From Far and Wide Immigration Consultancy

For many international students , the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is the crucial bridge between an academic journey and building a career in Canada. The PGWP is an open work permit that allows eligible international students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This experience can be instrumental in supporting a future application for permanent residence in Canada, as many immigration programs value Canadian work experience. Type of Work Permit The PGWP is an open work permit . This means a PGWP holder is not tied to a specific employer and can work for almost any employer in Canada. The PGWP is also exempt from the requirement of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under LMIA exemption code C43. A PGWP can only be issued once in a lifetime. Timing and Validity An application for the PGWP must be submitted within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion (e.g., offici...

Canada is actively seeking to address regional economic disparities and support the growth of its diverse communities through innovative immigration programs. Recognizing the critical role that skilled newcomers play in bolstering local economies, the Government of Canada is introducing two new pilot programs: the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). These initiatives aim to attract and retain skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers in specific regions, contributing to their economic and social vitality. Similar to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) , both pilot programs require community recommendation before a candidate can apply for permanent residence (PR) . Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) The RCIP is designed to help rural communities across Canada address labor shortages and attract skilled newcomers who can contribute to their economic growth. This pilot builds upon the successful Rural and Northern Immigrat...

Canada remains committed to promoting its bilingual heritage and increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants, particularly outside Quebec. To support this goal, various immigration pathways have been designed specifically for Francophone applicants. Read on to learn about the key Francophone immigration programs, their eligibility criteria, and how French proficiency can boost your chances across several streams.   1. Francophone Mobility Program The Francophone Mobility Program allows Canadian employers outside Quebec to hire French-speaking foreign nationals for temporary work without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This program is an attractive option for employers and skilled workers alike. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must prove that their French speaking and listening skills are at an intermediate level, equivalent to Niveaux decompétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 5 or higher. Applicants must have a job offer classified under...

There are generally two parts to getting your foreign credentials recognized in Canada: for immigration purposes or for licensing in your occupation.  For Immigration Purposes: the ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) There are 5 organizations currently accredited to evaluate a foreign credential and determine its equivalency compared to Canadian standards. These organizations are: Comparative Education Service (CES) International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) World Education Services (WES) International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) ECAs are valid for 5 years and must be valid at the time an application for permanent residence is submitted. As a general rule, only the highest level of education should get assessed. In some cases, where an applicant has two credentials with one of at least 3 years, two assessments might increase the chances to be successful with their application for permanent reside...

How to Contact IRCC: Your Guide to Connecting with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Navigating the world of immigration can be complex, but knowing how to contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can make the process smoother. Whether you have questions about your application, need updates, or require specific information, IRCC offers two main avenues for communication: their online web form and their phone hotline. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use both. Contacting IRCC via Web Form For non-urgent enquiries or when you need to provide detailed information, the IRCC web form is a convenient option. The web form is organized into different categories to streamline the process. Steps to Contact IRCC via Web Form: Visit the IRCC Website : Go to the official  IRCC Contact Us page . Choose the Category : Select the category that best matches your enquiry. Categories include: Technical problems Updates or questions about your application Questions a...

Canada has long been recognized for its inclusive and robust immigration policies, attracting individuals from around the world seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. To further enhance the efficiency and transparency of its immigration system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented significant updates, including improvements to online processing time tools. These changes aim to provide applicants with clearer expectations and timelines throughout their immigration journey. Understanding Forward-Looking Processing Times One of the key enhancements introduced by IRCC is the implementation of forward-looking processing times for various immigration applications. This new approach offers applicants applying today a more accurate estimate of how long they can expect to wait before a final decision is made on their application. Specifically, forward-looking processing times are now available for the following pathways to permanent residence : Ca...

Canada's temporary residence landscape is as diverse as its population, encompassing students, workers, visitors, and individuals with unique circumstances. As the government announces plans to introduce targets for temporary residents, understanding the various categories becomes paramount. Categories of Temporary Residents Temporary residents in Canada are broadly classified into three primary categories: Visitors Individuals entering Canada for tourism, family visits , or other non-work or study-related purposes fall under this category.  Visitors typically either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport, depending on their citizenship. Visitors only need one or the other, not both.  Whether they hold visitor visas or eTAs, visitors contribute to Canada's cultural tapestry through their experiences and interactions. Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs)  These visas, also known as visitor visas, are ess...

Excited about the chance to settle in Alberta, Canada through the Tourism and Hospitality Stream? This newly introduced stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) provides exciting opportunities for individuals with work experience in Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector.  Eligibility Requirements Explained The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is a new option under Alberta's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) , which allows nominees to apply for permanent residence in Canada. As with any immigration program, understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial before applying.  Approved Employer Requirements: To qualify under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, candidates need a job offer from an eligible Tourism and Hospitality employer in Alberta. Employers' primary business activities must belong to an eligible industry as defined by the Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) – Alberta industry code or exempt activities: Museums/Art Galleries: WCB indust...

Are you ready to embrace the freedom of being a digital nomad while enjoying the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Canada? Thanks to Canada's Tech Talent Strategy, the process of relocating as a digital nomad has never been more accessible. Here is how to make it happen seamlessly. What is a Digital Nomad? Before we dive into the Canadian adventure, let's understand who a digital nomad is. A digital nomad is someone with the flexibility to perform their job remotely from anywhere in the world. Digital nomads can be self-employed or working for a foreign employer. Important: as a digital nomad, you must be remunerated from outside of Canada! Wise is a great option to receive and spend money in various currencies. If you are working in Canada for a Canadian employer or Canadian clients, you need a valid work permit or work authorization. The Canadian Advantage Canada's immigration policies have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, allowing individuals to...

Canada has long been recognized as a welcoming destination for international students, offering world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. If you're considering studying in the True North, you'll need to obtain a study permit, a crucial document that allows you to pursue your educational dreams in Canada.  Applying for a Study Permit A study permit is a legal document issued by the Canadian government that authorizes foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It's essential to note that not all foreign students need a study permit. Some exceptions apply, such as short-term courses or family members of foreign representatives to Canada.  The general steps of applying for a study permit are as follows: Obtain a letter of acceptance from a  DLI  in Canada. Create an account on the  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website . Complete the study permit application and pay the required fee. Submit y...

Who, Where, When, What, Why - Understanding Immigration Medical Exams in Canada Immigrating to Canada involves both eligibility requirements for the respective program for temporary or permanent residence (PR) as well as admissibility to Canada. Undergoing a medical examination is required to determine if an applicant is medically admissible. Immigration medical exams are an essential part of the Canadian immigration process, ensuring the health and safety of both applicants and the Canadian public.  Who Needs a Medical Exam? Generally, individuals applying for permanent residence in Canada are required to undergo a medical examination. Some temporary residents, such as international students or workers , may also need a medical exam depending on their length of stay, type of application and work in Canada, and travel history. Medical exams can be required for temporary residents if they travelled in designated countries for a certain amount of time, if they are applying for a par...

Family sponsorship programs are designed to reunite Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their loved ones from around the world. In contrast to economic programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs , family sponsorship is solely based on the foreigner's relationship to a Canadian citizen or  permanent resident . These programs enable eligible sponsors to bring spouses and children, parents and grandparents, and other close relatives to Canada, fostering family unity and community diversity. To qualify as a sponsor, you must commit to providing financial support for the individuals you are sponsoring for a specified duration, known as the "length of undertaking." Keep reading for an overview of these family sponsorship programs, highlighting their key features and requirements. Spouses and Children So-called Spousal Sponsorship refers to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their legally married spouse, common-law partn...

Provincial Nominee Programs for Immigrating to Canada Canada has always been a land of opportunities and a sought-after destination for immigrants worldwide. With its diverse culture, strong economy, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no surprise that many individuals dream of starting a new life in the Great White North. For skilled workers and entrepreneurs, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residency .  What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)? The Provincial Nominee Program is a partnership between the Canadian federal government and provincial or territorial governments. Through the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate individuals who possess the skills and qualifications needed to address specific regional labor market demands. Each province or territory in Canada has its own set of PNP streams, tailored to meet its unique economic and demographic needs. Benefits of the Provincial Nominee Program: Express Entry Pathway: Many P...

Canada's Express Entry system is undergoing a significant update with the introduction of category-based selection. This new approach aims to enhance the immigration process by providing more tailored pathways for skilled workers to become permanent residents. Express Entry is Canada's flagship program for managing the intake of skilled workers who wish to immigrate and become permanent residents. It operates through a comprehensive ranking system, where eligible candidates are awarded points based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. These points are used to determine an individual's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which ultimately influences their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Under the new category-based selection system, candidates in the Express Entry pool will be grouped into different categories based on their skills and attributes. These categories are designed to align...

Starting April 1, 2025, the federal government along with three Canadian provinces and territories are raising the minimum wage per hour. The Federal government along with other provinces and territories increased the minimum wage earlier this year. Time to have a look at the minimum wage across Canada! The following table shows the current minimum wage across Canada and its respective effective date: Province / Territory Current Minimum Wage Effective Date Federal $ 17.75 April 1, 2025 Alberta $ 15.00 October 1, 2018 British Columbia $ 17.85 June 1, 2025 Manitoba $ 15.80 October 1, 2024 New Brunswick $ 15.65 April 1, 2025 Newfoundland and Labrador $ 16.00 April 1, 2025 Northwest Territories $ 16.95 September 1, 2025 Nova Scotia $ 15.70 April 1, 2025 Nunavut $ 19.75 September 1, 2025 Ontario $ 17.20 October 1, 2024 Prince Edward Island $ 16.00 October 1, 2024 Quebec $ 16.10 May 1, 2025 Saskatchewan $ 15.00 October 1, 2024 Yukon $ 17.94 April 1...