Public policy on exemptions to work permit conditions when changing employment

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released a temporary public policy on the exemption from certain requirements when a temporary worker is changing employment.

The new policy will allow foreign workers already in Canada to more quickly begin work in advance of a final decision on their work permit application, provided that they

• are changing jobs or employers, and

• have secured a job offer under the terms of either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program

to allow for the finalization of the aforementioned work permit application so as to better ensure workers are protected under the applicable employer compliance regulations.

Accordingly, measures are set out to enable temporary workers in Canada with authorization to work in Canada (that is, a valid work permit or authorization to work without a permit) who are required to obtain a new employer-specific work permit before commencing a new job to begin working in a new job while their work permit application is pending. The measures include an exemption from providing biometrics in support of the work permit application if the Service Canada office serving the area where the applicant lives is temporarily closed and is not collecting biometrics due to the pandemic.

This public policy comes into effect on May 12, 2020, and remains in effect until it is revoked by IRCC. For more information please visit IRCC website.

IRCC has removed barriers for international students working in essential services

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has removed the restriction that allows international students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.

Biometrics deadline extended by IRCC from 30 to 90 days

Due to Service Canada, VAC and ASCs service disruptions IRCC extended the period for biometrics enrolment to 90 days from the date on the biometric instruction letter. This extension is given automatically and applicants do not need to contact IRCC.

Entry Restrictions for Temporary Residents

We would like to share the latest update from the Canadian Government about travel restrictions. It has been announced that Canada will grant entry only to:

• Canadian citizens;

• Permanent Residents of Canada;

• Crew members;

• Diplomatic staff; 

• US citizens.

From March 18, noon and until further notice any other foreign nationals will not be able to board their flights. This will affect:

• International students in Canada;

• Foreign Workers;

• Visitors;

• other persons with temporary resident status.

Please review this information and check the latest update on IRCC website before you make any decisions to leave or return to Canada.

Biometrics in Canada

From December 3, 2019, foreign nationals who would like to apply for their work permit or study permit extension from within Canada, renew their temporary resident visa or permanent residence must provide biometrics. Please check the IRCC website for more information.

Important Message from IRCC for nationals of Venezuela: Canada recognizes the extension of validity of Venezuelan passports

Due to the critical and worsening political and economic situation in Venezuela, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on August 19, 2019 announced that Venezuelan passport holders wanting to travel to or remain in Canada can now continue to use their passport if it expired less than 5 years ago or will soon expire. This is a very important message for Venezuelan students in Canada and foreign workers who need to apply for extension of their temporary resident status or for permanent residence in Canada. Now Venezuelans can use these passports to apply for a visitor visa, a study or work permit, or permanent residence or to extend their stay in Canada. Applicants must meet all eligibility and entry requirements to travel to and stay in Canada. To learn more please visit IRCC website.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will accept more sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents.

IRCC announced that up to 20,000 applications for the sponsorship of parents and grandparents would be accepted in 2019. This is 4 times the number of applications accepted when the program reopened in 2014, when the cap was set at 5,000 applications.

Biometrics Expansion

On July 31, 2018, nationals from countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East will be required to provide biometrics when they apply for a visitor visa, a work or study permit, or permanent residence.

The Government of Canada announced that additional Visa Application Centres (VACs) will be opened in Europe.

Improving processing of study permit applications from China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) has been announced by IRCC for students from China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. Study permit applicants from those countries who demonstrate upfront that they have the financial resources and language skills to succeed academically in Canada will benefit from faster processing time.

Government of Canada facilitates access to Canadian citizenship for minors

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reduced the fee for minors applying under subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act.

On June 19, 2017, the royal assent of Bill C-6 immediately brought into force a legislative amendment that removed the requirement to be 18 years old to apply for a grant of citizenship under subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act. This made it easier for minors to apply for citizenship on their own behalf.

The changes to the fee schedule set out in the Citizenship Regulations have been announced by IRCC from $530 to $100 for minors applying under subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act.

Minors who do not have a Canadian parent, or a permanent resident parent applying for citizenship at the same time as them, can apply for citizenship under subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act.