Blog - Canada Immigration

Canada’s Ongoing Commitment to Refugees Affected by the Sudan Conflict:

(February 20, 2025 ) 

Canada is reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian aid with new immigration measures aimed at supporting refugees affected by the conflict in Sudan. Following violence in Khartoum on April 15, 2023, Canada played a leadership role in evacuating citizens and permanent residents, and is now taking further steps to assist those in need.

Canada will resettle more Sudanese refugees and increase spaces for family reunification. These changes will support up to 7,000 people impacted by the Sudanese crisis over the next two years.

Key Updates:

1. Resettling 4,000 Sudanese Refugees: Canada will accept up to 4,000 government-assisted refugees by the end of 2026.
2. Private Sponsorship of 700 Refugees: Another 700 refugees will be supported through private sponsorship, with Canada waiving certain requirements.
3. Expansion of Family-Based Immigration: The family reunification pathway will grow from 3,250 to over 5,000 spots, allowing up to 10,000 people to reunite with family members in Canada.

These changes aim to provide vital protection for Sudanese refugees, ensuring that those affected by the conflict can find safety and rebuild their lives in Canada.

How Immigration Lawyers Can Help

.If you or someone you know is seeking to apply under these new measures, an experienced immigration lawyer can guide you through the process to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Contact Our Montreal Immigration Lawyers

For assistance with Sudanese refugee resettlement or family sponsorship applications, contact our Montreal-based immigration law firm today. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their immigration goals.

Stay informed by following us for more updates on Canadian immigration policies.

What You Need to Know about the upcoming Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

Are you a skilled home care worker looking to come to Canada? Good news—new immigration pathways specifically for home care workers are set to open on March 31, 2025. These exciting changes are part of Canada's ongoing efforts to address the growing demand for home care services and provide more opportunities for foreign workers in this critical sector.

Why Are These Pilots Important?

With an increasing demand for home care services across Canada, there is a growing need for experienced and dedicated workers in this field. The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots will help fill this gap by offering an immigration pathway for those who meet the qualifications and are looking to build a future in Canada.

Key Details About the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

Launch Date: March 31, 2025
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots will officially open for applications on March 31, 2025. While full details will be provided shortly, here are some early insights into the program:

1. Target Audience: The program is designed for individuals with experience in providing home care services, such as personal care aides, health aides, and other related roles.
2. Eligibility: Applicants will likely need to meet certain work experience, language proficiency, and other qualifications. Keep an eye out for updates on the specific requirements in the coming months.
3. Support for Employers: The pilots will also offer benefits to Canadian employers who are struggling to find qualified home care workers. This initiative is designed to help employers meet staffing needs while offering workers a secure immigration route.

How Can You Prepare?

If you’re a home care worker interested in applying for the program there are several steps you can take now to get ready:

• Review Eligibility Criteria: While full details are still forthcoming, be sure to stay informed about the official requirements, including language skills and work experience.

• Gather Documentation: Start gathering the documents you may need for your application, including proof of work experience, education, and language test results.

• Consult an Immigration Lawyer: Immigration processes can be complex, and working with a skilled Canadian immigration lawyer can help ensure that your application is complete and accurate. A lawyer can also keep you informed of any updates or changes to the program.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

As we approach the official launch of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots on March 31, 2025, we will continue to provide the latest updates and detailed guidance on how to apply. Be sure to check back on our blog and subscribe to our newsletter for timely information and expert advice on navigating this new immigration stream.

If you have any questions or would like personalized assistance with your immigration plans, don't hesitate to contact our office. Our team of experienced Canadian immigration lawyers is here to help you every step of the way.

Maximum Number of Applications Accepted for Processing

If you're planning to study in Canada in 2025, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest updates regarding the study permit application process. Canada has set a cap on the number of study permit applications that will be accepted for processing each year, and understanding these limits can help ensure your application is successfully submitted.

Key Dates and Application Cap for 2025

For the year 2025, the Ministerial Instructions establish specific limits on the number of study permit applications that can be processed. These limits apply as follows:

• January 1, 2025 – January 21, 2025: During this period, only applications within the scope of the Ministerial Instructions that are received by January 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM will be considered for processing.
• January 22, 2025 – December 31, 2025: The total number of study permit applications that will be accepted for processing in this period is capped at 550,162 applications. These applications must also meet the criteria set out in the Ministerial Instructions to be considered.

It’s important to note that once the cap is reached, any further study permit applications will not be accepted for processing. In this case, applicants will receive a refund of their processing fees.

What Does This Mean for Applicants?

1. Timely Submission is Crucial: With a limited number of applications accepted for processing each year, it’s essential to submit your study permit application as early as possible to avoid missing the cap.
2. Refunds on Exceeded Applications: If your application is submitted after the cap has been reached, you will not be able to proceed with the application, and you will be refunded the processing fee. This makes it even more important to submit your application on time.
3. Potential Amendments to the Cap: The study permit application cap is subject to change based on any further Instructions provided by the Minister. If the cap is revised during the year, applicants will be notified of the new limits.

How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help?

Navigating the Canadian study permit process can be complex, especially with strict application limits. Partnering with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer can help you ensure that your application meets all the required criteria, is submitted on time, and stands the best chance of being accepted for processing.

If you’re looking to study in Canada in 2025, it’s vital to act quickly and submit your study permit application well within the cap. Contact our team of immigration lawyers today for personalized guidance through the application process.

What It Means for You

In a significant move, Canada has paused accepting new permanent residency sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents. This change, outlined in a recent ministerial directive, has left many hopeful applicants in limbo. As per the directive, the government will no longer process new sponsorship requests for parents and grandparents until further notice.

The decision to pause new parent and grandparent permanent residency sponsorship applications is a temporary measure designed to address the current immigration backlog. While it may cause frustration for some applicants, it is ultimately a step towards improving the efficiency and fairness of Canada's immigration system. The government’s dedication to family reunification remains steadfast, and this move will help ensure that the process runs more smoothly in the future.

Stay tuned for updates, and remember that consulting with an immigration lawyer can help you understand your options and prepare for when the sponsorship program reopens.

Canada has announced a significant change that will impact individuals seeking work or study permits. Effective December 23 2024, the practice of flagpoling—where individuals leave Canada briefly and re-enter in order to access immigration services at a port of entry—will no longer be an option for obtaining work or study permits.

Flagpoling refers to the process where foreign nationals in Canada with temporary resident status travel to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and then return to Canada to process their immigration applications at the border. Historically, many individuals have used flagpoling as a way to apply for work or study permits, or to renew their existing permits, at a port of entry.

This change is part of the Government of Canada’s Border Plan, which aims to improve the efficiency and security of the border process. Flagpoling has been placing significant pressure on border resources, leading to long wait times for all travelers. 

From December 23, individuals who wish to apply for or renew a work or study permit will no longer be able to do so through flagpoling at a port of entry. Instead, they will be required to submit their applications directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This policy shift is designed to ensure that immigration services at the border are reserved for individuals who are arriving in Canada, not those already within the country. If you attempt to flagpole for a work or study permit, you will be instructed to submit your application to IRCC instead—unless you meet certain limited exemptions.

As a Canadian immigration lawyers, we understand how these changes can be confusing and may raise questions about your specific situation. If you are looking to apply for a work or study permit, or need assistance with understanding the new procedures, please feel free to reach out to discuss your case and ensure that you’re following the most efficient and effective path for your immigration goals.

Stay informed and prepared—timing and proper application processes are now more important than ever!

Exciting news for young travelers and job seekers around the world! The 2025 season of International Experience Canada (IEC) officially opened on December 16, 2024. If you're eligible, you can now register in the candidate pools for a chance to experience life and work in Canada!

What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a fantastic program that allows young people from participating countries to travel to Canada and gain valuable work experience while exploring all that this beautiful country has to offer. Whether you're looking to work, travel, or simply immerse yourself in Canadian culture, IEC provides the opportunity to do it all.

One of the best parts? Those who are selected through one of the IEC programs can apply for a work permit without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—making it a much easier and quicker process for young professionals looking to gain international experience.

Why Should You Apply?

The IEC program offers three main categories that provide different ways to experience Canada:

1. Working Holiday: This category allows you to receive an open work permit, valid for one to two years, so you can work for any employer in Canada. It's perfect for      those who want flexibility and the chance to travel while earning money.
2. Young Professionals:  If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer that will help develop your professional skills, the Young Professionals category could be a great option. You’ll receive an employer-specific work permit and gain valuable international experience.
3. International Co-op Internship: For students currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution, this category allows you to complete an internship or work      placement with a Canadian company. It's a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credits and exploring Canada.

How to Get Started?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can now create a profile and enter the candidate pool for the 2025 season. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your country or territory, as invitation rounds may differ depending on where you're applying from.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain international experience, develop your skills, and create lifelong memories in Canada!

Ready to start your Canadian adventure? Contact us and take the first step toward an unforgettable experience.

For more than 40 years, Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program has been a beacon of hope for refugees, offering them a fresh start in Canada. This program, which has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, has seen thousands of refugees start new lives in Canada. However, its popularity has led to an overwhelming demand, creating a growing backlog of applications and longer processing times.

Under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, the government sets a specific number of privately sponsored refugees that can be welcomed each year. Despite high demand, the number of available sponsorship spaces under this plan has not kept pace with the volume of applications, resulting in a significant backlog and delays in processing.

To address these challenges and ensure more predictable outcomes for refugees abroad and sponsors in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a temporary pause on accepting new applications from Groups of Five and community sponsors, effective November 29, 2024 until December 31, 2025,

What It Means for Newcomers

In a move to manage Canada’s growth more sustainably, Canada has announced changes to its 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, aiming for a short-term pause in population growth. The plan, revealed by  Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, is designed to address the pressures on housing, infrastructure, and social services while ensuring long-term economic prosperity through a balanced approach to immigration.

The 2025–2027 plan marks a reduction in immigration targets across several key streams, including both permanent residents and temporary residents such as international students and foreign workers. Specifically:

• Permanent Resident Targets:
  • 395,000 in 2025 (down from 500,000 in 2024)
  • 380,000 in 2026
  • 365,000 in 2027

This reduction reflects the government’s response to evolving challenges, including strain on public services and housing, while still prioritizing economic growth.

• Temporary Resident Reductions:
  • The plan also seeks to reduce the number of temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s population by 2026. This will be achieved through a combination of tightened eligibility for temporary foreign workers and caps on international students. Over the next few years, Canada’s temporary population is expected to decline significantly, before stabilizing in 2027.

Despite the reduction in overall immigration numbers, the government’s approach emphasizes quality over quantity. The new plan includes measures to:

1. Transition more temporary residents (students and workers already in Canada) to permanent residency, ensuring they continue to contribute to the economy without placing extra pressure on social services. These individuals are already integrated into Canadian society, with jobs and housing in place.
2. Support key sectors, like healthcare and trades, by prioritizing skilled immigrants who can fill labor gaps.
3. Strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec, with a target of 10% of all permanent residents being Francophone by 2027.

While the reduced targets may seem like a pause in Canada's immigration expansion, the government’s long-term focus remains on ensuring sustainable growth. By moderating immigration in the short term, the plan aims to address infrastructure and service capacity challenges while still positioning Canada for future success.

For those planning to immigrate to Canada, these changes mean adjustments to timelines and possibly stricter eligibility requirements. However, the focus on attracting skilled, integrated immigrants ensures that those who do make the move will be well-supported in contributing to Canada's future prosperity.

If you’re considering immigration to Canada or need guidance navigating these changes, contact us today. Our team is here to help you understand the new rules and find the best pathway for your situation. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan and what it means for newcomers to Canada.

Starting November 15, 2024, new regulations for international students in Canada have come into effect, bringing changes to the rules governing off-campus work. These updated guidelines aim to make it easier for international students to balance their studies and work commitments while ensuring they remain compliant with Canadian immigration laws.

Under the new regulations, international students can work off-campus without a work permit, provided they meet certain criteria. To qualify for off-campus employment, students must be enrolled full-time in an eligible academic program, which includes:

• Post-secondary academic programs
• Vocational training programs
• Professional training programs

Additionally, students attending secondary-level vocational programs in Quebec also fall under the new rule, provided the program is at least six months in length and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

The regulations also provide students with more flexibility when it comes to working full-time. Students enrolled in eligible programs can now work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as:

• The summer break between academic years
• The winter break between semesters

These breaks allow students to work more hours without worrying about violating the conditions of their study permit.

This update is a significant change for many international students who rely on part-time jobs to support themselves during their studies. The ability to work full-time during scheduled breaks gives students more opportunities to gain work experience and contribute to the Canadian economy. 

The new regulations provide a clear and structured path for international students looking to enhance their educational and work experiences in Canada. By simplifying the rules for off-campus work, the Canadian government aims to attract more international talent while ensuring that students can focus on their academic success.

International students planning to work off-campus should be sure to check that they meet the necessary program requirements and stay informed about the details of their study permits to remain compliant with Canadian immigration policies.