What’s in the Plan? 

1. Reduced Permanent Resident Targets:
   The government has made a striking move to lower its targets for permanent resident admissions: 

• 395,000 in 2025 (down from 500,000) 

• 380,000 in 2026 (down from 500,000) 

• 365,000 in 2027 

This shift, representing a reduction of 105,000 admissions in 2025 alone, begs the question: Is this really necessary? While officials cite pressures on housing and social services, many wonder if this move might stifle economic growth and innovation by limiting the influx of skilled workers. 

1. Economic and Family Immigration Focus:
   The plan emphasizes economic immigration, with about 62% of permanent resident admissions targeted for the economic class, particularly in health care and trades. While family reunification still plays a role—accounting for nearly 24% of admissions—can this balance truly support the diverse needs of Canada’s economy? 

1. Support for Vulnerable Populations:
   Canada’s commitment to resettling vulnerable individuals, including refugees and minorities, is commendable. However, can we maintain this commitment while scaling back overall immigration? It raises a critical dilemma about how to uphold humanitarian values amid reduced targets. 

What About Temporary Residents? 

For the first time, the plan introduces specific targets for temporary residents, aiming to cut their numbers to 5% of the total population by the end of 2026. Here are some measures proposed to achieve this goal: 

• Capping International Student Admissions: An annual cap on international student study permits, with a 10% reduction for 2025, raises concerns about whether Canada is willing to forgo the talents of global students who enrich our educational landscape. 

• Reforming the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program: Tighter eligibility requirements could limit the pathways for students to transition into the workforce. Is this truly the right approach for a country that prides itself on being a land of opportunity? 

• Adjustments to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: With a 10% cap on hiring low-wage temporary foreign workers and a wage increase for high-wage workers, there are valid questions about the impacts on industries that rely heavily on this labor force. 

Asylum Claims:  

As Canada faces increasing asylum claims, the government is taking steps to manage the integrity of the asylum process. Measures like implementing a partial visa requirement for certain nationalities may help control volumes, but will they undermine Canada’s long-standing reputation as a refuge for the vulnerable? 

• Improving Claims Processing: While efficiency is essential, how will the government ensure fairness in a system that is already stretched thin? 

• Reviewing Visa Decision-Making: This initiative aims to reduce fraud, but at what cost? Will legitimate claims suffer as a result of heightened scrutiny? 

Anticipated Impact: A Cautious Outlook 

The plan anticipates a slight population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026, with a rebound to 0.8% growth in 2027. Additionally, it aims to reduce the housing supply gap by approximately 670,000 units by the end of 2027. However, can we be certain that these outcomes justify the reductions in immigration?  Where is the data to support these numbers? 

Conclusion: 

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan represents a significant shift in Canada’s immigration landscape, raising critical questions about the balance between managing growth and fostering economic opportunity. While the government asserts that this approach is necessary, it remains to be seen whether reducing immigration targets will ultimately benefit the country or hinder its progress. As we navigate these changes, it’s essential for prospective immigrants and Canadians alike to critically assess the implications of these policies. Are we truly safeguarding our future, or are we closing the door on potential?  We would have much preferred to see broad base consultation on these issues, the hard data supporting these initiatives and clear evidence tying many of this issue to migrant influx.  Please listen here to Mr. Bellissimo’s contribution to the conversation in the media.   

Thank you for reading.  

The post Is Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan a Step Backward? Examining the Impacts of Reduced Immigration Targets first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The new IRCC instructions, intended to be used by IRCC staff, now direct that having two “intents (initially for temporary residence and eventually for permanent residence) is legitimate.”[3] It is also recognized that pathways to permanent residence available for individuals who retain temporary residents with essential skills or experience “contribute to Canada’s economic growth.”[4] Inherent in the assessment of any temporary resident application (such as a temporary resident visa, study permit, or work permit) is proving to an officer that an applicant has a genuine intention to fulfill their obligations as a temporary resident – namely that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.[5] In making such assessments, officers are also directed to examine the individual circumstances of the applicant.[6]

On the other hand, the instructions also explain that many students may indicate their desire to remain in Canada permanently on their study permit applications, and officers should consider that study-work-permanent residence pathways are actively promoted by the Government.[7]

This is a significant development, though it will remain to be seen how this will impact decision-making on temporary applications moving forward. It is certainly positive that IRCC is urging officers to recognize the important contribution that temporary residents such as students and workers stand to make in Canada, and the importance of providing viable pathways to permanent residence to these individuals, especially considering their significant investment of time and money into developing skills and valuable experience in Canada.

This article is prepared for information only and is not intended to provide legal advice. Should you wish to discuss your eligibility or how the changes to the instructions concerning “dual intent” may apply to you, feel free to schedule a consultation with our office.

Sources

The post IRCC Updates Instructions Regarding “Dual Intent” first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Once the Notice of Appeal has been filed and the Appeal Record has been provided to the parties, the Immigration Appeal Division will schedule a hearing to assess the Appellant’s circumstances and determine: 1) whether the officer’s decision that the Appellant did not meet his residency obligation is valid in law, and if so, 2) whether there are any humanitarian and compassionate factors exist in the case that could justify retention of permanent resident status. Generally, if the person failed to meet their residency obligation (i.e. to be physically present in Canada for 730 days within the previous 5-year period (counting back from the date of determination by the officer), and exceptions available in law do not apply, the negative residency obligation determination will be found to valid in law, so the appellant would resort to presenting and arguing humanitarian and compassionate considerations. There is no one single factor that would outweigh other considerations – the more significant the breach is (of residency obligation), the more H&C factors the appellant would need to establish.

Canadian courts have established that the following humanitarian and compassionate factors are relevant to the decision-maker’s assessment of the case:

• The extent of the non-compliance with the residency obligation;
• The reasons for the departure from Canada;
• The reasons for continued or lengthy stay abroad;
• Whether attempts to return to Canada were made at the first opportunity;
• The degree of establishment in Canada, both initial and continuing;
• Family ties to Canada and whether they can be sponsored;
• Hardship and dislocation that would be caused to the appellant and his family in Canada if the appellant were to be removed to his country of nationality or is refused admission to Canada;
• The best interests of any child directly involved;
• Whether there are other unique or special circumstances that merit special relief.

It is crucial that the appellants collect and provide the Immigration Appeal Division with as many documents as possible to address the above listed factors and establish that there are sufficient humanitarian and compassionate factors exist in their case, to retain their permanent resident status.

Bellissimo Law Group PC has extensive experience with residency obligation hearings. We always thoroughly and carefully review the documents, prepare the appellants and witnesses, and passionately argue on behalf of our clients, which has assisted hundreds of our clients succeed with their appeals and retain their permanent resident status in Canada. Contact us now to discuss your case!

The post Navigating through Residency Obligation Appeals first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The post This Week’s Success Story: Certificate of Rehabilitation Granted Despite Inadmissibility Finding first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The post PR Status Granted After Medical Inadmissibility Finding first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Fortunately, the spouse or common-law partner being sponsored is eligible for an open work permit while the application is being processed. An open work permit allows an applicant to work for any Canadian employer for a specified period of time. On 22 December 2014, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) launched a one-year pilot program issuing open work permits more quickly to applicants being sponsored under the in-Canada class. Applicants have been able to receive open work permits after about 4 months. Previously, the applicant would not qualify for the work permit until the first stage of processing was complete (around 17 months).

The pilot program is due to expire on 22 December 2015, and no announcement has been made about a possible extension. Applicants benefitting from the pilot program enjoy the ability to work in Canada a year earlier than normal, offering them and their families an enormous financial advantage. Applicants wishing to reap this benefit should ensure that they submit their spousal and work permit applications before 22 December 2015 so as to not miss out.

Please note that not all applicants will receive this work permit.  The pilot program has the following eligibility requirements:

• The spouse has submitted an application for permanent residence as a member of the in-Canada spousal class;
• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse has submitted a sponsorship application on behalf of the applicant;
• The spouse and the sponsor reside at the same address; and
• The spouse has valid temporary resident status in Canada as a visitor, student or worker.

For more information on spousal sponsorships, please click here.

(Source)

The post In-Canada Spousal Sponsorships: Pilot Project for Open work permits due to expire 22 December 2015 first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

This day is important not only because it celebrates Roma’s around the world, but  it also brings light to the discrimination that Roma’s face as well as persecution because of their cultural differences.

Currently over 10 million Roma’s reside in Europe, as Europe’s largest minority group.  Despite the hardships they have faced, today is a day to celebrate! If you are in the GTA you can visit the following venue to participate in Roma a Day Event.

The Shape of a Heart: A Gypsy love story

• Tuesday, April 8th at 9:00 PM — Admission $10
  Revue Cinema — 400 Roncesvalles Ave. 
  Join the Roma Community Centre in celebrating International Roma Day 
  with a documentary film featuring the Toronto Romani Community.

The post International Roma Day! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The Quebec Skilled Worker Programme (QSWP);

This program is compared to the Federal Skilled worker program; however, Quebec applies a point based system in which an applicant can earn a maximum of 22 points and language is a key component.

All applicants must be qualified to work in one of the 146 listed professions. Emphasis is placed on careers in nursing and engineering.  The time frame to accept applications is from April 1 2014 to March 31, 2015. During this time 6,500 applications will be accepted for review by the Government of Quebec.

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) applicants for this program will need to be prompt when submitting their applications as the cap for 6500 may be reached before the end of the programme year.

The Investor Programme (IP)

Investors are eligible to apply for this program if:

• They are able to invest $800,000 CAD for 5 years;
• Demonstrate a net worth of at least 1.6 million Canadian dollar; and
• Managerial experience.

This investment will provide them with a Quebec Selection Certificate which will be transferred to permanent residency for the investor and their family.

They may also choose to contribute a one-time payment of $220,000 with a financing option. The application time frame for this program will run from September 8, 2014- September 19, 2014.  During this time only 1750 applications will be accepted.

The Entrepreneur Programme (EP)

Has been opened for applications, the Government of Quebec has said to accept a maximum of 500 applications from entrepreneurs and self-employed persons, there has been no mention of a time frame.

Although in Canada, the province of Quebec does apply its own immigration rules, which are not the same as in Ontario and other provinces.

The post Quebec’s immigration programmes to accept new applications first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Some argue, the background material and the online survey created by CIC demonstrate a bias toward economic-class immigrants. To some, the questions are designed to elicit certain responses regarding economic immigrants while downplaying the importance of other categories of immigrants.

When an entire family is integrated into Canadian society, it is only then they feel that they are part of the country. It is in the opinion of some that Canada needs immigrants of all backgrounds and skills to build a permanent home and that the government has an important role in helping them do this successfully.

The CIC consultation will be ongoing until the end of August.

We are interested to hear what you think about the consultation and the argument that this survey is biased toward economic-class immigrants.

The post Immigration in the News: Is CIC being biased toward economic-class immigrants? first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.