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immigrate to Canada

Why do more US citizens immigrate to Canada?

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Based on the latest statistics from the US Department of State, around 1 million US citizens reside in Canada. Many Americans immigrate to Canada yearly for various reasons, including a strong job market, excellent post-secondary education, affordable healthcare, streamlined immigration policies, and political stability.  The job market attracts professionals seeking career advancement, while students are drawn to the quality and affordability of Canadian universities. While not entirely free, the public healthcare system is more accessible than in the US, and the country’s immigration policies, including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, are attractive to skilled workers and professionals.  Finally, Canada’s political and social stability appeals to those seeking a secure environment. US citizens can immigrate to Canada through a variety of programs Citizens of the United States can immigrate to Canada through a variety of programs. The Express Entry system in Canada is one of the simplest ways to immigrate to Canada from the United States. The majority of Canadian immigration applications for three of the country’s economic immigration programs are processed through Express Entry. If you meet the requirements for one of the programs, you may be eligible for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry. Some of the immigration programs for US citizens immigrate to Canada are: Federal economic class. Provincial Nominee Programs Quebec immigration. Business immigration, including the start-up visa program. Temporary residence first. Family class sponsorship. International experience Canada Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Why do more and more US citizens immigrate to 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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Immigration Levels Plan 

The future will likely necessitate an increase in Canada’s immigration levels

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On November 1, 2023, Canada declared its intent to uphold immigration levels at around 500,000 per year in 2025 and 2026. Despite record-breaking current levels, a Royal Bank of Canada report indicates these may need to increase to support the population and labor market demands.  Canada’s aging population and low fertility rate (1.40 births per woman) necessitate immigration for replenishment. This also applies to the labor market supporting Canada’s ninth-largest global economy. These factors underscore the importance of immigration for Canada’s future health and prosperity. This likely motivates the country’s current high-paced immigration, yet the stabilization of targets tells a more complex story. Immigration is important because of this combination of factors that prevent Canada from restoring its population solely through natural birth. Further demands that Canada’s economy (ranked ninth in the world by GDP) places on its labor market—which is affected by the same replenishment issue that Canada’s population faces—are linked to this issue. These two elements serve to highlight the need for immigration in order to preserve Canada’s prosperity and overall prosperity going forward. With this knowledge in hand, it would make sense to conclude that these are the causes of Canada’s current record-breaking immigration rate. This is only half of the story, though, when one considers the present support of immigration targets. Targets of the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan The following table summarizes Canada’s immigration goals for the years 2024-2026: Immigration Class 2024 2025 2026 Economic 281,135 301,250 301,250 Family 114,000 118,000 118,000 Refugee 76,115 72,750 72,750 Humanitarian 13,750 8,000 8,000 Total 485,000 500,000 500,000   Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “The future will likely necessitate an increase in Canada’s 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 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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Employment and Social Development Canada

Employment and Social Development Canada updated processing times for LMIA applications

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On November 7, 2023, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under various streams. Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA processing times have increased only for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and High-wage and Low-wage Streams.  Global Talent Stream – 9 business days Agricultural stream – 11 business days Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 8 business days (+2 days) Permanent residence Stream – 57 business days (-1 day) In-home caregivers – 20 business days (-5 days) High-wage Stream – 44 business days (+4 days) Low-wage Stream – 49 business days (+4 days) LMIA process with Employment and Social Development Canada Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) determines whether hiring a foreign national will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market. The effect of the specific occupation designated by the employer on the labor market is the subject of assessment by ESDC, not whether the foreign national meets the occupational requirements.  Based on the information provided by the employer, the ESDC officer determines the appropriate NOC code while reviewing the LMIA application. Before hiring a foreign worker, a Canadian business may be required to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA will demonstrate that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. Additionally, it will demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified for the position. A confirmation letter is another name for a positive LMIA. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Employment and Social Development Canada updated processing times for LMIA applications” 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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Francophone immigration research

The Government of Canada supports research into Francophone immigration

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On November 8, 2023, The Government of Canada supports research into Francophone immigration. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, announced an $85,000 grant for the Université de l’Ontario français to support the Observatoire en immigration francophone au Canada.  This initiative will establish an oversight committee to define the observatory’s mission and governance,  address Francophone immigration research concerns, and guide the Government of Canada’s efforts in this area.  A portion of the funds will go towards a survey on Francophone immigration research needs in Canada. This endeavor underscores Canada’s commitment to promoting Francophone immigration outside Quebec, enriching cultural and linguistic diversity, and bolstering local economies. The funding will enable the formation of an oversight committee composed of university and community representatives, which will assist key players in the Francophone immigration sector in their work. The mission, objectives, and governance model of the observatory will be defined and validated. The project will assess various groups’ concerns about Francophone immigration research.  This increased knowledge and understanding of the realities of Francophone immigration will allow the Canadian government to better direct its efforts in this area.  Newcomers who speak French contribute to our country’s cultural and linguistic diversity while also strengthening the economic systems of the communities where they settle. Canada is continuing to promote Francophone immigration outside of Quebec, which is a top priority for the coming years. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated: “French immigration is critical to the vitality and growth of Francophone communities outside of Quebec.” The Observatoire en immigration francophone au Canada will help to promote the reception and integration of Francophone immigrants in Canada. The observatory is a great example of how community partners can help us achieve our ambitious goals for Francophone immigration and strengthening Francophone minority communities across the country.” Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “The Government of Canada supports research into Francophone 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 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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2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan

IRCC announced the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan Canada

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On November 1, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan. The new plan aims to welcome 485,000 newcomers in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025 and 2026.  According to the new plan, the Government plans:  to focus on economic growth, family reunification, and  humanitarian responses to immigration,  also increasing French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec to 8% by 2026.  The 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan will focus on filling labor gaps in sectors like health, STEM, trades, transportation, and agriculture, supporting a green, digital economy, offering protection to those in need, and ensuring newcomers receive necessary support like housing and healthcare. Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugees Canada is pleased to provide information on the Government of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for the years 2024-2026. Following the trajectory of the 2023-2025 Plan, Canada intends to accept 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, 500,000 in 2025, and 500,000 in 2026.  This plan prioritizes economic growth and family reunification, while also responding to humanitarian crisis and recognizing the recent surge in immigration. The Plan includes new annual and progressively increasing French-speaking permanent resident targets outside Quebec, based on the achievement of a 4.4% target of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec in 2022: 6% in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026. Overview of targets of the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan Canada  The following table summarizes Canada’s immigration goals for the years 2024-2026: Immigration Class 2024 2025 2026 Economic 281,135 301,250 301,250 Family 114,000 118,000 118,000 Refugee 76,115 72,750 72,750 Humanitarian 13,750 8,000 8,000 Total 485,000 500,000 500,000 Express and PNP Targets for 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan Canada’s target for immigration levels in 2024–2026 is to support refugees, boost the economy, and bring families back together. Most permanent residents enter Canada through well-known economic-class immigration programs like the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Canada Express Entry.  Express Entry Program 110,700 admissions in 2024 117,000 admissions in 2025 117,000 admissions in 2026 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) 110,000 admissions in 2024 120,000 admissions in 2025 120,000 admissions in 2026 Spousal, Partner, and Children Sponsorship 82,000 admissions in 2024 84,000 admissions in 2025 84,000 admissions in 2026 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 32,000 admissions in 2024 34,000 admissions in 2025 34,000 admissions in 2026 Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “IRCC announced the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan 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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immigration system of Canada

The Immigration Minister announced new measures to strengthen immigration system of Canada

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On October 31, 2023, Immigration Minister Marc Miller presented the report “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future.” This report outlines plans to bolster the immigration system of Canada to support economic growth and keep Canada appealing.  Details of an Immigration System for Canada’s Future The Honourable An Immigration System for Canada’s Future, a report laying out a pathway to strengthen our immigration system for people, ensure immigration continues to contribute to Canada’s economic growth and help businesses and communities thrive, was released today by Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. To maintain our status as a strong multicultural country and a popular destination, our future immigration system must be agile and responsive to the needs of both our country and newcomers. The report identifies actions to transform Canada’s immigration system that have been informed by meetings with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders. Some changes are already in effect, while others are in progress. The report suggests several enhancements, such as: Positioning the immigration system to respond quickly, equitably, and sustainably to growing global humanitarian crises. Creating a new Francophone Immigration Policy to boost the vitality of Francophone minority communities while maintaining and boosting the demographic weight of French linguistic minority communities in Canada. Improving the International Student Program by collaborating with provinces and territories on a Recognized Institutions Framework so that post-secondary institutions with high standards in key areas such as integrity and student support can benefit from faster study permit processing. Housing, health care, and infrastructure planning, as well as other essential amenities, are being incorporated into Canada’s immigration levels planning in close collaboration with provinces, territories, and municipalities. Creating an advisory body of newcomers with immigration experience to help inform program and policy improvements, as well as service delivery. creating a Chief International Talent Officer position to more effectively align immigration programs and pathways with the labor market, including industry and sector strategies. Making our website more user-friendly so that applicants can easily find the information they need. These actions can assist in the creation of a system that meets the needs of the Canadian economy and labor market. Changes will be implemented through cross-government collaboration and a focus on welcoming the people who will be needed in the future while maintaining the system’s safety, security, and integrity. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “The Immigration Minister announced new measures to strengthen Canada’s immigration 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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new measures to support Moroccan nationals

IRCC announces new measures to support Moroccan nationals

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On October 26, 2023, the Government of Canada announced new measures to support Moroccan nationals so that Moroccan nationals in Canada can extend their study, work, or family visit status without charge, effective October 19, 2023.  These special measures apply to those in Canada as of September 8, when the earthquake occurred, and are designed to facilitate the extension of temporary status or transitioning between temporary streams. The measures will remain in effect until March 12, 2024.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has prioritized processing temporary and permanent residence applications received on or before September 8, 2023, from people affected by the earthquake. Details of the new measures to support Moroccan nationals As part of Canada’s response to the situation in Morocco, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has prioritized temporary and permanent residence applications from people affected by the devastating earthquake received on or before September 8, 2023. This includes visitor visa applications for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as existing refugee resettlement applications. The Canadian government is now taking steps to make it easier for Moroccan nationals who are already in Canada to extend their stay. Canada updates the instructions for biometrics collection Recognizing that some people may have lost their travel documents as a result of the earthquake, IRCC will waive the requirement that applicants hold a passport or travel document in order to be approved for a permanent resident visa to enter Canada. We are also making it easier for Moroccan Canadian citizens and permanent residents to return to Canada by waiving fees for temporary passports, limited-validity passports, and emergency travel documents, as well as Canadian citizenship certificates and permanent resident travel documents. These measures will be in effect from October 19, 2023, to March 12, 2024. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “IRCC announces new measures to support Moroccan nationals” 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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Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Progra

Sudbury considered new applications in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program

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On October 13, 2023, the City of Greater Sudbury held a new round of invitations for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program. In this round, Sudbury considered 33 candidates, including two candidates drawn through the Francophone Stream.  The lowest score of these draws was 235 points, five points lower than in the previous draw.  Last year, Sudbury invited a total of 154 applicants. Since the program’s launch, the city has recommended around 520 individuals under the RNIP. So far, the city has considered 412 candidates in 2023. About the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is an initiative driven by the local communities. By offering a path to permanent residency for highly talented foreign workers who wish to live and work in one of the participating communities, it aims to expand the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities. Additionally, each community will have its own: additional criteria for being eligible process for applying for jobs community recommendations application process Participating communities in 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    Want to know more details about “The City of Sudbury considered new applications under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot 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 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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processing times

Processing times for LMIA applications are updated

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On October 6, 2023, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under various streams.  Updated LMIA application Processing times are: Based on statistics from all processing centers, the current average LMIA application processing times have increased only for the Low-wage Stream.  Global Talent Stream – 9 business days Agricultural stream – 11 business days (-1 day) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – 6 business days (-3 days) Permanent residence Stream – 58 business days (-5 days) In-home caregivers – 25 business days (-5 days) High wage Stream – 40 business days Low-wage Stream – 45 business days (+1 day) If you’re an employer and looking to get an LMIA or hire a foreign skilled worker for your business get an assessment with Gunness & Associates About the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Before hiring a foreign worker, a Canadian business may be required to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA will demonstrate that a foreign worker is required to fill the position. Additionally, it will demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified for the position. A confirmation letter is another name for a positive LMIA. The worker can submit a work permit application after the employer receives the LMIA.   Applicants for work permits must meet the following requirements: a job offer letter,  a contract,  a copy of the LMIA, and  the LMIA number Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process with ESDC Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) determines whether hiring a foreign national will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market. The effect of the specific occupation designated by the employer on the labor market is the subject of assessment by ESDC, not whether the foreign national meets the occupational requirements. Based on the information provided by the employer, the ESDC officer determines the appropriate NOC code while reviewing the LMIA application. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “Processing times for LMIA applications are updated” 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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the Parents and Grandparents Program

Canada started inviting candidates under the Parents and Grandparents Program

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On October 10, 2023, the Canadian Government started inviting candidates through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). From October 10 to October 23, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send invitations to apply to 24,200 potential sponsors selected randomly from the pool of submissions from 2020.  IRCC aims to receive 15,000 complete applications. Candidates who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but have yet to receive an invitation to apply for the PGP in 2021 or 2022 should continue checking their emails for the invitation from IRCC. The Government has also updated the income requirements that all applicants must follow to be considered eligible. If you have got an invitation to PGP 2023, get a free legal consultation. What are the updated income requirements for the Parents and Grandparents Program? You, the sponsor (and your co-signer, if you have one), must demonstrate that you have sufficient money to support all of the persons for whom you will be financially responsible after you become a sponsor. You are included in this. If you are asked to apply, you must show proof that you have met the income requirements for each of the three tax years before the date you apply. The table below shows that the income is required for the three tax years preceding the day you apply (sponsors applying in 2023). Total number of people  2022 2021 2020 2 people $43,082 $32,898 $32,270 3 people $52,965 $40,444 $39,672 4 people $64,306 $49,106 $48,167 5 people $72,935 $55,694 $54,630 6 people $82,259 $62,814 $61,613 7 people $91,582 $69,934 $68,598 If more than 7 people, for each additional person, add: $9,324 $7,120 $6,985 What are the Parents and Grandparents Program Eligibility Requirements? To be qualified to sponsor your family members for Canadian PR (Permanent Residency), such as parents or grandparents, you must be: at least 18 years old. A Canadian citizen, a Canadian permanent resident, or a person who is registered as an Indian in Canada under the Canadian Indian Act. Have sufficient funds to assist the family you decide to sponsor. Also, provide acceptable evidence of income for the previous three years that meets the IRCC’s financial requirements. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about “The Government of Canada started inviting candidates under the Parents and Grandparents 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 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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