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Budget 2024

How will Budget 2024 impact Canadian immigration?

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Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has presented Canada’s federal Budget 2024. This annual budget outlines the upcoming fiscal year’s spending, affecting all Canadians, including newcomers. Key points include a $53 billion new expenditure focusing on improving housing affordability, defense spending, and productivity enhancement in the labor force.  Canada’s federal budget seeks to address some of the most pressing issues confronting both newcomers and long-term residents. The federal budget’s current ‘hot topics’ include affordable housing and solutions to the housing crisis, as well as addressing Canada’s cost of living. Because Canada is such a diverse country with numerous newcomers, there is a lot to unpack from the budget announcement. Foreign Credential Recognition Canada intends to invest $50 million in 2024 and 2025 to enhance the Foreign Credential Recognition Program in Canada. This program provides newcomers with training, work placements, wage subsidies, and mentoring. At least $25 million of this amount will go toward streamlining foreign credential recognition in the construction industry, allowing skilled foreign workers to build more homes. The remaining funds will be directed to the healthcare sector. Given the high demand for workers and the large number of job openings, the budget’s focus on these two sectors is not surprising. Newcomers working in these sectors can expect changes that will make it easier to come to Canada and begin working in a professional setting with recognized foreign credentials.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “How will Budget 2024 impact Canadian immigration” 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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world's happiest Countries

Canadians are among the world’s happiest Countries

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According to the World Happiness Report Canada’s standing as one of the world’s happiest Countries is a testament to its enduring spirit and commitment to collective well-being. Canada shines brightly on the global happiness stage, claiming the prestigious title of the second happiest country within the G7 alliance. Delving into the insights provided by the World Happiness Report, it becomes evident that Canadians have much to celebrate, particularly their standing as the 15th happiest nation worldwide. However, beneath this overarching happiness lies a nuanced story, one where seniors bask in contentment while the youth face unprecedented challenges.  The Happiness Landscape in Canada According to the latest data from the World Happiness Report, Canada stands tall as a beacon of happiness. With seniors leading the charge as the happiest demographic group, the nation exudes an aura of contentment. This sentiment is further bolstered by the pandemic-induced wave of benevolence sweeping across the country, especially among Millennials and Generation Z. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Canadians have demonstrated resilience, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. A Closer Look at Youth Happiness While Canada’s overall happiness paints a rosy picture, a closer examination reveals a stark reality for the nation’s youth. Contrary to expectations, happiness levels among young Canadians have plummeted in recent years, marking a notable departure from previous trends. The World Happiness Report highlights a concerning trend wherein happiness has dwindled across all age groups, with the youth bearing the brunt of this decline. This alarming shift is particularly pronounced among young females, who find themselves grappling with unprecedented levels of unhappiness. Pathways to Restoration Addressing the issue of declining youth happiness necessitates a multifaceted approach encompassing policy interventions, community initiatives, and individual empowerment. Governments must prioritize mental health support services and educational reforms to equip young Canadians with the tools to navigate life’s challenges effectively. Community-based programs and peer support networks can offer solace and companionship to those struggling with loneliness and isolation. Additionally, fostering a culture of open dialogue surrounding mental health is paramount in destigmatizing seeking help and promoting resilience among the youth. Canada’s standing as one of the world’s happiest nations is a testament to its enduring spirit and commitment to collective well-being. While the nation basks in the glow of contentment, the plight of its youth serves as a poignant reminder of the work that lies ahead. By addressing the root causes of unhappiness and fostering a culture of support and empathy, Canada can pave the way for a brighter, happier future for all its citizens. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canadians are among the world’s happiest according to the World Happiness Report” 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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New Canada Immigration Pilots

New Canada Immigration Pilots are Launched to Boost Rural and Francophone Communities

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On March 6, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced new Canada immigration pilots for rural and Francophone minority communities. These include the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, launching in the fall of 2024. The rural pilot aims to address labor shortages in smaller communities, offering permanent residence pathways for newcomers. The Francophone pilot, based on the RNIP’s success, will increase the number of French-speaking newcomers in Francophone communities outside Quebec, aiding their economic development and demographic growth. The community application process opens this spring, with more details to follow.   New Canada Immigration Pilots Application Process and Timeline Prospective communities eager to participate in these pioneering immigration pilots can begin the application process this spring. More details regarding eligibility criteria and selection procedures will be forthcoming, providing municipalities with the guidance needed to embark on this transformative journey. As the fall of 2024 approaches, anticipation mounts for the implementation of these innovative pilots, poised to reshape the demographic landscape of rural and Francophone communities across Canada. As IRCC works to make RNIP a permanent program, these new pilots will help attract and retain skilled foreign workers in rural and Francophone minority communities, boosting their economic and linguistic vitality. IRCC looks forward to continuing collaboration with these communities as we work to strengthen our immigration programs. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Stated: “Rural and northern communities face unique economic and demographic challenges. However, through the RNIP, rural communities have been able to attract and retain skilled workers that they’ve needed for years to ensure their economic growth. That is why we will make RNIP a permanent program, and why we are introducing these two new pilot programs. We’ll continue to work closely with these communities, as we work to connect businesses with the skilled workers they need to thrive.” Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Marc Miller Introduces New Canada Immigration Pilots to Boost Rural and Francophone Communities” 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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VAC in Portugal

Canada expands visa services with new VAC in Portugal

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Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, announced the inauguration of a new Canada VAC in Portugal. Scheduled to commence operations on February 26, 2024, this development marks a pivotal expansion in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) network, now spanning 163 locations across 110 countries worldwide. VACs play a pivotal role in streamlining the visa application process by facilitating document submission, ensuring secure transmission to IRCC offices, and providing essential biometric services. With the opening of the Lisbon VAC, Canadian visa applicants, particularly from Portugal, gain unprecedented accessibility to pursue opportunities in Canada, whether for travel, study, or work. One of the primary objectives behind this expansion is to foster stronger bonds between Canada and Portugal, thereby fortifying the longstanding diplomatic relations shared between the two nations. By eliminating the need for Portuguese applicants to travel outside their home country, the Lisbon VAC not only enhances cost efficiency but also prioritizes client satisfaction by offering a seamless application experience. Moreover, the benefits extend beyond Portuguese citizens residing in Portugal. Non-Portuguese individuals in Portugal seeking Canadian visas can also leverage the services provided by the Lisbon VAC, further promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the visa application process. Appointments for visa application submissions and biometric services at the Lisbon VAC can be scheduled starting February 12, 2024, providing ample time for prospective applicants to plan and prepare for their Canadian endeavors. The relationship between Canada and Portugal is underpinned by various bilateral agreements, including a noteworthy youth mobility arrangement. Celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2022, both countries offer youth aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to work and travel for up to 24 months, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. According to the 2021 Census, approximately 448,000 individuals of Portuguese origin currently reside in Canada, underscoring the significance of this demographic in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The establishment of the Canada Visa Application Center in Lisbon, Portugal, signifies a proactive step towards enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and bilateral relations between Canada and Portugal. As both countries continue to strengthen their ties, prospective applicants can look forward to a smoother and more accessible visa application process, opening doors to new opportunities and experiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada expands visa services with new VAC in Portugal” 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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housing and groceries

Canada implements policies to make housing and groceries more affordable

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Canada implements policies to make housing and groceries more affordable. A recent Leger poll revealed that 83% of 1522 newcomers in Canada are struggling with the rising cost of living. Similarly, Statistics Canada found that over a third of newcomers spend more than a third of their pre-tax income on rent. To address this, the federal government announced new affordability measures.  First, the Deputy Prime Minister announced a $99 million national increase to the Canada Housing Benefit, which helps to make rent more affordable by sending rent support payments directly to Canadians. This increase brings the federal government’s contribution to the Canada Housing Benefit to $325 million in 2023-24, which will go directly to low-income renters via provincial and territorial rent support programs. By 2027-28, the Canada Housing Benefit will have contributed to making rent more affordable for over 300,000 low-income households. Other measures include the $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund to boost housing production, the Canadian Mortgage Charter for mortgage relief, and the Tax-Free Home Savings Account, allowing first-time buyers to save CAD 40,000 tax-free for a downpayment.  To help make groceries and other essentials more affordable, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, has tripled federal funding for Canada’s Contributions Program for Non-profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations to $5 million annually. Minister Champagne announced new projects in collaboration with consumer advocacy groups to investigate and expose price inflation and harmful business practices, such as shrinkflation and skimpflation in the grocery industry, as well as other forms of corporate greed that have put Canadians’ prices for everyday goods. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada implements policies to make housing and groceries more affordable” 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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most powerful passports in 2024

Canada holds its position as one of the world’s most powerful passports in 2024

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In 2024, Canada’s passport, although trailing the US, remains one of the world’s most powerful passports in 2024, according to the Passport Index. Ranking seventh globally, it shares this position with countries like Australia and Estonia. Assessed on visa-free and visa-on-arrival privileges, Canada’s Mobility Score is 173, with visa-free access to 124 countries and visa-on-arrival for 49. However, Canadians require visas for 25 countries, including China and Russia.  The US and the UK ranked higher, while the UAE led with a score of 180. European countries largely hold the top ranks. The Canadian passport gained an outstanding overall mobility score, proving the freedom it provides to its holders, based on the immense amount of mobility it provides. Based on the following criteria: Visa-free, Visa-on-arrival, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and eVisa issued within 3 days—this score is an average of those variables. 117 countries are open to Canadian travel without the hassle of a visa, and 50 more countries require on-arrival. An eTA will be required for six specific locations, while a visa is needed for 25 countries. Even though the rankings could vary, one thing is sure: the Canadian passport is still a strong document that allows its holders to travel and take advantage of endless opportunities. It represents not only citizenship but also the ability to cross borders, engage in cross-cultural relationships, and create lifelong memories. With travelers eagerly planning their next journeys and creating bucket lists, the value, and authority of a passport have become more acknowledged. Furthermore, the passport symbolizes Canada’s global reach and the vast world that continues to be explored. World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2024 The world’s most powerful passports in 2024, as ranked by the Henley Passport Index, have released their 2024 list: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain (194 destinations) Finland, South Korea, Sweden (193 destinations) Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands (192 destinations) Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom (191 destinations) Greece, Malta, Switzerland (190 destinations) Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland (189 destinations) Canada, Hungary, United States (188 destinations) Estonia, Lithuania (187 destinations) Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (186 destinations) Iceland (185 destinations) Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “Canada holds its position as one of the world’s most influential passports 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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Canadians about immigration levels

How do Canadians feel about the immigration levels?

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In 2023, Canada’s population reached 40 million, with a 2.7% growth due to immigration. Historically, Canadians have held positive views toward immigrants, with Canada ranked as the most accepting country for immigrants in 2019. Over the last few decades, Canadians’ attitudes toward immigrants and immigration have been more positive than negative. On Gallup’s Migrant Acceptance Index in 2019, Canada was ranked the most welcoming country for immigrants (out of 145 countries). People were asked if they thought it was good or bad for immigrants to live in their country, become neighbors, and marry into their families. Gallup then ranked each country on a scale from 0 to 9 and created an index based on the responses. Lower scores indicated that the nation was less accepting of migrants, and higher scores indicated that its population was more accepting of them. According to Gallup’s Migrant Acceptance Index, Canada received the highest score of any country surveyed, totaling 8.46 out of a possible 9.0 points. At 7.95, the United States came in sixth place overall. However, in 2023, a shift was observed as the government’s plan to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025 and 2026 was met with increased concerns about high immigration levels. Despite these concerns, there was no change in general attitudes towards immigrants. The belief that high immigration levels contribute to the housing crisis significantly drove this shift. Policymakers should monitor public attitudes towards immigration, as negative perceptions may affect the support and welcome immigrants receive. Notwithstanding the rising concerns about immigration levels, the public still feels positive about immigrants’ contributions. Canada’s immigration continues steadily towards a record-breaking 2023 In November, Canadian immigration fell by 12.4% but was still set to end the year with a record number of new permanent residents, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data.  Despite the drop to 29,430 new residents in November from 33,570 in October, the total for the year was 434,360. Projections indicated 473,847 new residents by the end of 2023, 8.3% more than in 2022 and 1.9% above the target of 465,000. The 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan aims to welcome 485,000 new residents in 2024, 500,000 in 2025, and maintain the same level in 2026. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about the “How do Canadians feel about the immigration levels?” 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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global immigration center

Canada launches global immigration center in Romania

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On December 6, 2023, Immigration Minister Marc Miller launched a new global immigration center at the Canadian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania. This center, which employs 20 new staff members, is the second of its kind outside of Canada, following the first in the Philippines.  These centers are designed to extend the workday across various time zones, thus improving IRCC’s processing abilities. As migration trends evolve, IRCC remains dedicated to updating Canada’s immigration system to decrease waiting times and enhance service quality. This is due to the surge in applications, as Canada continues to be a popular destination for work, study, travel, and family life. The IRCC claims in a statement that migration trends are changing and the world is becoming more complex. As part of the IRCC’s efforts to build the next generation of Canada’s immigration system, Canadian immigration officials say they are increasing resources, embracing new technology, and streamlining processing. Immigration accounts for nearly all of Canada’s labor force growth and is expected to account for all of Canada’s population growth by 2032. Immigrants make up 36% of physicians, 33% of business owners with paid employees, and 41% of engineers in Canada. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship statement: “Immigration is crucial to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. Improving immigration processing capacity and client service is key to success in the global talent search. I am glad that we are expanding our worldwide presence by opening a second global operations center. This new center will help support our goal of bringing people to Canada—whether to visit, study, work or stay permanently—and doing it faster.” Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Canada launches a global immigration center in Romania” 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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citizenship ceremonies

IRCC will continue to hold virtual citizenship ceremonies

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According to the Government of Canada’s response to the petition on citizenship ceremonies, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is considering an online tool for self-administered Oath of Citizenship. The analysis is underway, considering client experience, process integrity, and preserving the importance of citizenship ceremonies.  Video ceremonies introduced in 2020 due to COVID-19 have helped reduce processing times and increased monthly oath-taking. These allow participation from rural areas and accommodate larger groups. Between January and September 2023, 276,540 new citizens were made, exceeding pre-COVID levels. Ceremonies are scheduled considering operational demands, official availability, and venue suitability. IRCC is working towards a 12-month service standard for granting citizenship. If you are applying for citizenship, you must be a permanent resident (PR) in Canada, regardless of your age. This implies that you must not: be under investigation for immigration or fraud. be asked to leave Canada by Canadian officials (removal order). have unfulfilled conditions relating to your PR status, such as medical screening. Before applying for citizenship, review the documents you received when you became a permanent resident to ensure your eligibility. Canada strengthens its commitments and collaborations at the Global Refugee Forum On December 15, 2023, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), attended the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, endorsing pledges for global refugee solutions. He announced $21 million for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assist Afghan populations in Central Asia and Pakistan. This funding will assist these countries in assisting the refugees.  Over the next three years, Canada intends to resettle over 136,000 refugees, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQI+ communities, Rohingya refugees, and human rights defenders. Canada is committed to expanding refugee labor and education pathways and has co-sponsored the Securing Sustainable Futures mega-pledge for refugee education.  Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “IRCC will continue to hold virtual citizenship ceremonies” 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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RNIP streams

Sudbury considered 39 applications under the 3 RNIP streams

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On December 14, 2023, the City of Greater Sudbury held new rounds of invitations under the three RNIP streams. In this round, Sudbury considered 39 candidates, including 35 candidates via the Conventional Stream, one candidate under the Limited Stream, and three candidates through the Francophone Stream.  Last year, Sudbury invited a total of 154 applicants. Since the program’s launch, the city has recommended around 625 individuals under the RNIP. So far, the city has considered 545 candidates in 2023. Details of this Draw under the three RNIP streams As of December 14, 2023, Sudbury invited 39 applications under three  applicants were considered for the Conventional Stream – 35 The score of the lowest-ranked applicant selected from the Conventional Stream – 240 Applicants considered for the Limited Stream – 1  lowest-ranked applicant’s score from the Limited Stream – 300 Candidates considered for the Francophone Stream – 3 The score of the lowest-ranked applicant selected from the Francophone Stream – 70 The last applicant considered date – 1 December 2023 Rule for breaking ties – N/A The Northern and Rural Immigration Pilot is an initiative the local community drives. It is intended to provide skilled foreign workers who wish to live and work in one of the participating communities with a path to permanent residence, distributing the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities. Participating communities in the RNIP are: North Bay, ON Sudbury, ON Timmins, ON Sault Ste. Marie, ON Thunder Bay, ON Brandon, MB Altona/Rhineland, MB Moose Jaw, SK Claresholm, AB Vernon, BC West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Sudbury considered 39 applications under the three RNIP streams” 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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