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Canada, NEWS

Does entering Canada require passing a language test?

An overview of the key information regarding whether a reader may require a language test as part of their immigration process to Canada is given in this article. For instance, the programs that demand language exams and the kinds of language examinations that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts will be discussed in the following.

Canada, NEWS

Canada has announced plans to assist those affected by the ongoing issues in Haiti.

Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, and Refugees Marc Miller unveiled fresh, short-term initiatives on May 23rd to assist those affected by the Haitian issues. A temporary policy to assist Haitians in Canada with a legitimate temporary resident status and those who are family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents has been implemented immediately by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Haitians can now apply for a study permit, open work permit, or status extension at no cost if they have family in Canada or are already in the nation on a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit. The Interim Federal Health Program will also provide qualified candidates with three months of health insurance coverage. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Under this new temporary policy, who is eligible to apply?   Only the following people are eligible for this new stream: Haitian citizens and holders of passports who are in Canada and have a current status as temporary residents; Family members of citizens and permanent residents of Canada who: Departed Haiti on or before March 1st, 2024 (the applicant’s family member and Canadian citizen or permanent resident cannot be in Haiti at the time of application); landed in Canada on April 26, 2024, or earlier; and possess a current temporary residency permit in Canada. Permanent residents of Canada who: Left Haiti on or after March 1st, 2024; Arrived in Canada on or before April 26th, 2024; and Are subject to a waiting period for provincial or territorial health coverage. Haitian nationals who: Are outside of Canada; and Have existing permanent resident applications in progress. According to the IRCC, Haitian nationals living outside of Canada who have applied for immigration and are prepared to be granted a permanent residence visa but have lost their passport as a result of the continuing humanitarian problems may be authorized to enter the country without one. According to department estimates, 44,000 or so Haitians hold legal temporary resident status in Canada. Visit the IRCC’s dedicated eligibility webpage by clicking this link for further details. Family members also include relatives of permanent residents and citizens of Canada who came to the country as temporary residents through aided departures from Haiti. A Component of a larger plan   The Canadian government has implemented a broader approach to address the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, which includes the implementation of this most recent temporary policy. We have serious concerns about the welfare of the people in Haiti. The actions taken today will make it possible for Haitians to work and learn in a secure setting. – Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship At the start of the crises, Canada completed assisted departures from Haiti, which successfully transported 435 Canadian citizens, 111 permanent residents, and 135 temporary residents to safety. In addition, late last year IRCC also instituted a dedicated humanitarian pathway for Colombian, Venezuelan and Haitian nationals to apply for permanent residence (PR) on a priority basis. IRCC hopes to welcome 11,000 foreign nationals to Canada, through this pathway.

Canada, NEWS

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

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

Canada, NEWS

Who needs a study permit in order to study in Canada?

Foreign nationals may be checking to see if they are eligible to study in Canada without a study permit in light of the recent announcement that Canada will be capping the number of international study permits given over the next two years. While the majority of foreign nationals wishing to study in Canada are required to get a study permit, there are several exceptions to this rule, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In particular, foreign people who fit into one of the following eight groups could be eligible for this, according to IRCC. Discover your options to study in Canada Temporary learners A study permit is not necessary for foreign students visiting Canada for a post-secondary program lasting six months or less. relatives or employees of foreign delegates You might not need a permission to study in Canada if you are related to (as a family member) or employed by (as a staff member) someone who has been recognized by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) as a foreign representative to Canada. Note: To find out if you require a study permission, your embassy can get in touch with GAC. Members of a nation defined by the Visiting Forces Act as foreign armed forces A study permit is not required for certain foreign military personnel who are in Canada on official business and intend to continue their education here. This specifically relates to those who serve in the armed forces of a nation that Canada has designated under the Visiting Forces Act (VFA), either as designated civilian personnel or as members of the armed forces. It is important to remember that minor children and other family members of foreign military personnel may still need a study permit in order to pursue their education in Canada. Note: A letter of acceptance from Canada’s Department of National Defence is required for qualified members of the armed forces. Canadian Indians with a registration Keep in mind that being a Registered Indian does not equate to being an Indian citizen or resident. Rather, it alludes to being recognized as an indigenous person in Canada. Canadian minors Minor children can pursue their education in Canada without a study permit under the following five scenarios: The young youngster is either a refugee or a claimant. The little child’s parents are either refugees or asylum seekers. The parents of the minor kid are citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The minor child is accompanied by a parent who is permitted to work or study in Canada while attending preschool, primary school, or secondary school. The young person is enrolled in preschool, primary school, or secondary school in Canada, but they are not accompanied. Students studying French language and culture who are both temporary residents and asylum seekers In order to enroll in French language and cultural integration classes in Quebec, eligible temporary residents or asylum seekers in Canada need not need a study permission. courses for integration and settlement for temporary residents There is no need for a study permit for people who enroll in settlement and integration programs run by provinces or territories to aid in their adjustment to Canada. Workers not needing a study visa to study Without a study permission, foreign employees in Canada may be able to pursue their studies if they: Possess a current work permit that was granted on June 7, 2023, or before; or Received a letter from the IRCC by June 7, 2023, at the latest, allowing them to continue working while their work permit application or extension is being processed. The advantages of requesting and being granted a study visa There are advantages to applying for and receiving an IRCC study permit, even if there are some chances for foreign individuals to pursue an education in Canada without one. For Canadian minors The IRCC states that minors in Canada who have a valid study permit can access more opportunities, services, and programs, such as: Co-ops in secondary schools: work permits Social Services (in certain territories/provinces) The freedom to move between educational levels without having to seek for new permissions or change existing ones When minor children reach the age of majority, which varies by province or territory and is either 18 or 19 years old, they must apply for a study permit in order to continue their education in Canada. Advantages of a study permit in general: working while you study Depending on the terms specified in their study permit, only enrolled full-time students at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) are permitted to work either on or off campus while they pursue their degree. Conversely, students who do not have a study permit are not allowed to work while they are enrolled in classes and must apply for a different kind of work permit. Discover your options to study in Canada

Canada, NEWS

Where to find your cultural community in Canada

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

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