IRCC Releases Updated Processing Times for Immigration and Citizenship Applications – October 2024
October 31,2024 Amritpal Kaur
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its latest processing times for various immigration and citizenship applications as of October 29, 2024. These updates are critical for applicants, providing essential information that helps them manage expectations throughout their immigration journey.
Processing Times Overview
Citizenship Processing Times (Updated Monthly)
Citizenship Grant: 6 months (reduced by 1 month)
Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship): 4 months (increased by 1 month)
Renunciation of Citizenship: 16 months (no change)
Search of Citizenship Records: 12 months (increased by 1 month)
Note: Acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letters for citizenship applications received in the week of October 4, 2024, are currently being sent out.
Permanent Resident (PR) Cards Processing Times (Updated Weekly)
New PR Card: 25 days (no change)
PR Card Renewal: 59 days (reduced by 11 days)
Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated Monthly)
Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Outside Canada, excl. Quebec): 10 months (unchanged)
Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Outside Canada, for Quebec): 35 months (unchanged since last update, overall increase of 3 months since July)
Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Inside Canada, excl. Quebec): 13 months (unchanged, overall increase of 2 months since July)
Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Inside Canada, for Quebec): 27 months (unchanged, overall increase of 3 months since July)
Parents/Grandparents (Outside Quebec): 24 months (no change)
Parents/Grandparents (for Quebec): 48 months (no change)
Economic Immigration Processing Times (Updated Monthly/Weekly)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months (no change)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 5 months (no change)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): N/A (no updates since March 2023)
Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry): 6 months (no change)
Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Entry): 12 months (increased by 1 month since July)
Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW): 9 months (no change)
Quebec Business Class: 49 months (increased by 2 months)
Federal Self-Employed: 48 months (no change, overall increase of 1 month since July)
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 7 months (reduced by 1 month)
Start-Up Visa: 40 months (no change, overall increase of 2 months since July)
Temporary Residency Processing Times (Updated Weekly)
Visitor Visa (from Outside Canada) (varies by country):
India: 114 days (increased by 12 days)
Nigeria: 175 days (increased by 1 day)
United States: 26 days (reduced by 8 days)
Pakistan: 27 days (no change)
Philippines: 19 days (reduced by 3 days)
Visitor Visa (Inside Canada):
Online: 24 days (reduced by 3 days)
Parents or Grandparents Super Visa (varies by country):
India: 118 days (increased by 31 days)
Nigeria: 51 days (reduced by 9 days)
United States: 137 days (reduced by 73 days)
Pakistan: 131 days (reduced by 15 days)
Philippines: 110 days (no change)
Study Permit (Outside Canada) (varies by country):
India: 8 weeks (increased by 2 weeks)
Nigeria: 10 weeks (increased by 1 week)
United States: 14 weeks (increased by 2 weeks)
Pakistan: 12 weeks (increased by 3 weeks)
Philippines: 6 weeks (reduced by 1 week)
Work Permit (Outside Canada) (varies by country):
India: 28 weeks (increased by 1 week)
Nigeria: 24 weeks (increased by 9 weeks)
United States: 10 weeks (reduced by 4 weeks)
Pakistan: 19 weeks (increased by 2 weeks)
Philippines: 8 weeks (reduced by 5 weeks)
Work Permit Inside Canada:
Online: 154 days (increased by 26 days)
Other Temporary Residency Categories:
International Experience Canada (Current Season): 5 weeks (increased by 1 week)
Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP): 299 days (increased by 19 days)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): 5 minutes
Stay Informed
For the latest updates, regularly check the IRCC website and consult us for specific inquiries.
Thank you for staying informed about IRCC processing times!
Canada's Immigration Update: Future Prospects for Non-Permanent Residents
October 30,2024 Amritpal Kaur
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has shared its projections for non-permanent residents (NPRs) in the coming years. The IRCC expects that more than half a million NPRs will either leave Canada or transition to permanent residency by the end of 2024. This represents an important shift in Canada’s immigration landscape.
NPRs include a diverse range of individuals, such as international students and temporary workers, who contribute greatly to the fabric of Canadian society. Currently, they make up about 7.1% of the population, and the IRCC aims to reduce this figure to around 5% in the near future, ensuring a more balanced demographic distribution.
Looking Ahead: Outflows and Inflows
According to the IRCC’s Annual Report on Immigration for 2024, around 588,409 NPRs are projected to either leave Canada or gain permanent residency by the end of this year. Despite this expected outflow, Canada anticipates a net increase of 299,216 NPRs, bringing the total to approximately 2.9 million.
The projections for the next few years are as follows:
2025: About 1,262,801 NPRs are expected to exit.
2026: An estimated 1,104,658 NPRs are likely to depart.
2027: Approximately 875,179 NPRs are anticipated to leave.
On the flip side, Canada plans to welcome a significant influx of new NPRs, with expectations of 887,625 arrivals by the end of this year alone. The ambitious goals for the following years include 816,900 in 2025, 659,036 in 2026, and 892,568 in 2027.
New Measures to Adapt
To meet these targets, the IRCC is introducing several key changes to the immigration process. Starting November 1, 2024, new language and field of study requirements will be implemented for international graduates applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Additionally, the cap on international students will become a permanent feature of Canada’s immigration policy.
The IRCC will also raise wage requirements for specific streams in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and tighten eligibility for spousal open work permits linked to international students. These changes aim to ensure that Canada’s immigration system remains responsive to the needs of the labor market.
Looking Forward
As Canada’s immigration landscape evolves, the IRCC’s proactive strategies demonstrate a thoughtful approach to addressing both challenges and opportunities. Canada aims to uphold its reputation as a welcoming destination for skilled workers and international students by effectively managing the flow of NPRs and implementing targeted policies.
These developments point to a promising future for newcomers and Canadians alike, highlighting the strength that diversity brings to society and the collective potential for growth and innovation.
Canada’s Immigration Policy Takes a Surprising Turn: What You Need to Know
October 30,2024 Amritpal Kaur
In a bold move that has captured national attention, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced significant cuts to the country’s immigration targets, igniting a heated conversation about the future of newcomers in Canada.
On October 26, 2024, the Liberal government unveiled plans to slash the number of new permanent residents from 485,000 in 2025 to 395,000. The reductions don’t stop there; numbers are set to fall further to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. This unexpected shift comes on the heels of a dramatic change in public sentiment towards immigration, as recent polls reveal a growing unease among Canadians.
The Impact: A Decline in Population Growth
These cuts are poised to influence Canada’s demographic landscape, potentially leading to a 0.2% decline in the population—roughly 80,000 individuals over the next two years. Additionally, the government claims that this strategy will help tackle the housing crisis, aiming to reduce the housing supply gap by about 670,000 units in the coming years.
Changing Public Perspectives
In a recent interview with CBC News, Immigration Minister Marc Miller candidly addressed the shifting attitudes, stating, “Canadians expect us to have a controlled, managed migration plan that reflects what we need to do but also reflects the stress that flow has had on Canadians, on affordability.” He stressed the importance of restoring public consensus on immigration, acknowledging, “I think perhaps we've gotten lazy as a country in showing the benefits of immigration.”
Political Reactions: A Polarizing Issue
The announcement has sparked a flurry of political debate. Critics are quick to point out that these new targets resemble policies often associated with conservative governments. Immigration lawyer Alicia Backman-Beharry called the cuts a "big about-face," highlighting a stark contrast to the Liberal government's previous pro-immigration stance.
Family reunification efforts are also set to take a hit, with the number of family sponsorships decreasing from 84,000 to 70,000 in 2025, raising concerns about families struggling to reunite in Canada.
International Attention: A Broader Context
This policy shift hasn’t gone unnoticed internationally. Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, framing Canada’s changes as a retreat from open borders. In response, Miller emphasized the need for Canada to stay focused on its immigration priorities without getting caught up in U.S. political dynamics.
The Bigger Picture
As Canada navigates this complex landscape, the decision to reduce immigration targets reflects a delicate balance of public sentiment, economic realities, and political strategy. Minister Miller reassures Canadians that despite these changes, Canada remains "an open country." However, the new policies mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about immigration in Canada, challenging us to rethink how we welcome newcomers.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation and its implications for the future of Canada.
New Opportunities for Express Entry Candidates Through Category-Based Selection Draws
October 29,2024 Amritpal Kaur
As Express Entry candidates navigate the immigration landscape, the introduction of category-based selection draws has opened up new avenues for those with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores below 500. With the general draws consistently maintaining cut-offs above 500 throughout 2024, these targeted selections offer a lifeline to skilled workers in specific professions.
What Are Category-Based Selection Draws?
Launched in 2023 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), category-based selection draws prioritize candidates based on Canada’s current labour market and demographic needs. The focus areas include:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Transport occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
To qualify for a category-based selection draw, candidates must have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in their occupation within the past three years.
Real-World Examples of Success
Here are illustrative profiles of candidates who could benefit from the recent category-based selection draws:
1.Transport Sector Candidate
Profile: A 30-year-old logistics coordinator from Brazil with four years of experience managing supply chains.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business administration and advanced English skills (CLB 9).
CRS Score: 440.
Outcome: With a recent cut-off of 430 for transport occupations, this candidate would likely receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
2.Agriculture and Agri-food Candidate
Profile: A 36-year-old farm manager from Mexico who moved to Canada on a work permit.
Qualifications: Three years of experience in agricultural management and a diploma in agronomy, along with CLB 7 in English.
CRS Score: 450.
Outcome: With a cut-off of 437 in the latest agriculture draw, this candidate meets the requirements for an ITA.
3.French-Speaking Candidate
Profile: A 28-year-old software developer from Algeria with over four years of experience in the tech industry.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, CLB 8 in French, and CLB 6 in English.
CRS Score: 485.
Outcome: Exceeding the cut-off of 444 in the last French-language proficiency draw, this candidate is well-positioned to receive an ITA.
The Impact of Category-Based Selection
Since the introduction of these targeted draws, there has been a marked decrease in general draws, with the last one held in April 2024. In contrast, the frequency of draws for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, and category-based selections has increased significantly.
The minimum CRS score for general draws has risen from an average of 489 in the first half of 2023 to 536 in the first half of 2024, creating a nearly 50-point increase. Meanwhile, the cut-off for French language proficiency has dipped as low as 336, reflecting the IRCC's commitment to attracting more bilingual candidates.
Future Directions
The IRCC is actively considering new categories based on feedback from various stakeholders, including provincial and territorial representatives and industry leaders. This adaptability ensures that Canada’s immigration system remains aligned with economic and labour market needs.
As eligible candidates keep their profiles updated, they will be considered for any category-based draws they qualify for, enhancing their chances of securing permanent residency in Canada. With these targeted opportunities, skilled workers can find a pathway to a brighter future in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
Canada Tightens Intra-Company Transfer Rules
It all begins with an idea.
October 16, 2024 Amritpal Kaur
In a significant shift in immigration policy, Canada has tightened the regulations surrounding the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program, which will impact multinational corporations (MNCs) looking to establish or expand their operations in the country. Below are the main changes:
Active Operations Requirement: MNCs must now demonstrate that they have active, revenue-generating operations in at least two countries, including their home country, before they can establish a presence in Canada. This program is no longer available for companies looking to build their first foreign enterprise in Canada.
Restrictions for International Companies: Companies operating solely in a single jurisdiction outside of Canada will be unable to access the ICT program to launch new operations in the country.
Eligibility for Employee Relocation: The relocation of executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge personnel will only be permitted if they have a minimum of one year of continuous employment within the last three years.
Temporary Duration of Stay: All relocations to Canada must be for a temporary period.
Business Operations Requirement: The new Canadian enterprise must engage in business on a regular and systematic basis, ensuring the continuous provision of goods or services and stable employment for work permit holders.
Maintaining Qualifying Relationships: The new Canadian entity must maintain a qualifying relationship with its parent company, functioning as a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
Onsite Functions Requirement: Foreign nationals must ensure that their roles cannot be performed remotely and that their relocation is necessary to manage Canadian business operations independently.
Wage Standards: Foreign workers assigned to the Canadian operations must earn wages that are consistent with regional standards in Canada and reflective of their job titles.
Ineligibility of Certain Operations: Businesses that lack physical commercial premises, such as those operating from residential locations, co-sharing spaces, or virtual setups using mailing addresses, are ineligible for ICT transfers to Canada.
Remote Work Limitations: ICT employees are discouraged from working remotely unless there are valid reasons for doing so.
Eligibility Restrictions for Controlling Owners: Foreign nationals or immediate family members who hold a controlling interest in a foreign enterprise will be ineligible to enter Canada to start a new business unless they can demonstrate that the enterprise meets MNC requirements.
Emphasis on Temporary Stay: Applicants must provide evidence that their stay in Canada is temporary and that they intend to return to their home country upon the expiration of their work permit.
Economic Benefit to Canada: There is now a greater emphasis on demonstrating how an applicant’s work will specifically benefit Canada’s economy, culture, or society, rather than merely maintaining business relationships or expanding operations.
Higher Wage Requirements for Specialized Workers: Specialized workers must earn wages above the average that meet Canadian standards, in addition to fulfilling general wage requirements based on position and region.
Job Continuity Assurance: Employees must demonstrate that their original position will remain available for them abroad after their temporary assignment in Canada, underscoring the temporary nature of their Canadian operations.
These changes highlight Canada’s commitment to ensuring that the ICT program serves its intended purpose and that foreign businesses genuinely contribute to the Canadian economy.
Saskatchewan Launches New PR Pathways for Healthcare and Agriculture
It all begins with an idea.
October 16, 2024 Amritpal Kaur
Saskatchewan has recently introduced two new pathways under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to tackle labor shortages in the healthcare and agriculture sectors. These pathways aim to attract skilled workers to fill essential roles in these critical industries.
New Pathways Introduced
Agriculture Talent Pathway:
Purpose: To meet the increasing labor demand in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.
Eligibility Criteria:
Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 (higher scores may be required by some employers).
Education: At least a secondary school education.
Work Experience: Minimum of one year of full-time experience in the intended occupation within the last three years, or six months with an eligible employer.
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time job offer in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.
Eligible Occupations: Includes roles such as:
Material handlers
Specialized livestock workers
Various food and beverage processing positions
Full List of 10 Occupations Eligible for Agriculture Talent Pathway:
NOC - Occupations
75101-Material handlers
84120-Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
85100-Livestock labourers
85101-Harvesting labourers
85103-Nursery and greenhouse labourers
94140-Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing*
94141-Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers*
94143-Testers and graders, food and beverage processing*
94204-Mechanical assemblers and inspectors*
95106-Labourers in food and beverage processing*
Health Talent Pathway:
Purpose: To support Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources (HHR) action plan and streamline the recruitment of healthcare professionals.
Eligibility Criteria:
Licensing: Must be eligible for licensing in Saskatchewan.
Education: Post-secondary education related to the offered job.
Intent to Reside: Must intend to live and work in Saskatchewan.
Requirements for Non-Express Entry Candidates:
Language Proficiency: CLB score of 5 or higher in English or French.
Work Experience: Six months of full-time work experience in Saskatchewan, or one year in the past five years if outside Saskatchewan.
Requirements for Express Entry Candidates:
Express Entry Profile: Valid profile number and Job Seeker Code.
Language Proficiency: CLB score of 7 or higher.
Work Experience: At least one year of highly skilled work experience related to their occupation in the past five years.
Eligible Occupations for Express Entry Health Talent Pathway:
NOC - Occupations
30010-Managers in health care
31100-Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101-Specialists in surgery
31102-General practitioners and family physicians
31103-Veterinarians
31110-Dentists
31111-Optometrists
31112-Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
31120-Pharmacists
31121-Dietitians and nutritionists
31200-Psychologists
31201-Chiropractors
31202-Physiotherapists
31203-Occupational therapists
31204-Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
31209-Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
31300-Nursing coordinators and supervisors
31301-Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
31302-Nurse practitioners
31303-Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
32100-Opticians
32101-Licensed practical nurses
32102-Paramedical occupations
32103-Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
32104-Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
32109-Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
32110-Denturists
32111-Dental hygienists and dental therapists
32112-Dental technologists and technicians
32120-Medical laboratory technologists
32121-Medical radiation technologists
32122-Medical sonographers
32123-Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists n.e.c
32124-Pharmacy technicians
32129-Other medical technologists and technicians
32200-Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
32201-Massage therapists
32209-Other practitioners of natural healing
33100-Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
33101-Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33102-Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33103-Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33109-Other assisting occupations in support of health services
44101-Home support workers, caregivers and related occupation
These new pathways present an exciting opportunity for skilled workers to contribute to Saskatchewan's thriving economy while addressing critical labor shortages in essential sectors.
Canadian Federal Court Study Permit Pilot Project: Streamlining the Application Review Process
It all begins with an idea.
October 16, 2024 Amritpal Kaur
The Canadian Federal Court has launched an innovative pilot project aimed at expediting the review of rejected study permit applications. Initiated in October, this initiative seeks to alleviate the lengthy wait times that international students face when contesting immigration decisions.
Important Highlights:
Faster Processing: Eligible applications can now be processed in as little as five months, a substantial improvement compared to the usual processing times of 14-18 months.
Efficient Resolutions: The primary goal of this project is to deliver quicker and more efficient outcomes for students aspiring to study in Canada, ultimately reducing stress throughout the process.
Eligibility Criteria:
To participate in this pilot project, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Rejected Study Permit: Applicants must have had their study permit application rejected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Mutual Agreement: Both the applicant and IRCC must agree to participate in the pilot.
Simple Cases Only: The case should not involve complex legal issues, such as admissibility or national security concerns.
No Time Extensions: Applicants cannot request additional time to submit their application.
No New Evidence: Introduction of new evidence through affidavits is not permitted in this process.
Application Process:
The application process is entirely online and conducted through the court’s electronic filing system. Interested applicants will need to submit Form IR-1 to indicate their participation in the pilot project.
This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing the experience of international students in Canada, making their journey smoother and more efficient.