The following is a summary of developments concerning Canadian Citizenship and Immigration that took place or were announced over the last two weeks.

• New Permanent Residence Card Direct Mail-Out Pilot Program

Beginning 20 April 2012, most Permanent Residents who require Permanent Resident (PR) cards will no longer have to pick up these cards at a Citizenship and Immigration Canada office. Instead, through a new pilot project, they will be able to receive their cards by mail.  >>Read more…

• Federal Internship for Newcomers Program Expands to Private Businesses  

The Government of Canada has partnered with two leading private Canadian businesses to develop and expand the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FIN).>>Read more…

• Federal Skilled Worker Cap Reached

As of yesterday, 8 May 2012, the maximum number of 10,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications has been reached. This cap on applications has been put in place for individuals applying under one of the 29 eligible occupations being targeted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  >>Read more…

• Ontario Extends Backlog Reduction Deadlines

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced today that Canadian Experience Class applicants who are currently residing in Canada as Temporary Foreign Workers will soon see their permanent residency applications expedited. >>Read more…

• Saskatchewan Businesses Hire 280 Irish Workers

Businesses in Saskatchewan have hired over 280 skilled workers from Ireland. This is a direct result of a March 2012 recruitment mission, in which provincial officials and representatives from 27 Saskatchewan employers traveled to Ireland in search of employees. >>Read more…