embrace the Season

Winter isn’t just about survival but rather about the wonders that come with it, too.

• Winter Festivals: Canada has some quite famous festivals during winter, such as Winterlude in Ottawa, Carnaval de Québec, and various holiday markets throughout the country. These are perfect chances to have an experience of Canadian culture.

• Capture Winter Beauty: The snow-clad landscapes, trees covered with frost, and sparkling formation of ice-all these are sights to see. Wrap up warm, grab your camera, and go explore nearby parks and trails.

• Comfort Food: Discover traditional Canadian winter foods like poutine, butter tarts, and hearty soups to keep you warm and satisfied.

Find Support in Your Community

Settling into a new country is never easy, but finding some connection to others can make it easier.

• Settlement Agencies: Most settlement agencies offer a variety of programs for newcomers like you, including winter survival workshops and other resources free or low in cost that will help you adjust to your new life in Canada.

• Social Groups: Find a book club, cultural group, or meetup activity where you can be with people who understand exactly what you are going through.

• Language Classes: If English or French isn’t your mother tongue, then taking language classes will surely help in easier integration and will also increase your circle of friends.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Your first winter in Canada can be challenging but isn’t anything new challenging in the beginning?
Wasn’t learning to ride a bicycle or correct grammatical sentences tough too? But everything in life becomes easier when one faces everything with optimism.

• Small Victories: Whether it be learning to shovel snow or having your first maple taffy, celebrate the little victories and successes.

• Taking Care of Self: Pamper yourself with relaxing activities like reading, warm baths, and cozy movie nights,which help beat the winter blues.

• Keep Connected: Always stay close to your family and friends who are living back in your home country. Sharing experiences will make you closer and more supported.

Conclusion

The Canadian winter is a season of contrasts: challenging yet magical, cold yet heartwarming. By preparing yourself,staying active, and embracing the opportunities the season offers, you’ll find that winter can be an enriching part of your journey as an immigrant in Canada. Each snowflake and frosty morning is a step closer to becoming a seasoned Canadian resident. 

Now, if you require any help from Immigration consultation or services, you can reach out to us without any hesitation. We’re happy to help you in every way possible!

Join our online information session on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11 AM Toronto Time!

If you are thinking of immigrating to Canada and looking for a job, you might find this session very helpful.

We will guide you through the best practices, resources, and tips for finding employment in Canada. We will also explain the different options for becoming a permanent resident of Canada, such as the category-based selection, the requirements, and the CRS score.

This is a great opportunity to learn from licensed professionals about the Canadian job market and the immigration process. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—register now to secure your spot.

On December 7, 2023, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller announced four new measures to better protect international students.

• Starting from January 1, 2024, new study permit applicants will have to prove they have enough funds to cover their living expenses, tuition fees, and travel costs. The minimum amount for living expenses will be $20,635, which is 75% of the low-income cut-off (LICO) for a single person.

• If you are an international student in Canada or have applied for a study permit by December 7, 2023, you can work more than 20 hours per week off campus until April 30, 2024. IRCC is exploring ways to make this policy more flexible in the future, such as allowing international students to work off-campus for 30 hours per week during the academic term.

• The policy that allows international students to include online learning in their post-graduation work permit eligibility will end on September 1, 2024. Students who start their study program before this date can still benefit from this policy, but only if online learning is less than half of their program. Students who start their study program on or after this date will not be able to use online learning for their work permit eligibility.

• Post-graduation work permit holders whose permits expire by December 31, 2023, can still apply for an extra 18-month work permit. This is a temporary policy that will not be renewed.

Need help? – Contact us

Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) is a temporary public policy pathway that allows certain temporary residents who are currently working in Canada as well as their families to apply for permanent residence for a limited time.

Who are eligible?

• Those Who Have One Year (1560 Hours) Or An Equal Amount Of Part-Time Experience In An Essential Occupation Or The Health Service Field. And,
  •  
• Recent Graduates From A Canadian Post-Secondary Institution (It Is Now Closed)
  •  

Application limit:

• 20,000 – Health Care Workers In Canada
  •  
• 30,000 – Essential Workers In Canada
  •  
• 40,000 – International Graduates From A Canadian Institution (Reached Maximum Number And It Is Now Closed.
  •  
• Unlimited – French-Speaking Health Cares Workers In Canada
  •  
• Unlimited – French Speaking Essential Workers In Canada
  •  
• Unlimited – French-Speaking International Graduates From A Canadian Institution
  •  

Who can apply through the Healthcare/Essential worker stream?

• Currently Working And Living In Canada
  •  
• Have Valid Status In Canada
  •  
• Have A Minimum Language Of CLB 4 In Each Band (Listening, Reading, Speaking, And Writing)
  •  
• Have At Least 1 Year Of Eligible Work Experience (1560 Hours) In The Past 3 Years And Must Be Employed In Canada When You Submit Your Application
  •  
• Plan To Live Outside Of Quebec

 

Eligible Occupation:

Eligible essential occupations

NOC	Occupation
6611	Cashiers
6621	Service station attendants
6622	Store shelf stockers, clerks, and order fillers
6623	Other sales-related occupations
7201	Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades, and related occupations
7202	Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades, and telecommunications occupations
7203	Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
7204	Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
7205	Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and servicers
7231	Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
7232	Tool and die makers
7233	Sheet metal workers
7234	Boilermakers
7235	Structural metal and plate work fabricators and fitters
7236	Ironworkers
7237	Welders and related machine operators
7241	Electricians (except industrial and power system)
7242	Industrial electricians
7243	Power system electricians
7244	Electrical power line and cable workers
7245	Telecommunications line and cable workers
7246	Telecommunications installation and repair workers
7247	Cable television service and maintenance technicians
7251	Plumbers
7252	Steamfitters, pipefitters, and sprinkler system installers
7253	Gas fitters
7271	Carpenters
7272	Cabinetmakers
7281	Bricklayers
7282	Concrete finishers
7283	Tilesetters
7284	Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers
7291	Roofers and shinglers
7292	Glaziers
7293	Insulators
7294	Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
7295	Floor covering installers
7441	Residential and commercial installers and servicers
7442	Waterworks and gas maintenance workers
7444	Pest controllers and fumigators
7445	Other repairers and servicers
7451	Longshore workers
7452	Material handlers
7511	Transport truck drivers
7512	Bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit operators
7513	Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs
7514	Delivery and courier service drivers
7521	Heavy equipment operators (except crane)
7522	Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
7531	Railway yard and track maintenance workers
7532	Water transport deck and engine room crew
7533	Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations
7534	Air transport ramp attendants
7535	Other automotive mechanical installers and servicers
7611	Construction trades helpers and laborers
7612	Other trades helpers and laborers
7621	Public works and maintenance laborers
7622	Railway and motor transport laborers
8611	Harvesting laborers
8612	Landscaping and grounds maintenance laborers
8613	Aquaculture and marine harvest laborers
8614	Mine laborers
8615	Oil and gas drilling, servicing, and related laborers
1511	Mail, postal, and related workers
1512	Letter carriers
1513	Couriers, messengers, and door-to-door distributors
6421	Retail salespersons
6731	Light duty cleaners
6732	Specialized cleaners
6733	Janitors, caretakers, and building superintendents
8431	General farm workers
8432	Nursery and greenhouse workers
8441	Fishing vessel deckhands
8442	Trappers and hunters
9461	Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
9462	Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers
9463	Fish and seafood plant workers
9465	Testers and graders, food and beverage processing
0821	Managers in agriculture
0822	Managers in horticulture
4031	French and French immersion secondary school teachers (the language of instruction must be French)
4032	French and French immersion elementary school and kindergarten teachers (the language of instruction must be French)
4411	Home childcare providers
4413	Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
6331	Retail butchers
6523	Airline ticket and service agents
6524	Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives, and related clerks
6541	Security guards and related security service occupations
6551	Customer services representatives – financial institutions
6552	Other customer and information services representatives
8252	Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors, and specialized livestock workers
8255	Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services
9617	Labourers in food and beverage processing
9618	Labourers in fish and seafood processing

Eligible healthcare occupations

NOC	Occupation
3011	Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
3012	Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
3111	Specialist physicians
3112	General practitioners and family physicians
3113	Dentists
3121	Optometrists
3122	Chiropractors
3124	Allied primary health practitioners
3125	Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
3131	Pharmacists
3132	Dietitians and nutritionists
3141	Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
3142	Physiotherapists
3143	Occupational therapists
3144	Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
3211	Medical laboratory technologists
3212	Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants
3214	Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
3215	Medical radiation technologists
3216	Medical sonographers
3217	Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c.
3219	Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)
3221	Denturists
3222	Dental hygienists and dental therapists
3223	Dental technologists, technicians, and laboratory assistants
3231	Opticians
3232	Practitioners of natural healing
3233	Licensed practical nurses
3234	Paramedical occupations
3236	Massage therapists
3237	Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
3411	Dental assistants
3413	Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
3414	Other assisting occupations in support of health services
4151	Psychologists
4152	Social workers
4153	Family, marriage, and other related counselors
4165	Health policy researchers, consultants, and program officers
4212	Social and community service workers
4412	Home support workers, housekeepers, and related occupations

The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a new Agri-Food Pilot program and it will accept applications from May 15, 2020, to May 14, 2023

Who are eligible to apply?

• Work Experience: You Must Have A Minimum Of 1 Year Of Non-Seasonal, Full-Time Canadian Work Experience In The Past 3 Years (At Least 1,560 Hours) In 1 Or More Of The Below Eligible Occupations Listed Under 1 Of The Eligible Industry
  • If You Are Applying Through The Temporary Foreign Worker Program: A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) With A Minimum 12-Month Duration Must Have Been Submitted By Your Employer When Hiring You. Any Work Experience You Gained While Holding An Open Work Permit Does Not Count.
• Job Offer: The Job Offer Must Meet ALL Of The Following Requirements:
  • The Job Must Be In An Eligible Occupation Listed Under 1 Of The Eligible Industries As Stated Above.
  • The Job Must Be Full-Time – This Means You Work At Least 30 Paid Hours Per Week.
  • The Job Must Be Non-Seasonal – This Means You Have Consistent And Regularly Scheduled Paid Employment Throughout The Year
  • Your Employment Is Permanent – This Means That There Is No Set End Date.
  • For Unionized Positions, The Wage Must Be Determined By The Applicable Collective Agreement.
  • For Non-Unionized Positions, The Wage Must Meet Or Exceed The Job Bank’s Prevailing (Median) Wage For The Occupation Listed On Your Job Offer In The Province Of Employment (Or At The National Level If No Provincial Rate Is Available).
  • Your Job Offer Must Be For A Job In Canada Outside Of Quebec.
• Language: CLB 4 On All Bands And Must Submit Your Results From An Approved Language Test And It Must Be Less Than 2 Years Old When You Apply.
• Education: You Must Have At Least A Canadian High School Diploma Or An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report From A Designated Organization. The ECA Report Must Be Less Than 5 Years.
• Settlement Funds: You Must Have A Minimum Balance For The Past 6 Months As Indicated Below:

Number of Families	Funds required in CAD
1	12,960
2	16,135
3	19,836
4	24,083
5	27,315
6	30,806
7	34,299
For each additional family member	3,492

What are the Eligible Industries?

Eligible Industries under the pilot by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):

• Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
• Greenhouse, Nursery, And Floriculture Production, Including Mushroom Production (NAICS 1114)
• Animal Production, Excluding Aquaculture
  • Cattle Ranching And Farming (NAICS 1121)
  • Hog And Pig Farming (NAICS 1122)
  • Poultry And Egg Production (NAICS 1123)
  • Sheep And Goat Farming (NAICS 1124)
  • Other Animal Production (NAICS 1129)

What are the Eligible Occupations?

Under meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116), eligible jobs are

• NOC B 6331 – Retail Butchers
• NOC C 9462 – Industrial Butchers
• NOC B 8252 – Farm Supervisors And Specialized Livestock Workers
• NOC D 9617 – Food Processing Laborers

Under greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114), eligible jobs are

• NOC B 8252 – Farm Supervisors And Specialized Livestock Workers
• NOC C 8431 – General Farm Workers
• NOC D 8611 – Harvesting Laborers

Under For animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, and 1129), eligible jobs are

• NOC B 8252 – Farm Supervisors And Specialized Livestock Workers
• NOC C 8431 – General Farm Workers

How many applications will be accepted by eligible occupations?

There are annual limits on the number of applications that will be processed for each eligible occupation. Starting on January 1 of each year, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. This pilot will last for 3 years.

Eligible occupation	Number of applications accepted per year
Farm supervisor or specialized livestock worker (NOC B 8252)	50
Industrial butcher (NOC C 9462) or retail butcher (NOC B 6331)	1470
Food processing laborer (NOC D 9617)	730
General farm worker (NOC C 8431)	200
Harvesting laborer (NOC D 8611)	300

How to Apply for Permanent Residence?

If you have both a job offer and work experience you can then apply for Permanent Residence. If you don’t meet both requirements, your application for PR will be refused.Once the paper application is completed, mail your application to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The 2020‒2022 Immigration Levels Plan has been announced today by the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. According to the proposed plan, Canada will welcome 341,000 new permanent residents in 2020, 351,000 in 2021, and 361,000 in 2022 Similarly, Francophone immigration outside Quebec will also be increased.

2020-2022 Immigration Levels Plan

Immigrant Category	Stream	Target 2020	Target 2021	Target 2022
Economic	Federal High Skilled	91,800	91,150	91,550
	Federal Business	750	750	750
	Economic Pilots: Caregivers; Agri-Food Immigration Pilot; Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot	5,200	7,150	9,500
	Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program	5,000	5,000	5,000
	Provincial/Territorial Nominee Program	67,800	71,300	73,000
	Quebec Skilled Workers and Business	25,250	TBD	TBD
	Total Economic	195,800	203,050	212,050
Family	Spouses, Partners, and Children	70,000	70,000	70,000
	Parents and Grandparents	21,000	21,000	21,000
	Total Family	91,000	91,000	91,000
Refugees and Protected Persons	Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad	18,000	20,000	20,000
	Resettled Refugees – Government-Assisted	10,700	10,950	11,450
	Resettled Refugees – Privately Sponsored	20,000	20,000	20,000
	Resettled Refugees – Blended Visa Office-Referred	1,000	1,000	1,000
	Total Refugees and Protected Persons	49,700	51,950	52,950
Humanitarian and Other	Total Humanitarian & Compassionate and Other	4,500	5,000	5,000
	Overall Planned Permanent Resident Admissions	341,000	351,000	361,000

Today’s express entry draw drops the CRS score to 442 and immigration Canada has issued 3000 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency.Today’s express entry draw drops the CRS score to 442 and immigration Canada has issued 3000 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency. This is the lowest score we’ve seen for the year 2018 so far. The cut-off score was 444 in the previous draw.

Congratulations to all our clients who made it through!

According to the announcement made in August 2018, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept up to 20,000 applications on a first-come-first-serve basis to sponsor parents and grandparents in the year 2019.

You may sponsor your parents and grandparents by completing an Interest to Sponsor Form online at the beginning of 2019. You and the co-signer must meet the income requirements to sponsor. The date of submitting your Interest to Sponsor online will be published soon.

 Who is eligible to sponsor?

Anyone who is living in Canada can sponsor their parents and grandparents if they are:

• 18 Years Of Age Or Older
• Canadian Citizen, Or
• Permanent Resident, Or
• Registered As N Indian Under Canadian Indian Act

Sponsor’s Responsibility:

• Support The Sponsored Person And Their Depends Financially
• Sign The Sponsor Agreement
• Meet The Three Years Income Requirements And Provide Your Notice Of Assessment From The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) As Proof That You Meet The Requirements For Taxation Years 2017, 2016, And 2015.

You can apply for an open work permit to come and work in Canada under the Working Holiday Program for up to 12 months depending on your country of citizenship.

The province of Saskatchewan issued 743 new invitations on December 6, 2018. According to the information we received

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in one of Canada’s 4 Atlantic Provinces.

If you’d like your parents and grandparents to come to Canada, they may be eligible to apply for a super visa which could let them

Canadians and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada will have an opportunity to submit an interest to sponsor form online

From June 18, 2019, the Caregiver programs would undergo some changes. These aim to provide for an easier pathway to permanent residence for caregivers in Canada.

The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots would supersede the previous programs Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs respectively.

The new programs are more “occupation-specific”. This means that employees can change employers as long as it is within the same occupation. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is no longer required. And so, application and processing times are shortened.

Each program allows 2,750 applications annually; up to 5,500 if including immediate family.

Candidates must now apply for their Work Permit and Permanent Residence together.

Basic Immigration Criteria (for Employees)

• Work Experience In The Respective Field; Under NOC 4411 Home Child Care Provider Or NOC 4412 Home Support Worker. At Least 2 Years Are Required For Permanent Residency
• Have A Genuine And Valid Job Offer From A Canadian Employer
• Have At Least CLB 5 Language Skills
• At Least 1-Year Post-Secondary Education Or Equivalent To Canadian Standards

Job Offer Criteria (for Employers)

• The Job Offer Must Be Made Using Offer Of Employment IMM 5983
• Job Must Be Full Time And Located Anywhere In Canada But Quebec
• The Job Offer Must Match The Respective NOC 4411 Or 4412
• The Employer Should Be Able To Display That They Were Unable To Fill That Role Through A Canadian Citizen Or Permanent Resident

If you are applying from outside Canada:

• You Must First Be Eligible For This Stream (Satisfy Basic Requirements)
• Any Accompanying Family Members May Also Have To Undergo Biometrics
• You Must Certify And Translate Any Documents If They Are Not In English Or French, And Provide An Affidavit From The Person Who Did The Translation Unless They Are Certified In Canada
• Once Requested, You And Any Accompanying Family Members Must Undergo An Immigration Medical Exam
• Police Certificates From Countries With More Than 6 Months Of Consecutive Residence After The Age Of 18 Are Mandatory. The Canadian Government Will Process All Background And Criminal Checks Respectively
• Submit All Documents And Application Forms Together, For Both Work Permit And Permanent Residence
• You Will Receive Your Permanent Residency After Generating 2 Years Acceptable Work Experience

If you are applying from inside Canada, you must be in and have legal status in Canada.

Study Permit, Visitor Visa, Work Permit, and Permanent Residence

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) won’t refuse your application just in case you can’t complete the next step such as completing a medical examination, submitting your passport, police certificate, and/or Biometrics. You will automatically get 90 days to complete your biometrics.

If you are in Canada as a visitor and your status have not expired you can apply to extend your stay in Canada.

If you are a worker or a student and you are no longer working or studying but your permit has not expired then you can apply to change your status to the visitor.

If your visitor visa, study permit, or work permit has already expired and if it is less than 90 days since your status expired you can apply to restore your status.

You can withdraw your application and IRCC will refund your fee in 24 hours if the application processing has not started.

If you are about to submit your PR through the express entry you still need to submit your application within 60 days of receiving an ITA however you could submit missing documents via Web Form. Make sure you indicate all those missing documents while submitting an application within 60 days.

Permanent Residence Applicants:

If you have applied and approved your permanent residence application, but you can’t travel to Canada before your PR documents expire, you can notify Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the web form. When it is possible for you to travel then let the IRCC know using the web form and they will provide you with further instructions to restart the process.

Starting March 16, 2020, and until April 13, 2020 landing appointments will be held by telephone only.

If your confirmation of permanent residence has already expired you can notify the IRCC using the web form explaining why you were not able to travel. Then IRCC will provide you with detailed information to restart processing.

Canadian Citizen Applicants:

IRCC has canceled all citizenship tests, retests, ceremonies, and itinerant service trips until further notice. If you need to submit your documents you will be given an additional 30 days and for medical opinion forms, you will be given additional 45 days to submit. To apply for citizenship you need to make sure that you have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years being a permanent resident.

Refugee in Canada

IRCC has canceled all refugee claimant appointments until April 13, 2020. IRCC will contact you for the new appointment.

You may still submit an in-person refugee claim.

Yesterday – January 15, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program also known as ONIP issued 954 notifications of interest (NOIs) to Express Entry candidates with CRS scores between 460 – 472 and work experience in the following professions:

• 2173 Software Engineers And Designers
• 2174 Computer Programmer And Interactive Media Developers
• 2147 Computer Engineers
• 2175 Web Designers And Developers
• 2172 Database Analysts And Data Administrators
• 0213 Computer And Information Systems Managers

Last week on January 9, 2020, ONIP issued 242 NOIs to candidates who had CRS scores between 433 and 472 who may qualify for ONIP’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream.

Those who have received an NOI must submit their application online within 45 calendar days. The government fee is CAD $1,500

Candidates who speak the French language will have a better chance to receive an NOI even if they have a lower score.

From June 18, 2019, the Caregiver programs would undergo some changes. These aim to provide for an easier pathway to permanent residence for caregivers in Canada.

The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots would supersede the previous programs Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs respectively.

The new programs are more “occupation-specific”. This means that employees can change employers as long as it is within the same occupation. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is no longer required. And so, application and processing times are shortened.

Each program allows 2,750 applications annually; up to 5,500 if including immediate family.

Candidates must now apply for their Work Permit and Permanent Residence together.

Basic Immigration Criteria (for Employees)

• Work Experience In The Respective Field; Under NOC 4411 Home Child Care Provider Or NOC 4412 Home Support Worker. At Least 2 Years Are Required For Permanent Residency
• Have A Genuine And Valid Job Offer From A Canadian Employer
• Have At Least CLB 5 Language Skills
• At Least 1-Year Post-Secondary Education Or Equivalent To Canadian Standards

Job Offer Criteria (for Employers)

• The Job Offer Must Be Made Using Offer Of Employment IMM 5983
• Job Must Be Full Time And Located Anywhere In Canada But Quebec
• The Job Offer Must Match The Respective NOC 4411 Or 4412
• The Employer Should Be Able To Display That They Were Unable To Fill That Role Through A Canadian Citizen Or Permanent Resident

If you are applying from outside Canada:

• You Must First Be Eligible For This Stream (Satisfy Basic Requirements)
• Any Accompanying Family Members May Also Have To Undergo Biometrics
• You Must Certify And Translate Any Documents If They Are Not In English Or French, And Provide An Affidavit From The Person Who Did The Translation Unless They Are Certified In Canada
• Once Requested, You And Any Accompanying Family Members Must Undergo An Immigration Medical Exam
• Police Certificates From Countries With More Than 6 Months Of Consecutive Residence After The Age Of 18 Are Mandatory. The Canadian Government Will Process All Background And Criminal Checks Respectively
• Submit All Documents And Application Forms Together, For Both Work Permit And Permanent Residence
• You Will Receive Your Permanent Residency After Generating 2 Years Acceptable Work Experience

If you are applying from inside Canada, you must be in and have legal status in Canada.

Generally, the Interim Pathway is a pathway to permanent residence option for eligible candidates. Applicants must:

• Have A Valid Work Permit Or Be Eligible To Extend A Work Permit
• Have At Least 1-Year Full-Time Work Experience In An Eligible Occupation (I.E. Home Child Care Provider NOC 4411, Or Home Support Worker NOC 4412, Or Both Combined)
• Have Gained Experience After November 30, 2014
• Have At Least CLB 5 In English / French Language Skills
• And Also A Canadian High School Equivalent Degree. Any Foreign Credentials Must Have An ECA Report

Note: You may not be eligible for this pathway if your current work permit is in the live-in Caregiver Program or if your pending work permit extension application has been refused by the IRCC.

Government Fees are $1,040, and the Processing time is 12 months

Application Submission timeline: From July 8 to October 8, 2019

For more information please, contact us!

The IRCC has announced a new Immigration program called the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), generally to attract newcomers into rural areas. It follows its predecessor, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, but targets 11 participating communities.

You can also submit an open work permit application along with your permanent resident application through this Interim Pathway for Caregiver program.

Do you have zero criminal records under Canadian Criminal Code? Are you currently living in the USA under TPS status? Is it expiring soon? Then depending on your profile, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada under the following programs:

This year the IRCC will accept a 20,000 Interest to Sponsor Form that will be available online at 12.00 PM EST on January 28, 2019.

The government of Québec has earlier announced its goal of welcoming 40,000 immigrants in 2019. The Minister of Immigration, Simon Jolin-Barrette, tabled the 2019 Quebec Immigration Plan in the National Assembly on December 4, 2018.

The province of British Columbia has announced new entrepreneur immigration – a regional pilot program that will be launched at the beginning of 2019.

IRCC announced on August 20, 2018, that up to 20,000 Parents’ and Grandparent’s sponsorship applications will be accepted in 2019.

Who is eligible to apply under the self-employed person category to become a Permanent Resident?

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPA) is amended and increased permanent resident application processing fees that will take effect at 9 AM. on April 30, 2020, as follows:

2242 Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)

To start the process, begin to look for a college/university you would like to attend, and then apply to at least a couple of those institutions so that you could have a better chance of getting into one of them.

MDSVISA Immigration Services is proud to be selected for CBRB Best Business in Canada 2021!

Thanks to all of our clients, supporters, well-wishers, and our hard-working team!

We are proud to announce that our company MDSVISA Immigration Services is a 2022 Top Choice Award Nominee!

Now, we need your help to WIN! Voting is now open and if you feel that we have earned your vote, we would appreciate your support. Winning the Top Choice Award is one of the largest endorsements a business can receive within North America!

The Pilot programs called the Home Child Care Provider and the Home Support Worker relaunched yesterday January 1, 2022, that let qualified caregivers and their family members come to Canada with the opportunity of becoming permanent residents. A maximum of 2,750 applications are to be accepted for intake each calendar year in each pilot.

From March 15, visa-exempt foreign nationals planning to fly to or transit through Canada will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). U.S. citizens and travelers with valid visas are exempted. However, the entry requirements for traveling by land and sea have not been changed.

There are some people who fabricate facts, particularly to attract innocent people for Canadian immigration, namely work permits, skilled workers, and even business visas. They disappear once they get the money. On the contrary, the government of Canada has been working diligently to crack down on immigration fraud. Furthermore, if you are not vigilant, well informed, and take the necessary steps, you may be a victim of immigration fraud. You can take the following steps to avoid this:

March 8, 2016 – The Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship announced that Canada will welcome around 300,000 new permanent residents in 2016.

Special emphasis would be on family reunification, as well as reducing application processing times. Moreover, they also seek to respond to economic needs and humanitarian objectives.

According to the information obtained today, Canada’s 2016 Immigration Levels Plan is as follows:

Quebec immigration is accepting 2800 skilled worker applications online since February 16, 2016. However, only candidates with an account under the Mon projet Québec may submit an application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

Those people who would not be eligible to become permanent residents of Canada may be able to apply on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, also known as H & C grounds. Basically, it is for those who have exceptional cases and can’t go back home. This type of application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Interim Pathway for Caregivers will be re-opened for 3 months, from July 8, 2019. It will close on October 8, 2019. The Interim Pathway provides a pathway to permanent residence for qualifying caregivers in Canada.

June 19, 2017 – The long-awaited Bill C-6 received Royal Assent today. There are 13 different changes in Citizenship Act with Bill C-6 Amendments

Sponsoring children: The definition of the age of dependent children has now been changed. Based on the recent change; dependent children means “under the age of 22”. Earlier, it used to be “under the age of 19 ”.

The New Brunswick PNP is temporarily opening the Expressions of Interest for the following 10 professionals who have experience in their professions.

You may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through Federal Skilled Trades program if you are working in one of the following 10 professions

Hong Kong residents can apply for Canadian Open Work Permit and Permanent Residence in Canada starting February 8, 2021.

Something very interesting happened today February 13, 2021, in Canadian Immigration history!

Canada invited 27,332 Canadian Experience Class – Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Due to COVID-19 Canada has changed some policies and procedures for issuing Post-graduate Work Permits (PGWP). With a PGWP, as with all open work permits, graduates can work full-time, part-time, or work as self-employed. If you are studying in Canada, a post-graduation work permit may be issued based on the length of the study program for a minimum of 8 months up to a maximum of 3 years.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in one of Canada’s 4 Atlantic Provinces.

International skilled workers who are interested in AIPP must have a job offer from a designated employer. All jobs from designated employers must be endorsed by the respective province prior to the foreign worker can apply for PR through AIPP.

Below are the lists of designated employers by province:

1. New Brunswick Designated Employers
2. Nova Scotia Designated Employers
3. Prince Edward Island Designated Employers
4. Newfoundland and Labrador Designated Employers

Jobseeker may contact the designated employer directly however please understand that the designated employer may not be actively hiring foreign nationals.

Contact us for eligibility assessment.

Study Permit, Visitor Visa, Work Permit, and Permanent Residence

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) won’t refuse your application just in case you can’t complete the next step such as completing a medical examination, submitting your passport, police certificate, and/or Biometrics. You will automatically get 90 days to complete your biometrics.

If you are in Canada as a visitor and your status have not expired you can apply to extend your stay in Canada.

If you are a worker or a student and you are no longer working or studying but your permit has not expired then you can apply to change your status to the visitor.

If your visitor visa, study permit, or work permit has already expired and if it is less than 90 days since your status expired you can apply to restore your status.

You can withdraw your application and IRCC will refund your fee in 24 hours if the application processing has not started.

If you are about to submit your PR through the express entry you still need to submit your application within 60 days of receiving an ITA however you could submit missing documents via Web Form. Make sure you indicate all those missing documents while submitting an application within 60 days.

Permanent Residence Applicants:

If you have applied and approved your permanent residence application, but you can’t travel to Canada before your PR documents expire, you can notify Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the web form. When it is possible for you to travel then let the IRCC know using the web form and they will provide you with further instructions to restart the process.

Starting March 16, 2020, and until April 13, 2020 landing appointments will be held by telephone only.

If your confirmation of permanent residence has already expired you can notify the IRCC using the web form explaining why you were not able to travel. Then IRCC will provide you with detailed information to restart processing.

Canadian Citizen Applicants:

IRCC has canceled all citizenship tests, retests, ceremonies, and itinerant service trips until further notice. If you need to submit your documents you will be given an additional 30 days and for medical opinion forms, you will be given additional 45 days to submit. To apply for citizenship you need to make sure that you have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years being a permanent resident.

Refugee in Canada

IRCC has canceled all refugee claimant appointments until April 13, 2020. IRCC will contact you for the new appointment.

You may still submit an in-person refugee claim.

Contact us to discuss your immigration matter.

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Immigrating to Canada can be challenging. Whether you are thinking of helping your family/friends to immigrate or acquiring information for yourself, this seminar will offer you tons of information on various immigration options to come to Canada.

This seminar is a FREE, one-stop event to get Canadian Immigration information. Do not miss out on this opportunity being held on Sunday, September 15, 2019, from 10 AM to 12 PM.

For details or to register contact MDSVISA Immigration Services 

Who could apply?

Those people who would not be eligible to become permanent residents of Canada may be able to apply on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, also known as H & C grounds. Basically, it is for those who have exceptional cases and can’t go back home. This type of application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What are the major factors to be considered?

There are four major factors:

• Your children’s best interest;
• Your family ties to Canada;
• How well you are settled in Canada;
• Possible consequences if you are not granted the request.

Additional factors to be considered:

• It is only for permanent resident applications not for temporary resident applications.
• You can only have one H & C application at the same time.
• Risk factors are not assessed by Immigration Canada.
• Those who have claimed refugee cannot apply for H & C. You have to withdraw your refugee claim to apply for H & C.
• One-year bar: if you had a negative decision on your refugee claim from the IRB within the last 12 months (i.e. abandoned, withdrawn,n or negative decision on refugee claim), you can’t use this option. However, this bar doesn’t apply if:
  • Any children under 18 would be badly affected, or
  • You can prove that you or one of your dependents suffer from a life-threatening medical condition and cannot be treated in your country.

Designated Foreign National

If you enter or try to enter Canada illegally, then you are considered a “designated foreign national.” In this case, you can’t apply H & C grounds until five years have passed since:

• • the day you became a designated foreign national and/or
  • the IRB made a final negative decision on your refugee claim and/or
  • you got a negative decision on a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).

Removal Order

If you have a removal order, you may be able to apply to stay in Canada on H & C grounds, unless any of the above restrictions apply to you. However, this will not prevent or delay your removal from Canada. You must leave on or before the date stated on your removal order. Immigration Canada will still process your application even if you have to leave Canada. You will get the decision in writing about your case.

If your application is not approved, there is no right to appeal a refused application for permanent residence on H & C grounds. However, in some cases, you can apply to the Federal Court of Canada for a judicial review.

Need help? – Contact Us

June 19, 2017 – The long-awaited Bill C-6 received Royal Assent today. There are 13 different changes in Citizenship Act with Bill C-6 Amendments:

Immediate changes upon Royal Assent on June 19, 2017

1. Dual citizens living in Canada convicted of treason, spying, and terrorism offenses will face the Canadian justice system; like other Canadian citizens who break the law. Previously, the citizenship could be revoked.
2. Citizenship applicants no longer have to intend to live in Canada once granted citizenship.
3. Minors can now apply for citizenship without a Canadian parent. A person with custody of the minor can apply on their behalf; unless waived by the Minister.
4. Individuals serving a conditional sentence will not be granted citizenship. They also cannot take the Oath of Citizenship, nor count this time towards meeting the physical presence requirements for citizenship.
5. Statelessness has been added as a stand-alone ground that can be considered for a discretionary grant of citizenship.
6. For disabled citizenship applicants, reasonable measures will now be taken to accommodate them.

Changes expected to take effect in fall 2017

7. Applicants must be physically present in Canada for three out of five years before applying for citizenship.
8. They must also fill Canadian income taxes; to match the new physical presence requirement.
9. Applicants do not need to be physically present in Canada for 183 days, in four out of the six years preceding their application.
10. Temporary residents or protected persons may count each day they were physically present in Canada before becoming a permanent resident as a half-day toward meeting the physical presence requirement for citizenship. This can be up to a maximum of 365 days.
11. Ages between 18 and 54 must meet the citizenship language and knowledge requirements.

Changes expected to take effect in early 2018

12. The Federal Court makes all decisions in revocation cases; unless the individual requests that the Minister make the decision.
13. Citizenship Officers can seize fraudulent or suspected fraudulent documents provided under the Citizenship Act.

Need more information? – Contact Us