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We are back with yet another weekly highlights on Canada Immigration. The prospects of obtaining permanent residence in Canada is looking bright as always. Here are some of the major developments concerning Canada Immigration in the preceding week:
IRCC-funded Newcomer Health and Wellness Settlement Program launched
Following the recent studies on the mental health of new immigrants, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had recently launched a new health and wellness settlement program.
The new program, launched with an allotted budget of $2.2 million, shall offer a range of services that include mental and physical assessment, counselling, psychotherapy, health and wellness promotion and training, family counselling, and trauma-specific services.
For many years now, it is seen that the stress caused by cultural differences, language barriers, and the integration process to a new society have an effect on the health of several immigrants. Keeping in mind the doubling of the immigrant population in Canada by 2036, the program is an effective way to send across the message that Canada ensures equitable and quality mental health services to all.
Provincial Nominee Program draws
The Canadian provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba showed positive intend for welcoming new immigrants in the preceding week.
The authorities running the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program released a press release mentioning a switch to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for most of its immigrant streams.
To address the growing immigration levels, and the resolute to strengthen Canada Immigration, Ontario has proposed to move to the Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the following existing streams:
- Employer Job Offer Category: Foreign Worker;
- Employer Job Offer Category: International Student;
- Employer Job Offer Category: In-Demand Skills;
- Masters Graduate; and
- Ph.D. Graduate.
Take this free online assessment to know about your eligibility and plan your immigration to Canada.
Manitoba held a nomination draw inviting 212 skilled workers and international student graduates through three immigration streams: Skilled Workers in Manitoba, Skilled Workers Overseas, and International Education streams. Among the issued invitations were candidates also from the Express Entry pool. For more information, contact CanApprove.
In a parallel development, 67 candidates having occupations in one of the 29 in-demand Tech occupations were invited through the British Columbia Tech Pilot program.
Canada waives off citizenship fee
Fulling the poll promise, the Liberal government had recently announced to waive off citizenship fees to encourage more foreign workers to immigrate to Canada.
Welcoming the move, Canada Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said, ”Our government places great value on Canadian citizenship and is committed to removing barriers and helping newcomers achieve citizenship faster while also protecting the integrity of the program”.
Canada is one of the few developed countries where getting citizenship is a hassle-free and simple process for any foreign skilled worker. The move to waive off the citizenship fee is seen as a stark contrast to the US immigration.
Currently, the citizenship fee of Canada is 630CAD, which comprises a processing fee of 530CAD and the “right to citizenship” fee of 100CAD.
CanApprove is a pioneer in immigration and overseas education consultancy services. Contact one of our immigrant consultants to plan your immigration to the country of choice.
