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How to Legally Stay in Canada After Your Work Permit Expires
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February 14, 2025

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Ishita Soni

How you can stay in Canada if your work permit is expiring

Canada is making big changes to its immigration rules for the years 2025-2027. One of the key changes is reducing the number of temporary residents in the country. If your work permit is about to expire, you might be looking for other ways to stay in Canada. One option is to switch to visitor status through something called a Visitor Record (VR). Let’s take a closer look at this process and how you can navigate it.

What is a Visitor Record (VR)?

A Visitor Record (VR) is a document that lets you stay in Canada legally after your work permit expires. However, it’s important to understand that a VR doesn’t allow you to work or study in Canada—it just extends your stay as a visitor.

Here’s how it compares to another document, the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV):

  • Visitor Record (VR): This is only for staying in Canada. If you leave the country, you cannot use it to come back (unless you’re traveling to places like the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon for short trips).
  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): This is for people who want to re-enter Canada after traveling outside, but it doesn’t extend your stay in Canada while you’re already here.

Applying for a Visitor Record

Here’s what you need to do to apply for a VR:

Apply Before Your Work Permit Expires

You need to apply for the Visitor Record before your work permit expires. This is important because it helps you keep your legal status in Canada, also known as Maintained Status or Implied Status. If you apply on time, you can stay in Canada while waiting for a decision on your application.

Use Your IRCC Account

Make sure to apply using your IRCC Secure Account. Applying through other methods, like using the IRCC Portal for a TRV, won’t work for this purpose.

Show Your Temporary Intent

When you apply, you’ll need to prove that you’re planning to leave Canada once your visitor status ends. Here’s what you need to show:

  • Strong ties to your home country: This can include things like property you own, family connections, or a job waiting for you back home.
  • Financial Stability: You should show that you can support yourself financially without needing to work. Bank statements or proof of savings can help.
  • Departure Plan: You need to have a clear plan for leaving Canada after your visitor status ends, and you’ll need to document this plan.

Maintained (Implied) Status

Once you’ve applied for a Visitor Record, you will have Maintained Status. This means you can legally stay in Canada while waiting for a decision on your application. However, you cannot work. If you are switching from a work permit to a Visitor Record, you must stop working once your work permit expires.

Legal Nuances and Regulations

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), specifically Sections 183(5) and 186(u), explain how people can extend their stay in Canada and the conditions for doing so. If you apply on time, your stay is automatically extended until your Visitor Record application is processed.

Restoration of Status

If you miss the deadline and your status expires, you may still have options:

Restoration Within 90 Days

If your status expires, you can apply for Restoration within 90 days. However, this has to be done perfectly, with the correct paperwork and a $200 restoration fee. Not all cases are eligible for restoration, so it’s important to understand whether your situation qualifies.

Important Note About Restoration

Some people, like students who aren’t actively enrolled, may not be able to restore their status. It’s crucial to know if you qualify.

Consult an Expert

If you find yourself in a situation where your status has expired, consider booking a consultation with an immigration expert. They can help guide you through the restoration process and ensure everything is done correctly.

Conclusion

If you’re transitioning from a work permit to visitor status in Canada, understanding the rules is really important. The Visitor Record allows you to stay legally in Canada while your work permit has expired, but you can’t work or study. Remember to apply on time, show your intentions to leave Canada, and follow all the procedures carefully.

If you’re unsure about the process, especially about restoration, it’s a good idea to seek help from an immigration expert or explore more detailed guides. This way, you can stay on top of the rules and keep your status in Canada while you figure out your next steps.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Canada Strengthening Immigration Rules for Security
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February 13, 2025

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Ishita Soni

Introduction to Changes

On February 12, 2025, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made key updates to its immigration regulations, aiming to improve security and integrity in Canada’s immigration system.

New Authority for Officers

The changes now give immigration officers the power to cancel temporary resident documents, such as eTAs and TRVs, based on specific situations. These include:

  • Ineligibility: If someone provides false information, has a criminal record, or is deceased.
  • Non-compliance: If there are doubts the person will leave Canada after their stay.
  • Lost or Stolen Documents: If the document is lost, stolen, destroyed, or abandoned.

When Documents Can Be Canceled

Additionally, the regulations allow officers to cancel documents like work permits and study permits under these circumstances:

  • The individual becomes a permanent resident.
  • The person is deceased.
  • The document was issued due to an error.

Conclusion
These updates, effective as of January 31, 2025, are designed to enhance the security of Canada’s immigration system. With these changes, authorities are better equipped to maintain control and protect the country’s borders. The IRCC continues to focus on improving processes to secure Canada’s immigration system.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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76,000 New Jobs Created in Canada in January 2025
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February 12, 2025

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Ishita Soni

Introduction

In January 2025, Canada saw a significant rise in employment, with 76,000 more people finding jobs. This increase continues the positive trend from the past few months, showing steady growth in the Canadian job market.

Youth Employment Soars

The youth demographic (ages 15-24) experienced a notable increase in employment, with 31,000 more young people getting jobs. This is a great sign, as the employment rate for this age group has risen to 61.1%.

Manufacturing Leads Employment Growth

The manufacturing sector saw the largest gains in employment in January 2025. This suggests that industries in manufacturing are expanding, providing more opportunities for workers.

Employment gains across Canada

The table below lists the details of the employment gains across industries in Canada as of January 2025:

Type Of Industry Rise in employment % of increase
Manufacturing33,0001.80%
Professional, scientific and technical services22,0001.10%
Construction19,0001.20%
Accommodation and Food Services15,0001.30%
Transportation and Warehousing13,0001.20%
Agriculture10,0004.40%

Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick saw the biggest job increases. See the table below for details of job growth across Canada in January 2025.

Province Rise in employment % of increase
Ontario39,0000.50%
British Columbia23,0000.80%
New Brunswick2,9000.70%

Steady Growth in Employment: A Positive Trend

January 2025 marks the third consecutive month of employment growth in Canada, with earlier months in 2024 also showing improvements. This consistent rise is a positive sign for the Canadian economy.

Private Sector Seeing More Jobs

The private sector added a notable number of jobs too, with 215,000 more jobs compared to the previous year. Industries like manufacturing and professional, scientific, and technical services contributed the most to these job gains.

In conclusion, Canada’s employment numbers are looking up, with gains spread across various sectors and regions. The positive trend in employment is good news for the Canadian workforce, especially for youth and people in certain provinces.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Understanding Work Permit Exemptions in Canada
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February 11, 2025

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Ishita Soni

Introduction to Work Permit

If you’re planning to work in Canada, you might be surprised to learn that you may not always need a work permit. Depending on the type of work and how long you’ll be staying, there are certain exceptions.

How to Know if You’re Exempt from Needing a Work Permit

The first thing to consider is whether your specific type of work qualifies for an exemption. Work permit exemptions are granted in certain situations. Understanding whether your work fits into these categories can save you time and effort.

Simply put, check the criteria to see if you qualify. There are different categories for exemption, and you’ll need to explore which one you fall under.

Examples of Work Permit-Exempt Individuals in Canada

There are several groups of people who don’t need a work permit in Canada. Let’s dive into some of these categories. Keep in mind, this is just a brief overview—there are more exemptions than we’ll cover here.

  • Business Visitors: These individuals come to Canada for business activities but not to enter the Canadian labor market. They may not need a work permit. However, if you think you qualify as a business visitor, check out our first article in this series for more details.
  • International Students: If you’re studying in Canada, you can work on-campus at any time. Plus, during academic breaks, you can work off-campus without restrictions. But, there are some rules, so make sure you meet the criteria.
  • Foreign Government Officials: If you’re a foreign government officer or a diplomat, you may not need a work permit, as long as you’re accredited.

What About Maintained Status?

Another important factor to understand is maintained status (formerly known as implied status). Here’s how it works: If you’ve submitted an application to extend your permit before it expires, you can continue working under the same conditions while you wait for the decision.

However, this only applies as long as you remain in Canada. If you leave the country, you might lose this benefit and would have to re-enter as a visitor instead.

Specific Work Permit Exemptions

Some other situations where you don’t need a work permit include:

  • Foreign Representatives and Family Members: Diplomats and their families, as well as representatives from international organizations, may not need a work permit to work in Canada.
  • Military Personnel: Foreign military personnel, especially those from NATO countries, are often exempt from needing a work permit, provided they meet certain conditions.
  • Convention Organizers: If you’re organizing a conference or trade show in Canada, you may not need a work permit, as long as you’re not entering the labor market. However, if you’re working as a service provider at the event, you’ll still need a permit.
  • News Reporters and Crews: Journalists working for foreign news organizations don’t require work permits. This also extends to media crews covering special events or producing documentaries.
  • Public Speakers: If you’re coming to Canada to give a seminar or lecture for less than five days, you may not need a work permit. However, if you’re speaking for longer, a permit will be required.

Entry Requirements for Work Permit

Even if you’re exempt from needing a work permit, this doesn’t automatically allow you to enter Canada. You still need to meet general entry requirements, such as having a valid eTA or visa (if applicable). Additionally, you must convince immigration officials that you qualify for the exemption.

When in Doubt, Seek Legal Advice

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a work permit exemption, it’s a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer. They can provide expert advice on whether you meet the criteria and help draft a strong case to present to border officials.

In Conclusion

There are plenty of situations where you may be exempt from needing a work permit to work in Canada. Understanding the conditions and categories can make your entry into the country much smoother. So, whether you’re a student, a business visitor, or a diplomat, check the requirements carefully, and when in doubt, seek expert advice!

 

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Canada’s New Rules for Spousal Work Permits | What You Need to Know
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February 6, 2025

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Ishita Soni

Big Changes in Canada’s Immigration System

Canada’s immigration system is facing criticism, especially around the new rules for spousal open work permits. Lawyers Mark Holthe and Igor Kyryliuk have shared their concerns, shedding light on the challenges that these changes create for families.

Who Qualifies for a Spousal Work Permit Now?

The spousal open work permit system has been tightened. Now, only spouses of international students in specific programs or foreign workers in certain jobs are eligible. This is a big shift from the more inclusive policies in the past.

How Immigration Officers Are Handling Applications

Lawyers are concerned about how immigration officers are processing spousal work permit applications. Often, these applications are processed in a way that leads to refusals, making it harder for families to stay together and work in Canada.

How These Changes Are Affecting Families

The new rules are creating serious problems for families. When one spouse loses the right to work, it causes financial difficulties, forcing some families to reconsider staying in Canada or even return home.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

These changes are part of a bigger strategy to control Canada’s population growth, housing issues, and labor market needs. The government is also making it harder for people to move from temporary to permanent status.

How to Deal with the New Spousal Work Permit System

To avoid issues with the new system, make sure to secure a job offer in an eligible field and apply for both the spousal and work permits at the same time. Staying updated on policy changes and getting legal advice is key.

Ethical Concerns: Is the System Fair?

The way applications are processed is raising questions about fairness. The timing of refusals and the decision-making process may not always be in the best interest of the applicants, and there are concerns about human rights.

Helpful Tips for Applicants

To increase your chances of success, double-check your application for errors and stay informed about the latest eligibility rules. Consulting with an immigration lawyer can help guide you through this complicated process.

What’s Next for Canada’s Immigration System?

The future of Canada’s immigration policies is uncertain. There may be changes in the coming years, depending on public opinion, political shifts, and the country’s economic needs. Advocacy and legal challenges may influence these policies moving forward.

Conclusion:

As Canada’s immigration policies continue to evolve, it’s important that they balance economic goals with fairness and compassion for families who are affected by these changes.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Canada Strengthens Support for Victims of Abuse and Trafficking
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February 5, 2025

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Ishita Soni

Commitment to Protecting Victims

The Canadian government is focused on ensuring the safety of victims who have experienced human trafficking and family violence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) works tirelessly to improve measures for vulnerable foreign nationals living in Canada. Their goal is to make sure these individuals don’t face obstacles when trying to access the help and support they need.

New Measures to Support Victims

Starting today, IRCC is enhancing protections for foreign nationals who are victims of human trafficking or family violence. Now, these victims and their dependents can receive an initial Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for at least 12 months, with a few exceptions. In addition to this, several fees, such as those for work permits, study permits, and biometrics, will no longer be charged, making it easier for victims to rebuild their lives.

A Long History of Protection for Victims of Human Trafficking

For many years, Canada has been offering help to foreign nationals who are victims of human trafficking. Since 2006, these individuals could apply for a special Victims of Human Trafficking TRP (VTIP TRP). This permit grants temporary immigration status, access to work or study, and provides health care coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program. This approach ensures victims can focus on their recovery without worrying about their immigration status.

Introducing Measures for Victims of Family Violence

In 2019, Canada also started providing special TRPs for victims of family violence. These changes allow individuals to escape dangerous situations without the fear of losing their immigration status, providing them a crucial lifeline when they need it most.

Making a Lasting Difference

The effects of human trafficking and family violence extend far beyond the individual victims. They impact families, communities, and society as a whole. The latest measures introduced by IRCC aim to remove even more barriers to help these victims find support, stabilize their lives, and access the vital resources and services they need to heal.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Ontario Makes Immigration Easier for Self-Employed Physicians
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February 4, 2025

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Ishita Soni

Ontario Makes it Easier for Self-Employed Physicians to Get Permanent Residency

Ontario has recently made significant changes to help self-employed physicians gain permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). These changes make it simpler for physicians to qualify for specific streams, even without a job offer, and by including their self-employed work experience. Let’s dive deeper into what this means for physicians.

Self-Employed Physicians Now Have More Opportunities

In the past, many self-employed physicians in Ontario struggled to qualify for the OINP. This is because several streams required work experience as an employee, which didn’t apply to most physicians who are typically self-employed. However, Ontario has updated the program to now allow self-employed work experience in some streams.

Streamlined Pathways Under the OINP

Ontario has made changes to the following streams, making it easier for physicians to apply for permanent residency:

  • Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities
  • Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker
  • Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker

Before these changes, self-employed physicians couldn’t easily qualify, especially in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which previously required employment-based work experience.

Self-Employment Work Experience Counts Now

Now, physicians can use their self-employment periods to meet work experience requirements in key streams like Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker. To be eligible, they must have self-employed work experience under these National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

  • NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
  • NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
  • NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians

This update allows physicians to meet the criteria even if they weren’t traditionally employed by a healthcare institution, expanding their eligibility for permanent residency.

No Job Offer Required for the Employer Job Offer

One of the biggest changes is that physicians no longer need a job offer to qualify under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. Previously, this stream required a job offer from an Ontario employer, which was a challenge for many self-employed physicians. Now, physicians can apply directly, as long as they meet the following criteria:

  • Be applying under NOC codes 31100, 31101, or 31102
  • Be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in a category that permits patient care (e.g., independent practice, academic practice, or postgraduate education)
  • Be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services

This change opens up new opportunities for self-employed physicians to apply for permanent residency without the typical barriers.

Alignment with Federal Changes

These provincial changes align with earlier federal updates aimed at making it easier for self-employed physicians to qualify for Canadian permanent residency. The federal government introduced a temporary public policy that allows self-employed physicians to count their work experience towards the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

This policy also exempts eligible physicians from needing continuous arranged employment after receiving permanent residency. The best part is that this policy has no set expiry date and will remain in effect until further notice.

Addressing Ontario’s Physician Shortage

These changes reflect Ontario’s growing demand for physicians, particularly with an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. By making it easier for physicians to qualify for permanent residency, Ontario hopes to attract more healthcare professionals to the province.

Other provinces, such as Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba, are also offering similar incentives for skilled immigrants in healthcare. Additionally, in 2023, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced category-based selection draws to prioritize healthcare professionals, including physicians.

How These Changes Tie into the Enhanced PNP Programs

The OINP streams are part of Ontario’s enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This means they integrate with the federal Express Entry system, giving applicants a strong advantage in the immigration process. If a candidate receives a provincial nomination, they gain 600 extra CRS points, making it highly likely they’ll receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency in the next Express Entry draw.the immigration process. If a candidate receives a provincial nomination, they gain 600 extra CRS points, making it highly likely they’ll receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency in the next Express Entry draw.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

 

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New Changes to Canada-U.S. Visa and Immigration Information Sharing
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February 3, 2025

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Ishita Soni

What’s New?

On January 17, 2025, changes took effect to improve the sharing of visa and immigration information between Canada and the U.S. This means the two countries can now automatically exchange personal and biometric information about permanent residents when needed for immigration screening, like when someone applies for a visa.

Why the Change?

The original agreement for sharing information was signed in 2012, but these new amendments allow Canada and the U.S. to share more detailed information. This makes the countries even stronger security partners, helping both nations make better decisions about immigration and security risks.

How Does This Help?

  • Identity Verification: Helps confirm people’s identities more easily.
  • Better Screening: Improves the process of checking who can enter each country.
  • Streamlined Visa Process: Assists with visa issuance for those who’ve followed immigration rules in the U.S.

Privacy Matters:

Both countries are committed to protecting personal information. Any shared data will be handled securely, following strict privacy rules. Canada and the U.S. will ensure that all shared information is used appropriately and only for immigration purposes.

What Does This Mean for You?

The new system helps both countries screen visitors more effectively, especially identifying those who might not be genuine travelers before they reach Canada’s border. This aims to keep the immigration process safe and well-managed for everyone.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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2 New Pathways to Permanent Residency in Rural Canada
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January 31, 2025

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Ishita Soni

New Immigration Programs for Rural and French-Speaking Communities

On January 30, 2025, Canada introduced two groundbreaking permanent residency programs aimed at strengthening the economy and cultural diversity in rural and Francophone minority communities across the country. These initiatives, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), offer new opportunities for newcomers to settle in less urbanized areas, helping to revitalize communities that have often been overlooked in traditional immigration programs.

Supporting Rural and Francophone Communities

Rural regions and Francophone communities outside Quebec have long been central to Canada’s cultural fabric and economic strength. However, these areas face challenges like demographic decline and labour shortages, with many immigrants preferring larger urban centres such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. This imbalance has sparked the need for tailored immigration strategies that address the unique needs of these regions.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

The RCIP is designed to help rural communities access the workforce they need for growth and sustainability. Building on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), this new initiative aims to connect skilled workers with job opportunities in remote areas.

Communities like Pictou County (NS), North Bay (ON), and West Kootenay (BC) are among those selected to benefit from this program.

Key Eligibility Criteria for the RCIP

To apply for permanent residency under the RCIP, applicants must meet certain requirements:

  • Have a valid job offer from an employer in one of the participating communities.
  • Have at least one year of related work experience within the past three years.
  • If you are an international graduate, you may be exempt from the work experience requirement, as long as you studied in the community for two years or more.
Full List of Eligible Communities
Peace Liard, BC
Pictou County, NS
North Bay, ON
Sudbury, ON
Timmins, ON
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Thunder Bay, ON
Steinbach, MB
Altona/Rhineland, MB
Brandon, MB
Moose Jaw, SK
Claresholm, AB
West Kootenay, BC
North Okanagan Shuswap, BC

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)

Alongside the RCIP, the FCIP aims to bolster the presence of French-speaking immigrants in Francophone communities outside of Quebec. This initiative focuses on preserving the linguistic identity of these communities while supporting their economic development.

Communities like the Acadian Peninsula (NB), Sudbury (ON), and Timmins (ON) are part of this pilot.

The FCIP Benefits

  • It addresses the need for demographic growth in French-speaking areas.
  • Supports Canada’s commitment to bilingualism and cultural diversity.
Participating Communities in the FCIP
Kelowna, BC
Acadian Peninsula, NB
Sudbury, ON
Timmins, ON
Superior East Region, ON
St. Pierre Jolys, MB

Government Commitment and Vision

The launch of these pilots is a strategic move by the Government of Canada to support rural and Francophone communities. As highlighted by Honourable Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, these programs aim to foster economic growth while enhancing cultural diversity.

In his words, “By welcoming skilled immigrants to these areas, we are addressing labour shortages and promoting the benefits of living in smaller towns and cities. Every community matters.”

Similarly, Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, emphasized the importance of these programs for rural development: “When our rural and remote communities succeed, Canada succeeds, it’s as simple as that.”

The Impact of These Pilots

  • Policy Context: These pilots build on recommendations from the 2023 immigration strategy, which focused on creating a more adaptable system to meet regional needs.
  • Success of the RNIP: The previous pilot program (RNIP) has shown an 87% retention rate of newcomers in participating communities, highlighting the success of such targeted immigration strategies.
  • Positive Impact: By 2024, more than 8,500 individuals had gained permanent residency through the RNIP, significantly benefiting rural economies.

A Future of Growth and Diversity

The RCIP and FCIP are more than just immigration programs, they represent a fresh approach to balancing Canada’s growth across all regions. These initiatives are set to bring diversity, innovation, and much-needed talent to areas that have long been underrepresented in Canada’s immigration system. As these communities prepare to welcome newcomers, there is great anticipation for the positive change these programs will bring, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for all of Canada.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

 

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Easier Access to the Super Visa with New Health Insurance Rules
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January 30, 2025

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Naju Gadhavi

Canada’s Commitment to Reuniting Families

Canada believes that families are strongest when they’re together. To support this, they are dedicated to helping families reunite through their immigration programs, making it easier for loved ones to visit or stay together.

What is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a special type of visa that lets the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents visit their family for up to five years at a time. Even better, you can extend your stay while you’re in Canada, which means you get to enjoy longer visits with your loved ones.

Health Insurance Requirement for Super Visa Applicants

However, there’s a catch, super visa applicants need to show that they have private health insurance. This is because they’re not eligible for the regular healthcare plans that Canadians use. But, here’s the twist: health insurance coverage must meet specific standards. Previously, applicants had to get insurance from Canadian companies only.

What are the important changes made by the government for Super Visa holders?

Previously, applicants for a Canadian Super Visa could only purchase health insurance from Canadian providers. As of January 28, 2025, applicants can now obtain health insurance from international companies. This change gives applicants greater flexibility and potential cost savings, as they are no longer limited to Canadian insurance options, which can be expensive and difficult to obtain.

  • Authorization: Be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance.
  • Listing: Be listed on the OSFI website as a federally regulated financial institution
  • Issuance: Issue the policy in the course of their insurance business in Canada. This must be stated on the policy document.
  • Identification: The policy document must identify the underwriting insurer which means the company responsible for paying claim.
  • Coverage:
    • Be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry.
    • Be paid in full or in installments with a deposit.
    • Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
    • Provide a minimum healthcare coverage of $100,000.

Important Note:

  • OSFI lists insurance companies only, not insurance brokers or claims administrators.
  • All Super Visa insurance plans (Canadian and non-Canadian) must also… (the original text cuts off here).
  • Newcomers entering Canada on a Super Visa must be prepared to show proof of payment for their insurance plan to a border services officer upon arrival.

Criteria for Valid Foreign Health Insurance

If you’re choosing a foreign health insurance policy, it needs to meet certain conditions. For example, the company must be approved by Canada’s Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and must appear on a specific list of authorized insurers. This ensures that the insurance is reliable and meets Canadian standards for health coverage.

Keeping Your Health Insurance Valid

Once you have the Super Visa, it’s important to keep your health insurance active for the entire duration of your stay. If your insurance expires while you’re still in Canada, you’ll need to renew it. This ensures you’re covered for any accidents or health needs that arise during your visit.

How do I check if my non-Canadian health insurance is valid for a Super Visa?

Here’s a three-step process:

  1. Check the OSFI List: First, see if your insurance provider is on the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) list of federally regulated financial institutions. You can find this list online. This list includes banks and trust companies, and your provider must be on it.
  2. Confirm Authorization: Even if your provider is on the list, you need to confirm they’re authorized to provide health insurance coverage under Canada’s Insurance Companies Act. The best way to do this is to email OSFI directly.
    • Email them at: information@osfi-bsif.gc.ca
    • Include as much information as possible about your insurance provider.
    • Explain that you’re checking for Super Visa eligibility.

OSFI aims to respond within 15 days. Remember, your provider must first be on the OSFI’s list before you check for authorization.

  1. Verify Canadian Business Operations: Make sure your insurance provider is issuing the policy while doing business in Canada. Tell them upfront that this is a requirement for a Super Visa. The policy itself must include a statement confirming it was made or issued in the course of the provider’s business in Canada.

Conclusion:

Canada is working hard to make family reunifications easier, and with these updated super visa rules, it’s now simpler to secure the right health insurance, whether it’s from a Canadian or foreign provider. It’s all about making sure families stay connected while keeping health and safety in mind.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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