Author: Admin

The United States is proposing a new “Visa Integrity Fee” that could impact Canadian permanent residents, foreign workers, and even some Canadian citizens seeking to enter the U.S. for work or temporary visits.

A non-waivable $250 surcharge added to most nonimmigrant U.S. visas—including tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F, M, J), work (H‑1B, L, O, P), and more—promulgated under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed July 4, 2025.

Who Would Be Affected?

The fee would apply to visa-exempt foreign nationals entering the U.S. under certain work authorizations, including:

• Canadian permanent residents using U.S. nonimmigrant work visas (such as H-1B, L-1, or TN status)
• Foreign workers in Canada who are eligible for U.S. work visas
• Some Canadian citizens who use employment-based visa categories (despite being visa-exempt)

Why the Fee?

According to U.S. lawmakers, the fee is designed to ensure compliance with visa rules and help offset the costs of immigration enforcement. Critics, however, argue that it may pose an unfair financial burden on law-abiding travelers, students, and workers.

When Will It Take Effect?

The fee will take effect starting in October 2025, aligning with the U.S. government’s fiscal year 2026. However, reports suggest that some categories of travelers — including Canadian PRs — may see this fee implemented as early as July 18, 2025.

Is the Fee Refundable?

The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is refundable — but only under certain conditions. To qualify for a refund, the visa holder must:

• Enter and leave the U.S. in compliance with visa terms;
• Maintain legal status while in the U.S.;
• Not overstay or violate the conditions of their visa.
• Lawfully change or extend status

Some Canadian citizens and permanent residents will soon have the chance to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.

Through this family reunification stream, the government aims to strengthen family ties while ensuring sponsors can meet the financial and legal responsibilities required under the program.

Those who do not receive an invitation through this process may still be able to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada through the Super Visa program, which grants long-term visitor status for up to 10 years.

Key Details of the 2025 PGP Intake

• Opening Date: July 28, 2025
• Invitation Period: Approximately 2 weeks
• Number of Invitations: 17,860
• Targeted Applications: 10,000 complete submissions

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue invitations to apply (ITAs) to randomly selected potential sponsors from the 2020 pool of Interest to Sponsor submissions. No new applications to enter the sponsor pool will be accepted this year.

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a key pathway for family reunification in Canada. It allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent resident (PR) status.

Due to high demand and limited capacity, the program uses a lottery system to randomly select potential sponsors who are then invited to apply.

How to Apply

If invited, sponsors must submit a full application through the Permanent Residence Portal (or the Representative Portal if applying through a legal representative).

Required documents may include:

• Proof of status in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
• Income documents (e.g., Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for the past 3 years)
• Signed undertaking and sponsorship agreement
• Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, family documents)
• Valid identification and civil status documents of the parents/grandparents
• Sponsors must also meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for the last 3 tax years, based on family size.

Super Visa: A Flexible Alternative

For families who are not invited in this intake, the Super Visa remains a valuable option.

Unlike standard visitor visas—which are typically valid for up to six months—the Super Visa allows for multiple entries over a 10-year period, with each stay lasting up to five years (depending on conditions at issuance).

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be admissible to Canada;
• Purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian provider;
• Be sponsored by a host in Canada who meets the minimum income requirements and agrees to financially support them during their stay.

As of July 11, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has halted the processing of low-wage LMIA applications in 26 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with unemployment rates ≥ 6%. This freeze remains in effect until at least October 10, 2025

Updated CMA List & Unemployment Rates:

Census metropolitan area (CMA)	Unemployment rate
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador	7.2
Halifax, Nova Scotia	6.2
Moncton, New Brunswick	6.4
Saint John, New Brunswick	7.4
Fredericton, New Brunswick	6.2
Montréal, Quebec	6.9
Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario/Quebec	6.4
Kingston, Ontario	7.2
Belleville – Quinte West, Ontario	7.1
Peterborough, Ontario	9.9
Oshawa, Ontario	9.2
Toronto, Ontario	8.9
Hamilton, Ontario	6.6
St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario	6.4
Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario	6.9
Brantford, Ontario	6.8
London, Ontario	6.9
Windsor, Ontario	11
Barrie, Ontario	7.3
Calgary, Alberta	7.3
Edmonton, Alberta	7.6
Kamloops, British Columbia	8.7
Chilliwack, British Columbia	6.3
Abbotsford-Mission, British Columbia	6.1
Vancouver, British Columbia	6.3
Nanaimo, British Columbia	7.3

CMAs Regaining Eligibility

The following CMAs have dropped below the 6% unemployment threshold and reopened to low-wage LMIA applications since July 11:

• Drummondville (QC)
• Guelph (ON)
• Kelowna (BC)
• Red Deer (AB)

Why This Is Happening?

ESDC policy prohibits processing low-wage LMIAs in CMAs with unemployment ≥ 6% to protect the local labor force.

These quarterly updates occur in January, April, July, and October—next review due October 10, 2025

Employers offering wages below provincial/territorial TFWP thresholds must submit low-wage LMIA; those above must use the high-wage stream, which is unaffected by this restriction.

Implications & Next Steps

For Employers in Affected CMAs:

• Cannot apply for or renew low‑wage LMIAs until October.
• Options include:
  1. Raise wages to qualify under high-wage stream,
  2. Relocate roles to eligible CMAs or rural areas,
  3. Use LMIA-exempt categories (e.g., agricultural, healthcare)

For Foreign Workers:

• Unable to renew low-wage work permits in restricted CMAs.
• Could seek employer support to switch to high-wage stream or relocate.
• Those with expiring permits may apply for maintained status or apply for a visitor record to remain and seek alternatives.

What You Should Do?

1. Identify CMA via postal code lookup on the Statistics Canada website.
2. Check current status:
   • If in a restricted CMA, evaluate wage increase, relocation, or sector alternatives.
   • If in resumed CMA (Drummondville, Guelph, Kelowna, Red Deer), low-wage LMIA is now acceptable again.
3. Stay informed—the policy updates again on October 10, 2025.

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the minimum proof‑of‑funds requirement for Express Entry applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP) programs. These changes took effect July 7, 2025, and applicants must revise their settlement funds in their Express Entry profiles by July 28, 2025, to maintain eligibility

Who Is Affected?

The new settlement fund thresholds apply to:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Candidates in these two programs must update their Express Entry profiles to reflect the new fund requirements if they wish to remain eligible.

Note: Those applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or those who already have a valid job offer in Canada are exempt from the proof of funds requirement.

Updated Settlement Fund Requirements

The amount of money required depends on the number of family members. Below is the updated table effective July 28, 2025:

Number of family members	Funds needed as of July 7, 2025	Previous proof of fund requirement (valid June 3, 2024 – July 7, 2025)
1 (the applicant)	$15,263	$14,690
2	$19,001	$18,288
3	$23,360	$22,483
4	$28,362	$27,297
5	$32,168	$30,690
6	$36,280	$34,917
7	$40,392	$38,875
For each additional family member over 7	$4,112	$3,958

Who Must Demonstrate Funds

Applicants must show proof of funds if they are applying under FSWP or FSTP without a valid Canadian job offer. However, exemptions apply if they:

• Apply through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC); or
• Hold a valid job offer and work authorization in Canada—even if technically filing under FSWP or FSTP.
  In exempt cases, while funds evidence isn’t required, they must upload a letter to your profile confirming the exemption

What Counts as Proof of Funds

To meet requirements, applicants must present:

• An official bank letter on institutional letterhead, including:
  • Your name, account numbers, opening dates, current balances, 6-month average balance
  • Any outstanding debts (e.g., loans, credit card balances)
  • Bank’s contact information
• Funds must be liquid and immediately accessible—real estate equity, borrowed money, or locked investments aren’t acceptable

What Applicants Should Do Now

1. Review the Express Entry profile
2. If applying under FSWP or FSTP without exemption, update settlement funds as per the new table
3. Arrange for the updated official bank letter
4. If exempt, write and upload a declaration letter explaining the CEC or job-offer status

Meeting these requirements ensures their continued eligibility in the Express Entry pool and keeps their ranking intact.

Canada’s Federal Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program continues to attract ambitious entrepreneurs from around the world who are looking to establish innovative businesses in one of the world’s most welcoming immigration systems. Designed to link immigrant entrepreneurs with Canadian private sector investors, the SUV program offers a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR) while contributing to Canada’s economic growth and innovation.

Here are the five key advantages that make the Start-Up Visa Program a compelling choice for global innovators:

1. Direct Pathway to Permanent Residency

Unlike many other entrepreneur programs that require years of temporary status or business performance before qualifying for PR, Canada’s Start-Up Visa provides a direct route to permanent residence. Once you secure a letter of support from a designated organization and meet the other eligibility criteria, you can apply for permanent residency from the start.

This offers long-term stability for entrepreneurs and their families, enabling them to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada without the need for additional permits.

2. No Age, Education, or Work Experience Requirements

The SUV program stands out for its inclusive eligibility criteria. Unlike many immigration programs that impose strict age limits, minimum education levels, or extensive work experience requirements, the Start-Up Visa is focused primarily on your business idea and its potential.

This means more flexibility for applicants of various backgrounds, including self-taught innovators and entrepreneurs who may not have formal qualifications but possess a viable and scalable start-up concept.

3. Lower Language Requirements Than Other Immigration Streams

While Canada does require proof of language ability for all PR pathways, the Start-Up Visa has a lower threshold than programs like Express Entry. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in either English or French in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

This lower requirement makes the program more accessible to talented entrepreneurs whose language skills may still be developing but who have a solid business concept and a willingness to integrate into Canadian society.

4. Work Permit While Awaiting PR Approval

While the permanent residence application is being processed, entrepreneurs can apply for a temporary work permit to move to Canada and launch their start-up. This allows founders to start working on their business immediately without waiting months or years for PR approval.

Being physically in Canada during the development phase increases the chances of success and helps meet program requirements effectively.

5. Flexibility to Live and Work Anywhere in Canada (Except Quebec)

Successful applicants under the Start-Up Visa Program are free to live and work in any Canadian province or territory, except Quebec, which has its own immigration selection system. Whether you want to build your business in a major urban center like Toronto or Vancouver, or tap into emerging markets in Atlantic Canada or the Prairies, the choice is yours.

This geographic flexibility offers a major advantage for startups that want to explore different ecosystems, access various provincial funding programs, or simply enjoy a particular lifestyle or cost of living.

Canada’s Federal Start-Up Visa Program combines innovation-driven immigration policy with practical, long-term benefits for entrepreneurs and their families. With flexible eligibility criteria, a direct route to PR, and broad geographic freedom, it is a powerful option for global founders looking to launch a successful business and build a future in Canada.

If you’re an entrepreneur with a high-potential idea and a vision to grow it in a dynamic, stable economy—Canada may be your ideal destination.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published its latest update on application processing times for various immigration and citizenship programs. This July 2025 update provides important insights into how long applicants can expect to wait for decisions, reflecting changes in efficiency, application volumes, and program demand.

Whether you’re sponsoring a family member, applying for a PR card, or waiting on a study or visitor visa, this update is essential for planning your next steps.

Key Processing Times (As of July 2, 2025)

Permanent Residence Cards

• New PR Card: Approximately 50 days
• PR Card Renewal/Replacements: Approximately 16 days
  This marks a slight increase in renewal processing time from June’s figures (15 days).

Canadian Citizenship

• Citizenship Grant Applications: Approximately 10 months
• Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship Certificate): Approximately 5 months
• Renunciation of Citizenship: Around 7 months
• Citizenship Record Search: About 15 months

Family Sponsorship Processing Times

Spouse or Common-law Partner:

• Outside Quebec: 11 months
• Inside Quebec: 38 months

Parents and Grandparents:

• Outside Quebec: 36 months
• Inside Quebec: 48 months

Note: Applications involving Quebec generally take significantly longer due to additional provincial review steps.

Permanent Residency – Economic Class

For skilled workers and entrepreneurs, here are the latest stats:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 5 months
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 7 months (↑ 1 month)
• PNP via Express Entry: 8 months
• Non-Express Entry PNP: 19 months
• Start-Up Visa: 51 months (↑ 8 months)
• Federal Self-Employed: 58 months (↑ 3 months)

The Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed programs continue to see extended processing times due to application volume and complexity.

Temporary Visas & Permits

Visitor Visas (Outside Canada):

• India: 26 days (↑ 2 days)
• Pakistan: 34 days (↑ 3 days)
• Nigeria: 63 days (↓ 18 days)
• Philippines: 34 days (↑ 2 days)

Inside Canada: 22 days (↓ 1 day)

Super Visas (Parents/Grandparents):

• India: 86 days
• Philippines: 110 days (↑ 19 days)
• Pakistan: 155 days (↓ 31 days)

Study Permits:

• India: 3 weeks
• Pakistan: 11 weeks
• Philippines: 11 weeks (↓ 1 week)
• Vietnam: 6 weeks

Inside Canada: 13 weeks (↑ 1 week)
Extension: 182 days (↓ 7 days)

Work Permits:

• India: 9 weeks (↓ 3 weeks)
• Pakistan: 6 weeks
• Philippines: 6 weeks
• Vietnam: 10 weeks
  Inside Canada: 188 days (↓ 8 days)

Canadian Passport Timelines:

• In-Person: 10 business days
• Mail: 20 business days
• Urgent Pick-Up: Next business day
• Express Pick-Up: 2–9 business days

While IRCC continues to improve turnaround times in some areas, family reunification—especially in Quebec—remains slower than average. Temporary resident processing, including study permits and visitor visas, has become more efficient for most countries.

Staying informed and planning ahead is key. Applicants are encouraged to monitor processing times regularly and ensure their submissions are accurate and complete.

Saskatchewan is actively pursuing a two-year work permit extension for skilled temporary foreign workers whose permits are set to expire in 2024 or 2025. This initiative aims to provide these workers with additional time to secure permanent residency and to support employers facing labor shortages.

Background and Rationale

The federal government’s recent decision to reduce Saskatchewan’s immigration quota to 3,600 has significantly impacted the province’s ability to retain skilled workers. Given that over 90% of Saskatchewan’s economic newcomers arrive through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), this reduction poses challenges for both workers and employers. In response, Saskatchewan’s Immigration and Career Training Minister, Jim Reiter, is seeking a similar arrangement to Manitoba’s, which allows temporary workers to extend their permits until the end of 2025 .

Proposed Extension Details

Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Immigration and Career Training, is leading efforts to negotiate with the federal government for a two-year work permit extension. The proposed extension would apply to workers who:

• – Had a valid Saskatchewan work permit as of May 7, 2024

• – Are currently employed in the province

• – Are prospective SINP nominees

If approved, eligible workers would apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, upon approval, receive a two-year open work permit. This permit would allow them to continue working in Saskatchewan while pursuing permanent residency .

Impact on Employers and Workers

The proposed extension is expected to benefit sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. It would also alleviate stress for workers facing the expiration of their permits without a clear path to permanent residency. Employers would retain experienced staff, ensuring continuity and stability in their operations .

Next Steps

For Workers:

• – Verify that your work permit was valid on May 7, 2024, and check its expiration date.
• – Ensure you are currently employed in Saskatchewan.
• – Stay informed about updates from the SINP and IRCC regarding the extension process.

For Employers:

• – Identify employees who may be eligible for the extension.
• – Prepare to provide necessary documentation or support letters if required.
• – Monitor communications from provincial authorities for further guidance.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a mandatory public pension system designed to provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to Canadian workers. Managed by CPP Investments (officially known as the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board or CPPIB), this Crown corporation operates independently from the federal government, focusing solely on investing CPP contributions to ensure long-term financial sustainability for over 22 million Canadians .

CPP Investments’ Global Recognition

CPP Investments has once again been recognized as one of the world’s top-performing pension funds. According to Global SWF’s May 2025 report, it ranked second among 25 global pension funds for 10-year returns from 2015 to 2024, delivering an average annual return of 9.19%, just behind Sweden’s AP7 fund .

This strong performance reflects the resilience of CPP Investments’ diversified portfolio and disciplined long-term investment strategy. With investments across a wide range of asset classes, sectors, and geographical markets, the fund aims to maximize returns without taking excessive risk, ensuring the CPP remains a reliable source of retirement income for generations of Canadians .

In addition to its investment performance, CPP Investments has been lauded for its governance and transparency. The 2024 Global Pension Transparency Benchmark ranked CPP Investments second overall, just behind Norway’s Government Pension Fund, and awarded it a perfect score of 100 in governance. This achievement reflects excellence in areas such as structure and mission, board competency, and organizational strategy, alongside high praise for cost transparency .

As of December 31, 2024, CPP Investments reported net assets of $699.6 billion, reaching this milestone five years ahead of projections by the Office of the Chief Actuary of Canada. This growth was driven by strong returns in private equity and credit investments, despite challenges in fixed income assets due to rising US Treasury yields .

Furthermore, CPP Investments has been recognized for its significant private equity allocations. In 2024, it had the largest allocation among global pension funds, with US$143.86 billion invested in private equity, representing over 24% of its total assets. This strategic allocation has contributed to its robust performance and resilience in varying market conditions .

Overall, CPP Investments’ consistent high rankings in performance, governance, and transparency underscore its role as a global leader in pension fund management.

On May 15, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) updated its list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), adding 20 new employers and removing 14, bringing the total to 364 designated employers.

Newly Designated Employers

100367 PEI Inc.*

100542 PEI Inc.**

9892788 Canada Inc.***

ALG (PEI) Management Ltd

Blackbush Beach Resort

Cardigan Bearing And Steel Ltd.

CBI Island Health Centre Inc.

Highfield Construction Company Ltd.

Jeremy & Joel Holdings Inc.

KY Home Solutions Inc.

Larkin Bros Inc.

Majhail Construction Ltd.

Maritime Industrial Services 2022 Inc

Nabuurs Gardens Ltd.

Oyster Creek Farms Inc.

PEI Lube Limited

Precision G&T Engineering

SpryPoint Services Inc

Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc.

TopGum Canada Ltd.

*The operating name for 100367 PEI Inc. is The Pilot House (restaurant and bar).

**100542 PEI Inc.’s operating name is FastSigns, a company offering custom signs and graphic solutions.

***9892788 Canada Inc. is Stay Golden Customs, a merchandising and branding solutions company.

Employers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing are emphasized in this update.

Employers Removed from the List

The 14 employers no longer designated include:

Island Abbey Food Science Ltd.

Pivot Drive Inc.

Silver Fox Entertainment Complex

Taco Boyz Inc.

Taco Boyz II Inc.

Whisperwood Villa Inc.

Willscott Farm Ltd.

Wilmac Construction Inc.

WM&M (1993) Ltd.

Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

Worklinks Inc.

XPY Union Ltd.

Yumi Sushi Inc.

Z&C Flourish International Ltd.

Program Restrictions

Due to a high volume of applications and a reduced federal allocation for 2025, PEI is currently accepting AIP applications only from workers in high-demand sectors: healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Job offers from designated employers outside these sectors are not being endorsed at this time.

Eligibility for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

To qualify for the AIP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Work Experience: At least 1,560 hours of paid work experience in the past five years. This can include part-time or full-time work, but not self-employment or unpaid internships.

• Education: A Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential.

• Language Proficiency: Meet minimum language requirements in English or French, corresponding to the job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) level.

• Settlement Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada, unless already residing and working in Canada with a valid work permit .

How to Apply for Permanent Residence through the AIP

The application process involves several key steps:

1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

2. Develop a Settlement Plan: Work with a designated settlement service provider to create a plan that outlines how you and your family will integrate into the community.

3. Obtain Provincial Endorsement: The employer will submit an endorsement application to the respective provincial government on your behalf.

4. Apply for Permanent Residence: Once endorsed, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. You may also be eligible to apply for a temporary work permit while your PR application is processed .

Lena Metlege Diab has been appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, effective May 13, 2025. This appointment comes as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s post-election cabinet reshuffle, where Diab replaces Rachel Bendayan in this pivotal role .

Background and Experience

Born in Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents, Diab moved to Lebanon at age two but returned to Canada at eleven to escape the Lebanese Civil War. She holds degrees in economics, political science, public administration, and law from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University. Her professional background includes practicing law and operating a small business in Halifax .

Diab’s political career began in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, where she served from 2013 to 2021. During her tenure, she held multiple cabinet positions, including Minister of Justice, Attorney General, and notably, Minister of Immigration. In 2021, she transitioned to federal politics, representing Halifax West in the Canadian Parliament.

Implications for Immigration Policy

Diab’s extensive experience in immigration at the provincial level suggests a continued focus on structured immigration policies. Her tenure is expected to emphasize attracting French-speaking immigrants and streamlining permanent residency processes for individuals already residing in Canada.

Prime Minister Carney’s administration aims to balance economic growth with sustainable immigration levels, addressing housing and infrastructure challenges. Diab’s appointment aligns with this vision, potentially leading to policies that prioritize current residents and skilled workers .

Community and Sector Reactions

The international education sector has welcomed Diab’s appointment, anticipating positive developments for international students and educational institutions. Her previous role as Nova Scotia’s immigration minister, where she served for eight years, is seen as a valuable asset in addressing the needs of newcomers and the education sector .