CanadaVisa News Briefs for Mid-July, 2016

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, Google+ and LinkedIn.

• Canada Set to Lift Visa Requirement for Citizens of Romania and Bulgaria

The government of Canada is set to remove Romania and Bulgaria from the list of countries whose citizens require visas in order to travel to Canada. Immigration Minister John McCallum is expected in Brussels this week, where it is expected that progress will be made on resolving a long-standing visa dispute with the two Eastern European countries, both of which are members of the European Union (EU). >>Read More

• Canada’s Immigration Minister Commits to ‘Streamlining Things’ and ‘Getting rid of Silly Rules’

In discussion with local community members in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canadian Minister of Immigration John McCallum emphasised that his department is “committed to streamlining things, to getting rid of silly rules, to improving the way the system operates.” >>Read More

• Historic Immigration Agreement Signed Between Newfoundland and Government of Canada

The first ever Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Agreement was signed by Canada’s Minister of Immigration John McCallum and Newfoundland’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skill, Gerry Byrne, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, this week. This agreement intends to improve connections between the provincial and federal governments in order to encourage immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador. >>Read More

• Quebec Launches Campaign to Promote Free French-Language Classes for Immigrants

Quebec’s Minister of Immigration Kathleen Weil has announced a new promotional campaign to encourage immigrant enrollment in French-language courses. The $750,000 initiative will focus on promoting courses through social media and community websites, as well as in newspapers, on the radio and on public transport. Ms Weil outlined the plan yesterday, Monday July 11. >>Read More

• CRS Point Requirement Remains Steady in Latest Express Entry Draw for Immigration to Canada

The number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points required by candidates for immigration to Canada through the Express Entry selection system to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence remained at 482 in the latest draw from the pool, which took place on July 13. A total of 747 candidates were invited to apply. >>Read More

• Changes to Study Permit Regulations Aim to Counter System Abuse

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly known as CIC) has updated the conditions for issuing a study permit to a student who is required to complete a prerequisite program before he or she begins a second program in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). >>Read More