Study in Canada

intake for 2024-2025

Canada capped the international student intake for 2024-2025

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On January 22, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, announced a two-year cap on intake for 2024-2025 international student permit applications to stabilize growth. For 2024, the cap will result in around 360,000 approved permits, a 35% decrease from 2023. These measures do not apply to master’s, doctoral, elementary, and secondary education students and current permit holders.  Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will start from September 1, 2024, affecting students’ curriculum licensing arrangements. Graduates of master’s and other short graduate programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit. Open work permits will only be available to spouses of master’s and doctoral students. “International students bring significantly to Canada and enrich our communities. As a result, we have a responsibility to ensure that they have access to the resources they require for a fulfilling academic experience. This is not always the case in Canada today, according to Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. “Today, we are announcing additional safeguards to protect a system that has grown so profitable that it has created a path for abuse. Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada, ensuring the integrity of our immigration system, and preparing students for the success they look for,” Miller added. Updates to the International Student Program focus on enhancing student protection Canada cherishes the social, cultural, and economic contributions of international students. To maintain these benefits and ensure student success, the Government of Canada addresses issues challenging the International Student Program’s integrity. This involves managing international student numbers sustainably and penalizing any threats to the system.  On October 27, 2023, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller introduced measures to strengthen Canada’s International Student Program and fight fraud. From December 1, 2023, post-secondary DLIs must confirm acceptance letters with IRCC for study permit applications. IRCC will reward DLIs offering superior services, including priority permit processing. Additionally, IRCC will adjust the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to align with labor and immigration goals. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada capped the international student intake for 2024-2025″ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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international student program

IRCC had started to enhance the integrity of Canada’s International Student Program

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Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began implementing steps to improve the credibility of Canada’s international student program. The government verifies international students’ acceptance letters through an online portal for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Institutions have ten days for verification, the failure of which will cause the student visa application to be canceled. This change was prompted by past abuses of Canada’s international student systems.  A proposed “Trusted Institutions Framework” will introduce a two-tiered system for issuing study permits and may limit the number of student visas for better academic support. Other 2024 changes include:  increasing the cost-of-living requirement,  reconsidering the work cap, ending the measure allowing time spent abroad towards the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and  aligning international student enrolment and PGWP issuance with labor market and demographic needs. We encourage potential international students to check their eligibility to ensure they meet all stream requirements and apply for the updated requirements and scoring. Canada acknowledges the significant social, cultural, and economic benefits that international students bring to the country, and for those benefits to continue, IRCC must address challenges to the program’s integrity. Taking action against nefarious actors who have preyed on genuine students for financial gain through these measures, identifying every fraudulent letter of acceptance soon after it is submitted.  Institutions that show strong support for international students will be recognized, and their applicants will be moved to the front of the processing line, allowing IRCC to better select and retain students who are best suited to meet the needs of Canada’s economy and immigration goals. What are the new changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and what is it? If you recently graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and would like to work temporarily in Canada, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). PGWPs are a great way to gain valuable work experience in Canada and are valid for eight months to three years. Having work experience in Canada opens up a lot of possibilities for an applicant looking for permanent residence in Canada.  The International Student Program has improved its Letter of Acceptance verification system and reviewed the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits – which has almost doubled in a year.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “IRCC had started to enhance the integrity of Canada’s international student program” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Canadian Immigration in 2024

Insights into Canadian Immigration in 2024

Express Entry, Permanent Residence, PNP, Study in Canada, Work in Canada /

The Express Entry System,  Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), International Student Programs, Parents and Grandparents Program, and IRCC plans to leverage AI are a few of the insights into Canadian Immigration in 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024. The Express Entry System will continue holding category-based draws, focusing on specific labor gaps. In the first year of category-based draws, the IRCC identified to give priority to the immigration candidates included: proficient in French recent work experience in any of the primary sectors, including trades, agri-food/agriculture, healthcare, STEM, and transportation In addition, this year, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Canada’s largest immigration pathway, will introduce new guidelines and multi-year plans. The provinces and territories will have advance notice of the 2025 allotment as the IRCC releases new multi-year plans for PNPs, which will enable them to better plan their immigration strategies. Furthermore, the International Student Program will improve its Letter of Acceptance verification system and review the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits – which has almost doubled in a year.  The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will be increased to 32,000 in 2024 according to the new Immigration Levels Plan. The intention is to increase intake so that more PGP candidates can come to Canada. Lastly, IRCC plans to leverage AI to streamline the immigration process, and a new advisory board will focus on immigration policy. The following are some ways that the digital revolution will enhance the candidate customer experience: improving the standard for services improved partnerships with organizations and employers increasing the accessibility of applications by using virtual and digital technologies Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Insights into Canadian Immigration in 2024″ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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population growth since 1957

Immigration drives Canada’s largest population growth since 1957

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As of October 1, 2023, Canada’s population reached an estimated 40.5 million, marking a 1.1% increase since July 1, 2023 – the highest quarterly population growth since 1957. Canada added over a million people for the first nine months of 2023, breaking 2022’s record.  96% of the growth in the third quarter of 2023 was due to international migration, and the rest was from natural increase. Canada welcomed nearly 108,000 immigrants in the third quarter of 2023 and reached 80% of its annual immigration target by September. All provinces and territories except the Northwest Territories saw population growth, with Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario surpassing the national average. Except for Alberta, which continued to have the highest net gains (+17,094), and New Brunswick (+21), all provinces and territories recorded losses in interprovincial migration exchanges in the third quarter of 2023. For the first time since comparable data were made available (1971), Alberta has recorded interprovincial migration gains of 10,000 or more for five consecutive quarters. Alberta gained the majority of its population through interprovincial migration as a result of exchanges with Ontario and British Columbia. In contrast, for the first time since the first quarter of 2013, British Columbia experienced five consecutive quarters of interprovincial migration losses. In the third quarter, Canada welcomed 107,972 immigrants. From January to September 2023, immigration reached 79.8% (371,299) of the year’s target of 465,000 immigrants set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. From July 1 to October 1, the country saw an increase in the number of non-permanent residents, with the total non-permanent resident population rising from 2,198,679 to 2,511,437. This represents a net increase of 312,758 non-permanent residents in the third quarter, the largest quarterly increase since 1971. The increase in non-permanent residents was primarily due to an increase in the number of work and study permit holders, and to a lesser extent, an increase in refugee claimants. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Immigration drives Canada’s largest population growth since 1957″ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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temporary policies

The Immigration Minister extended temporary policies to support more international students

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Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced the extension of three temporary policies set to expire in 2023. IRCC extended the waiver, allowing students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours weekly until April 30, 2024. This applies to students already in Canada and those who apply for a study permit by December 7, 2023.  Furthermore, the measure allowing online study time to count towards a post-graduation work permit will continue for students starting before September 1, 2024.  In addition, the Canadian Government extended the temporary policy granting an extra 18-month work permit for post-graduation work permit holders with expiring work permits.  Post-graduation work permit holders whose initial permit expires by December 31, 2023, can apply to extend their work permit. Extended temporary policies to support more international students Minister Miller also provided an update on three temporary policies affecting international students, all set to expire at the end of 2023. The exemption from work limit The exemption from the 20-hour-per-week limit on the number of hours international students may work off campus while classes are in session will be extended until April 30, 2024. International students who are already in Canada and applicants who have already applied for a study permit as of December 7, 2023, will be able to work more than 20 hours per week off campus until that date. We will continue to look into future options for this policy, such as increasing off-campus work hours for international students to 30 hours per week while classes are in session. International students to count time spent For students who begin a study program before September 1, 2024, the facilitative measure that allows international students to count time spent studying online towards the length of a future post-graduation work permit, as long as it constitutes less than 50% of the program of study, will remain in place. Students who begin a study program on or after that date will no longer be subject to this measure. Distance learning facilitation measures were first implemented in response to travel restrictions during the pandemic in 2020, and their scope was reduced in September 2022. The vast majority of international students are currently studying in person in Canada. Post-graduation work permit apply In response to labor market disruptions during the pandemic and post-pandemic recovery, a temporary policy was implemented three times to provide post-graduation work permit holders with an additional 18-month work permit as their initial work permit expired. Foreign nationals with a post-graduation work permit that expires before December 31, 2023, can still apply. This temporary policy, however, will not be extended further. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “The Immigration Minister extended temporary policies to support more international students” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Proof of Funds requirement

Canada revised the Proof of Funds requirement for study permits

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On December 7, 2023, Canada revised the Proof of Funds requirement for study permit applicants. Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced an increase in the financial requirement for study permit applicants. Based on the annual update of the low-income cut-off (LICO), this adjustment ensures students are financially prepared for life in Canada.  The requirement, unchanged since the early 2000s, has become inadequate. For 2024, a single applicant must show they have $20,635, plus first-year tuition and travel costs. The change applies to new study permit applications from January 1, 2024. Furthermore, the exemption from working hour restrictions that were previously scheduled to end on December 31 for international students has been extended until April 30, 2024. This makes it possible for students to work more than 20 hours a week during the winter semester off campus. Additionally, Minister Miller gave updates on a few short-term measures related to work permits after graduation.  About the Study Permits The study permit is a document that we issue to foreign nationals that allows them to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. To study in Canada, most foreign nationals require a study permit. Before you apply, make sure you have all of the necessary documents. You must apply before traveling to Canada. Your study permit does not serve as a visa. A visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) may also be required. If your study permit is approved, you’ll get one along with it. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Ottawa held a new Express Entry draw for Francophone candidates” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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PGWP extension in 2024

International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024

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International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits – which has almost doubled in a year.  The PGWP, typically a one-time issuance, was temporarily extended during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a recent extension granting an additional 18 months for permits expiring by December 2023. Previously, students relied on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category of the Express Entry system for permanent residency, but the absence of CEC-specific rounds has led to heightened competition. Now, students remain optimistic about a PGWP extension. For more information please connect with an Immigration Consultant. Canada expanded PGWP distance learning measures On September 1, 2023, the Government of Canada extended measures allowing international students using the PGWP distance learning option to pursue their higher education in Canada to be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).  The measures introduced on October 6, 2022, and set to expire on August 31, 2023, have been extended to December 31, 2023.  Students who start their online study program between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, will be able to count the time spent studying online outside of Canada until December 31, 2023, toward the overall length of the PGWP if it does not exceed 50% of the program. About the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, which enables them to get an open work permit while acquiring valuable Canadian work experience. Graduates can become eligible for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class in Express Entry by collecting skilled Canadian work experience in TEER categories 0, 1, or 3 through the PGWP Program. For international students who want to live and work in Canada after completing their program of study, a PGWP is an open work permit. PGWP holders are permitted to work for nearly any employer in Canada because it is an open work permit. The duration of the PGWP could last up to three years, depending on the length of the study program. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Impact of International Student

Impact of international student enrollment in Canada

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Impact of International Student Enrollment on Domestic Students in Canada From 2010-2019, the number of international students at Canadian public post-secondary institutions increased from 142,200 to 388,800. Now, over 800,000 international students study at all levels in Canada. This surge raised concerns about the impact on domestic enrolment.  However, a Statistics Canada study showed a positive relationship between domestic and international enrolment. The study focused on:  Science,  Technology,  Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Business,  Humanities,  Arts,  Social Sciences, and  Education (BHASE) programs.  It found that increased international enrolment did not affect domestic enrolment at the institution level. However, a positive correlation was seen in STEM and BHASE courses: as international enrollment rose, so did domestic enrollment.  This was stronger for BHASE programs in post-secondary non-tertiary and short-cycle tertiary programs. No correlation was found at the graduate level within STEM programs, but a positive correlation was seen in BHASE graduate programs. When it came to STEM and BHASE programs, however, the study discovered a positive correlation between the two groups in both cases: as more international students enrolled in STEM and BHASE courses, so did more domestic students. This relationship was even stronger for BHASE programs in post-secondary non-tertiary, and short-cycle tertiary (programs between secondary and post-secondary levels of education), where an increase in international student enrolment in BHASE programs correlated with an increase in domestic students across the institution. Finally, the study discovered no correlation between international and domestic student enrollment in STEM graduate programs; however, a statistically significant positive correlation between international and domestic student enrollment in BHASE graduate programs was discovered. Impact of International Students on the Canadian Education System There has been a considerable increase in the number of international students choosing to further their studies in Canada recently. This influx enhances the cultural diversity on campuses throughout the country and significantly impacts the education system, economy, and the communities that host these students.  The growing multicultural environment within educational institutions enriches the learning experience for both local and international students. The increased revenues from international tuition fees also help to improve the quality of education and research in Canadian institutions. Additionally, this trend contributes to the local economy as students spend on housing, food, and other living expenses. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Impact of international student enrollment on domestic students in Canada” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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Canadian education system

International students positively impact the Canadian education system

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International students positively impact the Canadian education system as there has been a considerable increase in the number of international students choosing to further their studies in Canada recently. This influx enhances the cultural diversity on campuses throughout the country and significantly impacts the education system, economy, and the communities that host these students.  The growing multicultural environment within educational institutions enriches the learning experience for both local and international students. The increased revenues from international tuition fees also help to improve the quality of education and research in Canadian institutions. Additionally, this trend contributes to the local economy as students spend on housing, food, and other living expenses. Overview of the Canadian education system Education in Canada is primarily provided publicly, with funding and supervision provided by provincial, territorial, and local governments. Education is governed by the province, and the curriculum is overseen by the province. Primary education is the first level of education in Canada, followed by secondary education and post-secondary education. District school boards administer educational programs within the provinces under the Ministry of Education.  Classes at most colleges and universities normally start in early September and run through the end of April or the beginning of May. The two terms that make up the winter session are typically September through December and January through April. From May through August, a variety of summer study programs are available. In Canada, there are also a few special schools that provide year-round instruction. Undergraduate degrees can be completed in three or four years, depending on the university. Postgraduate degrees can be completed in one to two years, depending on the type. Ph.D. programs are longer than in other nations, and master’s programs typically last one to two years. Typically, they require four to seven years to finish. Canada has ranked as the second-best country in the world Canada is ranked 2nd best country in the world overall in the 2023 Best Countries ranking by U.S. News, up from 3rd place in 2022. U.S. News analyzed ten sub-categories and surveyed over 17,000 people from 36 countries before ranking 87 countries. Canada ranked in the top five for four sub-categories: Entrepreneurship, Quality of Life, Social Purpose, and Agility.  Canada also ranked in the top seven for nine attributes, such as being the 2nd best country for starting a career and racial equality. These rankings show that Canada is a leading destination for immigrants seeking to build a better life, with excellent opportunities for education and career development. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “International students positively impact the Canadian education system” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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college graduate students

Ontario is considering allowing one-year college graduate students to apply to the OINP

Ontario, Study in Canada /

The Ontario Government plans to amend the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to increase eligibility for international college graduate students. The proposed legislation focuses on revising requirements for those in one-year college graduate certificate programs, with over 900 such programs across the province.  This offers international students who previously considered moving to other provinces a better chance for permanent residency. The changes, possibly approved next week and implemented early next year, also ban Canadian work experience as a job prerequisite, facilitating more qualified candidates to progress in the interview process. Studies show that helping recently arrived immigrants with foreign training to find jobs in the fields they studied for could increase the province’s GDP by as much as $100 billion over a period of five years. Ontario receives more immigrants than any other province. Through the OINP, Ontario will nominate 16,500 immigrants this year for permanent residence in a number of key sectors, including skilled trades and healthcare. Ontario bans Canadian work experience as a job prerequisite, facilitating more qualified candidates The Government of Ontario proposes legislation prohibiting employers from requiring “Canadian work experience” in job applications. Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development believes this will address labor shortages by allowing newcomers to secure better-suited jobs instead of settling for positions overqualified.  Ontario aims to enable internationally trained immigrants to work in their fields of study, fostering their integration and supporting the provincial workforce. Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford, states this change will benefit families, communities, and businesses. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Ontario is considering allowing one-year college graduate students to apply to the OINP” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

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