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Canadian officials announced that a dedicated humanitarian pathway to provide permanent residence to Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan foreign nationals is now open for applications.
Key Points:
BAL Analysis: The application can be accessed using the online Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada portal. A signed statutory declaration from the anchor confirming support is required. The new program is designed to provide an opportunity for those with extended family ties in Canada to apply for permanent residency. The Canadian government confirmed their intent to continue to support vulnerable individuals by providing safe and regular migration pathways.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
Government officials announced a new wage review process for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that will be in place until Aug. 30, 2024.
BAL Analysis: The new wage review process is designed to help employers respond to current labor market needs and support workers by addressing concerns of wage suppression. Employers may see an increase in labor costs and should take the new wage requirements into account when planning their 2024 budgets.
Canadian officials announced the launch of CAN Work Philippines, a pilot program for eligible Canadian employers recruiting in the Philippines.
• Eligible Canadian employers can schedule group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for potential employees as part of the new streamlined process.
• The pilot is open to Canadian employers hiring approximately 50 or more workers, or for critical occupations in sectors such as healthcare, construction and agri-food.
BAL Analysis: Canadian officials called the Philippines an important partner in their Indo-Pacific strategy, and programs such as CAN Work Philippines will further strengthen the close ties between the two nations while addressing critical labor shortages in the Canadian economy.
The Canadian government has announced its projected immigration numbers for the next three years.
BAL Analysis: Employers and foreign nationals should take the projected goals into account when applying for residence permits in Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is reducing its number of employees in India from 27 to five.
BAL Analysis: IRCC will continue to accept and process applications in India, but reduced staffing levels are expected to impact processing times. IRCC staff who remain in India will focus on urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment and overseeing key partners. The Canadian government has stated that applicants in India should expect delays in overall processing times, responses to inquiries and getting visas and passports returned. BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
IMPACT — MEDIUM
Canadian officials announced a new initiative starting this fall that will provide up to 11,000 Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans with a new humanitarian permanent residence pathway.
Key Points:
Additional Information: Successful applicants will also receive additional support, including enhanced pre-arrival services, an employment skills assessment and a referral to a settlement provider organization in their intended community. This support is intended to help migrants integrate into the workforce.
BAL Analysis: The new program is designed to provide an opportunity for those with extended family ties in Canada to apply for permanent residency. The new pathway is available for children, grandchildren, spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents or siblings of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The government has not said when the program will take effect, but it is expected to launch at some point this fall.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group.
Copyright ©2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
As of Oct. 1, upfront medical exams are not required at the time of application for Canada’s Express Entry program.
Background: Immigrant medical exams (IMEs) are required for permanent residence. Foreign nationals applying for Express Entry cannot have the exam done by their own physicians; they must see a doctor on the list of panel physicians who are approved by the government.
India’s suspension of visa issuance to Canadian nationals will not apply to current visa holders, OCI card holders or renewal applicants in India.
Additional Information: The diplomatic dispute arose between the two countries over Canada’s allegation that the Indian government was involved in the murder of a Sikh activist and naturalized Canadian citizen. The Indian government subsequently issued a travel warning to its citizens in Canada, and Canada pulled some staff from its Indian consulates reportedly due to threats. While processing of Canadian visas continues in India at this time, delays should be expected. BAL will continue to monitor the diplomatic dispute and provide updates as information becomes available.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT — HIGH
The Indian government suspended visa processing for Canadian nationals as part of escalating tensions between the countries. The move comes in response to Canada’s allegations that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist and naturalized Canadian citizen.
Additional Information: Bagchi cited security threats to staff in Canadian consulate staff as the reason for the suspension. The Indian government also issued a travel warning to its citizens in Canada on Wednesday. The Canadian government pulled some staff from its Indian consulates due to threats earlier this week, according to press reports. While processing of Canadian visas continues in India at this time, delays should be expected. BAL will continue to monitor the diplomatic dispute and provide updates as information becomes available.
The Canadian government announced it will reopen the Parents and Grandparents Program for its 2023 intake period next month.
Additional Information: Potential sponsors must fulfill eligibility requirements in order to participate in the Parents and Grandparents Program. More information is available here.
Copyright ©2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.