CanadaVisa News Briefs for Mid-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.

• 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

• Open Work Permit Pilot Program for Sponsored Spouses and Common-Law Partners Extended to December, 2017

December 7, 2016

The Government of Canada has extended a pilot program that enables foreign nationals living in Canada who have applied to immigrate as a spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to work while they are waiting for the application to be processed. The Open Work Permit Pilot Program, which was originally set to expire on December 22, 2016, has been extended until December 21, 2017. >>Read More