Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently released several announcements and updates regarding existing or new immigration programs and pilots. Today, we’ll explore some of the biggest changes and unpack what this means for temporary residents, permanent residents, citizens, and those considering making the move to Canada.
11 COMMUNITIES NAMED UNDER IRCC’S RURAL AND NORTHERN IMMIGRATION PILOT
The launch of Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot was announced by IRCC earlier this year when the Canadian Government opened the pool for interested communities to apply. The pilot is designed to help smaller rural and northern communities attract and retain foreign skilled workers to meet their economic development and labour market needs.
This community-driven program creates a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the participating communities. The 11 communities participating in this program include:
ONTARIO MANITOBA SASKATCHEWAN
North Bay Brandon Moose Jaw
Sudbury Rhineland/Plum Coulee
Timmins /Gretna/Altona
Sault St. Marie
Thunder Bay
BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA
Vernon Claresholm, AB
West Kootenay (Trail,
Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson)
These communities were selected based on their economic needs and the presence of resources and community partners to assist newcomers and facilitate the implementation of the pilot.
CANADIANS CAN NOW IDENTIFY AS GENDER ‘X’ ON THEIR PASSPORTS
June is internationally recognized as LGBTQ Pride month, which makes it the perfect time for IRCC to announce updates on establishing an applicant’s sex or gender on identification documents. Now, individuals who do not identify exclusively as female or male can opt to have an “X” printed on their passport, travel document, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card.
Furthermore, those who would like to replace their current documents with gender “X” can do so with no fee until June 4, 2020.
This amendment was announced by IRCC with the message that Canada is committed to ensuring the gender identity, diversity, and inclusivity of Canadian citizens and residents are respected.
CANADA CARES ABOUT CAREGIVERS
IRCC announced the upcoming launch of two new pilot programs for caregivers. The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots open for application today (June 18th, 2019) and will replace the expiring Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pilots.
Caregivers will receive a work permit if they have a valid job offer in Canada and meet the standard criteria for economic immigration programs. These pilots are designed to offer caregivers a direct path to permanent residence among many other benefits, which include:
Occupation-specific work permits (as opposed to employer-specific) – this will allow caregivers to switch employers as needed.
Open work permits and/or study permits for the caregivers’ immediate family – this will help families come to Canada together.
A clear transition from temporary to permanent status – this will provide caregivers with a direct pathway to permanent residence.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
