SageImmigration

Increased processing time for certain PR pathways.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canadas-immigration-department-reveals-eye-popping-application-processing-times-some-of-which-exceed-10-years/article_e22a0db7-8850-403a-ac94-123cac70f38b.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=copy-link&utm_campaign=user-sharenvtnka in

Canada’s immigration department reveals eye-popping application processing times — some of which exceed 10 years Critics question the change, which is supposed to provide more transparency, amid worries that a mass cancellation of applications is coming soon.

Breakdown of IRCC approval rates by category from a snapshot in early 2025:

Permanent Residence Programs
Canadian Experience Class: 94%
Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry): 78%
Parents & Grandparents: 82%
Self-Employed Class: 32%
Start-Up Visa: 23%
Quebec Business Class: 51%
Humanitarian & Compassionate: 23%

Temporary Residence
Study Permits: 32%
Work Permits (TFWP & IMP): 69%
Work Permit Extensions (TFWP): 49%
Temporary Resident Visas: 48%

We appreciate our clients for inviting us to this lovely performance.

On this Valentine’s Day don’t be a victim of marriage fraud.

Refusals for parental visitor visas and super visas are increasing. What is the rationale behind this trend?

The government has established specific targets for the percentage of temporary residents versus permanent residents and citizens. Marc Miller has made achieving these targets a priority. He has cited strain on housing and public services as a justification, but these numbers are meaningless if applications are not assessed within the framework of legal precedent and procedural fairness.

This is precisely why we have laws and a legal system – to ensure fairness. Unfair refusals based on a government mandate constitute an overreach and a violation of the fundamental principles of our immigration system and administrative law. These core principles must remain consistent and free from political influence, regardless of who holds power.

We possess expertise in advocating for our clients in the face of government overreach, unfairness, and incompetence. If you have experienced a refusal for your parents, we can provide assistance. Please note that this does not guarantee approval, but it does ensure that your subsequent application will be scrutinized carefully by an officer, who will be required to consider their actions.

Super visa holders should have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada. As of today, super visa applicants can buy private health insurance policies from companies outside Canada. More details about what is considered valid health insurance coverage are available here: https://bit.ly/40yy2zM

The full eligibility update for changes to spousal open work permits.

Get in touch with us for if you have any questions regarding eligibility.

Measures to strengthen border security and Canada’s immigration system Measures to strengthen border security and Canada’s immigration system

Family OWPs will be limited to spouses of international students who are enrolled in

-master’s programs that are 16 months or longer
-doctoral programs, or
-select professional and eligible programs (list will be available on January 21, 2025)

Family OWPs will also be limited to spouses of foreign workers who are employed in

-TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or
-select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages or linked to government priorities
(These include occupations in the natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports and military sectors. The full list will be available on January 21, 2025.)

In addition, the foreign worker must also have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit at the time when their spouse applies for the OWP. Dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible.

OWPs that were approved under the previous measures and have not expired will remain valid. In situations where students may need more time to complete their program or where family members received a shorter work permit than the principal applicant, in-Canada family members (including spouses and dependent children) can apply to renew their work permit as long as

-they are applying under the same criteria as the current work permit, and
-the requested duration of the renewal matches that of the existing study or work permit of the principal applicant

Spouses of workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence will not be impacted by these changes. Family members who will no longer qualify for a family OWP can apply for any type of work permit they are eligible for under "Canada’s work permit programs."