Category: Immigration News

Canada has started the 2025 Express Entry season with a massive French-language proficiency draw, inviting 6,500 candidates to apply for permanent residency. This move highlights Canada’s strong commitment to Francophone immigration and the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec.

Key Takeaways from the February 19 Draw

• Invitations Issued: 6,500
• Minimum CRS Score: 428
• Cut-Off Date for Profile Submission: February 10, 2025, at 4:41 PM UTC
• This draw marks a significant shift, as the CRS cut-off dropped by 38 points compared to the last French-language proficiency draw on December 3, 2024, which invited only 800 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 466.

Why This Draw is a Game-Changer

Canada is actively prioritizing French-speaking immigrants to bolster economic growth and linguistic diversity. The lower CRS cut-off makes it easier for eligible candidates to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA)—an excellent opportunity for those fluent in French!

The draw follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) round on February 17, 2025, which had 646 invitations and a much higher CRS cut-off of 750. This contrast underscores how the French proficiency category offers a competitive edge to eligible candidates.

What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants

• If you’re fluent in French, now is the time to maximize your Express Entry profile!
• French proficiency gives you a significant CRS boost.
• Even a moderate CRS score can land you an invitation.
• More French-focused draws are expected throughout the year.

Looking Ahead

This first French-language draw of 2025 sets the stage for what’s to come in Express Entry this year. If you’re considering immigration to Canada, improving your French skills could be your fast track to PR!

The Government of Canada has officially launched two new immigration pilot programs aimed at addressing labor shortages and demographic challenges in rural and Francophone minority communities. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) will provide skilled newcomers with a pathway to permanent residence, helping these communities attract and retain much-needed workers.

Addressing Regional Challenges

While Canada’s urban centers continue to attract the majority of immigrants, rural and Francophone communities often struggle with labor shortages and declining populations. The new pilots build upon the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) by ensuring local businesses have access to skilled workers and that French-speaking minority communities outside Quebec can maintain their cultural and economic vitality.

“These pilots represent an important step in ensuring that communities across Canada can benefit from immigration,” said the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “By matching newcomers with job opportunities in smaller communities, we are strengthening local economies and ensuring long-term success for both immigrants and employers.”

How the Pilots Work

Each participating community is represented by a local economic development organization that will collaborate with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These organizations will:

• Identify critical labor gaps in their regions.
• Designate trustworthy employers in need of skilled workers.
• Recommend qualified candidates to IRCC for permanent residency.

IRCC has already begun training these organizations, and further details on application timelines will be announced by each community in the coming months.

Participating Communities

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) Locations:

• Pictou County, NS
• North Bay, ON
• Sudbury, ON
• Timmins, ON
• Sault Ste. Marie, ON
• Thunder Bay, ON
• Steinbach, MB
• Altona/Rhineland, MB
• Brandon, MB
• Moose Jaw, SK
• Claresholm, AB
• West Kootenay, BC
• North Okanagan Shuswap, BC
• Peace Liard, BC

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) Locations:

• Acadian Peninsula, NB
• Sudbury, ON
• Timmins, ON
• Superior East Region, ON
• St. Pierre Jolys, MB
• Kelowna, BC

Economic and Cultural Impact

The RCIP is designed to give rural communities access to skilled newcomers who can help local businesses thrive, while the FCIP ensures that Francophone communities outside Quebec can sustain their linguistic and economic presence.

The introduction of these pilots marks a significant milestone in Canada’s immigration strategy, focusing on community-driven approaches to economic growth. With the first cohort of immigrants expected to arrive later in 2025, these initiatives will play a crucial role in ensuring balanced regional development and continued economic success across the country.

Stay tuned for further details on eligibility criteria and application procedures as IRCC and local organizations finalize their implementation plans.

In 2025, IRCC is planning to introduce four new pathways to permanent residency (PR) as part of its efforts to address labor shortages, enhance linguistic diversity, and meet the caregiving and economic needs of its communities. These pathways represent a major shift in the country’s immigration framework, emphasizing streamlined and community-focused solutions.

Here’s an overview of the four new pathways and what they mean for aspiring immigrants:

1. Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Programs

The two new Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Programs will replace the previous Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot, which ended in June 2024.

Key updates include:

• Caregivers will now be granted PR on arrival in Canada.
• Opportunities to work for organizations providing temporary or part-time care for semi-independent individuals or those recovering from illness or injury.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum language proficiency: CLB Level 4.
• Education: Equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
• Recent, relevant work experience.
• Full-time job offer in home care.

These programs aim to fill critical caregiving roles while ensuring workers have a secure and stable transition to life in Canada.

2. Rural Community Immigration Pilot

Building on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), this program targets skilled workers who can address labor shortages in small rural communities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Relevant work experience or graduation from a local educational institution.
• Genuine full-time job offer from a designated employer.
• Language proficiency requirements based on the job’s NOC TEER level.
• Proof of funds: At least 50% of the low-income threshold for rural areas.
• Demonstrated intent to reside in the designated community.

Applicants must also obtain a certificate of recommendation from a community’s economic development organization.

3. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

This program supports Canada’s Francophone Immigration Policy by fostering the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec.

Key Objectives:

• Strengthen the economic and cultural development of francophone minority communities.
• Restore and increase the demographic weight of francophone populations.

Eligibility Criteria:

• French language proficiency: NCLC Level 5 or higher.
• Relevant work experience (waived for some international graduates).
• Full-time job offer from a designated employer.
• Proof of funds: 50% of the Low-Income Cut-off (LICO) for one year.
• Valid certificate of recommendation from a community organization.

This pilot aims to make Canada more accessible to French-speaking skilled workers while addressing community-specific needs.

4. Manitoba’s West Central Immigration Initiative Pilot

Announced in November 2024, this three-year pilot focuses on labor market shortages in Manitoba’s rural west-central region, involving seven rural municipalities and Gambler First Nation.

Key Highlights:

• Designed to recruit 240-300 skilled workers over three years.
• Builds on existing regional immigration initiatives in the province.

Although detailed eligibility criteria have not yet been released, the program is expected to provide a streamlined pathway for workers looking to settle in Manitoba’s rural areas.

Preparing for the New Pathways

Aspiring applicants should take proactive steps to increase their eligibility for these programs:

• Enhance language skills to meet CLB/NCLC requirements.
• Gain relevant work experience in their chosen field.
• Explore opportunities in rural or Francophone communities.

The full details of these programs are expected in the coming months, so staying informed through updates from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be crucial.

A Step Toward a Community-Centered Immigration System

Canada’s introduction of these four pathways reflects its commitment to addressing regional and sector-specific challenges while fostering community development and inclusivity. These programs offer a promising opportunity for foreign nationals to contribute to and benefit from Canada’s growing economy.

For further updates, keep an eye on IRCC announcements or consult with an immigration expert to explore how these pathways might align with your goals.

In a landmark decision aimed at strengthening border security and streamlining immigration processes, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially ended the practice of flagpoling. The announcement, made by Immigration Minister Marc Miller earlier this month, comes as part of broader efforts to enhance the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

What Is Flagpoling?

Flagpoling was a popular process used by temporary residents in Canada to bypass long processing times for work or study permit applications. By briefly exiting the country, typically at a Canada-U.S. border crossing, and immediately re-entering, applicants could obtain same-day immigration services.

This practice, while legal and convenient, placed significant pressure on border services, diverting resources from essential operations like trade facilitation and border security.

The End of Flagpoling

Minister Miller, in a televised speech on December 17, 2024, confirmed the termination of flagpoling. As of December 23, 11:59 pm, the ban is now in effect. Temporary residents must now apply online for work or study permit renewals, effectively eliminating the option for same-day service at the border.

“Closing the loophole is one of the ways the department is strengthening the integrity of the immigration system,” said Miller.

This decision follows earlier measures introduced in May and June 2024, which restricted flagpoling hours at 12 Canada-U.S. border crossings and eliminated the option for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants.

Why Was Flagpoling Stopped?

The end of flagpoling aligns with IRCC’s commitment to reducing backlogs and alleviating border congestion. IRCC has faced criticism for delays in application processing, with many applicants waiting months for their permits.

By ending flagpoling, the government aims to:

• Alleviate pressure on border services.
• Focus resources on essential operations like trade and transportation.
• Ensure equitable access to immigration services through online applications.

Who Is Affected?

This policy impacts all foreign nationals who previously relied on flagpoling to obtain or renew work and study permits. Moving forward, all applications must be submitted directly to IRCC.

However, exemptions remain for:

• U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents: These individuals can still access services at ports of entry.
• Free Trade Agreement Professionals: Workers covered under agreements like NAFTA/USMCA or treaties with countries such as Chile and South Korea may qualify for border processing.
• Spouses of Trade Agreement Professionals: In limited cases, they may seek permits at the border.
• International Truck Drivers: Those with valid work permits needing to leave and re-enter Canada for employment purposes can process applications at ports of entry.
• Pre-Booked Appointments: Applicants with scheduled CBSA appointments remain eligible.

What This Means for Applicants

Temporary residents in Canada will now need to adjust their application strategies, focusing on IRCC’s online submission process. While this change eliminates the convenience of same-day service, it also promises to streamline border operations and reduce wait times in the long term.

What’s Next?

IRCC has yet to announce additional measures to address the current application backlog. However, Minister Miller assured the public that this policy change is part of a broader initiative to modernize Canada’s immigration system.

Conclusion

The end of flagpoling marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration landscape. While it may pose initial challenges for temporary residents, the move aims to create a more efficient and secure system.

For personalized guidance on navigating these changes, contact Agnihotri Immigration Consulting. Our team of experts is here to help you understand your options and ensure a smooth application process under the new policies.

Effective December 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented new fees for several immigration and citizenship application types. These updates reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to providing efficient and timely immigration services while ensuring fair cost adjustments for applicants.

If you’re planning to apply for immigration or restore your status in Canada, it’s essential to be aware of these new fees and how they might impact your application process.

New Immigration and Citizenship Fees

Below is a comparison of the updated fees and the previous ones:

Application Type	New Fee	Previous Fee
Authorization to return to Canada	$479.75	$459.55
Inadmissible on the grounds of criminality	$239.75	$229.77
Inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality	$1,199.00	$1,148.87
Restore your status as a student	$389.75	$379.00
Restore your status as a visitor	$239.75	$229.00
Restore your status as a worker	$394.75	$384.00
Temporary resident permit	$239.75	$229.77
International Experience Canada (IEC)	$179.75	$172.00

What Happens if You’ve Already Paid?

Applicants who submitted complete online applications before December 1, 2024, will not be affected by the new fee structure. Once your application is submitted and paid in full, it is considered locked in under the old fee.

This is especially important for those who are currently in the process of applying for temporary or permanent residency. IRCC confirms and processes applications immediately upon receipt, ensuring there’s no retroactive impact on previously paid fees.

Who Does This Affect?

The updated fees apply to various categories, including:

• Temporary resident permits: For those seeking entry to Canada on temporary grounds.
• Restoration of status: For students, visitors, and workers who need to reinstate their legal status in Canada.
• Authorization to return to Canada: For individuals who were previously deemed inadmissible but have obtained authorization to re-enter.
• International Experience Canada (IEC): Popular among young professionals seeking work experience in Canada.

These adjustments align with Canada’s commitment to processing applications efficiently while ensuring services remain accessible and competitive globally.

Planning to Apply? Let Us Help!

Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be complex, especially with changing regulations and fees. At Agnihotri Immigration Consulting (AIC), we provide expert guidance to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.

Whether you’re applying for a work permit, restoring your status, or seeking permanent residency, our team is here to make the process seamless.

Canada remains a top destination for skilled professionals seeking work opportunities and permanent residency. For residents of the United States and Mexico, including H-1B visa holders, Canada offers several immigration pathways. In this article, we’ll explore these options, discuss recent policy changes, and explain how you can take the next step with Agnihotri Immigration Consulting.

Introduction

For a brief period in 2023, Canada opened its doors to H-1B visa holders in the United States through a unique initiative. Under this policy, those with a valid H-1B Specialty Occupations visa could apply for an open work permit valid for up to three years. This initiative aimed to retain highly skilled workers in North America but reached its cap of 10,000 applications on July 17, 2023, and is no longer available.

Despite the closure of this program, Canada continues to offer various pathways for individuals looking to migrate for work or permanent residency. Below, we discuss the current options available in 2024 and 2025 for H-1B visa holders and other professionals in the U.S. and Mexico.

Current Immigration Options for H-1B Visa Holders

1. Express Entry Canada

The Express Entry system is a popular option for highly skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada. Managed through three federal economic programs, this system evaluates candidates based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which factors in age, education, work experience, and language skills.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): Ideal for skilled professionals with international work experience.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): For individuals with experience in skilled trades.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Targets individuals with recent Canadian work experience.

Once a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in an Express Entry draw, they can apply for permanent residency.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

PNPs are excellent pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs interested in specific provinces. Each province identifies in-demand occupations and invites candidates who meet their criteria. Successful nominees can apply for permanent residency through the federal system.

Popular PNPs for skilled workers include:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Working in Canada as an H-1B Visa Holder

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) under the TFWP helps Canadian employers hire highly skilled foreign workers quickly. This program is divided into:

• Category A: For unique and specialized talent referred by designated partners.
• Category B: For workers in high-demand occupations like tech and engineering.

Applicants must secure a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before applying for a work permit.

2. International Mobility Program – Intra-Company Transfers

The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) stream allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to a Canadian office without requiring an LMIA. Eligibility criteria include:

• A qualifying relationship between the U.S. and Canadian entities (e.g., parent, subsidiary, or affiliate).
• The employee must hold an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.

3. CUSMA Work Permits (Formerly NAFTA)

Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), eligible U.S. and Mexican nationals can obtain work permits without an LMIA. CUSMA offers streamlined application processes for intra-company transferees, professionals, and traders.

Mexican citizens must meet additional entry requirements, such as holding a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) unless exempt under specific conditions.

Conclusion

While certain pathways like the H-1B visa initiative have closed, Canada continues to offer diverse opportunities for U.S. and Mexican residents to work or settle permanently. Whether you’re interested in Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program, or a work permit, there’s a route to match your profile and career goals.

Contact Agnihotri Immigration Consulting today to explore your options and navigate the application process with confidence. Our expertise in immigration law ensures that you receive personalized, client-centered support every step of the way.

Take the first step towards a new future in Canada!

Canada has announced two major changes to its immigration policies, impacting the study permit process for international students and the visa validity terms for tourists. These revisions aim to promote fairness, improve program integrity, and enhance the experiences of those coming to Canada to study or visit.

1. End of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was introduced in 2018 to provide expedited study permit processing for eligible students from select countries, eventually expanding to include residents from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, and others. Nigeria also had a similar fast-track process, known as the Nigeria Student Express (NSE). Both programs offered students an expedited pathway to studying in Canada by simplifying the study permit process.

However, as of November 8, 2024, these programs have been officially closed. The decision aligns with Canada’s commitment to equal opportunity and fairness in accessing study permits. Moving forward, all international students will apply through the regular study permit process, which ensures a more consistent and accessible application experience for students worldwide. Key details include:

• Effective Date: Applications received before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, will still be processed under the SDS or NSE criteria. Applications submitted afterward will follow the regular study permit process.
• Proof of Financial Support: Students can still use a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) as proof of financial support under the regular study permit stream.
• Application Integrity and Fairness: This shift underscores Canada’s efforts to prevent student vulnerability and to foster positive academic experiences for all international students.

2. Changes to Canada’s Visa Validity Policy

Previously, Canada offered multiple-entry tourist visas with a validity of up to ten years, allowing holders to enter and leave the country freely during this period. However, under the new guidelines effective November 6, 2024, Canadian immigration officers now have greater discretion in issuing visitor visas:

• Single or Multiple Entry Options: Immigration officers may now determine whether to grant a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, as well as to decide on the duration of the visa based on individual circumstances.
• No Standard 10-Year Validity: While multiple-entry visas remain available, the standard validity period of up to ten years will no longer be the default. Officers can issue visas with shorter validity based on their judgment, marking a shift in Canada’s visa policy and reducing extended-term entries as the standard.

This change will likely streamline processing by allowing officers to make tailored decisions based on the applicant’s needs and background, rather than automatically granting longer-term visas.

What These Changes Mean for Applicants

These policy updates reflect Canada’s ongoing adjustments to ensure program effectiveness and accessibility. International students previously eligible for SDS or NSE can still pursue their studies in Canada, but now through the regular study permit channel. Similarly, tourists can still apply for multiple-entry visas, though the validity period may be more flexible based on individual assessments.

These changes are part of Canada’s commitment to balancing open access with rigorous standards, preserving the country’s reputation as a premier destination for study, work, and travel.

On August 28, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the end of a temporary public policy that allowed visitors in Canada to apply for work permits without having to leave the country. This policy, introduced in August 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to assist visitors stranded in Canada due to travel restrictions. Effective immediately, the policy is no longer in place as part of IRCC’s broader strategy to manage the number of temporary residents in Canada and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

Background of the Temporary Public Policy

The temporary public policy was introduced in response to the unprecedented travel restrictions and disruptions caused by the global pandemic. Many foreign nationals found themselves unable to leave Canada due to border closures and reduced international travel. In response, IRCC allowed visitors in Canada to apply for work permits without needing to exit the country first, offering a much-needed lifeline to those who found themselves in this unique and challenging situation. Additionally, foreign nationals who had held work permits in the previous 12 months but switched their status to “visitor” were able to legally work while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.

The policy aimed to balance two primary concerns: the economic need for foreign labor in various industries and the challenges faced by visitors during the pandemic. It also provided businesses with a solution to labor shortages during the economic recovery period when bringing in foreign workers was complicated by global travel restrictions.

Why the Policy is Ending

Although the policy was initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC has decided to end it early. This move is part of a broader effort to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and address issues surrounding the misuse of the policy. Reports of bad actors misleading foreign nationals into unauthorized work under this policy contributed to IRCC’s decision to protect the integrity of the immigration system.

While IRCC acknowledges the positive impact this policy had during the pandemic, the end of this temporary measure signals a return to the standard work permit application process for visitors. Visitors will now be required to leave Canada to apply for a work permit, as was the practice before the pandemic.

What This Means for Foreign Nationals in Canada

For those who submitted their work permit applications under the temporary policy before August 28, 2024, IRCC has confirmed that these applications will continue to be processed according to the guidelines in place during the policy period. However, any new applications filed after this date will not be accepted under the now-terminated policy, and applicants will need to follow the regular process, which includes applying for a work permit from outside Canada.

Visitors who are currently in Canada and seeking employment should consult the IRCC website for up-to-date information on applying for work permits through the standard process. This includes ensuring that any work arrangements made in Canada are fully compliant with immigration laws.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) in the third Express Entry draw of the week. The department issued 3,750 ITAs in a category-based selection draw for healthcare occupations. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 445 to be considered.

Federal and provincial immigration officials are discussing significant changes to the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. The changes aim to align the issuance of PGWPs to labor market needs by facilitating access for students entering occupations in shortage while reducing access for graduates from other programs. The goal is to implement these changes in January 2025. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has sent a survey document to stakeholders to gather feedback on aligning educational programs with PGWP availability.

The immigration department hasn’t provided exact details on how they will implement these changes, but information from internal survey documents sheds some light. According to the internal document, both IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) have aligned job titles with programs of study. This step aims to understand which educational programs equip international students with relevant skills and experience to contribute to in-demand sectors of the Canadian economy.

This alignment was achieved by synchronizing Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system with the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. While the NOC system categorizes and classifies occupations in Canada, the CIP system serves a similar function for educational programs, sorting them by field of study. The internal document provides an example of the “carpenter” NOC being aligned with “three programs of study: construction trades, carpentry, and woodworking/general”.