From Far and Wide Immigration Consultancy

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...

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...

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...

Immigration minister Marc Miller has announced new restrictions for open work permits (OWP) in order to address labour shortages in Canada. Family members of foreign workers and international students in Canada are only eligible to apply for their own work permits in specific situations. Time to look at these options in more detail! Terminology Foreign nationals, who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of Canada, require a valid work permit to legally work in Canada. There are generally two options to obtain a work permit: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), wherein the Canadian employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in order to hire a foreign worker, and the International Mobility Program (IMP), which covers various exemptions that let employers hire a foreign worker without an LMIA. LMIA-based work permits and most LMIA-exempt work permits are employer specific. This means that the foreign national can only work for the employer named on thei...

Transition to online applications for most PR pathways Over the coming weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will gradually move most permanent immigration programs to a completely digital application process in an effort to improve client service and modernize the Canadian immigration system. The new Permanent Residence Portal  has been online since March 2021, allowing some clients to apply online for certain immigration programs and confirming their permanent resident (PR) status through virtual landings once their application has been approved. IRCC has been expanding the portal over the past months and it is currently open to most PR applicants. Following the schedule below, IRCC will begin the transition to 100% online applications on September 23, 2022 . While there will be an alternative submission process for applicants who are unable to apply online and require accommodations, such as for a disability, all other applications received after the stated...

For over a decade, the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa program has allowed Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada for extended periods of time. It is a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 10 years in total. While the length of stay under a regular multiple-entry visitor visa is limited to 6 months or less, the Super Visa currently allows parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for 2 years at a time. Minimum income requirements must be met by the host child or grandchild to support super visa holders. Applicants must undergo a medical exam and obtain private health insurance from an approved provider. With approximately 17,000 super visas issued per year, it remains a popular option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada. As of July 4, 2022, super visa holders will be able to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry. They will also have the option to request...