Monthly Newsletter - August 2024
Hi all!
While many of you may be soaking up the sun on a well-deserved vacation, the immigration department has been anything but idle! ?Several new policies have been introduced and we’re here to guide you through these changes and other updates. Let's dive in!
Strengthening Francophone Communities
Enhancing the vitality of Francophone communities has been a key focus of the Canadian government. On August 14, 2024, the launch of the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) program was announced, set to begin on August 26, 2024.
This pilot program will exempt students from the need to demonstrate their intent to leave Canada at the end of their studies, adjust financial requirements, and offer a direct pathway to permanent residency. The program will accept up to 2,300 study permit applications in its first year, with a cap for the second year to be determined by August 2025.
Additionally, 10 new communities have been added to the Welcoming Francophone Communities (WFC) initiative, bringing the total to 24 communities across Canada that will actively support the integration of French-speaking newcomers.
Tackling Fraud in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program is essential in filling job vacancies where no qualified Canadian candidates are available. However, to maintain the integrity of the program, new measures to combat misuse and fraud were announced earlier this month. These measures include enforcing a consistent application of the 20 percent cap policy, implementing stricter oversight in high-risk areas, considering LMIA fee increases, and possibly refusing to process applications under the low-wage stream in certain cases.
Updates on Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Processing Times
On August 16, 2024, processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications across different streams were updated. This update offers a snapshot of the current average processing times based on data from all processing centers. While the processing times have generally increased, the Permanent Residence stream saw a slight decrease. For example:
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Support for Wildfire-Affected Workers in Alberta
In response to the recent wildfires, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has introduced a temporary special measure to support those directly affected. From July 19, 2024, to November 30, 2024, the AAIP will accept work permits issued by IRCC under special measures, allowing affected workers to transition from employer-specific work permits to open work permits within the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams.
Celebrating Team Canada’s Success at Paris 2024
Congratulations to all the incredible athletes who represented Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympics! Our team’s diversity, with members from across Canada and around the world, highlights the strength of our multicultural nation. This blend of cultures not only enriches the Olympic experience but also serves as an inspiration to many. Let’s continue to celebrate the multicultural spirit that defines and energizes our country!
We hope you found this update helpful and look forward to bringing you more news in the months to come. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Regards,
Rema and Rebecca