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CIC News / 2013 / January / A Review of Immigration in 2012, Part 2

A Review of Immigration in 2012, Part 2

January 15, 2013 by CIC News

2012 was an important year for Canadian immigration. Changes were made to almost all aspects of the immigration system, from the introduction of new Federal programs to the restructuring of North American visa offices.

While some changes have already taken effect, others have not yet been implemented or are pending governmental approval. In our first article on the subject, CIC News explored changes that have been made to Canada’s major Permanent Residency programs. In this article, we turn our attention to other fields of immigration, including temporary work authorization, family class sponsorship, and student visas.

Family Sponsorship

Restrictions on Spousal Sponsorship – Implemented –In an effort to curb fraud and support legitimate applicants in this category, two new rules have been passed:

  • Individuals who became Canadian Permanent Residents through the spousal sponsorship program must maintain their Permanent Residency for 5 years before they can in turn sponsor a spouse.
  • For couples who have been living together for two years or less and have no children together, the sponsored individual will receive provisional Permanent Residency for two years. In order for provisional status to be removed, the couple must prove they have lived in a ‘legitimate’ relationship in Canada.

Work Permits

Accelerated Labour Market Opinion- Implemented – Most of the time, in order to be eligible to hire a foreign worker, a Canadian employer must first receive a Labour Market Opinion (LMO). An LMO is a document issued by the government of Canada which states that the hiring of a foreign worker will have a positive (or neutral) effect on the local labour market.

LMO processing times vary from province to province, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The Accelerated Labour Market Opinion (ALMO) provides an expedited option, allowing eligible employers to receive an LMO within 10 business days of application.

Bridging Work Permit – Implemented –This new permit applies to individuals who have submitted an application for permanent residency and are already in Canada on a temporary work permit. If an individual’s work permit is set to expire while waiting to hear a decision on their permanent residency application, they may apply for a one-year ‘bridging’ work permit. This permit allows a worker to remain in Canada and is ‘open’, meaning they may work for any employer they wish.

Increasing Worker Safety – Implemented – Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) will no longer issue visas and work permits to temporary foreign workers destined to work in professions linked to the sex trade. These include working at strip clubs, massage parlors, and escort agencies.

Student Visas

Regulation of Institutions – Proposed – Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has proposed to limit the issuance of study permits to students who will be attending a Canadian institution that has been designated by its province or territory. CIC will also have the authority to request proof of ongoing study from permit holders.

Off-Campus Work – Proposed – CIC has also proposed changes to the study permit system that will allow holders to work off-campus on a part-time basis. Currently, international students must hold a separate temporary work permit to perform work outside of their school.

Criminality Concerns

Issuing Permits at Canadian Border – Implemented – Some individuals with a criminal conviction require a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) to enter Canada. Now, certain individuals with a single summary (misdemeanor) offense can receive a TRP at a Canadian port of entry without paying standard processing fees. This is available for one time only.

Other Important Changes

Language Provisions for Citizenship – Implemented – Applicants for Canadian Citizenship must now meet or exceed a minimum level of language proficiency in either English or French. This level has been set at Canadian Language benchmark 4 and can be proven by taking a designated language test.

Consolidating Visa Offices – Underway – CIC has restructured its network of visa offices in North America. This includes the closure of the visa office in Buffalo, New York. The temporary resident visa allocation and workload at all North American visa offices has been adjusted.

Applying for Canadian Immigration in 2013

These changes have been implemented as part of an ongoing effort to transition Canada’s immigration system to one that is “faster and more flexible” while continuing to look out for the best interests of those coming to Canada.

“This year will certainly present a new immigration system with new rules to follow,” says Attorney David Cohen. “I look forward to helping my clients navigate these new rules and receive their visas in a more streamlined and transparent manner.”

As the new year continues to unfold, additional changes may come to light. Stay tuned to CIC News for the latest updates on the latest Canadian immigration news.

To find out if you are eligible for one of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, please fill out a free online assessment.

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Previous Article: Canada’s Economy Continues to Expand, Prospects Bright for Immigrants

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Comments

  1. Muhammad shafiq says

    January 16, 2013

    Sir , Dicission has been made on my application but i do not receive letter . what should i do.please guide me in this isue

    Reply
  2. sandeep sharma says

    January 16, 2013

    i really apprciate you to provide such a fruitful information to the needy people.
    it was my long time search to find a site that provide actual and current knowledge about the immigration process that ends on your site. i always wait for you news letter mails. thanks to be in touch and hope the same in future

    yours sincerely,
    sandeep sharma
    india.

    Reply
  3. Almaz says

    January 16, 2013

    It the best review for immigrants, so you are look forward.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  4. patricia says

    January 16, 2013

    I am so happy to read about the changes that Canada made, and I am totally agree with that I would like to know more about sponsor parents. I sent already an application 4 years ago and I have no answer, how long it takes to sponsor my mother? I am in Canada 10 years until know
    thanks for the answer

    Reply
  5. ziauddin Khawaja says

    January 20, 2013

    Hi, I submitted my case in December 2004 from Islamabad Pakistan, after that couple of communication and provided status update but so far haven’t received any info in progress of rejected.
    Any idea, what could be next action from them

    Reply
  6. regene fernandez says

    January 22, 2013

    how can i apply for tourist visa?

    Reply
  7. rohit bhagwat says

    January 30, 2013

    hi,
    i am a permanent resident of canada and lives in edmonton. i have applied for my wife’s dependent visa in may 2012 . my wife’s case file is in new delhi now. she has sent her passport for stamping in october 2012. but still today she is waiting for her passport.
    i have two questions. is there any changes in sponsership rules and where can i check the status of the process.
    thank you
    rohit bhagwat

    Reply
  8. Inder Pal Singh says

    February 12, 2013

    I am writing with respect to my application for PR under Skilled Category
    which was filled from Singapore under Application Status File No : 15550 /
    14 May 2007 / B052148110. I used services of my Consultants – Canadavisa.com who are helping me out for all application procedures.

    Till Today I don’t know my Status as I am being told immigration rules are changed.

    Please help me out.

    Reply
  9. Patrice says

    May 1, 2013

    Mr. Cohen i am grateful for the information your site provides. It’s always current and satisfactory. Thank you.
    regards
    jamaica

    Reply

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