Find the latest news articles related to Canada’s immigration programs, advocacy work, immigrant culture, employment trends, and much more!
Making a difference: Burnaby resident is one of the top 25 Canadian immigrants
August 11, 2023
SFU scholar Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan from India has been named in Canadian Immigrant magazine's top immigrants' award list for 2023..
Support for immigration in Canada has dropped since last year
October 30, 2023
The Environics Institute, a Canadian research agency that conducts public opinion surveys and collects data on government, social and economic issues, has released its annual study on Canadian public opinion on immigration.
B.C. taking action to remove barriers for internationally trained professionals
October 26, 2023
A new credential legislation has been introduced in the province of British Columbia, on Oct. 23, 2023, to help internationally trained professionals, such as engineers, social workers, early childhood educators, paramedics, teachers and biologists, get their credentials recognized more quickly.
Canada’s Auditor General releases a report on IRCC’s permanent residence backlogs
October 23, 2023
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has just released the findings of its report on the processing of permanent residence applications by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The audit's purpose was to determine if IRCC processed applications for permanent residence as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Canada’s Immigration Minister and Deputy Minister discuss top IRCC objectives
October 25, 2023
On October 24, Canada’s Standing Committee on Citizenship, and Immigration (CIMM) invited Canada’s Immigration Minister and Deputy Minister to outline Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCCs) top priorities.
The role of Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, is to work with IRCC stakeholders as well as provincial and territorial governments to create immigration strategies that strengthen Canada’s economy, reunites families, and welcomes refugees and asylum seekers. He also has a mandate to promote the French language outside of Quebec.
Immigration Minister: Canada expects to process 20,000 Indian visas by end of 2023
October 25, 2023
At a meeting of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) yesterday, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that with respect to the 38,000 visas for Indians, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was expecting to process by December, the department will only be able to process 20,000.
How do people in Canada spend their money?
October 21, 2023
Statistics Canada recently released its survey on household spending—the annual report on how much Canadian households spend on goods and services in the country—for the year 2021.
IRCC expects India visa processing to return to normal by early 2024
October 20, 2023
A press conference with Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller on October 19th, 2023 has revealed that the ongoing dispute between Canada and India will result in slower processing times for Indian visa applications.
Canada launches fast-track work permit program in the Philippines
October 19, 2023
Today, the Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the launch of CAN Work Philippines, a pilot program at IRCC’s visa office in Manila.
Celebrate Diwali – Festival of Lights this November in Brampton
October 20, 2023
A must-attend event for the whole family
Presented by Scotiabank on November 4, 2023, at Shoppers World BramptonIt’s that time of the year! We are gearing up for a grand celebration of Diwali, a must-attend event of the season.
The Diwali Festival of Lights returns for its 8th year with a bang to light up at Shoppers World Brampton, on November 4th. This is GTA’s largest free indoor event, presented by Scotiabank in association with Suhaag.
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents 2023 lottery begins today
October 10, 2023
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2023 lottery begins today.
Between October 10 and October 23, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send invitations to apply to 24,200 interested potential sponsors. These invitations will be sent to randomly selected potential sponsors from the remaining pool of submissions from 2020. IRCC's goal is to receive 15,000 complete applications.
Burnaby, Coquitlam duo create community for immigrant women to navigate professional spaces
October 11, 2023
Prachi Jatania and Tina Balachandran co-founded Immigrant Women Initiative (IWI) to help immigrant women with their career journey in Canada.
Gender wage gap study shows some improvement for immigrant women in Canada
October 11, 2023
Statistics Canada has released a new study showing the Gender Wage Gap (GWG) for all women in Canada depending on their citizenship or immigration status.
Canada’s immigration department is undergoing major changes
October 11, 2023
Last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented major changes as part of a new plan to improve its operations.
New poverty report card evaluates quality of life in Canada’s 10 provinces
October 11, 2023
In their first-ever poverty report cards, Food Banks Canada has graded all provinces and territories on a variety of measures related to poverty reduction and standard of living.
Canada Needs ‘Critical Rethink’ of Temporary Foreign Worker Program
October 9, 2023
The Canadian Senate committee studying Canada’s temporary foreign worker program’s (TFWP) efficiency and possible areas for improvement has asserted that the immigration pathway in question is “in need of a critical rethink.”
Extension of temporary measures to support Turkish and Syrian temporary residents
October 6, 2023
Following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria in February 2023, the Government of Canada introduced measures to support Turkish and Syrian temporary residents in Canada who were unable to return home due to the destruction in the region.
Raise-a-Reader: New immigrants benefit from early childhood education program
October 6, 2023
Recipients are assisted in gaining the emotional support to continue — and achieve their personal goals.
Biggest annual blanket drive in Richmond, Vancouver looking for volunteers
October 6, 2023
The Blanket BC Society is looking for volunteers for one of North America’s biggest annual blanket drives, set to take place at Canada Line stations in Richmond and Vancouver next month.
Canada’s non-permanent resident population is 2.2 million people
October 3, 2023
Statistics Canada has just released a major report that changes how it counts Canada’s non-permanent residents (NPRs).
Chasing after immigrant voters is tricky, fraught and growing
October 3, 2023
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases an annual report on Express Entry every year, the 2022 version being the latest.
Canada releases 2022 Annual Report on Express Entry
September 26, 2023
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases an annual report on Express Entry every year, the 2022 version being the latest.
This 'inexpensive' street food is made fresh under a staircase in Burnaby
September 26, 2023
Kim's Korean Waffles and Pancakes has been serving up sweet and savoury eats for 20 years in the same location, and is back for the 2023-24 season.
Riddles and rabbits at Richmond mall Mid-Autumn Festival celebration
September 24, 2023
The Richmond mall is holding a two-day celebration in partnership with Rabbitats this weekend in advance of Mid-Autumn Festival, which lands on Sept. 29 this year.
Looking to launch your career in Canada? This program offers free support to get you there
September 24, 2023
Immigrant Services Society of B.C.’s program connects you to work that makes use of your experience and training from your home country, all free of charge.
Poster for B.C. ‘whites only’ parent-child group sparks outrage
September 25, 2023
A poster in the Tri-Cities area advertising a "whites only" group for parents and children is generating strong reactions and police interest.
B.C.’s first Black judge, Selwyn Romilly, remembered as ‘kind, gentle soul’ after death at 83
September 25, 2023
The first Black person appointed to the B.C. bench has died of cancer, according to the family of Selwyn Romilly.
Richmond restaurants gear up for 'Olympics' of Chinese cuisine
September 20, 2023
The ninth World Championship of Chinese Cuisine (WCCC) is coming to Vancouver in November and many Richmond restaurants will be itching to bring the title to the North American hub for Asian dining.
Statistics Canada: Nearly 60% of Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals employed in their field of study in Canada
September 19, 2023
A recent report by Statistics Canada shows that 58% of internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) in Canada who trained to become nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and dentists were working in their field.
Express Entry: Canada has first ever draw for transport occupations
September 19, 2023
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held its second Express Entry draw this week.
On September 20, IRCC invited 1,000 candidates in transport occupations to apply for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) was 435.
Canada celebrates Welcoming Week 2023
September 13, 2023
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:
“By opening our doors to those seeking a better life, we open our communities to those wanting to build a stronger Canada. Other than Indigenous peoples, who have been here since time immemorial, all Canadians can trace their stories back to immigration. Whether your family has been here for many generations, like mine, or has just joined Canada, we can all celebrate the benefits of an inclusive welcoming community.
B.C.’s Cantonese speakers fight to preserve language amid uncertainty in Hong Kong
September 12, 2023
Mandarin — China's official spoken language — is increasingly taught and promoted in Hong Kong, even though education officials there have denied plans to switch Chinese instruction away from Cantonese.
Two Langley programs benefit from provincial literacy funds
September 11, 2023
Adult literacy in Langley is getting a boost with funds from the provincial government.
The money will increase access for more learners to improve reading, writing, math, and digital skills.
From a simple stall to two dozen retail stores, Kin's Farm Market celebrates 40 years in B.C.
September 10, 2023
Kin's Farm Market celebrates 40 years of business starting from a stall to two dozen locations.
Metro Vancouver's immigrants more likely to prefer walkable urban neighbourhoods: new report
September 9, 2023
New Metro Vancouver research focuses on preferences: who wants to live where, why they choose to live where they do, and what they value in their neighbourhood.
The top Canadian immigration developments to expect for the rest of 2023
September 8, 2023
Fall and the lead-up to the Christmas holiday period are typically busy seasons for developments from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada’s immigration system in general.
IRCC announces update to Parents and Grandparents Program 2023
September 6, 2023
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just announced an update to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). IRCC will accept up to 15,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the PGP this year.
The search is on for Canada’s best rewards and recognition
September 1, 2023
Canadian HR Reporter welcomes entries for the third annual 5-Star Rewards and Recognition report.
Extra funding for adult literacy serving Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie communities
August 28, 2023
Adult literacy is getting a boost in the community thanks to funding from the provincial government.
The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Community Literacy Committee is receiving funding for their Lifelong Learning for Adults program – a program that promotes and supports adult, community, and family literacy and operates out of the Learning Room at the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House.
Help shape BC’s upcoming anti-racism legislation
August 28, 2023
The Province is developing broader anti-racism legislation that builds on the Anti-Racism Data Act (ARDA), which became law in June 2022. This legislation will address the broader challenges of systemic racism, inequity and discrimination in B.C.
This anti-racism legislation is being co-developed and informed by Indigenous Peoples and other racialized communities. All members of the public are welcome to participate in the online public questionnaire.
Engagement timelines: June 5 to September 30, 2023.
Diversity, unity the themes of this new Burnaby street festival
August 28, 2023
The inaugural North Road Festival is expected to draw thousands to Burnaby's City of Lougheed Mall for live music, entertainment and food trucks galore..
Global tech workers flock to Canada: 32,000 newcomers in one year
August 28, 2023
Between April 2022 and March 2023, more than 32,000 global tech industry workers came to Canada for work according to a recent report from The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s Tech Network (CTN).
More grant recipients promoting BC Demographic Survey
August 27, 2023
More community and Indigenous groups are receiving grants to help their communities participate in the BC Demographic Survey.
Canada ranked the most attractive destination for immigrant entrepreneurs in 2023
August 23, 2023
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada was ranked the most attractive country for immigrant start up founders and entrepreneurs compared to all other OECD countries.
Companies recognized for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace
August 23, 2023
The 2023 list of 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employers has been announced by Human Resources Director Canada, a publication focusing on topics relevant to HR professionals. The awards recognize Canadian companies successfully fostering healthy, diverse and inclusive working environments.
Dumpling festival in Coquitlam brings 'the community together'
August 21, 2023
It’s just a little orb of dough and filling, but last Saturday more than 35,000 people descended on Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park to celebrate dumplings at the second annual BC Dumpling Festival.
The mountains are missing economic opportunities of diversity B.C.
August 21, 2023
Ski resorts across Canada can dramatically increase their profitability by welcoming diverse groups on the mountains.
The highest paying jobs in Canada based on education level
August 18, 2023
Finding a job in your field in Canada can be challenging. As a newcomer to Canada, it is important to utilize tools and resources to make finding your dream job as easy as possible.
This free entrepreneurship program has launched 20 immigrant-owned businesses in B.C.
August 17, 2023
ISSofBC’s SPARK and IGNITE programs empower newcomers to Canada to start their own businesses, and to invest in themselves and the communities they now call home.
Celebrating diversity with Canada's 5-Star DE&I Employers
August 17, 2023
Canadian HR Reporter recognizes the 5-Star DE&I Employers of 2023 for their outstanding efforts to create a more inclusive future in HR. These top-tier employers are setting the bar for DE&I initiatives by clearly defining their objectives and backing them through industry-leading policies positively shaping their workplaces.
Feds stick by immigration plan, rethink international student flows
August 16, 2023
The alarm bells are becoming bull horns: Canada's housing supply isn't keeping up with the rapid rate of population growth.
Academics, commercial banks and policy thinkers have all been warning the federal government that the pace of population growth, facilitated by immigration, is making the housing crisis worse.
IRCC outlines targets for category based Express Entry invitations
August 15, 2023
A new report by the Globe and Mail sheds additional light on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry category-based selection targets for 2023.
Meet the 2023 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award Recipients
August 11, 2023
Presented by Western Union and sponsored by COSTI Immigrant Services and Windmill Microlending, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards is a leader in highlighting inspiring stories of immigrants in Canada, from coast to coast and from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This year’s list includes a film star/vegan advocate, a Juno-nominated songwriter who writes songs to empower, a Canadian football MVP, as well as many diverse community champions working tirelessly to do good. We’re also again celebrating a Youth Award winner and Entrepreneur Award winner.
Canada’s immigration levels to remain steady or continue climbing
August 10, 2023
Since becoming Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller has made his initial public remarks through interviews with RedFM Canada, CBC Radio Canada and Bloomberg News.
Canada to soon launch Recognized Employer Pilot for temporary foreign workers
August 10, 2023
In order to help address labour shortages, the Canadian government has announced it will launch the Recognized Employer Pilot in September.
The Recognized Employer Pilot will operate under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and will aim to reduce the administrative burden for repeat employers who have a history of demonstrating compliance with the TFWP’s requirements.
Canada’s commitment to reuniting families and keeping them together
August 5, 2023
Canada recently renewed its commitment to keeping families together, a central goal of the country’s current immigration system.
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put into practice new procedures intended to accelerate family reunification, ensuring that dependants and spouses who may not otherwise be eligible to come to Canada, now have a pathway to reunite with their families.
Ottawa opens new immigration pathway for skilled workers
August 4, 2023
Ottawa is looking to fill job openings in the skilled trades through immigration.
The first trades round for category-based selection under the federal government’s Express Entry – Canada’s flagship economic immigration management system – will kick off this week, according to the government.
As immigration debate rages on, new report makes the case for more newcomers
August 4, 2023
At a time when skeptics are questioning Canada's plan to ramp up immigration, a new report argues the country needs to welcome a lot more newcomers to counter-balance its aging demographic.
Two B.C. companies among North America’s fastest-growing, woman-owned businesses
August 3, 2023
A pair of B.C. businesses has been recognized as two of the fastest-growing, women-owned or led companies in North America by a U.S.-based organization that connects and empowers women business leaders.
B.C. purchases Chinatown seniors affordable housing complex at risk of being sold
August 2, 2023
The B.C. government has purchased a 33-unit building with affordable housing geared to seniors in Vancouver's Chinatown neighbourhood that was at risk of being sold privately.
The province paid $16.4 million through B.C. Housing for the Harmony House complex, located at 588 Shanghai Alley and operated by social service agency S.U.C.C.E.S.S.