CanadaVisa News Briefs for Late January, 2017

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.

• Updated Settlement Funds Requirement for Express Entry Immigration to Canada

January 27, 2017

The government of Canada has updated the settlement funds requirement for applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) and Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC). Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are not required to show settlement funds. In addition, candidates authorized to work in Canada and who have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada are not subject to the settlement funds requirement. >>Read More

• CRS Requirement Continues to Fall in Third Express Entry Draw of 2017

January 25, 2017

The latest Express Entry draw has continued two trends that have marked the recent history of the federal Canadian immigration selection system: the draws keep growing in size, and the number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points required in order for a candidate to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) continues to decrease. The latest draw, which took place the morning of January 25, issued ITAs to 3,508 candidates with 453 or more CRS points. >>Read More

• New Online Application Process for Ontario's French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

January 24, 2017

The province of Ontario has announced a new online application process for the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The government of Ontario states that the new process will make it easier to apply to the stream and help to improve processing times for applicants. >>Read More

• New Brunswick Notifies Applicants of Processing Delays in its Provincial Nominee Program

January 18, 2017

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is experiencing delays in the processing of applications. The delays are attributed to a "significant number of applications," the province explained on its website. The update added that the program continues "to prioritize applications from individuals who are working in New Brunswick or have a local job offer." >>Read More

• Ontario to Introduce Online Immigration Application Systems and Improve Processing Times

January 12, 2017

The government of Ontario has made a number of important announcements regarding its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), one of Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Through these programs, provinces may welcome newcomers who will be able to settle into life in the region and effectively contribute to the community. As Canada's most populated province, Ontario continues to be a popular immigration destination. >>Read More

• CRS Requirement Continues to Decrease in Record-Breaking January 11 Express Entry Draw

January 11, 2017

A record-breaking number of Express Entry candidates for immigration to Canada were issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a draw that took place on January 11, 2017. A total of 3,334 candidates with 459 or more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points were invited to apply. This is the first time the number of candidates issued an ITA has passed the 3,000 mark. In addition, it is the first time in almost a year that the CRS requirement has dipped below 460. >>Read More

• Ahmed Hussen Appointed Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

January 10, 2017

Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has appointed Somali-born Member of Parliament Ahmed Hussen to the position of Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Hussen replaces John McCallum, who is set to become Canada's ambassador to China. The move is one of many in a cabinet reshuffle that will see a number of ministers move department or leave cabinet altogether. >>Read More