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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@test.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

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@test.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

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@test.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

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@test.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

new applications under RNIP

Sudbury considered new applications under RNIP

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On November 28, 2023, the City of Greater Sudbury held a new round of invitations to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) Program. In this round, Sudbury considered 36 new applications under RNIP, including one candidate under the Limited Stream and two candidates through the Francophone Stream.  The lowest score of these draws was 245 points, ten 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 555 individuals under the RNIP. So far, the city has considered 478 candidates in 2023. The Northern and Rural Immigration Pilot is an initiative driven by the local community. 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    Want to know more details about the “Sudbury considered new applications under the RNIP” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.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

immigration policies

IRCC will empower communities and develop more friendly immigration policies

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On October 31, Immigration Minister Marc Miller introduced plans to enhance Canada’s immigration policies. After consulting with stakeholders and the public, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing a strategy to align the labor market and immigration system.  IRCC will explore funding initiatives that enhance community partnerships and services in mid-size, rural, and northern areas. The strategy plans to increase digital settlement services, expand services for Francophone newcomers, and leverage investments from immigrants for affordable housing.  IRCC will also explore enhancing regional immigration, including making the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot a permanent program and developing a new Francophone Immigration Policy to support French-speaking immigrants in minority communities. IRCC will also explore enhancing regional immigration including: Fast Response to Global Crises: Canada aims to make its immigration system agile and ready to respond to global humanitarian crises in an efficient and equitable manner. Empowering Francophone Communities: A new Francophone Immigration Policy will be developed to boost the vitality of Francophone minority communities while also increasing the country’s demographic presence of French linguistic minorities. Improving the International Student Program: Through collaboration with provinces and territories, a Recognized Institutions Framework will be established, which will expedite study permit processing for post-secondary institutions that maintain high standards in critical areas such as integrity and student support. Integrated Planning: Canada intends to match immigration levels with housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and other critical services. Newcomer Advisory Body: A group of newcomers with immigration experience will be formed to offer suggestions for improving programs, policies, and service delivery. Chief International Talent Officer: The appointment of a Chief International Talent Officer will improve the alignment of immigration programs with labor market needs, including industry and sector strategies. User-Friendly Website: To help applicants easily access the information they need, the immigration department will make its website more user-friendly. Canada Immigration aims to stabilize in order to support long-term growth Immigration is crucial for Canada’s growth, with about 23% of the population being immigrants, the highest among the G7. The 2024 immigration target is 485,000, 1.2% of Canada’s population. Canada’s working population is declining, with the current ratio of workers to seniors at 3:1, expected to drop to 2:1.  This aging workforce leads to labor shortages, which immigration can alleviate. This will support the National Housing Strategy, which invests over $82 billion over ten years.  In addition, Canada, as a global leader in refugee resettlement, welcomed over 46,500 refugees from 80 countries last year, including 40,000 vulnerable Afghans. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “IRCC will empower communities and develop more immigration-friendly policies” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.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

Provincial immigration ministers

Provincial immigration ministers pledge to collaborate for immigration benefits

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On November 17, 2023, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met in Toronto to discuss Canada’s immigration future. Provincial immigration ministers agreed on a coordinated approach to address opportunities and challenges, focusing on economic immigration and support for vulnerable newcomers.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented a report that emphasized a welcoming experience for immigrants and alignment with labor market needs. The ministers affirmed the importance of reducing processing times and supporting Francophone immigration. Additionally, they agreed on collaborating on a crisis response framework, improving settlement services and the International Student Program. Details of the Provincial immigration ministers pledge This approach is founded on the principle of shared jurisdiction and mutual respect for federal and provincial-territorial roles and responsibilities in Canadian immigration. Immigration, ministers agreed, is an important part of the country’s fabric because it contributes to its diversity, economy, and meeting labor market needs. Ministers also agreed on the importance of assisting Canada’s response to humanitarian crises as well as the needs of vulnerable newcomers. The ministers were presented with the findings of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) recently released report, An Immigration System for Canada’s Future. The report’s key themes include making newcomers feel more welcome, continuing to align immigration with labor market needs, and developing a comprehensive and coordinated growth plan, including collaboration with federal and provincial-territorial (FPT) partners, to best support immigrants and communities across the country. Provinces and territories discussed the future of Canada’s immigration system, as well as the challenges and opportunities that their jurisdictions face. The 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan was discussed by ministers in the context of FPT immigration priorities and responsibilities. These include focusing on economic immigration, including through provincial nominee programs, reuniting families, and meeting Canada’s humanitarian obligations. Provincial and territorial ministers acknowledged the recent increases to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and called for a greater share of PNPs to be considered when planning immigration levels. Ministers discussed the importance of FPT programming in advancing economic immigration and attracting and retaining immigrants outside of major metropolitan areas. Join our RSS Feed    Want to know more details about the “Provincial immigration ministers pledge to collaborate for Canada’s immigration benefits” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.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

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@test.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

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@test.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

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@test.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