Canadian Immigration News

The Mon projet Québec application management system, a new secure online space for managing applications to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) for immigration to Canada, has been experiencing significant technical problems through the morning of February 16, 2016.

In a case that may have wider ramifications for certain foreign students in Canada, the Federal Court has ordered Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to reconsider the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application of a foreign student whose initial application was rejected because he took some of his courses online.

The government of Quebec has updated its website and, for the first time, publicized its intention to reopen the popular Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) for Canadian immigration in the summer of 2016.

A Statistics Canada report has found that international migration remains the principal source of population growth in census metropolitan areas (CMAs), particularly in Western Canada. The study covers the years 2014/2015.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly known as CIC) has provided updates to the published instructions on police certificates with respect to the Express Entry selection system for immigration to Canada.

The latest draw from the Express Entry pool has seen a total of 1,505 candidates being issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence. The 27th draw took place on February 10, 2016, and each candidate who received an ITA had 459 or more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. The Express Entry immigration selection system allows Canada to invite candidates who have made an 'Expression of Interest' in immigrating to Canada to apply on a priority basis.

The government of Canada has approved a measure that will allow nationals of Haiti and Zimbabwe six additional months to apply for permanent residence without risk of removal from Canada.

Thousands expected to submit applications for popular Canadian immigration program in 2016

Next application cycle opens for new submissions at 8.30 a.m. EST on February 16

The Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion (MIDI), the government ministry overseeing immigration to Quebec, Canada, is planning on reopening the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) in May or June of this year. The MIDI disclosed this information at a meeting with stakeholders on February 8, 2016.

The government of British Columbia (B.C.) has stated that it has asked the federal government for a significant boost in the number of immigrants who can come to the province through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). B.C. is asking for its allocation to be increased from 5,500 to 9,000.

Graduates who completed their studies in Canada and who wish to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit can now submit their application online if their country of residence is not Canada. Previously, only applicants within Canada could apply online through MyCIC. This program update came into effect as of February 5, 2016.