CanadaVisa News Briefs for Mid-January, 2017

The following is a summary of developments concerning Canadian immigration and citizenship that have taken place over the past couple of weeks.

Our Canadian immigration news briefs bring you the latest news as it happens. When published, these articles are posted across our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and LinkedIn. Follow us across these channels to get the latest news as it occurs.

• New Brunswick Notifies Applicants of Processing Delays in its Provincial Nominee Program

January 18, 2017

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is experiencing delays in the processing of applications. The delays are attributed to a "significant number of applications," the province explained on its website. The update added that the program continues "to prioritize applications from individuals who are working in New Brunswick or have a local job offer." >>Read More

• Ontario to Introduce Online Immigration Application Systems and Improve Processing Times

January 12, 2017

The government of Ontario has made a number of important announcements regarding its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), one of Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Through these programs, provinces may welcome newcomers who will be able to settle into life in the region and effectively contribute to the community. As Canada's most populated province, Ontario continues to be a popular immigration destination. >>Read More

• CRS Requirement Continues to Decrease in Record-Breaking January 11 Express Entry Draw

January 11, 2017

A record-breaking number of Express Entry candidates for immigration to Canada were issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a draw that took place on January 11, 2017. A total of 3,334 candidates with 459 or more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points were invited to apply. This is the first time the number of candidates issued an ITA has passed the 3,000 mark. In addition, it is the first time in almost a year that the CRS requirement has dipped below 460. >>Read More

• Ahmed Hussen Appointed Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

January 10, 2017

Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has appointed Somali-born Member of Parliament Ahmed Hussen to the position of Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Hussen replaces John McCallum, who is set to become Canada's ambassador to China. The move is one of many in a cabinet reshuffle that will see a number of ministers move department or leave cabinet altogether. >>Read More

• Quebec to Suspend Private Refugee Sponsorship Temporarily

January 10, 2017

On January 9, 2017, Quebec’s Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil announced that, as of January 26, Quebec will stop receiving new requests for groups to privately sponsor refugees. While the province stated that this pause is temporary, no date has been announced for when the private refugee sponsorship program may resume receiving applications. >>Read More

• Skilled Worker Immigration to Manitoba Ends 2016 With Two Draws in Quick Succession

January 6, 2017

There was a flurry of activity in the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) over the final days of 2016, with two draws for its Skilled Worker immigration stream taking place on December 21 and December 30. In total, 316 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued to eligible candidates who had previously made a formal 'Expression of Interest' in immigrating to the province. These individuals may now submit an application for a provincial nomination certificate. With this certificate, the individual, as well as his or her accompanying family members, may then apply for Canadian permanent residence. >>Read More