King’s Counsel in Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta – Ehab ‘Eric’ Shawar, a Canadian immigration lawyer based in Edmonton, has been appointed King’s Counsel in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession and his work in complex immigration matters. The appointment was publicly announced on December 31, 2025, and formally conferred by letters patent at an official ceremony held at […]
Extension for temporary residents applying to restore their status
Former workers, students and visitors whose status expired after January 30, 2020, and who remained in Canada will now have until December 31, 2020, to apply to restore their status. Visitors and study or work permit holders in Canada normally have 90 days after their temporary immigration status expires to apply to Immigration, Refugees and […]
New temporary public policy will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada
As of today, August 24, 2020, visitors who are currently in Canada and have a valid job offer will be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit and, if approved, receive the permit without having to leave the country, thanks to a new public policy announced by Immigration Canada. This temporary policy change takes […]
Measures to support Hong Kong residents, including youth, to come to Canada
On November 12, 2020, Canada announced new measures that will allow Hong Kong students and youth to quickly come to Canada on work and study permits as well as new pathways to stay permanently. The new permanent residence pathways will also benefit people from Hong Kong who are already in Canada under existing work and […]
Canada extends international travel ban until at least January 21st, 2021
Restrictions on travel to Canada from all countries will be extended until January 21, 2021. Certain exemptions apply.Mandatory quarantines remain in place with limited exceptions. (Source: Public Safety Canada on November 29, 2020)
IRCC announces opening date of special measures for refugee claimants working in health care during the pandemic.
From December 14, 2020, Canada accepts applications for permanent residence from refugee claimants who work in Canada’s health-care sector and provide direct care to patients. Under this measure, asylum claimants across the country who are working on the front lines providing direct care to patients in health-care institutions will be able to apply for permanent […]
Increased flexibility in Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and welcomes practical nurses in Canada
On December 14, 2020, Canada announced changes to make the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) more flexible for applicants and welcomed the first two practical nurses under the Pilot to Sault St. Marie. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-driven program that spreads the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities. It […]
Public policy extended for temporary residents applying to restore status
Visitors, students and workers whose valid temporary status in Canada expired, or expires, between January 30, 2020, and May 31, 2021, will have until August 31, 2021, to restore their status. Effective January 1, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is renewing a temporary public policy that provides more time for temporary residents to apply […]
Pre-departure COVID-19 testing and negative results to be required for all air travellers coming to Canada
Effective January 7, 2021, all air passengers 5 years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada. Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a […]
New public policy allowing former international students to apply for an open work permit
Foreign nationals in Canada affected by the pandemic with an expired or expiring post-graduation work permit (PGWP) will have a unique chance to apply for another open work permit. These open work permits will be valid for 18 months and allow former international students to remain in Canada, continue to seek employment and build their […]