Immigration Update
Here are some possible Immigration program employment opportunities for individuals who qualify. Click on opportunity and email for more information.
On February 19, 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced opening of a new Canada visa application centre (VAC) in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 26, 2024.
This expands the IRCC’s VAC network to 163 locations in 110 countries globally. VACs facilitate document submission, secure transmission to IRCC offices, and offer biometric services. The move aims to strengthen ties between Canada and Portugal, providing Portuguese citizens with increased accessibility to visit, study, or work in Canada.
The Lisbon VAC eliminates the need for applicants to travel outside Portugal, enhancing cost efficiency and client service. Non-Portuguese citizens in Portugal requiring a Canadian visa can also use the Lisbon VAC.
Appointments can be scheduled starting February 12, 2024. Canada and Portugal, celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2022, have a bilateral youth mobility arrangement, allowing youth aged 18 to 35 from both countries to work and travel for up to 24 months. The 2021 Census reports approximately 448,000 people of Portuguese origin living in Canada.
#IRCC, #VAC, #Marc_Miller, #Portugal, #visa_service
On February 13, 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) unveiled plans for a new Tourism and Hospitality Stream, which is set to launch on March 1, 2024.
In 2022, Alberta experienced a notable surge in tourism spending, reaching $10.7 billion—a $600 million increase from 2019
. This growth marks a robust recovery from the pandemic-induced downturn and positions the province to surpass previous year-over-year visitor expenditure records.
\To foster further economic growth, the province is introducing this immigration stream dedicated to attracting skilled professionals to the tourism and hospitality industry.
The AAIP will prioritize a select number of applications, aiding businesses in attracting and retaining essential workers, thereby bolstering the economy. Comprehensive details on eligibility and application procedures will be accessible from March 1, 2024.
Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector significantly contributes to economic growth and job creation, particularly in rural areas and communities outside major urban centers.
#AAIP, #Tourism, #Hospitality, #tourism_and_Hospitality
Canada will retain the same Express Entry categories this year, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
These include French, Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, Agriculture and agri-food categories, selected based on Canada's economic needs and in consultation with stakeholders.
In 2023, there were 17 category-based draws across these sectors. Changes to the frequency of draws have been observed since the introduction of category-based selection in June 2023.
The impact of these changes on Canadian immigration will become clearer once more data is available and more receive permanent residency in early 2024.
#IRCC< #Express_Entry, #category_based_EE_Draws
On February 12, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced further revisions to the Agri-Food Pilot Program.
These changes aim to make the program more accessible and beneficial to both workers and employers in the agri-food sector.
In line with the instructions announced on May 8, 2023, the Government of Canada updated the Agri-Food Pilot program to include the following changes: applicants in Canada now have the flexibility to meet either the job offer or education requirements and submit work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers.
#AFP, #agri_food_pilot_program, #IRCC, #agriculture_workers
