This Week in Immigration News - July 23 - 29, 2021
Express Entry Draws
There weren't any Express Entry draws this week, but we anticipate seeing some next week again.
Press Releases
On July 23, 2021, The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino announced special immigration measures for Afghans who put themselves at risk to assist Canada. He has announced a path to protection in Canada for those at risk due to their work as interpreters who worked with the Canadian Armed Forces, cooks, drivers, cleaners, construction workers, security guards and locally engaged staff employed at the Embassy of Canada to Afghanistan, and their family members.
“So many Afghan citizens put themselves at risk to assist Canada, both during and after our military mission in Afghanistan. Now they face even greater threats from the Taliban, and we are doing everything possible to bring them to safety. Lives hang in the balance, which is why we’re taking timely and decisive action to support the Afghans who supported Canada, and offer them a future in this country. Canada will do right by those who did so much for us.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
For anyone currently waiting for an application to be processed, you know all too well the current wait times and struggles with requesting updates on files. On July 28, 2021, The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino recognizes this and acknowledges the struggles COVID-19 has caused and pledges to focus on the future of immigration in Canada as the country looks towards growth and economic recovery.
“Canada’s immigration system has played a critical role in our response to COVID-19 and will continue to help fuel our economic recovery. Today, we had productive discussions with the provinces and territories on how to better and more evenly spread the benefits of immigration across the country. Our ongoing collaboration, further strengthened today, has contributed to valuable initiatives that will help support population growth and a modern immigration system. Together, we can build a stronger and more diverse Canada.”
- The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and federal co-chair of the Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration.
Program Delivery Updates
On July 26, 2021, there was an update to the temporary public policy on minimum income requirements for 2020
Also on July 26, 2021, there was an update regarding open work permits for applicants under the TR to PR Pathway.
As announced on July 27, 2021, in-Canada applications for temporary resident visas which have passed eligibility but have admissibility concerns under certain sections of the IRPA will be forwarded to the Domestic Network’s Centre of Expertise.
Some instructions have been clarified and improved upon for the Resettlement Assistance Program on July 27, 2021.
On July 28, 2021, we received some clarity has been provided surrounding the requirement to hold a valid study permit within 180 days of applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program for students graduating outside of Canada. As well, only the time students spent studying online after their study permit application was received will be counted towards the length of their PGWP.
Border News
No updates this week!
