NEWS

22-12-2017

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2018

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on December 22nd 2017 that Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents through this program to complete the required forms between noon EST on January 2nd, 2018 until noon EST on February 1st, 2018.

30-10-2017

Statement from the Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, 

“Each year National Francophone Immigration Week gives Canadians the chance to learn more about, celebrate, and promote the contribution of French-speaking immigrants to the vitality of Francophone minority communities. This week, filled with activities across the country, allows host communities to develop links with Francophone newcomers and Francophiles alike. Our Government has made increasing Francophone immigration outside of Quebec a priority. While we have much work to do to reach our goal, our promotion efforts, changes to the Express Entry application process, and the Mobilité Francophone stream of the International Mobility Program are just some of the ways that we are already working on this important issue. It is through immigration that we can continue to develop our vibrant Francophone communities and our rich heritage of bilingualism. In this Canada 150 year, I encourage you all to find events in your communities and to learn more about the rich and important history of Francophone immigration to Canada. To all those celebrating, I wish you all the best on this National Francophone Immigration Week.”

27-10-2017

New definition of age of dependants now in force

The Government of Canada has changed the definition of the age of dependants from “under 19” to “under 22,” fulfilling a key mandate commitment of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. This change will help more immigrant families stay together. When newcomer families are able to stay together, their integration into Canada, and their ability to work and contribute to their communities all improve.
11-10-2017

Bill C-6 introduced new changes to the Citizenship Act.

The Bill C-6 took effect upon receiving Royal Assent on June 19, 2017.

Bill C-6 introduced the following changes:

Previous Citizenship Act Bill C-6 Amendments
·  Physical Residency requirements (183) days in each of four-year period before applying for citizenship.

·  All applicants between 14-64 years had to meet the language and knowledge requirements for citizenship.

·  Applicants had to file their income taxes, if required, for at least four years out of six years before applying for citizenship.

·  No credit was given to any period spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident.

 ·  Physical Residency requirements (1095) days in three-year period before applying for citizenship.

·  Applicants between 18-54 must meet the language and knowledge requirements.

·  Applicants must file their income taxes, if required, for at least three years out of five years before applying for citizenship.

·  Time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident will be credited as a half-day toward every day spent up to a maximum of credit of 361 days, within the five-year period spent before the date of citizenship application.
13-09-2017

Four Main Grounds for Humanitarian and Compassionate Cases

An individual who would not be eligible to become a permanent resident of Canada may be eligible to apply on humanitarian and Compassionate grounds. The grounds apply only in exceptional cases and each application will be assess on a case-by-case basis. The decisions will be based on many factors. Importantly the following four grounds:
  • how settled the person is in Canada,
  • general family ties to Canada,
  • the best interests of any children involved, and
  • what could happen to the applicant if the applicant’s application is not granted.