Hi, How Can We Help You?
  • Innovative & custom made immigration solutions based on your needs.
Book A Consultation

Author Archives: black

Canadian Immigration Process
November 28, 2023
November 28, 2023

Overcoming Common Challenges in the Canadian Immigration Process with Consultants

Author By black Categories Blog

Embarking on the journey to Canadian immigration is a significant endeavor, filled with promise and possibilities. Whether you’re pursuing business, corporate, or investor immigration, navigating the complex landscape of Canadian immigration programs can be daunting. At Black Bear Immigration Consulting, we understand the intricacies of the process and are committed to providing innovative and customized solutions for your immigration needs. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the common challenges individuals face in the Canadian immigration process and how consultants play a pivotal role in overcoming them.

 

  1. Navigating the Vast Landscape of Immigration Programs

The Canadian immigration system offers a diverse range of programs, each with its unique requirements and eligibility criteria. For individuals unfamiliar with the intricacies of these programs, navigating the landscape can be overwhelming. Immigration consultants bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, helping applicants understand the nuances of programs such as the Business and Investor’s program, Startup Visa Immigration, Express Entry, and more. Their guidance ensures that applicants choose the most suitable pathway based on their individual circumstances and aspirations.

 

  1. Meeting Stringent Documentation Requirements

One of the most common stumbling blocks in the immigration process is the meticulous documentation required. From proof of funds to detailed business plans, the documentation demands a high degree of accuracy and completeness. Immigration consultants are adept at guiding applicants through this process, ensuring that all necessary documents are gathered and presented in a manner that aligns with the stringent requirements of Canadian immigration authorities.

 

  1. Addressing Language Proficiency Requirements

Proficiency in English or French is a key requirement for many Canadian immigration programs. Applicants often face challenges in demonstrating their language skills through standardized tests. Immigration consultants provide valuable insights into language proficiency requirements, offering guidance on test preparation and strategies to meet the necessary language benchmarks. Their expertise contributes to the successful fulfillment of this critical aspect of the immigration process.

 

  1. Understanding and Navigating Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) add an additional layer of complexity to the immigration process. Each province in Canada has its own set of criteria and streams under PNPs. Immigration consultants specialize in understanding the intricacies of provincial programs, guiding applicants through the selection of the most suitable province and stream. This personalized approach enhances the chances of receiving a nomination and subsequently gaining permanent residence in the chosen province.

 

  1. Managing Express Entry Profiles Effectively

The Express Entry system is a cornerstone of Canadian immigration, but creating and managing a profile requires a strategic approach. Immigration consultants play a crucial role in optimizing Express Entry profiles, ensuring that key factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency are presented in a manner that maximizes the applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This strategic approach enhances the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

 

  1. Adapting to Evolving Immigration Policies

Canadian immigration policies are subject to change, and staying abreast of these changes is essential for successful applications. Immigration consultants are dedicated to keeping up with the latest policy updates and adapting their strategies accordingly. This proactive approach ensures that applicants are well-informed about changes that may impact their immigration journey, allowing for timely adjustments to their applications.

 

  1. Mitigating Issues with Inadmissibility

Issues related to inadmissibility, such as criminal convictions or medical concerns, can pose significant challenges in the immigration process. Immigration consultants assess individual circumstances comprehensively, providing guidance on addressing inadmissibility issues and navigating the associated legal processes. Their expertise helps applicants present a strong case for overcoming these challenges.

 

  1. Ensuring a Smooth Transition to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

The journey doesn’t end with obtaining permanent residence; transitioning smoothly to life in Canada and eventual citizenship is equally crucial. Immigration consultants offer valuable advice on settlement services, connecting newcomers with resources that facilitate integration into Canadian society. This holistic approach ensures that applicants not only achieve their immigration goals but also thrive in their new Canadian life.

 

In conclusion, the Canadian immigration process is multifaceted and demanding, but with the guidance of experienced immigration consultants, individuals can overcome common challenges and navigate the journey with confidence. At Black Bear Immigration Consulting, we are dedicated to providing innovative and custom solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our commitment to excellence stems from a deep understanding of the complexities involved in Canadian immigration, and we take pride in assisting individuals in realizing their dreams of a new life in Canada.

 

If you are considering the Canadian immigration process or currently facing challenges, consult with our experts at Black Bear Immigration Consulting. Our team is ready to provide the expertise and support needed to make your Canadian dream a reality. Remember, with the right guidance, every challenge becomes an opportunity for success in your immigration journey.

Benefits of Using a Canada Immigration Consultant
November 21, 2023
November 21, 2023

The Benefits of Using a Canada Immigration Consultant for Your Visa Application

Author By black Categories Blog

In the labyrinth of Canadian immigration processes, navigating the intricate pathways to a successful visa application can be a daunting task. From business and investor immigration to family sponsorship and work permits, the myriad of options can leave applicants perplexed. This is where the expertise of a Canada immigration consultant shines through, offering a burst of clarity and efficiency in a complex system.

Unveiling the Complexity

The Canadian immigration landscape is a tapestry woven with diverse threads of programs, each tailored to specific needs and circumstances. From the Business and Investor’s program to the intricacies of Express Entry and Provincial Nomination, understanding the nuances requires a keen eye and an in-depth comprehension of the ever-evolving immigration policies.

The High Degree of Perplexity

Navigating the Immigration Maze

  1. The sheer variety of immigration programs demands a high degree of expertise. A Canada immigration consultant is well-versed in the labyrinthine nature of these programs, helping applicants choose the most fitting pathway for their unique situation.

Custom Solutions for Varied Needs

  1. At Black Bear Immigration Consulting, we take pride in offering innovative and custom solutions. Whether you’re an investor, a skilled worker, or seeking family reunification, a consultant tailors their approach to meet your specific immigration needs.

Interpreting Legislative Changes

  1. Immigration laws are subject to change, adding an extra layer of complexity. A consultant stays abreast of these legislative shifts, ensuring that your application aligns seamlessly with the current regulations.

The Burstiness of Expertise

Efficiency in Documentation

  1. The documentation required for a visa application is often voluminous and intricate. A consultant brings a burst of efficiency, streamlining the paperwork and ensuring that every document is meticulously prepared, reducing the risk of errors and delays.

Maximizing Points in Express Entry

  1. For those navigating the Express Entry system, where points play a pivotal role, a consultant strategically maximizes your point allocation. Their burst of expertise can be the difference between a successful application and lingering in the pool.

Negotiating Provincial Nomination Programs

  1. Each Canadian province has its unique nomination program, and a consultant adeptly navigates the complexities of these programs, enhancing your chances of securing a provincial nomination and expediting your path to permanent residency.

The Symbiosis of Experience

Mitigating Challenges in Business Immigration

  1. For entrepreneurs and investors, the intricacies of business and corporate immigration can be formidable. A consultant brings a wealth of experience, foreseeing and mitigating challenges to ensure a smooth application process.

Optimizing Family Sponsorship

  1. Family reunification is a cherished goal for many applicants. A consultant optimizes family sponsorship applications, ensuring that the process is swift and successful, bringing loved ones together in the welcoming embrace of Canada.

Strategic Planning for Startup Visa Immigration

  1. Entrepreneurs embarking on the Startup Visa Immigration journey benefit from the burstiness of strategic planning offered by a consultant. From business plans to meeting eligibility criteria, their expertise facilitates a seamless entry into the Canadian entrepreneurial landscape.

The Promise of Success

Overcoming Hurdles in Temporary Residence

  1. Whether you’re seeking a work permit or a temporary resident visa, a consultant adeptly navigates the nuances of temporary residence applications, ensuring that you overcome hurdles and obtain the necessary permits to live and work in Canada.

Securing Permanent Residency

  1. The ultimate goal for many applicants is permanent residency. A consultant strategically maneuvers through the various immigration streams, ensuring that your journey towards Canadian citizenship is characterized by efficiency and success.

Renewing PR Cards with Ease

  1. For permanent residents requiring PR card renewal, a consultant streamlines the process, mitigating potential delays and ensuring that you maintain your status without unnecessary complications.

The Personal Touch

Unmatched Customer Service

  1. At Black Bear Immigration Consulting, our commitment to providing custom solutions is matched by our dedication to unmatched customer service. A consultant becomes your advocate, guiding you through the intricacies with personalized attention.

Celebrating 100% Customer Satisfaction

  1. Our passion for excellence has earned us a 100% customer satisfaction rate. This speaks not only to our expertise but also to the personalized and caring approach we bring to every visa application.

Conclusion: Navigating with Assurance

In the symphony of Canadian immigration, the benefits of using a Canada immigration consultant reverberate with the assurance of expertise and the promise of success. As applicants wade through the high degree of perplexity inherent in the system, a consultant becomes their guiding light, offering a burst of efficiency and clarity. At Black Bear Immigration Consulting, we take pride in simplifying the complexities, ensuring that your journey to Canada is marked by success, personalized attention, and the assurance that you have a seasoned navigator by your side.

 

 

 

Immigrate to Canada
August 15, 2022
August 15, 2022

Government of Canada funds Kids Help Phone to expand mental health services for Afghan and Ukrainian youth

Author By black Categories Blog

News release

June 20, 2022—Toronto, Ontario—The Government of Canada recognizes the immense challenges faced by those fleeing conflict and is committed to improving access to vital mental health services for vulnerable newcomers. Since 1989, Kids Help Phone has provided free, 24/7, confidential mental health resources to young people across Canada.

Today, on World Refugee Day, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a contribution agreement with Kids Help Phone to provide counselling services for Afghan and Ukrainian youth in Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian. These new services respond to the urgent need faced by youth fleeing conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine. The Minister visited the Kids Help Phone office in Toronto where he saw firsthand how funding provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is being used to expand phone counselling services to Afghan and Ukrainian youth.

This funding is part of a larger $2 million agreement that will allow Kids Help Phone to gradually expand its professional phone counselling service via interpreters to 100 languages by 2025 and builds on the previous introduction of Arabic and Mandarin interpretation in 2019.

Culturally sensitive, youth-oriented mental health phone counselling is just one of the supports in place for Afghan and Ukrainian families arriving in Canada.

There are more than 500 service provider organizations across Canada that are funded by IRCC to deliver settlement services to permanent residents, including resettled refugees, and to Ukrainians arriving in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. Many of these organizations offer support directly to youth. These include

  • help during and after school
  • recreational activities
  • leadership and mentorship programs
  • help developing skills and preparing for employment

IRCC continues to work closely with provinces, territories and service provider organizations across the country to welcome vulnerable newcomers and help them adjust to life in Canada.

Photos from today’s event are available in Dropbox.

Quotes

“Canada has a proud tradition of welcoming and supporting the world’s most vulnerable. In order to adjust to life in Canada, we need to ensure that newcomers have access to resources to cope with past trauma and rebuild their lives. Creating this culturally sensitive, accessible safe space is especially important when it comes to vulnerable youth, and this funding will ensure that those fleeing conflict—including Afghans and Ukrainians—have the support they need to reach their full potential while in Canada.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Kids Help Phone has been providing a safe space for young people dealing with mental health and addictions issues in Canada since 1989. Today’s funding will help them continue that tradition by providing young newcomers with access to culturally appropriate and trauma informed mental health supports in their own language, an invaluable asset to youth who have already been through so much.”

– The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

“To make e-mental health support more accessible through language for any young person across Canada is an important step in ensuring equitable access for those who may be most vulnerable. We appreciate the support and the vision of IRCC to enable the expansion of Kids Help Phone’s language offerings to meet a critical need today, with a view of further expansion of more languages in the coming months.”

– Katherine Hay, President and CEO of Kids Help Phone

Quick facts

  • Kids Help Phone has been providing health services to young people in Canada since 1989.
  • IRCC is providing a total of $1,966,143 under the Settlement Program between 2022 and 2025 to help Kids Help Phone expand its services in multiple languages.
  • Ukrainians who come to Canada as temporary residents under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel have been given access to settlement services usually reserved for permanent residents.
  • The Government of Canada is working hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible. Canada has now welcomed more than 16,000 Afghan refugees, with more arriving every week…

Associated links

Contacts

Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
aidan.strickland@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

Family Visa Canada
August 15, 2022
August 15, 2022

School programs help Afghan children thrive in Canada

Author By black Categories Blog

News release

June 24, 2022—Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada continues to work hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible. Since August 2021, Canada has welcomed a total of 16,270 Afghan refugees, including over 3,800 school-aged children.

As we mark the end of the school year, we are proud that children of recent Afghan newcomers have access to a safe school environment where they can learn and successfully integrate into their new communities. This includes many young women and girls who might not have had the opportunity to go to school in Afghanistan.

Since August 2021, schools across Canada have been welcoming and supporting Afghan children in more than 90 communities. The Saskatchewan Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Program has helped implement special academic, physical education and skills programs to help children successfully integrate into their classrooms. In Saskatoon, as part of the SWIS Refugee Language Program, Afghan children were given extra support to improve their English language skills, all while learning about Canadian culture and geography.

Through the support of the settlement workers at the Surrey Schools Welcome Centre in British Columbia, the Surrey School District alone has welcomed over 550 Afghan children. The workers created welcoming and inclusive spaces for children by providing school supplies, access to breakfast and lunch programs, and school transportation. Dari- and Pashto-speaking settlement workers also delivered cultural awareness training sessions to educators and support staff.

In St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Association for New Canadians SWIS Program provides in-person programming and activities for newcomer children in all grades. Students are offered access to online learning, tablets and English as a second language resources, while they await permanent accommodations. These children also benefit from mentorship programs and after-school homework clubs to improve their English and social skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Thanks to these schools and programs, newcomer children have the support they need to learn, play and succeed in their new school community.

Photos of Afghan flight arrivals are available in Dropbox for use by media. You can also monitor Canada’s progress on welcoming Afghan refugees to Canada.

Quotes

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe environment and pursue their dreams to the fullest. These outstanding programs are making a real difference in the lives of Afghan youth by helping them settle in their classrooms and welcoming them with open arms, so that they can thrive in their new communities. We will continue to work tirelessly with all our partners to ensure their success as they adjust to their new life in Canada.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Working with Afghan refugees has been a job that has been very fulfilling and rewarding as a SWIS worker. Schools have put in extra effort to make sure the students have what they need to learn, play and participate, just like their classmates. It has been challenging and time-consuming as SWIS works through a multitude of barriers, such as language, cultural differences, mental health struggles, transportation, finances, programming, winter clothing, electronics for learning and so on. Overall, the families and schools have been extremely appreciative of the work I do as their SWIS worker, and I could not do it without the support of our interpreters.”

Stephanie April, SWIS worker in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Quick facts

  • SWIS is a school-based initiative under the Settlement Program aimed at integrating newcomer youth and their parents and guardians into the Canadian education system. SWIS services are also provided to school staff to encourage cultural competence and raise awareness of newcomer needs and supports.
  • Over 3,800 Afghan newcomer children eligible for school, from ages 4 to 18, including nearly 1,900 Afghan girls, have been admitted to Canada under the Afghan initiative since August 2021.
  • Surrey, B.C., with 130 elementary and high schools, is home to the largest and most diverse school district in the province. It serves about 10,000 clients annually, and is the core settlement support to English language learners.
  • This past June 20, World Refugee Day, Minister Fraser announced a contribution agreement with Kids Help Phone to provide counselling services for Afghan and Ukrainian youth in Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian.

Associated links

Contacts

Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
aidan.strickland@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

Student Visa Canada
August 15, 2022
August 15, 2022

Afghan newcomers to celebrate first Canada Day

Author By black Categories Blog

News release

June 30, 2022—Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada continues to work hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible. For the over 16,270 Afghan refugees who have landed in Canada since last August, tomorrow’s festivities will mark their first Canada Day in their new communities.

To celebrate this special day, we extend our sincere gratitude to the settlement service providers who remind us that generosity is one of our country’s greatest strength.

A shining example of Canadian generosity is the Association for New Canadians, a settlement service provider in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, which will be hosting its annual Multicultural Family Sports Day on June 30 to mark Canada Day. This event will bring together both newcomers and the local community to help build community connections and friendships. The Association will be collaborating with a local business to provide free entertainment and games for children of newcomers.

Afghan nationals who will be celebrating their first Canada Day include Mr. Farhad Iqbal, a former interpreter for the Canadian Armed Forces and an Afghan refugee who arrived in Canada with his family in August 2021. He and his family quickly adjusted to Canadian life, he found a job, and connected with his new community. His first impressions of Canada were positive: he instantly took a liking to the friendly people, the clean air, the historical structures and sweet maple syrup. As they prepare to celebrate their first Canada Day, Mr. Iqbal and his family feel relieved that Canadians welcome newcomers with open arms and are grateful for their newfound safety.

“Canada has gorgeous lakes and the cleanest air in the world. We are happy here and we enjoy the lifestyle. I am currently working and studying, and I will also try to start my higher education here to serve in the future for Canada.”

– Farhad Iqbal, Afghan newcomer celebrating his first Canada Day

Every day, we continue to witness the generosity and resilience of people across the country, including Afghan newcomers. Afghan refugees have resettled in more than 90 communities across Canada, from major urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver to smaller centres like Red Deer and Fredericton. The Government of Canada is proud to work closely with the provinces and territories, settlement service providers and stakeholders across the country to welcome Afghan refugees and help them adjust to life in Canada. See how to celebrate your citizenship on Canada Day and read more about other Afghan newcomers on our Follow the journey page.

Photos of previous Afghan arrivals are available in Dropbox for use by media. You can also monitor Canada’s progress on welcoming Afghan refugees to Canada.

Quotes

“As we come together on Canada Day, let us celebrate our beautiful, welcoming country and highlight the richness of its cultural diversity from coast to coast to coast. Our strong, shared commitment in helping the world’s most vulnerable has allowed us to become a global leader in refugee resettlement. I am proud that so many Afghan refugees have been welcomed with open arms in communities across the country and can now call Canada home. We will continue to work hard to resettle Afghan refugees and ensure they are able find safe haven.”

–The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Associated links

Contacts

Contacts for media only

Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
aidan.strickland@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

August 15, 2022
August 15, 2022

Statement by Minister Fraser on Canada Day

Author By black Categories Blog

Statement

July 1, 2022 – Halifax, Nova Scotia—Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:

“On this 155th anniversary of Confederation, I wish all Canadians a very happy Canada Day. I also wish to extend a warm welcome to all those celebrating their first Canada Day as new Canadians, as well as to the thousands of Afghans and Ukrainians who have arrived over the last couple of months.

“This year, I am thrilled to mark Canada Day with the first hybrid citizenship ceremony. Today, new Canadians will take the Oath of Citizenship at an in-person ceremony for the first time in 2 years, and they will be joined virtually by candidates from across the country. A livestream of the event from the Queen’s Marque in Halifax will be available, as we welcome 49 newcomers to the Canadian family.

“Becoming Canadian is a pivotal moment in a newcomer’s journey, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in their Canadian story. Many have come in pursuit of new economic opportunities, some have come to be reunited with their family members, and others have fled war, violence and persecution in search of a safe haven. I am proud that as a country, we share a deep collective commitment to helping the world’s most vulnerable, and continue to welcome and embrace newcomers with open arms in communities across Canada.

“One of our greatest strengths as a country is our diversity. Throughout Canadian history, newcomers have been integral to the fabric of our communities. Newcomers fuel our economy by bringing essential skills in key sectors, help advance our recovery from the pandemic by starting new businesses and support those in need by volunteering in their own communities. More than ever, they are helping build a more diverse, inclusive and prosperous Canada.

“As Indigenous communities continue to uncover unmarked graves, we also recognize our collective responsibility as Canadians to continue to work towards reconciliation and to honour the invaluable contributions that Indigenous Peoples have brought to our Canadian history, culture and traditions.

“For many, the journey to Canada is filled with obstacles and uncertainty, and the path to citizenship is a challenging one. Every time a newcomer takes the Oath of Citizenship, it is a reflection of their hard work, perseverance and dedication to Canada. That is why I invite Canadians from coast to coast to coast to connect with newcomers, reflect on the significance of citizenship, the rights and freedoms it affords, and celebrate the richness that Canada’s cultural mosaic brings to our lives, today and every day.”

Contacts

For further information (media only), please contact

Aiden  Strickland
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Aiden.Strickland@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelationsGroup-GroupeRelationMediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

August 15, 2022
August 15, 2022

Federal, provincial and territorial immigration Ministers meet to plan for the future of Canada’s immigration system

Author By black Categories Blog

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

July 28, 2022—Saint John, NB—The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI), met today to consider opportunities for the future of immigration to Canada and initiatives to respond to pan-Canadian labour shortages. Ministers discussed ways to maximize the effectiveness of the immigration system to meet economic and regional needs, including increasing provincial/territorial (PT) involvement in the selection process and input into Express Entry modernization, avoiding duplication, increasing the allocations of the Provincial/Territorial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and providing timely multi-year allocations before March 31st, 2023. Ministers had conversations about Canada’s immigration response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, federal-provincial/territorial (FPT) measures to attract immigrants to meet labour market and demographic needs, and recent settlement and integration efforts.

Ministers examined the progress made towards achieving the FPT Strategic Plan for Immigration (SPI) 2020-2023 and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the immigration system is an effective tool for economic recovery, protecting the world’s most vulnerable populations, and helping newcomers fully participate and succeed in a welcoming Canadian society. Ministers supported greater FPT collaboration on temporary resident settlement services, immigration policies, and programs and pathways to transition from a temporary status to permanent residency.

Canada’s immigration Ministers condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and reaffirmed their commitment to welcoming and supporting displaced Ukrainians and their family members who are fleeing violence. FPT governments have collectively taken action to respond to both the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including expediting the travel of displaced Ukrainians to Canada and extending access to services Ukrainians need to live, work or study. Ministers recognized that although Ukrainians coming to Canada as temporary residents are already contributing to their new communities, many require substantive supports. PTs also recognized that many Ukrainians are seeking permanent residency and expressed the need for greater federal resources to ensure Ukrainians’ successful arrival and settlement.

Additionally, from coast to coast to coast, Canada welcomed close to 17,000 Afghan Refugees. The FMRI emphasized the need for a collaborative approach among governments to ensure these newcomers are welcomed in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.

Over the last year, immigration continued to contribute to population and economic growth in Canada. Ministers took stock of the joint FPT efforts to welcome and settle over 405,000 immigrants in 2021, a record number. FPT consultations on shared priorities for the immigration levels plan remain a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system. Ministers recognized the need to build on consultation efforts and seek views more effectively from stakeholders, partners and Indigenous Peoples.

The FMRI discussed the necessity of improving federal immigration processing times. Ministers reflected on the outcomes of federal special measures introduced during the pandemic and agreed that going forward, short-term immigration strategies must be consistent with longer term objectives. It will be important to monitor and understand the impacts of current and emerging pressures on the immigration system, such as a growing demand for housing and social services, when planning for the future.

Ministers recognized that Canada has one of the most comprehensive and facilitative immigration systems in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) though opportunities for enhancement remain. Reflecting on the increasing complexity of the economic immigration system, Ministers agreed on the need for a more agile, client-centered system. Ministers acknowledged the essential roles and responsibilities of federal and PT governments in Canada’s immigration system, and highlighted the importance of working together so programs are complementary and flexible. Ministers recognized that it is essential for federal and PT governments to collaborate to achieve regional economic immigration objectives. Ministers highlighted that PT knowledge of real-time regional labour market needs is an advantage that must be leveraged.

Furthermore, Ministers considered ways to meet regional needs and increase immigration to Canada’s smaller and rural or remote communities including mapping and coordinating economic and settlement capacity across the country, taking stock of the lessons learned from the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). The well established and successful PNP remains the primary tool for regional economic immigration and allows for testing of new approaches to meet a wide range of demographic and labour market needs. PT Ministers called for timely increases in PNP allocations to help address increasing labour needs in jurisdictions across the country and expressed unanimity over the need for greater agency over the PNP programs and the selection process of economic immigrants.

Ministers agreed to take steps to ensure public support for immigration remains strong, and to continue to work together to ensure that long-term FPT immigration goals contribute to Canada’s future prosperity. Ministers committed to a mid-term meeting in advance of the annual FMRI Ministers Meeting.

Note: As requested by the Government of Quebec, the Quebec minister responsible for immigration holds observer status at the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers’ Table. Under the Canada-Québec Accord, Quebec assumes sole responsibility for establishing immigration levels, and for the selection, francization and integration of immigrants. In areas under its responsibility, Quebec develops its policies and programs, and legislates, regulates and sets its own standards.

About the FMRI: The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration is an FPT decision-making body with the goal of supporting a flexible, timely and effective immigration system for Canada. In 2020, FPT Ministers established a vision for immigration to Canada and a mission for the FMRI. The vision articulates a co-ordinated strategic plan for a system that strengthens the positive economic and social benefits of immigration in all parts of Canada. The FMRI’s mission is to advance joint immigration priorities and to enhance Canada’s immigration policies and programs.

Quotes

“Immigration is key to addressing labour shortages across our country and I am excited about the productive discussions with the provinces and territories we’ve had here today. As Canada continues to see increased demand of those seeking to live and work in Canada, our governments will continue to work together to ensure our immigration system can withstand the demand and meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our collaborative efforts on immigration will help strengthen our post-COVID economic recovery in the short term, while continuing to contribute to local economies and communities in the long-term and bring the benefits of immigration from coast to coast to coast.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and federal co-chair of the Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration.

“This joint meeting has allowed us to strategize on ways to streamline the immigration process to help provinces and territories meet their labour market priorities while finding ways to be more flexible in our approaches. We will continue to find ways to improve the experience of all immigration candidates and employers throughout the immigration process.”

– The Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister Responsible for Immigration, Minister Responsible for Opportunities New Brunswick.

Contacts

Contacts for media only

Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Aidan.Strickland@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

Michel LeBlanc
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Opportunities New Brunswick
506-227-2845
michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca