CANADIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Western Prvinces Call for Lifting Immigration Cap

18-06-2013

Western Canadian provinces and territories have plans to collectively urge the federal government to lift the cap on immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), according to Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger's interview with Bloomberg. The purpose of loosening up control on the number of provincial nominees is to fill in the skilled labour shortages in Western Canada.

Going Digital: CIC's Online Help Centre

13-06-2013

Six months ago, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) launched an online Help Centre providing assistance to prospective immigrants, permanent residents, and others who use the immigration system. Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney reported that more than four million people had used the new online service in a news release by CIC on June 5th, 2013.

Federal Government Takes Steps to Improve the Citizenship Application Process

10-06-2013

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has taken a series of steps to improve the citizenship immigration process. Overall, these changes mean a faster road to obtaining Canadian citizenship.

US-Canada Border Security Debates Arise in the US; Democrats Push for a "Fence-Free" Border with Canada

06-06-2013

Debates on illegal immigration and border security arise as the Gang of Eight bipartition immigration reform bill moves into U.S legislature. While a consensus on restricting entry from the southern border with Mexico seems to be established, some lawmakers from New England are attempting to protect the long tradition of a "fence-free" northern border with Canada.

Canadian Government on the Quest to Fight Fraudulent Immigration; 1,800 Citizenships Revoked

05-06-2013

Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced last Wednesday that the federal government will revoke the Canadian citizenship of 1,800 people who obtained it fraudulently. These cases have been the result of a 2 year investigation between the RCMP, other police agencies, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. According to Canadian Immigration experts, this number is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fraudulently obtained Canadian citizenships.

Popular Canadian Immigration Scheme may Reopen Next August

04-06-2013

The Quebec Immigrant Investors Program, an immigration pathway that leads applicants towards a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa has been closed for a year. However, rumours have risen indicating that the program may re-open on August 1^st, 2013.

Debate Rises in the US over Marijuana-DUI Legislation; Final Decision can Affect American's Ability to Enter Canada

03-06-2013

As of the American 2012 elections, various States have begun legalizing the possession of marijuana. Policy makers are struggling to establish laws regarding how to tax, control, and most importantly identify and prosecute motorists driving under the influence of marijuana. The main issue of legalization is occurring at a faster rate than important research regarding what level on marijuana consumption should be allowed while operating a motor vehicle.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Cap Increased

31-05-2013

According to the 2011 National Household Survey, more immigrants are living in Saskatoon today than Aboriginals. The number of immigrants living in Saskatoon has risen from 11,470 to 27,355 between 2006 and 2011. This increase demonstrated how Saskatoon has become an increasingly popular destination for newcomers to Canada.

A Race to Get Skilled Workers: Canada Pulls Ahead

27-05-2013

Paul Thomas is a mechanic previously working in Atlanta and Georgia. When business slowed at the Atlanta dealership where he worked, his annual income dropped from 100,000 dollars per year to $40,000 dollars per year. As a result, he filed for bankruptcy and his house was in foreclosure. His situation became increasingly grimmer as other jobs were hard to find.

However, everything changed for Thomas when he received a call last year from a recruiter regarding a position as a mechanic in British Columbia. Thomas also received an email from the recruiter with more information regarding the company and the city of Prince George in the form of video links. The dealership paid for Thomas to visit the area, and was soon hired under the Skilled Worker Program and had a work permit in only a month. Thomas and his wife were very excited for the new opportunity and the special treatment they felt in being recruited and catered to. Thomas’ new Canadian contract paid up to $100,000 a year and with government-provided health care the offer was complete.

Canadians Lobby for Extended Stay as Tourists in the U.S

27-05-2013

Last week, the Gang of Eight immigration reform bill that carries sweeping changes to the U.S immigration system has been passed through the Senate panel, waiting to be debated by the full Senate next month. Buried within this new immigration policy package, there is something for Canadians. If the bill is passed, Canadians will be allowed to stay in the U.S for up to eight months annually, instead of six.