CONNECT 2023 - Fall Edition

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MEMBER TALKS

BUSINESS IMMIGRATION – CANADA AND U.S. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW Canadian Immigration update New Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

MELISSA BABEL

B.A. (Hons) LL.B, Barrister and Solicitor Babel Immigration Law

On July 26, 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled his cabinet and appointment Marc Miller as the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Minister Miller takes over from the portfolio from Minister Sean Fraser.

Recognized Employer Pilot On August 8, 2023, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, launched the Recognized Employer Pilot (“REP”) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This goal of the three year program is to resolve labour shortages, and streamline processing for repeat employers involved in the program. Originally known as the ‘Trusted Employer Model’ and announced in Budget 2022, The REP will grant eligible employers access to Labour Market Impact Assessments for up to 36 months, simplifying the LMIA application process for these employers. To participate in the pilot, employers must have at least three positive LMIAs for the same occupation in the last five years from a list of occupations that have been designated as in-shortage and supported by Canadian Occupational Projection System data. Employer applications for REP will close in September 2024.

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New Express Entry Exemptions for Foreign National Physicians Seeking Canadian PR On April 25, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced measures to facilitate the issuance of permanent resident visas for foreign national physicians providing publiclyfunded medical services in Canada. These new exemptions will be in effect indefinitely until revoked by the Minister. The new measure considers the reality of self-employment for physicians and is expected to allow more foreign national physicals to qualify for permanent residence in the Express Entry system.

New Permanent Residence Pathway for Ukrainians with Canadian Family Members On July 15, 2023, Canada unveiled a new pathway for permanent residence for Ukrainians who have temporary resident status in Canada. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have one or more close family members who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Canada adds 13 More Countries to Travel Visa-Free On June 6, 2023, IRCC announced the addition of 13 countries to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. Eligible travelers from these countries CONNECT | 2023 ISSUE 4


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