Canada Latest Immigration Rule Changes 2024

Canadian government periodically announced and implemented Canada Immigration Rule changes and updates to streamline the Canadian Immigration and permanent residency process.

These changes will have a crucial impact on the applicants applying Canada PR this year.

The government of Canada release and employ the immigration rule changes and updates periodically. If you apply for Canada PR, you must confirm the latest process and updates to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Before you apply Canada PR, get the updated and latest Canada immigration procedure.

You may visit our page Impact of Covid-19 on Canada Immigration for the latest update regarding the Travel update issued by IRCC in view of the Covid-19.

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Latest Canada Immigration Rule Changes & Updates- 2024 

Find below few recent Canada immigration rule changes, that will impact immigration to Canada in 2024:

Community Immigration Programs Launched

• On May 21, 2024, the Canadian immigration minister announced the opening of the community application process for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

• Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, unveils a transformative plan to convert more temporary residents to permanent status, aiming to enrich society and address labour market needs.

Accelerated Citizenship Processing

• Canada is now processing proof of citizenship applications at a record pace—down to just three months!

Improved Processing Time Estimates

• IRCC introduces a new method for estimating processing times for select applications, providing projected durations online with forward-looking processing times.

Parents and Grandparents Program Reopens

• Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announces the reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) starting May 21, 2024, planning to send out 35,700 invitations to approve 20,500 complete applications.

Updated Express Entry Funds Requirement

• The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will revise the Express Entry proof of funds requirement from May 28, 2024. All Express Entry applicants must update their profiles accordingly by May 27, 2024.

Saskatchewan's Updated Occupation List

• Effective May 1, 2024, the Saskatchewan PNP has updated its Excluded Occupation List for the Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry subcategories, crucial for applicants seeking a Canadian PR visa through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) - ISW category.

New ECA Authority for Architects

• Canada introduces a new Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) authority for architects in the Express Entry system.

CACB Authorized for ECA

• Starting May 20, 2024, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) will be authorized to grant ECAs to individuals whose primary profession falls under the NOC of Architects (code 21200).

Canada PR fees Updated

• The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently updated the fees for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) Visas, including the right of PR fees and dependent child fees, as of April 30, 2024.

• Alberta and British Columbia are issuing the PAL

Key Canadian provinces, i.e. Alberta and British Columbia  are now issuing Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the international students as per the instruction by IRCC in January 2024.

• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made the Provincial Attestation letter compulsory along with all Study permit applications by the international students.

• New AAIP stream

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has launched a new immigration stream on March 1, 2024, to help the province’s tourism and hospitality industry address labour gaps and challenges. This stream new stream is, AAIP- Tourism and Hospitality Stream.

Ontario PNP updates- Ontario has released two important updates in February 2024:
•    With effect from 26 February 2024, Ontario has made the ‘Applicant Consent Form’ compulsory to submit with all new OINP nomination applications.
•    In accordance with recent changes to the policy of IRCC, Ontario PNP will also be accepting the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core from Pearson Canada. 

International Student Program Reforms Applicable in 2024
•    Canada is improving its International Student Program and hence, announced some key reforms applicable in 2024. A few of these changes are:

• Cap and provincial attestation letter
• Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) update for graduates of master’s degree programs 
• Changes to open work permit eligibility for spouses

IRCC sustaining the six existing Express Entry categories
As per the latest declaration, IRCC has admitted sustaining the six existing categories for category-based selection in Express Entry draws in the year 2024.

Canada is now accepting PTE Language test
The IRCC has expanded its approval of language proficiency tests for Canadian immigration by including the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core test with effect from January 30, 2024. You may chose PTE Core when applying for a migration or work visa to Canada
 

Key updates for Canada Study visa applicants:

Cost of Living Requirement increased for International Students

The IRCC has announced an increase in the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants, with effect from January 1, 2024. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on December 7, 2023, that the new cost-of-living requirement for a single study permit applicant will be $20,635, in addition to first-year tuition and travel costs.

Canadian Immigration Minister provided updates on 3 temporary policies impacting international students:

• Firstly, the waiver on the 20-hour-per-week off-campus work limit will extend until April 30, 2024, offering flexibility for students and applicants.
• Secondly, the facilitative measure allowing online study time to count toward a post-graduation work permit will continue for students beginning their programs before September 1, 2024.
• Also, the temporary policy granting an additional 18-month work permit to post-graduation work permit holders, responding to pandemic-related labour market disruptions, will not be further extended beyond December 31, 2023.

Canada has extended the transition period for distance learning measures to December 2023

• The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced to extend the distance learning requirements originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new rule, students who have undertaken less than 50 percent of their PGWP-qualifying studies outside of Canada will remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) until December 31, 2023.

Canada is set to update its student visa program by introducing the 'Trusted Institution' Tag

• As part of a bigger initiative directed at modernizing the International Student Program (ISP) (administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada), the IRCC is planning to introduce a new Trusted Institution framework into its student visa program in the coming year of 2024.

IELTS is now offering One Skill Retake

• IELTS is now allowing One Skill Retake for IELTS language tests! Hence, now, if you were not able to show your full potential in one of the 4 language skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) on test day, IELTS One Skill Retake can help you get back on track.
• You can opt to take IELTS One Skill Retake at any test centre where it is being offered.

Canada is now accepting four new language tests for  Student Direct Stream

• Starting from August 10, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is accepting 4 newly approved English language tests for Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants.

• Category-based selection: On 31 May 2023, the IRCC has announced category-based selection for federal Express Entry System. This means now the IRCC will hold category based express entry draws. The categories decided for year 2023 are as follows:
• A strong French language proficiency or
• Work experience in the below fields:
  • healthcare
  • science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
  • trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
  • transport
  • agriculture and Agri-food

Read more

• IRCC approved PTE: The IRCC has approved the Pearson Tests of English (PTE) for skilled migration and Student Direct Stream. It is likely to be applicable in late 2023…. Read more
• 4 New Language test for SDS: Canada has approved four new English language tests for Student Direct Stream. It will be applicable from August 10, 2023…. Read more
• New initiatives to improve family reunions: Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has announced key measures to enhance the number of immigrants from the family class in Canada, such as, faster TRV for spousal applicants and open work permit extension, etc. … Read more
• Agri-Food Pilot extension: Immigration Minister of Canada, Sean Fraser on 8th May announced the extension of the Agri-Food Pilot… Read more
• No Canadian work experience for Ontario Eng. jobs: Canadian work experience is no longer a requirement for Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)…. Read more
• RNWP (Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot): The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making things hassle free for racialized newcomer women to find an employment by offering the support and services they require to thrive and be successful. As part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence by Canada, MP for Halifax West, Lena Diab, announced federal government’s determination to renew up to $5.8 million in funding till year 2025 for ten projects supported under the RNWP (Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot)
• Canada helping internationally educated professionals to work in Health Sector of Canada. Canada’s healthcare sector is undergoing grave labour shortages, intensified by the global pandemic. Canadian government need skilled, qualified and trained workers to fill these vacancies. To address shortages, government is investing in projects, which will provide internationally educated health professionals (IEHP) the support and experience required to follow opportunities in the areas where the Canada need their skills most.
• Canada is extending work permits to family members of TFWs. Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has announced to extend work permits to family members of temporary foreign workers
• Canadian Armed forces now hiring PR holders: Canada’s Armed Forces (CAF) have announced to recruit the permanent residents in Canada. The CAF has recently announced it via an Instagram post. The CAF announced that they are now hiring both Canadian citizens and permanent residents and interested applicants can now apply visiting the official website.
• Canada to allow more foreign youngsters to work & travel under IEC. On December 1, 2022, immigration minster, Sean Fraser launched the 2023 International Experience Canada (IEC) Program with a 20% rise in the number of applicants.
• Easy PR for Healthcare professionals: The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes to make it stress-free for overseas-born physicians to get Permanent Resident (PR) Visa in Canada.  The IRCC has announced to exempt physicians (i.e. who work in a fee-for-service model with public health authorities), from existing requirements.
• Work Opportunities for International Students: Canada has also announced that now, international students in Canada with off-campus work authorization on their study permit will not be restricted by the 20-hour-per-week rule from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023. Hence, the international students in Canada can work without any 20 hours limit in 2023.
• Canadian immigration minister Sean Fraser has announced to lift the CAP on off campus work limit of 20-hour-per-week temporarily for International students in Canada. From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, International students in Canada with an off-campus work authorization can work without any 20-hour-per-week rule.
• Canadian government is announcing a few key immigration majors in October and November 2022. These updates are as follows: 
• IRCC has announced the process for Parents & Grandparents program (PGP)-2022. It will receive 23,100 ITAs (Invitations to apply) in second half of October 2022 out of which, it will ultimately accept 15,000 complete applications.
• In October 2022, Statistics Canada will release census data on immigration from 2021, first time in last five years.
• The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is likely to release the Immigration Levels plan 2023-25 November 1, 2022.
• The IRCC to implement new NOC system 2021 for federal Express Entry System in possibly in November 2022. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) will also implement the same on 16 November 2022. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is also in process to adopt the new NOC 2021 system. 
• The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed all Covid-19 restrictions along with the requirements of testing, quarantine, and isolation for anyone entering Canada with effect from October 1, 2022.
• In the recent meeting with family Doctors and Healthy Pictou County at the Aberdeen Hospital, Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has announced key changes to make it easier for overseas-born physicians to get Permanent Resident (PR) Visa in Canada.
• Occupation based EE draws

As per the recommended changes for the amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to conduct occupation-based Express Entry draws in next few months. The IRCC has proposed these amendments under Bill C-19, providing the immigration minister more liberty concerning inviting foreign skilled worker candidates in the Express Entry pool.

• Six month processing time for Express Entry

The IRCC (Immigration Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) to resume six-month processing time for Express entry applications (received by IRCC post issuing ITA). Due to pandemic caused situation, the IRCC was talking little longer to process the applications. However, it is now back to within 6 months once again.

• IRCC revised Express Entry Proof of funds requirement

IRCC has increased the Proof of Funds (POF) requirement for Express Entry candidates for this year. To keep EE profile eligible, all Express Entry candidates need to update settlement fund numbers (as per revised POF requirement) in their respective EE profiles by June 8, 2022.

• IRCC revised Canada PR visa fee

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has announced to revise the fees for all PR (Permanent Residence) Visa applications including economic (i.e. Express Entry and PNP, etc.), permit holder, family and humanitarian classes with effect from April 30, 2022.

• Online application for Temporary Visas

Canada has extended the current Ministerial Instructions for all foreign applicants applying for a temporary resident visa, study permit or work permit from outside Canada to submit their applications electronically until March 31, 2023.

• Latest Changes to the medical inadmissibility Policy of Canada

Canada implemented key changes to the medical inadmissibility policy of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This step will help to better define and implement the medical inadmissibility policy with Canadian values on diversity and the addition of people with disabilities.

• Travel Updates for foreign students

To become eligible to enter Canada as an overseas student, you must fulfil three requirements:

• You need to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller unless you are a minor student (under the age of 18 years).
• You need to have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing you were approved for a study permit, unless you do not need one.
• You need to be attending a designated learning institution (DLI).

• Latest update Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stopped accepting AIPP applications on March 5, 2022, as the Ministerial Instructions (MIs) of this Pilot program expired. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) replaced this program. The IRCC began accepting applications for the newly launch and alternate AIP on March 6, 2022.

• New Processing time tool

Canada updated the processing times tool on March 31, 2022 to more precisely, check the processing time of Canada immigration applications. Before this, the system used to show the service standards based on average application processed. Updated every week, this new tool will provide information, i.e.

• Volumes of applications being processed and
• Any changes to our ability to process applications
• No Pre-entry test for fully vaccinated

With effect from April 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers, entering Canada by land, air or water, no longer need to undergo the pre-entry test for Covid-19.

• Canada New Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2024

As per the latest Immigration levels plan 2022-24, IRCC will welcome 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022, 447,055 in 2023 and 451,000 in 2024. Overall, Canadian government will invite approximately 1.5 million new permanent residents (i.e. 13, 29,700) by the end of 2024. The immigration target for 2022 now revised to 431,645, which was 411,000 in the earlier plan.

• CICC is new Regulator for Canadian immigration

The CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) has replaced the ICCRC (Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council) as the official regulator for immigration and citizenship consultants across Canada with effect from November 23, 2021…. Read more

• SINP has launched an EOI pool

Saskatchewan has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool under Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) to help connect healthcare workers with healthcare sector employers in Saskatchewan offering the Job opportunities…. Read more

• Canada Latest Travel & Vaccine update 30 November 2021 

• Pre-entry molecular test result not required- From 30 November, Canadian citizens/permanent residents or people, who have right of entry, qualify as fully vaccinated travellers and who re-enter Canada within 72 hours of leaving, don’t require providing a pre-entry molecular test result
• Travellers aged 12 years and older need full vaccination- With effect from 30 November 2021; all travellers in Canada, aged 12 years and older require a full vaccination against COVID-19.
• 3 New Covid-19 Vaccines approved- Canada has added 3 new WHO approved Covid-19 vaccines in the list of approved vaccines. From November 30, 2021 below 3 Covid-19 vaccines will be accepted by Canada:

• • Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)
  • Sinopharm (Beijing) BBIBP-CorV (Vero Cells)
  • Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc) 

Read more 

• New NOC System (NOC 2021 Version 1.0) 

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced few weeks back that it will make amendment in the NOC (National Occupational Classification) system of Canada. This change is likely to take place in November 2022. It will replace existing NOC classification of Skill type 0, A, B and redefine it as new TEER system 0 to 5… Read more

• Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination

With effect from October 30, travellers leaving from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, need to be fully vaccinated in order to travel…. Read more

• Canada completes inviting potential sponsors for PGP 2021 process

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has finished inviting potential sponsors for Parents & Grandparents Program 2021…. Read more

• Direct Flights to and from India w.e.f. 27 September 

The IRCC has announced to lift the ban on direct flights to India. In the latest press release, Canadian immigration department has announced that it is resuming the direct flights to and from India with effect from September 27, 2021… Read more 

• Latest travel to Canada update 7 September 2021

The Canadian government is reopening its orders for all fully vaccinated international travellers with effect from 7 September 2021…. Read more 

• New PR pathway for International Graduates in New Brunswick

New Brunswick has announced a new immigration pilot for the foreign students, for the private career college graduates in the province. With effect from April 1, 2022, Graduates from four private career colleges in New Brunswick, i.e. Atlantic Business College, Eastern College, McKenzie College, or Oulton College and who have studied in one of 19-targeted occupations will be able to apply for permanent residency under a new pilot program…. Read more

• Canada Relaxes the Requirements for Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot

The Canadian government has announced to ease the requirements for the Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot. As per the new changes to the RNIP, applicants no more have to acquire eligible work experience over a constant period…. Read more

• Key guidelines for International Students Arriving in Canada

The Canadian government has issued some crucial instructions for international students arriving in Canada. These guidelines have been issued mainly in the wake of the global pandemic. In these latest guidelines, the government summarises the roles and responsibilities of DLIs, provinces and territories, and Canada's government in supporting the international students. Read more

• Extra points for French Language Skills

As per the Express Entry updated announced by the Canadian government on October 27, 2020, now the French-speaking Express Entry candidates will get additional CRS points for the French language proficiency. The new point's arrangement will be as follows:

• As per the new change, the current number of points increase from 15 to 25 for French-speaking candidates
• For Bilingual candidates in the Express Entry system, the points will increase from 30 to 50. 

• Alberta announced two new AINP streams

The province of Alberta, Canada, is launching two new AINP streams for international students. Find below the details about these streams:

• International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (Started w.e.f. 26 October 2020) &
• Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream (Active from January 2021)

Read the complete news here.

Significant changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Alberta has introduced some crucial changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) with effect from October 1 2020. Key highlights of the changes this time around are as follows:

• Introduction of the new online portal for AINP- Express Entry stream & Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)
• Applicable application fees

Read the complete news here

• Canada Immigration Plan 2021-2023

Canada to invite 401,000 new immigrants on permanent residence visa in 2021. Out of this number, 108,500 immigrants will get the invitation under Federal Express Entry System, while 80,800 will get an invite through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). You may check the Multiyear Immigration Plan (2021-2023) for details. Canada mulls to invite more than one million people in until 2023. Read more

Get in touch with Visas Avenue to get Complete Assistance to apply Canada PR in 2021 

If you seek inclusive assistance concerning enhancing your immigration points for Canada PR and essential documentation; you may get in touch with highly experienced and registered immigration experts at Visas Avenue Immigration.

You may contact Visas Avenue Immigration expert by calling the Toll free Number 78-18-000-777.

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