CanadaVisa News Briefs for Late December, 2016

The following is a summary of developments concerning Canadian immigration and citizenship that have taken place over the past couple of weeks.

Our Canadian immigration news briefs bring you the latest news as it happens. When published, these articles are posted across our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and LinkedIn. Follow us across these channels to get the latest news as it occurs.

• 1,936 Invitations to Apply Issued in December 16 Express Entry Draw

December 16, 2016

The latest Express Entry draw for immigration to Canada has resulted in 1,936 candidates in the pool with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 497 being issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Unlike the previous draw, which took place on November 30 and only issued ITAs to candidates with a provincial nomination, the December 16 draw was not program specific; all candidates in the pool with at least 497 CRS points received an ITA, regardless of the program they were eligible under or whether or not they had a provincial nomination certificate. >>Read More

• Government of Canada Abolishes ‘Four-in, Four-out’ Rule for Temporary Foreign Workers

December 14, 2016

In a move that will likely be greeted with enthusiasm by many, the government of Canada has announced that, effective immediately, the the four-year cumulative duration rule will no longer apply to temporary foreign workers in Canada. This rule, also known as the ‘four-in, four-out’ rule, limited the time some temporary foreign workers may work in Canada to four years. >>Read More

• New Application Process for Parents and Grandparents Program Expected to Improve Access

December 14, 2016

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced changes to the application process for the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) for the 2017 application cycle. From January 2017, individuals who wish to sponsor their parent(s) or grandparent(s) for Canadian permanent residence status will first be required to complete an online form indicating their interest in the program to IRCC. >>Read More

• 500 Workers and Graduates Invited to Apply for Immigration to British Columbia in December 8 Draw

December 9, 2016

A total of 500 candidates for immigration to British Columbia, Canada have been issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) in a draw that took place on December 8, 2016. Candidates who received an ITA may now submit an application for a provincial nomination certificate to the provincial government of BC. With this nomination certificate, they may apply to the federal government for permanent resident status. >>Read More

• Quebec Releases Updated Processing Fees for 2017

December 8, 2016

Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion, or MIDI) has announced the updated processing fees for applications to Quebec for permanent immigration and temporary stays. The new rates come into force on January 1, 2017. >>Read More