Canadian Immigration News

Last summer, we reported on a new, fast-track immigration program for the province of Quebec that would allow some individuals who had lived or studied in Quebec to immigrate to the province. As of Sunday, February 14 2010, the new Quebec Experience Class program is finally in effect and those who qualify can now submit their applications.

Internationally renowned business magazine Forbes praised the Canadian banking system and economy this week, listing the top ten reasons Canadians should be encouraged about the economic future.

The Canadian government announced today that it is supporting a project to help newcomers integrate into the Canadian workforce through an initiative with Canada's environmental sector.

This week, the province of New Brunswick made modifications to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to allow it to attract a greater number of immigrants. Family members of current residents of New Brunswick are now eligible to apply under this PNP if they possess work skills that are in demand in New Brunswick.

A new reciprocal agreement between the province of Ontario and Australia makes exchanging a driver's license much easier for Australians in Ontario.

Earlier today, Quebec's immigration minister, Yolande James, announced that the province will be implementing special humanitarian immigration measures in response to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. These measures come in addition to the measures already implemented by the federal government.

Last April, the Student Partners Program, a joint initiative between Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), was launched. The pilot project was aimed at increasing the approval rate for study permits for Indian students accepted into the participating Canadian colleges. To date, the study permit approval rate for Indian students accepted at Canadian community colleges has doubled.

A British Columbia-developed program that helps internationally-trained Information Technology (IT) professionals integrate into the Canadian workforce is looking to expand across Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced today that the adoption process has been expedited for 217 Haitian children adopted by Canadian parents, of whom 31 are already in Canada.

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada Minister Jason Kenney announced yesterday that Canada would be expediting the adoption process for children affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti last week.