Siskind Susser's Toronto branch partner Leonard Pearl handles matters involving Canadian immigration laws. He can be reached at lpearl@visalaw.com.

Reduction of Skilled Worker points required to qualify

Just a quick note to remind applicants that after several court challenges the Canadian Minister of Citizenship & Immigration has reduced the number of points required to qualify as a skilled worker from 75 to 67.  It is anticipated that the Minister will eventually increase the number of points required to qualify. 

On-Line Services for Canadian Citizenship & Immigration Clients

The on-line service program is a tool that allow clients to view the status of their immigration applications for family class, sponsorship and permanent resident applications has been expanded to include:

- Permanent resident card applications

- Canadian citizenship applications

- Proof of Canadian citizenship applications

Canada and Alberta Sign Agreement

The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Alberta Provincial Government that sets out the terms of a pilot project to fast-track the processing of study permit applications.  They also agreed to allow foreign students who graduate from post-secondary institutions in Alberta, to stay and work in the province for an extra year.  In addition the Ministers agreed to expand the Alberta Provincial Nominee Immigration Program and double the number of candidates who can be nominated for immigration to 800. 

Canada and Manitoba launch student off-campus work pilot program

The Manitoba Government launched a new two-year pilot program to permit international post-secondary students studying in the province to work off campus. 

Generally, the program will allow full-time international students who have completed one year of study at a university or public college in the province to apply for an open work permit.  The permit will allow the applicant to work off campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week while they are registered as full-time students. 

If you have any questions about Canadian Immigration laws please contact Leonard Pearl at our Canadian office (lpearlvisalaw@sprint.ca or 905-764-8767).