From Far & Wide Immigration Inc.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Ontario's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has undergone a major redesign, offering targeted pathways for skilled professionals and workers aspiring to build their lives in Canada's most populous province. Tailored to address specific labour market shortages, the overhauled program features two core streams designed to accommodate workers across diverse skill levels. Along with structural adjustments, these updates aim to streamline compliance while focusing recruitment on key economic regions. Ontario Workforce Priority Stream TEER 0-3 Pathway TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER). Under Canada's  National Occupational Classification (NOC) , TEER 0-3 are considered skilled work. The OINP's TEER 0-3 pathway offers a direct route to permanent residence for skilled applicants with a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario. Minimum Requirements: Work Experience:  Applicants must demonst...

The Canadian government's policy to limit both permanent and temporary residence admissions to Canada results in additional restrictions for hiring temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in low-wage positions. If you are an employer or a TFW applicant, understanding these regulations is crucial to a successful Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application. 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 an 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. Since September 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is refusing to process certain low-wage LMIA applications. This measure targets jobs in Census Me...

The glossary provides explanations for different terms and abbreviations used in the Canadian immigration landscape. These are not legal definitions. Accompanying family member: A spouse, common-law partner, dependent child or dependent child of a dependent child (grandchild), who plans to immigrate to Canada with the principal applicant. Accompanying family members are included on the application. AIP: Approved in Principle means that an applicant for permanent residence has met the eligibility requirements but still needs to pass the medical, security and background checks. AIP:  The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals who want to work and live in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. AOR: Acknowledgment of Receipt letter confirming that a PR application was received and/or approved in principle. BOWP: a Bridging Open Work Permit allows a permanent resi...

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)  and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) , 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...

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'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...

In a recent news release, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced pivotal changes to Canada's international student immigration system. The measures aim to address challenges posed by unsustainable growth, revenue-driven intakes by some institutions, and the resulting pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services.  International Student Permit Cap One of the key announcements is the introduction of an intake cap on international student permit applications for a two-year period. For 2025, the intake cap on study permits issued to international students was reduced to 437,000 - down from 485,000 in 2024. The cap will be stabilized at 408,000 new student admissions and in-Canada extensions for 2026. Provinces and territories will have individual caps based on their population, leading to more significant reductions in areas experiencing unsustainable growth. However, study permit renewals, master's and doctoral degree pursuit...

Background To finance its programs, the Government of Canada follows an approach where most of the costs are the responsibility of those who receive the services and benefit directly from them. To account for inflation, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced in 2017 that fees would be adjusted by the cumulative Consumer Price Index (CPI) annually. In accordance with the Service Fees Act (SFA), the application fees for foreign nationals applying to regain their status or return to Canada after being inadmissible will be adjusted for inflation on December 1, 2023.  This ensures that fees remain current and reflect the costs of delivering services, while the SFA improves the transparency, accountability and predictability of government service fees. These fees have been adjusted to account for the yearly rate of inflation since April 2018. Following the regular schedule, the next annual increase of inadmissibility fees is expected on December 1, 2024. What's the...

British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers various pathways for immigrants aspiring to make the stunning province their permanent home. Tailored to address specific labour market needs, the BC PNP covers separate streams that cater to worker across diverse sectors. In addition to its standalone streams for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, the BC PNP also selects candidates with a high economic impact for British Columbia. Skills Immigration Streams 1. Skilled Worker For skilled professionals with experience and expertise, the Skilled Worker stream provides a pathway to permanent residence . This stream is designed for individuals with skills and qualifications that meet the province's economic needs. As an added perk, the Skilled Worker stream offers the Express Entry BC (EEBC) option, allowing for shorter processing times. 2. Health Authority The Health Authority stream welcomes workers directly employed by a provincial health authority, as well as pract...

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...