Despite being just two weeks into the new year, Immigration Canada has issued several updates pertaining to immigration programs and policies that we have summarized for you. Stay tuned to the end of the post for some exciting news about a high-profile couple who may be immigrating to Canada soon!
ESDC LMIA Processing Delay
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has been receiving a higher number of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications. As a result of this increase, processing times have also increased. Depending on the type of LMIA application submitted, processing times range from 10 to 108 business days. According to ESDC, the average processing time for each application type is as follows:
Global Talent Stream - 12 days
Agricultural Stream - 23 days
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - 10 days
Permanent Residence Stream - 49 days
In-Home Caregivers - 25 days
High-Wage Stream - 80 days
Low-Wage Stream - 108 days
Canada Makes It Easier for Foreign Nationals to Apply for Permanent Resident Status in Canada
Temporary residents can now give their fingerprints and photos (biometrics) in Canada. Foreign nationals applying for Temporary or Permanent Residence (or wishing to renew/extend their visitor visa, work permit, or study permit) will need to have their fingerprints and photo taken. Previously, such applicants were required to leave Canada to have their biometrics collected. Now, foreign nationals can do so at any of the 58 designated Service Canada locations around Canada.
Jade explains this update fully in a video on our YouTube channel. Click below to watch for more information.
Update to the Cost Threshold for Excessive Demand on Health and Social Services
In 2017, the Government of Canada stated that those applicants who posed an excessive demand on health and social services may be rejected. Excessive demand refers to those who exceed the cost of the average citizen’s health and social services. In 2017, this threshold was $6,665 per year. In 2018, this amount was increased to $20,000. In 2020, the excessive demand threshold has increased to $21,204. The newly increased threshold increases immigration opportunities for those with health and medical needs.
New Royal Citizens in Canada?
Following a shocking Instagram post last week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that their family may be moving to Canada. Prince Harry, wife Meghan, and their son plan to spend an extended period of time in Canada as they work toward financial independence. Many news outlets have been buzzing about whether the royal trio will need to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency and Citizenship as other foreign nationals would.
If the Sussexes were not royalty, they would need to apply for Temporary Residence before applying for Permanent Residence (and eventually citizenship). However, in the case of royalty, they may be able to immigrate temporarily without much paperwork. As members of the royal family, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are not required to seek authorization to visit Canada. Should they wish to stay on a permanent basis, however, they would need to apply for Permanent Residence through the normal immigration process.
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.
