June 2023

Announcements from IRCC continue! Since starting this blog 10 years ago, this is the first time I’ve put out three newsletters in one month. And all in the first week!

The electronic travel authorization (eTA) program has been expanded to 13 countries:

June 2023

After much anticipation, IRCC has announced a category-based selection for Express Entry.

Rather than only being selected based on program and comprehensive ranking system points, in the future, applicants can be selected based on French or English language ability, work experience in a specific occupation, or education. In 2023, the following categories will be used:

June 2023

As I blogged about in September 2017, in the past, it has been challenging for romantic partners of Canadians to get approved for a visitor visa. Many couples remained separated, sometimes for years, while waiting for the sponsorship applications to be processed. Though adjustments to the ‘dual intent’ policy last fall provided additional guidance to immigration officers, the policy change did not have a measurable impact on the acceptance rates of these applications; over half of the applicants were being denied.

May 2023

Most Canadians will never have to worry about having to flee their home. Though the number of us displaced because of natural disasters such as floods and recent evacuations due to wildfires in Alberta is increasing due to climate change, we are a population safe from civil unrest and war.