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Citizenship, NEWS

In 2024, Canada will observe Citizenship Week.

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Citizenship Week is being observed annually in Canada. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in a statement issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that this week is a chance for Canadians to consider what it means to be Canadian. The week of May 13–19 is in effect. Throughout the week, the Minister will visit “local organizations that provide assistance to newcomers by offering a range of services from official language training to finding employment” in addition to attending many citizenship ceremonies and celebrations. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, Canada welcomed 393,500 new citizens, surpassing the almost 364,000 new citizens over the same time in the previous year. This month’s other events in Toronto that cater to newcomers include the yearly Newcomer Day. Anyone in Toronto can attend Nathan Phillips Square on May 23 to learn more about employment opportunities, settlement services, Canadian history, and other topics. There will also be a naturalization ceremony that day. What makes one a citizen of Canada? Many rights and liberties are afforded to Canadian residents in a multicultural society that promotes tolerance for people of many backgrounds, including gender, race, and religion. A Canadian passport, which is one of the best in the world and grants visa-free travel to more than 100 nations, is also available to citizens. They don’t need to bother about acquiring a visa or permit in order to enter or exit Canada. In addition, citizens have access to additional government benefits and are promised free healthcare (as long as they have a provincial health card). They can also vote in federal, provincial, and local elections. Last but not least, Canadian citizens pay a lot less for post-secondary education than do international students. How to apply for citizenship in Canada There are several steps involved in obtaining Canadian citizenship. First and foremost, all newly naturalized citizens must be long-term residents of Canada. You can do this by submitting an application via any of the more than 100 Canadian immigration routes. A candidate for citizenship must then fulfill the requirements for physical residency after obtaining the status of permanent resident. In particular, candidates for citizenship need to have spent a minimum of three of the previous five years, or 1,095 days, in Canada. Additionally, candidates must have at least a four-star Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score in either French or English, which are the country’s official languages. The following can be used to illustrate this: Outcomes of an authorized third-party examination; or Transcripts or a diploma from an English- or French-speaking school or post-secondary institution; Proof that the student completed some government language programs with a CLB 4 or higher. After fulfilling these prerequisites, candidates need to ace a citizenship exam. The IRCC administers this test, which takes 20 to 30 minutes to finish and includes questions regarding geography, political process, Canadian history, and the rights and obligations of Canadian citizenship. A score of 15 out of 20 is required for passing. Ceremony for citizenship An applicant for citizenship in Canada is required to attend a citizenship ceremony upon approval. In the course of the event, candidates will Take the Oath of Citizenship; Get their citizenship certificate; Sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form; and Sing the national anthem. The ceremony can take place in person in front of a judge or through a video link provided for those unable to attend in person. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS, Study

Which country allows international students to work the most hours?

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) declared on April 29 that it will soon let foreign students to work off-campus throughout the academic year for a full day each week. The IRCC formally declared at a press conference that it will not be continuing the temporary policy, along with this declaration. Under the interim IRCC policy, international students could work as many hours as they wanted during scheduled breaks and while classes were in session. Fall 2024 will mark the start of the new policy. Prior to the interim policy that was implemented in 2022, overseas students were only allowed to work 20 hours per week. Discover your options to study in Canada International students will be permitted to work full-time during academic breaks like reading week and the summer and winter holidays under the amended 24-hour-per-week regulation. What is the policy comparison of Canada with other leading nations? When it comes to work hour policies, Canada is still competitive with other leading foreign student destinations. As per the January 2024 report published by ApplyBoard, the top five nations for foreign students seeking to study abroad in 2023 were as follows. This portion of the article will give a quick summary of each nation’s regulations pertaining to international students’ work hours. United States (17%) Students from other countries who possess a valid F-1 student visa are allowed to work 20 hours a week on campus in the United States (US). While school is in session, qualifying off-campus students can work up to 20 hours per week; during the student’s annual break, they can work full-time; and when classes are not in session, they can work part-time. Britain (11%) The United Kingdom’s Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) states that international students who are permitted to work must make sure their weekly hours do not exceed 10 or 20. The UKCISA makes it clear that overseas students are allowed to work full-time during the summer months and advises students to verify any job-related restrictions that [their] university, institution, or school imposes or suggests. Canada (ten percent) Reminder: Starting in the fall of 2024, overseas students studying in Canada are eligible for the following work hours allowances: Work off campus for twenty-four hours a week throughout the academic yearFull-time work within the periods of time designated for academics France (6%). As per Campus France, the French government permits international students to labor for up to 964 hours. Calculated to be 21 hours a week, this is the equivalent of 60% of the French legal work year. The same source also mentions that international students wishing to work at French universities are subject to a different set of regulations. Between September 1st and June 30th, these students are permitted to work a maximum of 670 hours, and between July 1st and August 31st, no more than 300 hours may be worked. Germany and Australia (also 6%). On ApplyBoard’s list, two other nations ranked at the same percentage as France. The Department of Home Affairs in Australia states that holders of student visas are allowed to work up to 48 hours each two-week period while they are enrolled in classes. Additionally, the Australian government makes it clear that, while their training or course of study is not in session, holders of student visas are not restricted from working. International students in Germany are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while they are enrolled in classes, per an ICEF Monitor report. The importance of work hours for students from abroad International students find it beneficial to be able to work while they study. They are able to sustain themselves and their family by earning money through this. In Canada, international students who want to work off-campus during the academic year must fulfill specific conditions. Among them are: Having a current study permit After beginning* full-time coursework at a recognized educational institution (DLI), enrolling in a minimum six-month academic, vocational, or professional training program** Possessing an active Social Security Number (SIN) Note: International students must have work authorization on their study permit in order to be able to work while they are enrolled in classes in Canada. Clearly stated in this authorization will be the student’s ability to work on campus, off campus, or both. Only after beginning their studies at their DLI are international students permitted to work in Canada. **The course of study for the international student must result in a degree, diploma, or certificate. To find out more about working while studying in Canada, go to this specific webpage. Discover your options to study in Canada

Canada, NEWS

The IRCC has released a new temporary policy for Hong Kong-based PR applicants.

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A new temporary policy has been introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assist Hong Kong applicants for permanent residency (PR) in staying in Canada while they await a decision on their application. The first temporary public policy for residents of Hong Kong was introduced in 2021 and received a large number of applications. This temporary policy is a response to those applications. In response to the geopolitical circumstances between China and Hong Kong in that year, the IRCC established two additional avenues for Hong Kong residents who have worked or studied in Canada to be eligible for Canadian PR. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Which policy is the new one? Residents of Hong Kong who applied for PR through the IRCC’s unique 2021 pathway will now be eligible to extend their status and apply for an open work permit (OWP) beginning on May 27, 2024. This will allow them to stay in Canada and continue working while their application is being reviewed. This new law will particularly benefit persons who are both: Applied under the 2021 policy’s Stream A (for graduates from within Canada) or Stream B (for Canadian work experience); and Had a work or study permit during the three years prior to the approval of their application for permanent residency. During the five years that this new public policy is in effect, applicants for permanent residence (PR) are permitted to stay in Canada while their applications are being processed. The IRCC adds that it is the responsibility of the individuals (or their guardians) with temporary status in Canada (work/study permit) to keep an eye on their status and seek for renewal when necessary. Because of a legal requirement known as “maintained status,” people with work or study permits in Canada who ask to have their permits extended before they expire preserve their legal status in the country (even while their application for renewal is being handled). The department also cautions that anyone who lost their status in Canada during the ninety-day period prior to applying for an open work permit under the new policy is eligible to apply for the OWP and have their status restored at the same time. However, an applicant’s application will not be taken into consideration under this new regulation if they have been out of status for more than ninety-nine days prior to filing it. Background of the interim rule applicable to citizens of Hong Kong Since 1923, Canada and Hong Kong have had diplomatic ties. Actually, one of the main immigration sources to Canada each year is Hong Kong. Over 200,000 immigrants to Canada in 2021 gave Hong Kong as their birthplace, according to data. China enforced a national security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, making “secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces” illegal and defining these offenses broadly. The Canadian government responded to these developments by enacting a number of laws that would make it easier for citizens of Hong Kong to immigrate to Canada. The government concerned that these changes would damage citizens’ rights and freedoms and might result in discriminatory or arbitrary law enforcement. Canada’s Info-Pacific Strategy outlines the government’s ongoing commitment to the people of Hong Kong. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

NEWS, Provinces

Manitoba’s request to renew work permits for a few PNP candidates has been approved by the IRCC.

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The Manitoba government has requested that some nominees listed in the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have their temporary resident status extended. This request has been granted by Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller. The nominees, most of whom possess Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), are all expected to have work permits expiring in 2024, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applications for these people are presently being accepted for the Manitoba Skilled Worker Program, an immigration route designed to cover important positions in the province. 6,700 temporary employees may carry on with their work while the province processes their PNP application thanks to the interim arrangement. According to the government, “qualified foreign nationals will obtain an official nomination from Manitoba and ultimately turn into permanent residents” Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration In order to meet the demands of the country’s labor market, the IRCC says it is willing to collaborate with other Canadian provinces and territories to assist in the conversion of additional temporary residents into permanent residents. After the Federation of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) meeting on May 10, more details might become accessible. The PNP for Manitoba The first province in Canada to create a PNP was Manitoba. In order to draw immigrants who might otherwise be more inclined to settle in one of Canada’s major cities, such Toronto or Vancouver, the province launched the initiative in 1998. With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, all Canadian provinces and territories adopted the program as it was so effective in promoting the financial advantages of immigration. Additionally, data indicates that in 2023, 10,000 individuals in Manitoba changed from being workers to permanent residents. The province received 1,560 Expressions of Interest from candidates seeking skilled labor between January and March of this year, and 1,478 of those were approved. According to IRCC data, the PNP accounted for 20% of all admissions of permanent residents in 2022. Furthermore, by the end of 2024, Canada hopes to have admitted 110,000 new permanent residents, and by 2025 and 2026, it expects to have admitted 120,000 per year, according to the Immigration Levels Plan, which sets admission targets for permanent residents each year. Modifications to the levels of temporary residents This measure is exclusive to Canada’s immigration landscape and is consistent with an earlier declared priority for the current year and the years to come. Minister Miller declared on March 21 of this year that he intended to pursue further domestic draws in order to facilitate the conversion of temporary residents into permanent residents. To put it another way, rather than raising the previously unrestricted number of temporary residents that enter Canada each year, IRCC intends to collaborate with recent arrivals to assist them in becoming permanent residents. In 2023, the number of temporary residents in Canada exceeded 2.5 million, accounting for 6.2% of the country’s total population. 157,000 individuals made the switch from temporary to permanent residence in 2023. The modifications to Canada’s thresholds for temporary residents coincide with a period of high living expenses, a burdened healthcare system, and a lack of reasonably priced homes for both citizens and foreigners. In 2023, a number of polls revealed a decline in support for substantial immigration. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Canada, NEWS

Where to find your cultural community in Canada

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Finding others who share their social and cultural background can be a major factor for many immigrants to Canada when deciding where to settle. Fortunately, Canada’s emphasis on diversity and culture mean that immigrants from all over the world can probably find fellow members of their community there. The most populated communities in Canada are profiled here, along with information on notable ethnic groups, birthplace, immigration status, official languages spoken, and linguistic proficiency. The biggest cities in every province have been selected, and information from the Canadian National Census of 2021 has been gathered. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Definitions This page cites Statistics Canada’s “list of ethnic or cultural origins 2021” (which includes detailed definitions) for ethnic origins. Regarding immigration status, this article makes reference to: “Immigrants” are those who are recent arrivals in Canada who have been granted permanent residence (PR) status and/or those who have obtained Canadian citizenship through naturalization; “Non-immigrants,” denoting those who are citizens of Canada by virtue of their birth; and “Non-permanent residents” are foreign nationals who are granted temporary residency in Canada, usually through a work or study permit. Toronto The largest city and metropolitan area in both the province of Ontario and all of Canada is Toronto. Toronto had a population of about 2.7 million as of 2021. Status of Immigration The people who live in Toronto are: 48.2% or 1.39 million non-immigrants; 1.28 million newcomers (46.6%); additionally Non-permanent residents: 145,240 (5.35%). Language proficiency Toronto’s population spoke the following languages: English (2.6 million speakers); French (238,505 speakers); Mandarin (162,950 speakers); Spanish (138,770 speakers); Tagalog (135,600 speakers); Yue (Cantonese) (134,810 speakers); Hindi (107,170 speakers); Italian (84,335 speakers); Portuguese (80,170 speakers); and Tamil (77,785 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken Of Canada’s official languages, residents of Toronto spoke: English only (2.4 million speakers); English and French (236,915 speakers); and French only (2,555 speakers). Ethnic and cultural breakdown Of Toronto’s population: 1.13 million people were of ethnic European origin; 1.13 million people were of ethnic Asian origin; 248,260 people were of ethnic North American origin; 212,030 people were of “other ethnic and cultural” origin; and 172,560 people were of ethnic African origin. Montréal Montréal is the largest metropolis in the province of Quebec and the second most populous city in Canada. Additionally, it is North America’s largest francophone metropolis. 1.76 million people called Montréal home as of the 2021 census. Status of Immigration Montréal’s population consists of: 1.01 million non-immigrants (59%); 576,120 immigrants (33.4%); and 129,780 non-permanent residents (7.5%). Knowledge of languages Montréal’s population spoke the following languages: French (1.47 million speakers); English (1.21 million speakers); Spanish (177,230 speakers); Arabic (173,385 speakers); Italian (95,535 speakers); Haitian Creole (66,445 speakers); Mandarin (41,405 speakers); Portuguese (28,835 speakers); and Vietnamese (24,550 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken Of Canada’s official languages, residents of Montréal spoke: English and French (1.01 million speakers); French only (473,490 speakers); English only (207,690 speakers); and Neither English nor French (41,975 speakers). Ethnic or cultural breakdown Of Montréal’s population: 684,765 people were of ethnic European origin; 419,860 people were of ethnic North American origin; 307,525 people were of ethnic Asian origin; 230,025 people were of ethnic African origin; and 136,480 people were of “other ethnic and cultural” origin. Calgary The largest city in Alberta and one of the fastest-growing in the country is Calgary. Calgary was named the most livable city in Canada and tied with Zurich, Switzerland, for third place among all cities in 2022. Calgary had 1.3 million residents in 2021. Immigrant Status Calgary’s population consists of: 834,100 non-immigrants (64.6%); 430,640 immigrants (33.3%); and 27,030 non-permanent residents (2.1%). Knowledge of languages Calgary’s population spoke the following languages: English (1.25 million speakers); French (86,135 speakers); Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) (66,720 speakers); Punjabi (61,025 speakers); Spanish (54,235 speakers); Mandarin (45,330 speakers); Hindi (42,160 speakers); Yue (Cantonese) (42,090 speakers); Arabic (33,325 speakers); and Urdu (29,980 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken Of Canada’s official languages, residents of Calgary spoke: English only (1.17 million speakers); English and French (85,360 speakers); and French only (825 speakers). Ethnic and cultural breakdown Of Calgary’s population: 665,085 people were of ethnic European origin; 403,980 people were of ethnic Asian origin; 207,060 people were of ethnic North American origin; 78,555 people were of “other ethnic and cultural” origin; and 74,410 people were of ethnic African origin. Winnipeg The province of Manitoba’s capital and largest city is Winnipeg. The city is a rapidly expanding urban area in the prairie region of Canada. Winnipeg had 749,607 residents as of 2021. Status of Immigration The population of Winnipeg is made up of: 68.6% or 505,525 non-immigrants; 27,3% of immigrants, or 201,045; and 30,095 (4.1%) non-permanent inhabitants. Language proficiency The following languages were spoken by people in Winnipeg: English (723,085 speakers); French (72,665 speakers); Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) (64,325 speakers); Punjabi (39,215 speakers); Spanish (15,660 speakers); Mandarin (15,160 speakers); German (12,425 speakers); Arabic (9,335 speakers); Russian (8,645 speakers); and Ukranian (8,620 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken Of Canada’s official languages, residents of Winnipeg spoke: English only (656,965 speakers); English and French (71,700 speakers); and French only (1,225 speakers). Ethnic and cultural breakdown Of Winnipeg’s population: 401,865 people were of ethnic European origin; 193,135 people were of ethnic Asian origin; 156,025 people were of ethnic North American origin; 54,455 people were of “other ethnic and cultural” origin; and 37,290 people were of ethnic African origin. Vancouver The largest city in British Columbia is Vancouver, which is also one of the three largest metropolitan areas in Canada along with Toronto and Montreal. There were 662,248 people living in Vancouver as of the 2021 census. Status of Immigration The population of Vancouver is made up of: 333,190 non-immigrants (51.2%); 274,360 immigrants (42.2%); and 42,830 non-permanent residents (6.6%). Knowledge of languages Toronto’s population spoke the following languages: English (612,215 speakers); Yue (Cantonese) (96,960 speakers); Mandarin (74,960 speakers); French (60,990 speakers); Spanish (36,500 speakers); Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) (30,430 speakers); Punjabi (19,130 speakers); Hindi (15,025 speakers); Vietnamese (14,905 speakers); and Japanese (12,075 speakers). Breakdown of official languages spoken

NEWS, Study

Getting PR after graduating from a master’s or PhD program as an international student

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Students coming to Canada for a Ph.D. or master’s degree may find it simpler to get permanent residence (PR) currently. One of several modifications to Canada’s system for international students, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy was originally announced on January 22 and was enacted on February 15, 2024 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Under this regulation, international graduates of master’s degree programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), the only post-secondary educational establishments approved by the International Relations and Cultural Council (IRCC) to admit international students, can now apply for a three-year PGWP. This holds true even for students enrolled in two-year master’s degrees or shorter. Discover your options to study in Canada Note: Prior to February 15, there existed a clear correlation between the duration of a master’s program and the validity period of a PGWP. How does this facilitate the Canadian PR process? The benefit of a PGWP is that, after completing a program at a DLI that qualifies, it enables graduates of overseas schools to work in Canada. Many of Canada’s immigration procedures either demand or reward job experience, therefore having work experience in the country is beneficial for individuals who eventually hope to pursue permanent residence. For instance, candidates with a minimum of 80* additional CRS points for work experience gained in Canada prior to applying for PR are rewarded by Canada’s well-known Express Entry application management system, which gives priority to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. *This point value is applicable to candidates for Express Entry under the Core/Human Capital Factors segment of the system who do not have a spouse or common-law partner. Candidates may obtain a variable number of CRS points depending on the circumstances, such as applying with their spouse or partner. Therefore, because it gives them more time to get useful Canadian work experience that they can cite on their immigration application, this enlarged PGWP policy will make it easier for qualifying students to obtain PR. Additional ways that IRCC facilitates master’s and PhD student immigration to Canada The CRS system of Express Entry incentivizes greater education. In addition to the value of a Ph.D. or master’s degree for immigration to Canada, the Express Entry CRS system favors higher education levels. In particular, the Express Entry system rewards students with master’s and doctoral degrees with the two highest CRS ratings under “level of education.” Master’s students: 126 points with a spouse/common-law partner; 135 points without Ph.D. students: 140 points with a spouse/common-law partner; 150 points without Simply, more CRS points gives candidates a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR. Many provinces/territories have dedicated Provincial Nominee Program streams for Masters/PhD students Students who obtain either a master’s or Ph.D. degree in Canada also open themselves up to various additional Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. Note: With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, eleven of Canada’s thirteen provinces and territories run PNPs. This is due to the fact that several of the provinces that are the top destinations for newcomers to Canada, such as British Columbia and Ontario, offer specialized programs for their graduates. You can click on the links below to find out more details about a few of these PNP streams. Ontario: Graduate Programs for Masters and Doctorates in Ontario International Post-Graduate Category in British Columbia Manitoba: Pathway for Graduate Internships Here is more information about the PNPs in Canada. Discover your options to study in Canada

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