Vancouver immigration lawyers analyze changes to qualify for Canadian permanent residence.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/15/2024 -- On March 19, 2024, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) announced significant changes to its International Post-Graduate (IPG) stream, making it more difficult for many international students who have graduated in BC with master's degrees in natural, applied and health sciences to obtain a coveted provincial nomination to qualify for Canadian permanent residence. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com

Post-graduate students already enrolled gathered in downtown Vancouver this past weekend to protest proposed changes to the IPG stream. They argue that these changes come without warning and will unfairly affect them since they made the important (and expensive) decision to study in BC based on promises that will no longer be kept.

The BC PNP's IPG stream has remained largely unchanged since being introduced as a three-year pilot program in 2010. It offers international post-graduate students who have studied natural, applied and health sciences in certain BC universities a streamlined opportunity to obtain a provincial nomination..

At the core of the IPG stream is a recognition that individuals with graduate degrees in agricultural sciences, engineering, and computer sciences are highly sought after employers. As such, it was not necessary for these individuals to show that they have a job offer in BC or to show prior experience in the field before receiving a nomination for permanent residency. Any candidate who graduated with an eligible master's degree could apply directly to the PNP for a nomination without competing with anyone else.

As of January 2025, the IPG will become open to post-graduate students who have completed master's degrees from eligible post-secondary schools in any field of study. In exchange for opening the IPG to all areas of master's studies, however, IPG candidates will now compete with each other to receive one of the BC PNP's coveted nominations.

Gone are the days of directly applying for a nomination upon graduation. Successful candidates must now obtain a minimum one-year full-time job offer in BC, and they must now meet the higher language proficiency requirements of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 8 to qualify. To put things in perspective, the BC PNP awards approximately 7,000 nominations each year. Of those, roughly 12 to 15% of nominations are awarded each year under the IPG, meaning that approximately 800 to 1,000 individuals are expected to be affected by these changes.

The BC PNP states its shift in policy stems from the recent trend of ensuring transparency for students seeking to pursue international studies in Canada. The PNP wants to discourage what they deem to be "predatory" behaviour from recruiters and others by establishing clear thresholds to apply for a nomination and to eliminate the perception that the BC PNP, including its IPG stream, is an easy pathway towards permanent residency.

Most importantly, the BC PNP made it clear that with only 7,000 nominations allocated by the federal government, not all candidates should expect to receive a nomination. The change is intended to bring the IPG in line with other streams where candidates are not guaranteed nominations. Instead, they must score points based on language proficiency and other factors. In so doing, the BC PNP believes that it will be a net positive for everyone since those who score higher points tend to do better in the labour market over time. This allows the BC PNP to award its limited nominations to only the top candidates.

The BC PNP's March 19 announcement is just the latest example of a fast-changing immigration environment where some are beginning to question whether we can or should accommodate hundreds of thousands of newcomers each year. The result for now, it seems, is an ever-increasing bar to qualify for permanent residency in all areas of immigration law.

To learn more about immigrating to or to seek representation, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing at 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vancouver immigration lawyers offer insight into paths when there are no other options.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/19/2024 -- Many people are aware of the humanitarian and compassionate (H and C) application process for permanent residence, which people can turn to when they are not able to access any other type of immigration application and when they can demonstrate compelling personal circumstances. However, the process is not open to all applicants, according to the Vancouver immigration Lawyers at Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/what-are-your-immigration-options-when-you-have-no-other-options/
H and C applications can be made from within Canada as well as from outside of Canada. However, the H and C statutory provisions exclude certain applicants, specifically persons found to be inadmissible to Canada pursuant to ss. 34, 35 and 37 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) on security grounds. If an applicant has been found inadmissible to Canada on one of these grounds, what are possible options to overcome such a finding and either remain in or come to Canada?

The process for overcoming an inadmissibility finding pursuant to ss. 34, 35 and 37 of IRPA is called an application for Ministerial Relief. S. 42(1) provides that a person can make an application for Ministerial Relief, which is a declaration from the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (the Minister) that the matters that gave rise to their determination do not constitute inadmissibility in the circumstances of their case.

However, persons found to be inadmissible pursuant to s. 35(1)(a) of IRPA for commission of or complicity in genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity, are precluded from making an application for Ministerial Relief.

As of March 10, 2017, there is a statutory framework for making such an application and a formal process, including an application form. To learn more about this application process, please visit: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gadr-gddd-eng.html#a1. As mentioned above, a Ministerial Relief application can be made by persons both inside and outside of Canada, similar to the H and C application process. Once an application is received, it will be assessed for being both eligible and complete and put in the queue for assessment based on the year of receipt. The Ministerial Relief Unit (MRU) of CBSA will review the application and submissions and make a "recommendation" to the Minister. CBSA's recommendation will be provided to the applicant prior to being sent to the Minister. This will allow the applicant (and their counsel) to respond to any concerns and provide further documentation and submissions in support of the application before going to the Minister for determination.

A Ministerial Relief application can only be determined by the Minister – it can not be delegated to an officer. Given that only the Minster can make the final decision, application processing times tend to be very lengthy. Recent statistics as of October 21, 2022, indicate processing times as fast as 2 years and as lengthy as 22 years with an inventory of over 300 cases. Processing times of 7 – 10 years for Ministerial Relief applications are common.

As an immigration lawyer practicing for over 30 years, the lawyers at Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre in Vancouver have made numerous H and C applications. While the Ministerial Relief application is distinct, it is similar and should be navigated with an experienced immigration professional, given the complexity of the process and the seriousness of the matter that an applicant is seeking to overcome.

To learn more about immigrating to or to seek representation, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing at 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

starting January 1, 2024, New applicants will need to show they have C$20,635 to cover the first year of living expenses in Canada

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/18/2024 -- Coming to Canada is about to get more challenging for students, according to the Canadian Immigration Lawyers at Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre in Vancouver . On December 7, 2023, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that starting January 1, 2024, international students will be required to have more funds to be granted a student visa to ensure they can afford the costs of living in Canada. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/uncharted-territory-canada-doubles-cost-of-living-requirements-for-student-visas/

Speaking to reporters, the Minister acknowledged that there may be unintended consequences from the increase in financial requirements, which are more than doubling from $10,000 to $20,635 to cover the first year of living expenses in Canada. Still, he felt it was necessary so students would not feel forced to work to make ends meet.

International students have always been required to demonstrate they have enough financial resources to afford studying in Canada. Before the Minister's announcement, students needed to demonstrate that they could afford the first year of expenses in Canada, including $10,000 for living expenses for a single person and additional funds for tuition and travel costs to come to Canada.

However, given the current cost-of-living crisis, the Minister determined that the $10,000 amount requires updating to match current realities and to ensure that international students who come to Canada have realistic expectations about what it will cost to live here to complete their studies.

As Canadian immigration lawyers, it is unlikely that increasing financial requirements will dissuade international students from applying for student visas. Families typically find a way to raise the needed funds to achieve an immigration goal, even if it means taking some extreme measures. For example, the Minister noted that it's possible for several people to pool funds to send a student to Canada or that individuals will find ways to move money around to the prospective student's bank account to make it appear they have enough funding.

However, the Minister's announcement will likely cause some far-reaching consequences. Lawyers at Sas and Ing have frequently met international students who have been refused student visas not because they did not have sufficient funds but because immigration visa officers found it unreasonable to spend so much on an education in Canada when there were possibly cheaper alternatives closer to home. In other words, even prospective international students who meet the higher threshold of having $20,635 or more for living expenses may experience higher rates of refusal because the overall cost of an education in Canada now represents a more significant percentage of their net worth or their family's net worth.

Ultimately, based on the experience representing international students, the overall interest in coming to Canada to study will not likely wane until the root problems are addressed. Primarily, the intense interest comes from the fact that many international students are led to believe by unscrupulous immigration agents and others that it is an easy pathway to obtaining Canadian permanent residence.

Even the Minister seemed to acknowledge this fact when he stated that some families will do what it takes to meet the increased financial requirements if they feel that the student will help the family's future. This might occur, for instance, if they believed that the student could one day become a permanent resident and sponsor the family to come to Canada or that the student could have a much higher earning potential in Canada after acquiring permanent status and will be able to support family members back home financially.

Contrary to popular belief, it is rather difficult for international students to become permanent residents without a planned and executed strategy. Many international students are unaware that English and/or French proficiency is a significant factor when determining whether they will be able to acquire permanent resident status and will spend most of their time in Canada speaking their first language outside the classroom. Many do not know that it is doubtful they will qualify for permanent residency without having already earned some skilled work experience back home. They may also be unaware that the work experience they earn while still a student in Canada does not count towards qualifying for permanent residency or be misled into believing that their chosen program of study in Canada will allow them to get a work permit after graduation.

These are just some examples of the misconceptions regarding Canada's International Student Program, all observed during years of immigration law practice.

Only time will tell whether the Minister's latest announcement will improve the quality of life for the average international student in Canada and whether there will be a noticeable decrease in the number of international students in Canada.

To learn more about immigrating to or to seek representation, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing at 604-689-5444.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

increasing applications and lengthy processing times has changed the way that SUV applications are assessed by visa officers.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/08/2023 -- When Canada's Start Up Visa (SUV) was introduced in 2013, uptake was slow, with few applications. Things picked up by 2018 and 2019, with the program building momentum, mainly due to immigration lawyers and consultants recommending the program to aspiring business immigrants. Today, application volume for the Start-Up Visa has resulted in changes in how applications are processed. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/start-up-visa-processing-the-playing-field-has-changed/

One of the most attractive features of SUV was applicants would be given permanent residence (PR) on a proposed innovative business concept and that applications would be approved quickly, typically within 12 months or less.

When COVID hit, immigration processing ground to a halt. Yet, the momentum of SUV applicants continued. By October 2021, "LexBase" editor Richard Kurland reported a backlog of approximately 6700 applicants and opined that the processing of applications would take several years. It appears this has come to pass.

A vital aspect of the SUV program is that prospective applicants must have the support of a Designated Organization (DO), which is a Canadian entity approved by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), to both vet and support the business proposal. There are three types of IRCC-approved DOs – a Venture Capital company, an Angel Investor company, and a Business Incubator.

The DO essentially confirms the viability of the business proposal and takes that responsibility off the IRCC's shoulders. Any DO must provide a Letter of Support (LOS) and a Commitment Certificate (CC). A Venture Capital company must invest a minimum of $200,000 in the business venture; an Angel Investor company must provide a minimum of $75,000; and Business Incubators must accept the business proposal into their program and nurture the applicant(s) in getting their concept off the ground.

When SUV processing occurred at a fast pace (6-12 months), there was little scrutiny of the actual efforts of the applicants because the program was designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs who would establish their businesses in Canada after becoming permanent residents.

However, as wait times have ballooned to 3-4 years or more, visa officers are asking more complex questions. Procedural Fairness Letters (PFLs) are now routinely sent to applicants with pertinent questions. For example:

- Please indicate what you have done to establish the business in Canada.
- Please indicate what contributions have been made from the DO to the present.
- Please indicate if there is a concrete plan to make this business prosperous and if that plan has proven successful before.
- Please clarify the app development roadmap, the percentage that has been completed, and the timeline and budget for completion.
- What have been the advancements of the business since incorporation?
- Why did you choose Canada, and did you consider any other countries?
- Please demonstrate how an essential part of the business operations will be conducted in Canada.

These are questions asked by visa officers regarding an SUV applicant. This demonstrates that in assessing SUV applications, officers are no longer willing to grant PR and see what happens.

Aspiring business immigrants must be prepared to put their money where their mouth is and follow through with proposed plans. The Federal Court has reviewed several SUV application refusals and confirmed that it is legitimate for Visa officers to ask these questions and require applicants to provide evidence that they are actually putting business plans into action while awaiting PR status.

Evidence of efforts undertaken by applicants and the DO is now crucial to the successful outcome of an SUV application.

To learn more about immigrating to Canada under a Start Up Visa, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing at 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/ or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A finding of misrepresentation comes with a five-year ban of applying to come to Canada—read about the options when a misrepresentation determination has been made.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/14/2023 -- The Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing understand one of the most harsh and negative provisions in Canadian immigration law is a misrepresentation determination. The finding comes with a five-year application ban. However, there are still options when a misrepresentation determination has been made. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/5809-2/

Misrepresentation is an incredibly broad legal provision that covers things most people aren't aware of (but probably should be). S. 40 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) defines what constitutes misrepresentation.

s. 40(1)(a), a foreign national or permanent resident is inadmissible for directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of this Act.

The penalty for misrepresentation is set out in subsection 2:

s.40(2) The following provisions govern subsection (1):

(a) the permanent resident or the foreign national continues to be inadmissible for misrepresentation for a period of five years following, in the case of a determination outside Canada, a final determination of inadmissibility under subsection (1) or, in the case of a determination in Canada, the date that the removal order is enforced;…

Essentially, for anyone outside of Canada, the five-year period commences from the time of the decision, whereas for people In Canada, the ban starts after leaving the country.

SEEKING JUDICIAL REVIEW IN FEDERAL COURT

As in all immigration decisions, one option is to challenge the finding. This is not easy and is generally very expensive. A Judicial Review application can only be filed by a lawyer (or a self-represented applicant, which is not recommended). This requires extensive written submissions and Court arguments if the case is granted leave. Chances of success are low. The law is broad—misrepresentation can be direct or indirect–it does not require intent. If there is information relevant to the application that was not disclosed, the finding will be valid. Legal action is not always the best course of action. (For a more detailed explanation of Federal Court Judicial Review applications, please see "When your immigration application is refused: Options for dealing with a refusal" and "Challenging a Refusal of an Immigration Application: Appeal, Judicial Review or Apply Again?").

APPLYING FOR AN AUTHORIZATION TO RETURN TO CANADA (ARC) AND A TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT (TRP)

The best solution to overcome inadmissibility due to misrepresentation findings is to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) AND a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), which is a permit to overcome inadmissibility. However, a misrepresentation finding essentially determines that an applicant did not tell the truth. Being dishonest in the immigration process is a severe offence. Regaining a visa officer's trust is not easy. While an ARC/ TRP application is an option, it should not be used immediately and will depend upon case circumstances. Always remember, "Honesty is the Best Policy."

WAIT IT OUT!

While this is usually the least favourite option, it is often the best. As mentioned above, applicants must demonstrate they will be truthful in future immigration applications. Rebuilding trust takes time. While five years is a long time, it is not forever. Use this time to be productive and build desirability as an immigration candidate.

A misrepresentation finding, or any inadmissibility finding, is not only applicable to the person concerned but to all family members in a permanent residence application (not the same for a temporary application such as a work or study permit). If the end goal is permanent residence in Canada for family members—all of them need to be admissible.

Any experience in Canada, such as obtaining education or work experience, remains valid. Focus on what can be done during the five years to enhance the ability to apply for permanent residence in the future. Obtain further education in an English or French-speaking country to maintain language skills. Gain additional high-skilled work experience to increase point scores in the Express Entry program. Demonstrate a commitment to self-improvement and dedication to becoming a Canadian permanent resident.

A misrepresentation finding is a setback—not fatal. Think of the Canadian sport of hockey – it's like being in a penalty box, but not a permanent ban from the game. Use this time wisely.

To learn more about immigrating to Canada, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing at 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The federal government will create new work permit categories and expedite permanent residency for select skilled workers.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/21/2023 -- The Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing share a new opportunity for technology workers seeking a path to Canada. On June 27, 2023, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Sean Fraser, announced the creation of a new and ground-breaking "Tech Talent Strategy" to attract technology workers to Canada. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/canada-goes-all-out-to-attract-technology-workers/

The Minister's Tech Talent Strategy will aggressively attract technology workers to Canada by implementing several strategic pillars that feature new work permit options, faster processing times, and direct access to Canada's immigration pathways under the Express Entry System:

Attracting US skilled workers

As a team of Vancouver immigration lawyers, Sas and Ing has advised technology companies about bringing talent to Canada for years. Unfortunately, the options were limited to non-American citizens, including technology workers from China and India who work in the United States under working visas. As part of the Tech Talent Strategy, the Minister will create a new work permit category by mid-July 2023 to attract skilled workers with H1-B visas in the United States.

An H1-B visa is a US working visa that allows local employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations, including those in the technology field. The H1-B visa is capped, meaning that there are only limited visas issued per year, such that American employers often find it difficult to retain these workers on a long-term basis and, on the flip side, their technology workers are also left in a state of uncertainty about their ability to stay in the United States. By offering a new work permit stream targeting H-1B visa holders, Canada can attract technology workers from a pool of vetted and qualified candidates.

According to the Minister's June 27, 2023 announcement, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will accept applications under this category for the next year or until 10,000 applications are received, whichever comes first, and open work permits valid for up to three years will be issued to eligible applicants.

Creation of an Innovation Stream

The Minister has also announced the creation of an "Innovation Stream" that will offer work permits valid for up to five years. Currently, most work permits are issued for only a three-year duration with the possibility of extensions, so creating a five-year work permit stream will be attractive to technology workers looking for stability for themselves and their family members.

The Innovation Stream will be launched by the end of the year and will specifically create two categories of permits:

An employer-specific (closed) work permit designed for workers who have job offers from a shortlist of companies that the Government of Canada will deem essential to meeting our country's innovation goals.
An open work permit is designed to attract highly skilled workers who have experience in select in-demand occupations.

Direct Access to Permanent Residency

As part of the Tech Talent Strategy, the Minister will expand the current Express Entry System by creating a new category of workers that will be issued invitations to apply for permanent residency. The latest draw category will specifically apply to candidates with experience in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) occupations. Still, the Minister has not released details about which occupations will fall under this category.

In addition to the key pillars reviewed above, the Tech Talent Strategy will aim to improve existing policies and programs, including the Global Skills Strategy and the Start-up Visa Program.

The Minister's latest announcement represents an ambitious and thoughtful approach to achieving Canada's goal of becoming a global leader in technology and innovation and alleviating chronic skills shortages. Canadian employers will now have a much larger pool of technology workers to hire from with the creation of new work permit categories designed to attract and retain top talent worldwide.

As experienced Vancouver immigration lawyers, most workers will only consider relocating their families to Canada if there is a clear and predictable pathway toward obtaining permanent residency. With the announcement of the Tech Talent Strategy, technology workers interested in bringing their talents to Canada will have more confidence knowing that they can plan to achieve their immigration goals.

To learn more about opportunities for immigrating to Canada under the Tech Talent Strategy, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing at 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

(“H&C”) applications are the last resort for persons with no other means of immigrating or remaining in Canada

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/18/2023 -- Sas and Ing, a leading Vancouver immigration law firm has recently published insights to help individuals navigate the complex process of submitting a successful Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application. Drawing on their extensive experience, the team has identified vital tips that can significantly enhance the chances of a favorable outcome. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/humanitarian-and-compassionate-applications-tips-for-success/

Under s.25(1) of the Immigration, Refugee and Protection Act ("IRPA"), H&C applications can be made from inside or outside Canada as an alternative to meeting the usual criteria for immigration. Individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada may also be able to apply for special consideration based on H&C grounds.

The option of making an H&C application is available to individuals who can clearly demonstrate the need for an exemption from the requirements of IRPA and also provide compelling H&C factors for consideration. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ("IRCC") sets out that applying for H&C consideration is not meant to be used as an alternative means of applying for Permanent Residence ("PR") in Canada. Instead it is an exceptional measure and that an applicant must provide sufficient evidence that this measure is warranted in the case circumstances.

Decisions on H&C applications are made on a case-by-case basis and officers have the discretion to consider a wide range of factors. To maximize the potential of a favourable outcome, it's essential to consider these key points:

1. Understand the H&C application criteria. Potential applicants must familiarize themselves with the specific criteria that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers when assessing H&C applications. These factors include establishment in Canada, the best interests of affected children, and the hardships that applicants would face if required to leave Canada.

2. Keep comprehensive documentation. It's essential to provide detailed documentation to support H&C applications. This includes evidence of community ties, employment history, financial stability, and other factors demonstrating the applicant's successful establishment in Canada.

3. Address the best interests of children. If the applicant has children, clearly outline how their parents' removal from Canada would impact the best interests of the child(ren). This involves providing evidence of the child's integration into Canadian society, such as school records, extracurricular activities, and letters of support from teachers or community members.

4. Explain the hardship of returning to the home country. Applicants must explain the potential difficulties they would face if required to return to their home country. This may include a lack of access to medical care, limited educational opportunities, or potential danger due to political instability or persecution.

5. Seek professional legal assistance. The Vancouver Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing strongly encourages individuals considering an H&C application to consult with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer. Their expertise can significantly improve the chances of success by identifying the most compelling arguments, ensuring proper documentation, and providing guidance throughout the application process.

To learn more about Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre. Call 1-604-689-5444 for more information.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Email: officeadmin@sasanding.com
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Recognizing that there is a crucial shortage of healthcare workers in BC who offer essential services to the province and its citizens, the BC PNP introduced sweeping changes to its system.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/13/2023 -- The Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing discussed changes to

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to attract healthcare professionals to Canada. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/best-immigration-program-of-the-year-bc-pnp-hits-a-home-run-with-healthcare-workers/

The BC PNP has historically offered a pathway to attract healthcare professionals. Still, it was constrained because it only applied to physicians, nurses and allied health professionals with job offers from public health authorities like the Fraser Health Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health.

In reality, this "Health Professional" category (now aptly re-branded as the "Health Authority" category) excluded many essential workers in BC's healthcare economy, most notably those who work in the private sector, such as in senior long-term care and assisted living homes.

Recognizing that there is a crucial shortage of healthcare workers in BC who offer essential services to the province and its citizens, the BC PNP introduced sweeping changes to its system, including the following:

- The BC PNP expanded its Health Authority category by eliminating all occupation restrictions. People with a job offer in any occupation from a public health authority can apply to the BC PNP for a nomination for permanent residence.

- Healthcare assistants, including nurse aides and orderlies, previously classified as unskilled workers under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, became eligible to apply for a BC provincial nomination.

Furthermore, as of November 16, 2022, healthcare assistants are now classified as skilled workers under the newly implemented NOC 2021 system and will have access to both the BC PNP skilled worker stream and Canada's federal immigration programs, namely the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker Class.

Finally, and most importantly, the BC PNP began to hold targeted draws for workers with job offers in a wide range of healthcare occupations. No longer prioritizing only physicians, nurses, and the nebulous category of "allied health professionals," the BC PNP now publishes a list of nearly 40 priority health occupations, including social workers and counselling therapists, leaving no doubt for the public as to who will qualify to receive targeted draws as healthcare workers.

By offering targeted draws, the BC PNP directly increased the number of healthcare workers who will qualify to immigrate to the province by lowering the overall points requirements needed to receive an invitation to apply. This places healthcare workers on an even stronger footing than other skilled workers who may have previously been more competitive due to differences in language proficiency, education level, or wages.

Ultimately, the BC PNP's decision to prioritize workers in health occupations, rather than prioritizing only workers with job offers from public health authorities, has significantly expanded the pool of potential permanent residency candidates who wish to settle in BC to include those working in the private sector.

Since March 10, 2022, the BC PNP has followed through on its plans to hold targeted draws regularly. Multiple targeted draws for healthcare workers are held every month, and invitations to apply are being issued to candidates with as low as 60 points. This represents a significant opportunity for healthcare workers to immigrate to BC, whether they are already here in Canada working under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or open work permits and whether they are healthcare workers living abroad.

With the frenetic pace of immigration changes every year, it is easy to overlook or forget some of the positive immigration news stories that have made headlines. As a team of Vancouver immigration lawyers, it's been uncommon to see an immigration policy implemented as the BC PNP directive to prioritize healthcare workers.

There will be plenty of opportunities for prospective immigrants to BC to apply as healthcare workers in 2023. Now is the time for healthcare workers to assess eligibility for a BC provincial nomination under the BC PNP's expanded criteria.

To learn more about opportunities for immigrating to Canada through the BC PNP, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre. Call 1-604-689-5444 to get started.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Recognizing the challenges employers are facing, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has expanded opportunities for the spouses of lower workers and working-age children

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/16/2023 -- The Vancouver Immigration Lawyers at Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre have exciting news for workers hoping to live and work in Canada with their families potentially.

Last December, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Sean Fraser, and Tourism Minister and Associate Minister of Finance, Randy Boissonnault, introduced a significant expansion of employment opportunities for the spouses and working-age children of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) already in Canada. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/canadas-white-hot-labour-market-leads-immigration-and-tourism-ministers-to-dramatically-expand-employment-opportunities-for-spouses-and-working-age-children-of-canadian-foreign-workers/

The move is a response to the white-hot labour market. Recognizing the significant challenges employers face in the current Canadian labour market, the changes introduced will now provide employment opportunities for the spouses of lower and low-skilled workers and their working-age children. This new measure is set to be implemented in January 2023 and will last for two years.

Canada's unemployment rate sits at near-historic lows of 5.2%. Employers across Canada have struggled to find workers across all strata of the economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors that traditionally employ entry-level workers. To enhance employers' opportunities to fill these positions and get Canada's post-pandemic economy on track, this announcement dramatically widens the net of potential Canadian employees who have historically been denied the opportunity to work in Canada.

While spouses of TFWs and international students have been able to work in Canada for many years, this opportunity has only been afforded to the spouses of highly skilled workers (employed in NOC level O, A or B occupations) or the spouses of international students who are engaged in employment in these higher skilled occupations. (For more information about the NOC levels, please refer to "Canada's Changing Occupation Landscape: How the New NOC 2021 System Will Impact Our Immigration Program").

For the children of TFWs in Canada, this opportunity has rarely existed. For a brief period in 2009/2010, Canada's immigration department at the time, CIC, introduced a pilot program in Ontario and Alberta allowing the teenage children of skilled TFWs to seek employment in Canada on a limited basis. This pilot program was short-lived and never applied across Canada. For TFW parents anxious for their children in Canada to gain the benefit of obtaining work experience at an early age, these announcements come as welcome news.

According to the Ministers' announcement, this unprecedented expansion of worker eligibility will be launched in 2023 in three phases. The phased approach will commence in January with the families of high-wage stream workers in the Temporary Foreign Worker or International Mobility Programs. Subsequently, the second phase will extend the measure to include family members of TFWs in low-wage stream occupations. The final stage will deal specifically with seasonal agricultural workers and their families, following consultations with agricultural stakeholders to determine the operational feasibility of the measure.

Recognizing the post-pandemic challenges of Canada's economy and the struggles that Canadian employers are facing with unprecedented labour shortages, Ministers Fraser and Boissonnault's announcement is welcome news. It is also a further recognition of the talent immigrants at all levels of society can bring to contribute to Canada's ultimate economic and cultural success.

To learn more about opportunities for immigrating to Canada, contact the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre. Call 1-604-689-5444 to get started.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser relaxes immigration rules for foreign trained doctors

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/17/2022 -- As a team of Vancouver immigration lawyers, it is no surprise that Canada is facing an extreme shortage of doctors. Many citizens have lacked a family doctor for years. To alleviate this problem, on September 23, 2022, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Sean Fraser, announced significant changes to how doctors are assessed for permanent residence in Canada under the Express Entry selection program. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/seeking-foreign-doctors-to-canada-canadas-immigration-minister-sean-fraser-relaxes-the-immigration-rules-for-foreign-trained-doctors/

The path to permanent residence in Canada for the medical profession has undergone seismic shifts. Over thirty years ago, many medical professionals, including doctors, were precluded from applying for permanent residence. At the time, there was a negative occupations list where doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers, lawyers and many other professionals were ineligible to apply for permanent residence through Canada's independent application category (a precursor to the current Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program).

All this changed on June 28, 2002, with the introduction of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). The negative occupations list was eliminated. However, this did not open the door for medical and other professionals to apply directly for permanent residence – they still had to demonstrate that they could obtain licensing from the respective provincial or territorial licensing bodies, and that requirement remains to this day.

Many doctors have come to Canada on work permits obtained for remote regions. They first need to apply for and get a provisional licence from their regulatory licensing body, which allows them to work under the supervision of other doctors while undergoing a standard licensing process that includes studying for and writing Canadian exams.

The process is necessary and appropriate to ensure that foreign professionals can demonstrate they have the education and ability to perform their profession to Canadian standards. Similar requirements apply to most foreign professionals seeking to work in Canada. The process of coming to Canada to work and then progressing to permanent residence is longstanding.

The challenge for doctors is how they receive payment with Canada's fee-for-service remuneration model. Most doctors are not employed in a traditional employer-employee relationship. Doctors frequently work in clinics, whether self-employed or in association with other doctors. Payment for service comes from provincial or territorial governments in the respective area based on the services provided for each patient. However, the fee-for-service model is characterized as self-employment by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Canada's primary economic immigration stream is the Express Entry selection program. However, Express Entry only recognizes Canadian work experience as an employee. Self-employed work experience is not counted towards the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) points system, leaving doctors, if not most, unable to qualify for permanent residence to Canada under the Express Entry selection system.

The announcement by Minister Fraser both recognized and corrected this hindrance to foreign doctors who hoped to obtain permanent residence in Canada while providing a service desperately needed by many Canadians.

Modifying the evaluation of Canadian work experience for foreign-trained doctors working in Canada is a positive step toward retaining much-needed medical talent from doctors who have established themselves in and contributed to the Canadian healthcare system.

For medical professionals interested in permanent residence in Canada, the Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre can provide insight into the regulatory requirements and rules to streamline the process. Call 1-604-689-5444 to get started.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

new rules reflect changing labour market needs in the province

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/07/2022 -- The BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has been highly successful for 21 years in operation. However, local and global events, such as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have changed provincial mandates. On March 10, 2022, British Columbia's Ministry of Municipal Affairs announced a crucial need for more healthcare workers and early childhood educators (ECEs). The Vancouver Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing discuss the changes in their latest blog. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/key-changes-to-the-bc-pnp-improving-access-to-british-columbias-care-economy-and-boosting-economic-growth/

To stimulate British Columbia's care economy, changes to the BC PNP focus on prioritizing healthcare workers and ECEs for immigration to increase the number of workers to BC in these vital sectors.

As part of the changes, a new category of applicants has been introduced: the Health Authority Category. When introducing this new program, BC's Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Services and Long Term Care, the Honourable Mable Elmore, made the following statement:

"We're taking action to better meet the growing needs of British Columbians. By improving access for these occupations, we're showing that we understand the need to bring in more qualified healthcare workers and streamline the process, which also means that our seniors will have access to more help as even more healthcare workers are able to be hired into our health system."

The rules of the new Health Authority Category broaden the scope of eligible healthcare workers to include any occupation that has an indeterminate, full-time job offer from a health authority. Qualified physicians, nurse practitioners and midwives not directly employed by a health authority may also be eligible under the new program. The previous system only allowed physicians, nurses, allied health professionals or midwives with job offers from a BC health authority to apply while the new system opens the doors to any relevant occupation with a job offer.

This new BC PNP category implements a targeted draw system for in-demand healthcare occupations that will be prioritized by offering a lower points threshold to obtain an invitation to apply (ITA). Furthermore, targeted draws will be occurring every week rather than bi-monthly.

Early Childhood Educators

Like health care, the rules of the BC PNP have been adjusted to address the dire need for early childhood educators—skilled professionals who care for children at the most important time of their lives. Points required for an ITA are lowered, with draws held every week to meet provincial requirements of almost 10,000 ECEs to join the profession over the next 10 years.

In addition to two new program categories, the BC PNP has been further amended to make it easier for applicants to qualify for nomination under the Skilled Worker Category. Before March 10, 2022, skilled workers required two years of directly related full-time experience to be eligible to apply as BC PNP skilled workers. This requirement has now been relaxed to allow for two years of full-time experience in any skilled occupation in Canada's NOC system, at skill levels 0, A, or B.

Overall, the amendments to the BC PNP are welcome news for immigrants and workers looking for a pathway to Canada. To learn more about obtaining a job offer and pursuing a provincial nomination for permanent residence in British Columbia, reach out to Sas & Ing as trusted Vancouver Immigration Lawyers.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A look at policy for major immigration developments coming up in 2022 from the Vancouver Immigration Lawyers at Sas and Ing

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/21/2022 -- Less than a year since assuming the Office of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Sean Fraser continues to make waves. As the country starts to open, the Vancouver Immigration Lawyers at Sas and Ing are watching the important policy changes currently being developed and implemented by Minister Fraser. Although details are still scarce, here are the major updates you need to be aware of for the second half of 2022. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/policy-alert-major-immigration-developments-remaining-in-2022/

The Return of Express Entry
Back in April, during a speech in Saint John, New Brunswick, Minister Fraser announced that Express Entry draws will resume and new invitations to apply (ITA) will be issued under Canada's Express Entry system in July.

On July 4, 2022, the Minister officially confirmed that Express Entry draws will resume on July 6, 2022, for the following skilled worker streams: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). To put this in perspective, the government suspended draws for the FSW and FSTP streams during the second wave of COVID-19 at the end of 2020 and then extended the pause to CEC draws by September 2021, effectively putting a halt on the entire Express Entry system for the past 10 months. Details are still forthcoming, so stay tuned.

Extensions of Post-Graduation Work Permits ("PGWP")

Citing significant labour shortages in Canada, Minister Fraser also announced that former international students who have expired or expiring PGWPs will be eligible to apply for a further 18-month extension as workers. This policy is intended to allow foreign workers who are already employed to continue their work in Canada and to allow expired PGWP holders to get back to work to alleviate labour shortage issues. Once again, many are still waiting for details about the process.

New Pathway to Permanent Residency?

If all this isn't interesting enough, the Minister has also been teasing a new fast-track pathway to permanent residency for those already living in Canada as either international students or foreign workers.

The "Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident" (TR to PR) pathway was touted as a once-in-a-pandemic policy to address Canadian immigration needs during a time when immigration from outside the country was actively discouraged.

In a recent CBC article on June 11, Minister Fraser shared plans to create a similar pathway to the TR to PR pathway but noted that it won't be identical.
The TR to PR pathway was unveiled with virtually no notice, which caused pandemonium for applicants who scrambled to obtain official language test results, police certificates, certified translations, and other documents and who had to rush to complete medical examinations during a pandemic.

New application forms were being released specifically for this TR to PR pathway days before the pathway launched on May 6, 2021. Applications have also been processed slowly, and the Minister has recently authorized open work permit extensions until 2024 for applicants who are waiting for decisions on their permanent residency applications.

Interested applicants for this new fast-track pathway should learn from the lessons of the past: prepare immigration documentation, including language test results, as soon as possible and seek assistance from immigration professionals if you have any doubts about the Canadian immigration application process.

Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program

Despite the head-turning number of new policies announced in recent months, there has been one area that the Minister has been largely silent on the return of the PGP program. Every year, tens of thousands of families wait with anticipation for the Minister's announcements about how the PGP program will be implemented in the current year. Things like timing, documentation requirements, and the number of applications that will be received for the year are all matters of interest.

Although the Minister has been silent on the PGP program, on June 7, 2022, he announced improvements to Canada's super visa program, which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to remain in Canada for extended periods. Unlike regular visitors who are generally required to leave Canada after six months, super visa holders will now be able to stay in Canada for five years at a time without leaving and will also be eligible to apply for a further two-year extension for an unprecedented total of seven years in Canada.

Unfortunately, the improvement of Canada's super visa program might be a precursor to disappointing news about the launch of the PGP Program in 2022. As Vancouver immigration lawyers, the team at Sas and Ing will continue to monitor for updates.

With so many meaningful immigration policy changes announced regularly, applicants need to be diligent. As with most things, the details of how a policy will be implemented are just as important as the intent behind the policy itself. Immigration applicants must be proactive to fully understand which policies will affect them and to make the most of upcoming and exciting opportunities.

About Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas and Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas and Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Temporary Foreign Worker Program policies that will make it easier for employers to hire temporary foreign workers

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/19/2022 -- New Temporary Foreign Worker Program policies open a path to Canada by making it easier for Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers according to the Vancouver Immigration Lawyers at Sas and Ing. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/good-news-for-canadian-employers-government-announces-new-measures-to-address-labour-shortages-in-canada/

On April 4, 2022, the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada ("ESDC") announced new Temporary Foreign Worker Program policies that will make it easier to hire temporary foreign workers through the Labour Market Impact Assessment process.

To fully appreciate the significance of EDSC's new policies, it is helpful to look back to the years between 2012 and 2014 when there were commonly held perceptions that the government was not doing enough to ensure that Canadians were being considered for job openings and that it was too easy for employers to obtain LMIAs (previously called 'Labour Market Opinions') for permission to hire TFWs.

Due to these sentiments, ESDC implemented policies in 2014 that included, among other things, the introduction of a $1,000 LMIA application fee for each TFW that an employer wanted to hire and a 'cap' on how many low-wage TFWs a company could hire in the workplace. These broad policies were put in place to send a clear message that Canadian employers should only hire TFWs on an exceptional basis where qualified Canadians are not available to fill a job opening.

Fast forward to 2022 and the tables have now turned in favour of facilitating the hiring of TFWs through the LMIA process. Below are some of the most significant changes:

1) Increasing the Cap on Low-Wage Workers

Before the policy announcement, employers with 10 or more employees were subject to a cap that prohibited them from having a workplace that was made up of more than 10% of low-wage TFWs. For example, a workplace with 20 total workers could not employ three low-wage TFWs because they would proportionally represent 15% of the workers in that workplace.

Citing 2020 data that TFWs made up less than 0.4% of the overall Canadian workforce, effective immediately ESDC has increased the low-wage TFW cap to 20% for all employers hiring full-time TFWs. Canadian employers suffering from labour shortages can now apply to ESDC to hire more low-wage TFWs than before to fill these shortages.

2) More time to Onboard Foreign Workers

Before the pandemic, newly approved LMIAs, which authorize a Canadian employer to hire a TFW, expired in six (6) months. Practically speaking, this meant that employers had no more than six months from the time of approval to find a TFW to fill the position and that the TFW needed to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for their work permit before the LMIA expired.

On April 4 ESDC announced that they will extend the validity period of all approved LMIAs to 18 months, which will give employers more time to interview, screen, and bring TFWs to Canada.

The new policies will benefit employers who have experienced challenges bringing TFWs to Canada even after an LMIA is approved. Specifically, there are instances where TFWs are refused work permits by IRCC. This may be for various reasons, including a lack of supporting documentation and a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements for a work permit. Extended periods to onboard TFWs will allow employers to make alternative hiring plans in the case of an unexpected work permit refusal.

3) Increase in Employment Duration

Before ESDC's announcements, TFWs could not be approved under an LMIA to work in Canada for more than two years. This meant employers had to make repeat LMIA applications to keep the same TFW(s) employed every few years, which added to the cost of doing business but also greatly added to ESDC's workload of processing new applications year after year, even when there was a demonstrated labour shortage.

The April 4 policies increase the maximum employment duration allowed under an LMIA from two (2) years to three (3) years for high-wage TFWs (currently defined in British Columbia as those earning more than $25 per hour) and those applying under ESDC's Global Talent Stream, which will greatly benefit all parties involved—employers, TFWs and ESDC.

As Vancouver Immigration Lawyers, the changes to TFWP offer great potential benefits to employers and foreign workers interested in making Canada their home. Statistics support ESDC's views that the program can serve as a positive force to boost the economy. Employers interested in hiring TFWs should familiarize themselves with the new policies and stay tuned for updates.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New blog from Vancouver immigration lawyers highlights possibilities for agricultural workers immigrating to Canada.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/11/2022 -- The Vancouver immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing have recently published a blog announcing the extension of the Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) until May 2023. the AFP is a direct pathway to permanent residence for workers in the Canadian agricultural industry. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/agri-food-pilot-permanent-residence-for-agriculture-workers/

The Agri-Food Pilot is a Canadian economic-class immigration program that was implemented to address the labour needs of Canadian employers in the agriculture sector. Designed to retain vital workers in the high-demand agricultural sectors of meat and food processing, mushroom and greenhouse vegetable cultivation, and livestock production. The AFP pathway is a step up from the short-term seasonal work permits foreign nationals received formerly.

The AFP program provides experienced, non-seasonal selected workers with an opportunity to permanently settle in Canada. To be eligible for permanent residence, qualifying foreign nationals must obtain a genuine job offer in an eligible occupation belonging to a specified industry, and the offer of employment must be for a full-time, non-seasonal, permanent position.

Applicants with an eligible offer of employment must demonstrate that they meet the minimum educational requirement of a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at the Canadian Language Benchmark ("CLB") level of 4 and have acquired 1-year of eligible Canadian work experience within the past 3 years based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment ("LMIA") work permit.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada ("IRCC") has set out that applicants who have maintained valid temporary status in Canada and meet the above requirements can apply for permanent residence under the AFP. Additionally, applicants who are currently not working in Canada must demonstrate that they have adequate settlement funds available to support themselves and their family members in Canada.

Eligible agricultural industries under the pilot program include:

Meat processing and production:

- retail butchers;
- industrial butchers;
- farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers; and
- food processing labourers.

Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture cultivation workers, including mushroom production:

- farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers;
- general farmworkers; and
- harvesting labourers.

Animal and livestock production, excluding aquaculture:

- farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers; and
- general farmworkers.

IRCC has committed to processing 2,750 applications through the AFP stream annually. At the introduction of the AFP program in May 2020, the former Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, expressed the importance of attracting and retaining talented workers in the agriculture industry, including foreign workers who come to Canada temporarily and want to settle in Canada permanently.

The AFP stream will accept applications until May 14, 2023. Prospective applicants should take advantage of this opportunity to gain permanent residence status while economically establishing themselves in Canada. For more information, contact the Vancouver Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing at 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Canadian permanent residence for businesspersons takes long term strategic planning.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/10/2022 -- The Vancouver Immigration Lawyers at Sas & Ing have supported many business owners seeking permanent residence in Canada. So far, there are two federal business immigration programs--the Start-Up Visa (SUV) and the Self-Employed (SE) category as well as the provincial and territorial PNP entrepreneur programs that can lead to permanent residence.

Other options for entrepreneurs are to firstly establish a business presence in Canada and then work towards permanent residence through the Express Entry selection program. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/how-can-business-persons-obtain-permanent-residence-in-canada/

No matter the circumstance, achieving permanent residence in Canada requires strategic planning. Virtually all Canada's programs for permanent residence are based on some type of scoring system, which ultimately leads to an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

The benefit of the points-based selection system is that it allows federal, provincial, and territorial governments to manage inventory and intake of applications. This can be challenging for applicants, particularly in PNP programs, as the scoring mechanisms are not transparent and don't provide a great deal of predictability. The Express Entry program judges objective criteria: age, education, language proficiency and years of work experience--and this will determine if applicants achieve an ITA.

A prospective applicant needs to become familiar with an application program to develop the strategy for Canadian immigration success. As discussed in "Entrepreneur alert – What are your business immigration options?" there are several ways for business owners to establish themselves in Canada, including:

-Intra-Company Transferees;
-Owner-Operator LMIAs; and
-Free Trade Agreement Traders and Investors

While these programs can lead to an issued work permit that makes it possible to establish and operate a business in Canada, they don't necessarily lead to permanent residence.

Ultimately, a business applicant still needs to qualify for permanent residence under Canada's Express Entry selection program. This means being scored the same as all other applicants. Selection will be based on age, education, language proficiency and work experience. But prospective business immigrants take note--no points are awarded for self-employed work experience in Canada.

The Express Entry comprehensive ranking system (CRS) doesn't provide any points for work experience of a self-employed nature. This makes it extremely difficult for an applicant to score enough points to garner an ITA.

Consider the circumstances of a business applicant recently assisted in coming to Canada. This individual had run his own business for nearly ten years with locations in India and Dubai. He travelled to Canada and the US for business purposes, demonstrating his legitimacy in seeking to establish in Canada. He had an ECA confirming his Master's Degree and an IELTS test with scores of CLB 9 and 10. Even with a high level of education and language proficiency, he did not presently score sufficient CRS points to receive an ITA under Express Entry.

The strategy was to obtain an ICT work permit under NOC 0013 as the CEO/President of his Canadian company. After one year of working in Canada, he will garner 200 adaptability points, thereby meeting the Express Entry scores to obtain an ITA.

The path to permanent residence for business owners is not an easy one. As Vancouver immigration lawyers, our team members can collaborate to create an individualized strategy for Canadian immigration success.

Learn more about securing permanent residency in Canada by working with the Vancouver Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing, call 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Misrepresentation is a serious problem in the realm of immigration practise and carries a potential five-year ban against future applications.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/18/2021 -- The Vancouver Immigration Lawyers at Sas & Ing work with clients who are interested in immigrating to Canada. As a complicated process, clients sometimes feel compelled to misrepresent themselves. Read on to learn why misrepresenting an application is never a good idea. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/making-the-case-against-misrepresentation/.

There are various reasons people feel compelled to misrepresent their case—and these can be complicated. A small amount of misrepresent is because they want to take shortcuts and have no problem doing things like preparing fraudulent documents. On the other side, there are people who don't understand that they are misrepresenting. However, the vast majority fall somewhere in between and will misrepresent (or consider it) because they believe there is no other choice.

The first common reason is that people have previously committed an immigration infraction, or they have a criminal record and they are afraid of the consequences. These might include:

- a previous criminal record.
- periods of illegal work or study.
- Staying in Canada without status.

In such circumstances, an applicant may be tempted to withhold information. Ironically, not all immigration infractions are equally serious. Misrepresentation is the most serious offence. In fact, many immigration infractions and even criminal records can be overcome through different legal mechanisms, and this can sometimes occur simply by the passage of time.

The second most common reason people choose to misrepresent is they are told refusal rates are high for their country—and the best way to move forward is getting into the country to improve their chances of staying.

Scenarios may include:

- An applicant applies to visit a 'friend' and then later declares this friend is their partner or spouse

- An applicant applies to visit Canada and then soon after arriving they apply for a work permit, which raises doubts about their initial purpose of travel

- An applicant applies to work in one occupation (usually a low-skilled occupation because they believe it will be easier to be approved for a working visa) and later applies to work in another occupation, claiming work experience/credentials they did not previously disclose.

Each of these cases can be, and often is treated as a misrepresentation.

It never pays to be inconsistent in an immigration application. A person who says one thing but does another is not trustworthy in the eyes of an immigration official who can and often does refer back to previous applications to see what was declared regarding their intentions in Canada.

Furthermore, eligibility for a temporary visa or for permanent residency doesn't change for people inside or outside of Canada.

The truth is that there are plenty of reasons why people think they should misrepresent. In their minds, the benefits outweigh the risks. But once a misrepresentation occurs, it will last forever, often compounding problems and potentially jeopardizing an application.

Try to this it out—what is the issue. Can it be overcome any other way? Is there a different plan of action to achieving long-term immigration goals?

The Vancouver Immigration Lawyers at Sas & Ing are representatives who can help navigate questions and find sustainable, long-term, solutions. There are no shortcuts, but with the right guidance and a sound immigration strategy, it's possible to keep moving forward.

To learn more about securing permanent residency in Canada or working with the Vancouver Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing, call 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website:canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Canadian immigrations lawyers at Sas & Ing offer strategies for refused applications.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/14/2021 -- The Canadian Immigration Lawyers at Sas & Ing regularly consult with people who have been refused applications to Canada whether temporary or permanent, overseas or from within Canada. In most cases, a re-application is possible. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/overcoming-a-previous-refusal-tips-for-success/

Succeeding with immigration goals is a long-term process. Seeking the assistance of an experienced and competent immigration professional when re-submitting an application is highly recommended.

1) Don't go it alone.
The immigration process is complicated. The advice that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) posts on its website is often not detailed. A professional can work to interpret requirements and put together a proper application.

2) Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!
Telling the truth in immigration applications is imperative. One of the most common reasons for dismissal is failing to disclose a previous refusal--in Canada or ANY OTHER COUNTRY! For our most recent blog about the perils of misrepresentation see this link: The Perilous Nature of Misrepresentation.

3) Get the full picture
Getting to "yes" means understanding the refusal. The IRCC uses form letters in most cases that just provide the decision but not the actual reasons. For productive insight, it's necessary to get the officer's notes in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). This makes it possible to address and provide evidence addressing the previous officer's concerns.

4) Come up with a strategy
With the GCMS notes, it's time to develop a strategy to overcome the refusal. This can take weeks, months, and in some cases, years. It may require going back to school, improving language proficiency, or overcoming a five-year misrepresentation ban.

5) Don't give up
Persistence pays off. While most applications will result in success with a second application, there are rare cases when success takes three or four tries. The key is always showing authentic intent and a willingness to do what is necessary to achieve immigration goals.

Receiving a "no" is never enjoyable, but as Canadian immigration lawyers, this is not uncommon when the goal is residence in a new country. The tips above come from years of experience in dealing with immigration officers and learning the way that they approach immigration applications.

As in most things in life, commitment and effort usually achieve the desired final result. For more on this topic please see our previous blog: Getting to 'Yes' – A Guide to Reapplying for Visas. To learn more about securing permanent residency in Canada, contact the Vancouver Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing by calling 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Canada to open new pathways for Hong Kong residents currently living in Canada.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/20/2021 -- The Vancouver Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing have exciting news for Hong Kong residents currently in Canada looking for permanent residence. For more, go to:

https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/canada-supports-immigration-from-hong-kong-ottawa-announces-two-new-permanent-residency-pathways/

Canada and Hong Kong share a long historic relationship and Canada has continuously shown a commitment to support the citizens of Hong Kong. In June 2020, China imposed controversial National Security Laws in Hong Kong which threaten the security, liberty, and privacy of Hong Kong nationals.

In a recent public policy announcement, the Honourable Marco E.L Mendicino, Minister of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada ("IRCC") announced two new pathways for Hong Kong residents currently in Canada.

"With young Hong Kongers casting their eyes abroad, we want them to choose Canada. Our Hong Kong immigration pathway is a historic initiative, intended to attract talented applicants who will drive our economy forward. Skilled Hong Kongers will have a unique opportunity to both develop their careers and help accelerate our recovery. This landmark initiative will strengthen our economy and deepen the strong ties between Canada and the people of Hong Kong."

The policy will remain in effect until August 31, 2026. Hong Kong nationals who are currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status are encouraged to apply for permanent residence under one of the following two streams:

Stream A – International graduates in Canada who have completed an eligible program of study at a Designated Learning Institution ("DLI") within the last 3 years and have completed at least 50% of the program of study (in person or online) while in Canada; and

Stream B – Individuals who are in Canada and have at least 1 year of full-time work experience or the part-time equivalent within the last 3 years, and have completed an eligible post-secondary program within the last 5 years in or outside of Canada.

In either stream, both students and workers in Canada must obtain a Canadian Language Benchmark ("CLB") 5 or higher on all 4 language proficiencies, in either English or French.

In addition to the stream-specific requirements, to qualify under these new permanent residence pathways, applicants must also meet Canada's general admissibility requirements such as medical and criminality checks.

To be granted Canadian permanent residency through these new streams, applicants must be physically present in Canada at the time of the application and at the time they receive permanent residence. They must also demonstrate their intent to live in any Canadian province or territory other than Quebec.

This newly announced Canadian immigration program supports the citizens of Hong Kong through this difficult time, while at the same time meeting Canada's immigration objectives of attracting skilled immigrants. IRCC's message is clear: Canadian's want Hong Kongers to stay in Canada and allow them to develop their careers while accelerating Canada's economic recovery.

To learn more about securing permanent residency in Canada, contact the Vancouver Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing by calling 1-604-689-5444.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Canada will open new residence pathways to temporary workers and international graduate.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/12/2021 -- As a firm of Immigration lawyers in Vancouver, the team at Sas & Ing have good news for prospective immigrants to Canada. On April 16, 2021, Canada's Immigration Minister, The Honorable Marco Mendicino announced new, progressive pathways to Canadian Permanent Residence status for up to 90,000 temporary workers in health care, and in essential occupations as well as international graduates who are currently in Canada. For more, go to: https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/minister-announces-new-pathway-to-canadian-permanent-residence-for-temporary-workers-and-international-graduates/

The new policies extend to temporary foreign workers in 40 health-care-related occupations, such as nurses, social workers, and doctors, as well as workers in 95 other occupations, which include a variety of essential occupations ranging from cashiers to caregivers to factory workers. Recognizing that the Covid-19 pandemic has compromised Canada's economic growth, the new policies aim to appreciate those foreign nationals already in Canada who have been actively contributing to our economy during this challenging time.

In October 2020, IRCC announced the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan to support our economic recovery through increasing immigration to Canada. IRCC announced a target of 401,000 foreign nationals would be granted Canadian Permanent Residence in 2021. These new policies are designed to assist in meeting these immigration targets.

Under the newly announced pathways for essential temporary workers and skilled international graduates, IRCC intends to grant permanent residency to 90,000 eligible applicants currently in Canada. Temporary workers wanting to take advantage of the new pathway are required to have a minimum of 1 year of full-time or equivalent part-time Canadian work experience within the previous three years. Work experience must be in a recognized health care profession or other listed essential occupation.

International graduates must show completion of an eligible Canadian post-secondary program within the previous 4 years, completed no earlier than January of 2017.

Applicants will be able to submit their applications electronically to IRCC as of May 6, 2021, until November 5, 2021, or until the maximum intake caps have been reached.

IRCC will be accepting 90,000 applications under the following categories:

1. Temporary workers in health care: 20,000 applications will be accepted

2. Temporary workers in other selected essential occupations: 30,000 applications will be accepted

3. International graduate students: 40,000 students will be accepted.

In addition to the 90,000 new immigrants under these pathways, the Minister is also is encouraging French-speaking nationals or bilingual candidates to apply under these streams as the intake limits will not apply to them. This initiative is in line with the Federal Government's goal of supporting French-speaking communities and retaining French-speaking nationals who are living and working outside Quebec.

Although Covid-19 has created uncertainty for many foreign nationals, the new immigration pathways allow prospective immigrants to create a rewarding future for themselves in Canada. Temporary workers employed in the healthcare field and skilled international graduates have been and will continue to be essential to Canada's economic growth and, in turn, Canada is undeniably committed to supporting them by opening these new pathways to Canadian permanent residence.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/12/2021 -- As a firm of Immigration lawyers in Vancouver, the team at Sas & Ing Owner/Operator ("O/O") Labour Market Impact Assessment ("LMIA") is a popular path for business persons looking to come to Canada. Changes to the immigration program, to be implemented on April 1, 202, will remove some of the more beneficial aspects of the O/O LMIA application process. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/3645-2/.

The O/O program allows business persons who want to purchase or establish a business to apply to Service Canada for an LMIA, which entitles them to apply for a work permit of up to two years. At the introduction of Canada's Express Entry ("EE") immigration selection program in January of 2015, the O/O LMIA became a popular immigration strategy for many business persons as it would qualify as Arranged Employment and garner 600 points, often leading to permanent residence for the O/O LMIA work permit holder.

In November of 2016, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reduced the arranged employment points to 200 for a Senior Manager (NOC 00) and 50 for all other NOC codes. However, O/O LMIA applications remained popular, given the scarcity of other business immigration options in Canada's economic immigration program. For several years, prospective business immigrants used the O/O LMIA as a means to either purchase or establish a business in Canada.

Changes Being Made

As in most immigration programs, changes are often implemented to reduce intake. In recent months Service Canada has clarified that it will not approve an O/O LMIA for a business that is not established and running. This means that start-ups or franchises for new operations will not be considered for an O/O LMIA. Also, applicants will only be eligible to apply as a Senior Manager in a NOC 00 occupation, if there is already someone in the business employed in this capacity.

One of the most beneficial aspects of the O/O LMIA application process was an exemption from the minimum advertising requirements. As of April 1, 2021, this will no longer apply. A prospective O/O applicant will need to demonstrate reasonable and documented efforts to hire a Canadian or permanent resident for the position which they themselves intend to perform. Also, the recruitment efforts will need to post the prevailing wage for the position and, if there are no Canadians to fill the position, will have to actually pay themselves this wage once they assume the position in Canada.

As in all compliance requirements with Service Canada and IRCC, detailed record-keeping of all advertising efforts, payroll, and accounting records need to be maintained for six years. Finally, to be eligible for the O/O LMIA, the business needs to be both active and operating for one year before the submission of the application.

The recent string of changes that are being implemented to the immigration program, means the O/O LMIA program is no longer a secure pathway to permanent residence. To learn more about the new Hong Kong initiatives, please call 1-604-689-5444 and connect with one of the Canadian Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

HK nationals will have access to new temporary and permanent immigration pathways to Canada.

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/14/2021 -- On October 30th, 2020, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) announced plans to significantly increase the number of new immigrants to Canada between 2021 and 2023. This includes creating new pathways for Hong Kong immigrants. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/canadian-government-announces-new-hong-kong-initiative.

2020 has finally concluded. The effects of COVID-19 on immigration have been undeniable. The IRCC has not processed and approved many permanent residency applications as COVID shutdowns have impacted processing speeds and prevented applicants from meeting basic requirements like obtaining police clearance and completing biometric requirements.

Due to these circumstances, the IRCC announced plans to increase the number of new immigrants Canada will welcome between 2021 and 2023. Roughly two weeks later, on November 12, 2020, they announced this initiative would include new immigration pathways for Hong Kong, including two important strategies for both temporary and permanent immigration to Canada.

Work Permit
One of the new pathways open will be for citizens who have completed post-secondary education in Canada or abroad within the last five years. Valid for up to three years, the closest comparable category that already exists is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is only available to students who complete a postsecondary educational credential in Canada.

This new work permit category will give applicants the ability to apply for a Canadian work permit even if they have not previously studied in Canada. Like the PGWP, applicants will receive open work permits, which means that they can work for any employer in Canada in any occupation for up to three years.

Permanent Residence
For permanent residence, two new pathways will be opening, although few details are known at this stage. What is known is that one pathway will be open to applicants with at least one year of experience, and the other will be open to applicants who have graduated from a post-secondary school in Canada.

As 2021 draws closer, it's likely new programs will be announced to assist other groups of potential immigrants. For example, IRCC may consider issuing work permits to individuals in Canada who had to stop working due to COVID-19 and lost valuable time on existing or now expired permits to count towards obtaining Canadian work experience.

Another potential option the IRCC may consider is temporarily lowering the minimum entry criteria under existing permanent residency pathways, including those falling under Express Entry. This would directly assist applicants who were on their way to qualifying for permanent residency before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recent string of IRCC announcements will hopefully be the start of a trend of that sees more immigration to Canada. To learn more about the new Hong Kong initiatives, please call 1-604-689-5444 and connect with one of the Canadian Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Sas & Ing Immigration Lawyers in Canada discuss how new extended family members category of travellers allows travellers to reunite with Canadian family members

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/19/2020 -- As a team of immigration lawyers in Canada, the team at Sas & Ing has been negotiating the pandemic like everyone else. A new blog article discusses how easing restrictions are finally allowing travellers to reunite with Canadian family members. For more go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/canada-further-eases-pandemic-travel-restrictions/.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. Within a week, Canada had implemented its first travel restriction order effective March 18, 2020, under the Quarantine Act to prohibit international travel into Canada from any country other than the United States.

Two days later on March 20, 2020, newly implemented restrictions extended to travellers coming from the United States too. Since that time, the international travel restrictions have slowly been relaxed for travellers seeking to enter Canada, especially for those who are travelling to be reunited with loved ones.

The initial travel restrictions introduced in March 2020 were strict and made it difficult for travellers to come to Canada. They were also hard to understand because different rules applied depending on where the traveller was coming from. Those early versions of the travel restrictions prohibited travellers coming from outside the United States (Non-US travellers) to enter Canada to reunite with loved ones unless they could show that they were "immediate family members" of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, which were narrowly defined to include spouses or common-law partners and dependants.

Alternatively, non-US travellers had to obtain special written approval from the government if they sought entry to Canada for family reunification purposes but did not fall within the narrow definition of being immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

On the other hand, travellers coming from the United States (US travellers) were prohibited from entering Canada if they were travelling for an "optional" or "discretionary purpose". Unfortunately for those US travellers, during the early stages of the pandemic any proposed trip to reunite with loved ones in Canada was often viewed as optional and discretionary and many people were turned away for this reason. This occurred even to US travellers who were immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents because the travel restrictions applicable to US travellers did not include a clear exemption to allow immediate family members to enter Canada.

These travel restrictions began to relax by June 8, 2020, when the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that the definition of "immediate family members" had been broadened to include guardians and tutors, as well as parents or step-parents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or their spouse (in-laws). Furthermore, the travel restrictions applicable to US travellers were amended to include a written exemption allowing immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to enter Canada, without having to argue for their entry on a case-by-case basis depending on the purpose of their trip.

The travel restrictions were further relaxed on October 2, 2020, when Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the new "extended family members" category of travellers who could come to Canada to reunite with loved ones. This broad category includes non-dependent children, grandchildren, grandparents, and siblings of Canadian citizens or permanent residents and even people who are in an exclusive dating relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for at least a year.

Just as Canadians have adjusted to life during the pandemic over these past seven months and businesses slowly began to reopen in this new normal, so too has the government begun to reopen the country to international travellers, especially those seeking to reunite with loved ones living in Canada.

These efforts should be applauded. With the holiday season fast approaching, however, and with "COVID fatigue" setting in for many people, the demand to travel to Canada can be expected to increase. The government should continue to take a slow and measured approach when it comes to relaxing the international travel restrictions that are in place to balance the need to facilitate family reunification against the need to protect the health and wellbeing of all Canadians.

With concerns that Canada is already experiencing a second wave of the pandemic, it may be some time again until the international travel restrictions are further relaxed for family reunification or other purposes. Travellers who are thinking about coming to Canada should familiarize themselves with the most up-to-date travel restrictions and apply early for their visas or electronic travel authorizations if they are eligible to travel.

To learn more, please call 1-604-689-5444 and connect with one of the Canadian Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Sas & Ing Immigration Lawyers in Canada discuss new policy that will allow temporary works to gain work permits without leaving the country

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/15/2020 -- COVID has had a profound impact on Immigration Law. According to Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a new temporary policy that will allow visitors currently in Canada to apply for employer-specific work permits without having to leave the country. For more, go to https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/covid-changes-allow-visitors-currently-in-canada-to-apply-for-work-permits/

The temporary policy which came into effect on Monday, August 24, 2020, is valid until further notice. The intent is to get visitors with job offers quickly back to work for the Canadian employers who need them.

Under normal circumstances, applicants would be able to apply for work permits inside Canada, but a work permit would only be issued after leaving Canada and returning to a Canadian port of entry. Many applicants choose to 'flagpole', which refers to a person who crosses the Canada-US border only to turn around immediately to apply for a permit. However, COVID means this is unviable.

Over the past few months, Vancouver immigration lawyers have heard many stories from former workers who lost their ability to work because they expected to qualify for permanent residence before permits expired. In some cases, they expected employers to obtain Labour Market Impact Assessments ("LMIAs") to get new work permits. However, layoffs and well-documented delays in immigration processing derailed plans.

Regardless of the reasons for extended stays in Canada, many visitors are facing a common dilemma—it is unsafe to travel during a global pandemic, but it is impossible to stay indefinitely in Canada without the legal right to work.

The Minister's announcement is a game-changer that will allow visitors with qualifying job offers from Canadian employers to apply for work permits without having to leave the country. This will benefit both workers and employers who are struggling to recover from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

To take advantage of the new temporary public policy, applicants must have arrived in Canada before August 24, 2020, and hold valid visitor status. In addition, they must possess a qualifying job offer, which means that the employer making the job offer must have obtained an LMIA or qualify for an exemption from needing one.

Visitors who previously held work permits within the past 12 months will benefit significantly from the new temporary public policy because they will also be allowed to begin working after submitting their new work permit applications. However, these applicants must write directly to the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to request authorization to work before receiving their permits, and it will take approximately six weeks for that authorization to be granted.

For Canadian immigration lawyers, it is extremely encouraging to see that the Minister is responding to the challenges of the day and creating new temporary public policies to address them.

To learn more about immigrating to Canada or applying for work permits, please call 1-604-689-5444 and connect with one of the Canadian Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Sas & Ing Immigration Lawyers in Canada say COVID-19 has resulted in numerous immigration casualties

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/11/2020 -- As a team of immigration lawyers in Canada, the team at Sas & Ing have been hard at work. Not surprisingly, the Express Entry playing field changed with the emergence of the pandemic. This pattern was altered on March 18, 2020 when the Express Entry draws began issuing alternate draws for PNP and CEC applicants only. For more go to: https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/express-entry-in-the-time-of-a-global-pandemic/

Prior to Covid-19 the established pattern of selection was to provide a twice monthly open draw to all four Express Entry categories: the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW); the Canadian Experience Class (CEC); the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

After March 18, 2020, the Express Entry draws began issuing alternate draws for PNP and CEC applicants only. The message was clear. Canada's department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would be issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) primarily to people already in Canada with Canadian work experience or supported by a Canadian employer. IRCC's emphasis was on limiting cross border travel and supporting the Canadian economy.

This has been evident in the altered CRS scoring. For most of the past year, CRS scores for open draws hovered in the mid 400's ranging from a low of 438 at the beginning of 2019, rising to a high of 475 near the end of the year. Early 2020 saw scores maintained between 470 and 473.

Then COVID-19 descended upon us and with states of emergency being declared across Canada's provinces and territories in mid-March, Express Entry also changed its mode of operation.

Concurrent with IRCC's Covid-19 changes to Express Entry selection, the service partners in the Express Entry system – educational credential assessment (ECA) providers and approved language testing centres also suspended their operations worldwide. The ramifications of these closures were that new and future applicants would not be able to obtain the necessary supporting documents of a language test or an ECA in order to be able to register an Express Entry profile.

Again, not surprisingly, CRS scores to receive an ITA as a CEC applicant also started to drop – from a high of 473 on January 8 to a low of 437 on June 11th. The scores for PNP draws have fluctuated between a low of 698 and a high of 808. IRCC officials have indicated no intention to open up the issuance of ITAs to all four Express Entry categories for the foreseeable future continuing to focus on persons already within Canada. For approved PNP applicants currently outside of Canada, the option of coming to work in Canada is on hold at present.

Interestingly, notwithstanding the suspension of services from language testing centres and ECA providers, the pool of Express Entry applicants has continued to rise. The number of applicants in the Express Entry pool hovered between a low of 138,955 on January 6, 2020 to a high of 144,042 applicants on March 3, 2020.

Following the Express Entry Covid-19 response, the number of applicants has steadily increased to over 145,000 at each and every draw up until the most recent draws of May 28 (144,567) and June 11 (143,567). It remains to be seen whether the numbers of applicants in the pool will continue to remain at current levels or will ultimately drop off given the inability of prospective applicants to be able to register an Express Entry profile.

Express Entry was introduced on January 1, 2015 in order to allow Canada the opportunity of managing its immigration flow. By having applicants register a profile demonstrating their ability to meet the selection criteria of one of the four Express Entry application categories, IRCC is able to set the mark for which applicants they will select. IRCC's response to COVID-19 confirms the overall success of the program to manage Canada's immigration inventory and to select applicants that best suit Canada's economic needs of the day.

To learn more about immigrating to Canada or becoming a permanent resident, please call 1-604-689-5444 and connect with one of the Canadian Immigration lawyers at Sas & Ing.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax, and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Applying for immigration on the grounds of compassion revolves around build a compelling case

Vancouver, BC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/12/2020 -- As a group of Immigration lawyers in Vancouver, the team at Sas & Ing are aware that a significant number of the cases that go to court are humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications for permanent residence. While H&C applications only make up a small amount of the 300,000 permanent residence applications approved each year, these are difficult to win, and anyone applying for permanent residence on this basis needs to be aware of this. For more, go to: https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/winning-immigration-on-humanitarian-and-compassionate-grounds/

H&C applications have been described as an "exceptional" remedy, which allows immigration officers to grant permanent residence in circumstances that "would excite in a reasonable [person] in a civilized community a desire to relieve the misfortunes of another."

When someone applies for permanent residence on H&C grounds, they are asking to be granted permanent resident status even though they don't meet the requirements as set out in the law. This may be because they have a criminal record, because they have been living in Canada as de facto residents and may have spouses and children in Canada, or because they have sick family members.

Due to the discretionary nature of H&C applications, they are not intended as an alternative immigration path. These applications are not meant to be made by people who have other means of applying for permanent status—they do not allow for jumping the queue. In some cases, alternatives such as IRCC's Super Visa program can allow for a family to be together without applying for permanent residence.

Many H&C applications are refused because there is a misunderstanding that just spending enough time in Canada will lead to permanent residence. Most successful H&C cases are those made by people who have not only lived in Canada, but have become integral to their community. To succeed in an H&C application, an applicant should demonstrate that Canada is better with them. They need to meticulously document employment and volunteer work and illustrate that their community and other Canadians would be significantly worse without them.

Waiting for an H&C application to be processed can take years, and an applicant cannot simply stay until a case is decided. It's important to work diligently with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and keep them updated about factors like status and whereabouts.

H&C applications should be made after careful consideration of an applicant's personal circumstances and an assessment of other viable immigration strategies. To succeed, applicants should be prepared to present evidence of the positive contributions they bring to Canada. Remember, H&C applications are among the most difficult of immigration applications because there are no set guidelines on evidence that will convince an immigration officer to offer these grounds.

For assistance filing H&C application, or to learn which application for permanent residence is most suitable to your circumstances, contact the Vancouver Immigration Lawyers at (604) 689-5444.

About Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre has over 30 years of continued in-depth and comprehensive expertise in most aspects of Canadian Immigration practice. Sas & Ing have facilitated applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Service Canada and Canada Border Services Agency. Catherine & Victor work closely with other lawyers specializing in Business, Employment, Tax and Real Estate to provide comprehensive legal advice to companies and individuals as they navigate the regulatory requirements necessary for temporary or permanent establishment in Canada.

For additional information, please visit canadian-visa-lawyer.com or call (604) 689-5444

Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre
Catherine Sas
(604) 689-5444
Company website: canadian-visa-lawyer.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm