Business council calls on Canada to budget for skilled immigrants Canadian business leaders sent a list of recommendations to the federal government how to support economic recovery in Canada. On March 1, business leaders sent a list of pre-budget recommendations to the Canadian government, calling for a focus on long-term growth and job creation. By Shelby Thevenot
Canada opening more immigration pathways to Hong Kong residents ANALYSIS: There is already an open work permit option specifically tailored for Hongkongers, and more immigration initiatives are on the way. Canada has announced the creation of several immigration pathways designed specifically for Hongkongers, in response to the serious immigration shortfall that COVID-19 caused in 2020. By Michael Schwartz
Canada on track to meet 2021 immigration targets, Bloomberg reports Immigration minister says 26,600 new permanent residents were admitted in January 2021. The minister of immigration suggested that Canada is on track to meet the ambitious immigration targets for 2021. By Shelby Thevenot
Where Canada’s immigrants settled in 2020 The drop in immigration was felt across the country in 2020. Looking ahead, Canada is already ahead of schedule to welcome 401,000 immigrants this year. While the drop in immigration to Canada was felt across the country in 2020, early signs suggest that most provinces will see their intakes recover by the end of this year. By Kareem El-Assal
Quebec updates list of targeted occupations for facilitated LMIA process In Quebec, employers may be exempt from the requirement to include proof of recruitment efforts when hiring temporary foreign workers in a number of occupations. Quebec has released the new list of occupations eligible under the facilitated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. By Alexandra Miekus
BC PNP invites 87 immigration candidates in new Tech Pilot draw The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program invited candidates in the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration categories. British Columbia invited 87 immigration candidates to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence on February 23. By Shelby Thevenot
Atlantic Immigration Pilot improving immigrant retention rates in the region Canada's immigration department found positive short-term outcomes of immigrants who moved to Atlantic Canada under the AIP. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) appears to be on the right track to help east coast provinces retain immigrants. By Shelby Thevenot
Ontario invites 1,186 Express Entry candidates in first Tech Draw of 2021 Ontario held a new PNP draw inviting Express Entry candidates with work experience on one of six tech occupations. Ontario held a new draw on February 16, inviting 1,186 immigration candidates with work experience in the tech sector to apply for a provincial nomination. By Shelby Thevenot
Coronavirus measures affecting PNP applicants in 2021 An overview of special coronavirus measures among Provincial Nominee Programs that affect prospective immigrants. Canadian provinces and territories have made adjustments to their immigration programs so that new immigrants can still become permanent residents during the pandemic. By Shelby Thevenot
