Many visitors entered Canada via the expedited visa pathway and have applied for asylum, reflecting the demand created during COVID-19's border closure.
As of February 29, 2024, around 152,400 visas were issued under this program, including 7,300 Super Visas for parents and grandparents.
An internal memo revealed 19,400 visitor asylum claims under this program, constituting 13% of visa holders. In 2023, 14% of the 137,947 refugee claimants were from this program.
The number may increase as many visa holders have not arrived in Canada.
The temporary policy waived financial proof and future departure requirements but retained security, criminal, and medical clearances.
#Asylum_seekers, #refugees, #visitor_visa, #PGP
May 7, 2024
Prince Edward Island's government policy to reduce immigration, aiming to manage population growth, is causing concerns for employers, impacting immigrant workers in the sales and service sector.
Chambers of Commerce express disappointment at not being consulted and urge collaborative solutions. CEOs highlight significant disruptions in operations due to employee losses.
While immigration is crucial for economic growth, the province faces housing shortages.
Efforts to boost housing include strategies for affordable homes, acknowledging a crisis since 2018.
The PEI Office of Immigration prioritizes skilled workers in high-demand sectors but excludes sales and service, which are crucial for economic vitality.
#PEI, #Prince_Edward_Island, #job_market, #housing_shortages
May 7, 2024
On April 29, 2024, Quebec announced a new French study requirement for the Quebec Graduates stream of the Quebec Experience Program.
From November 23, 2024, Quebec graduates seeking permanent positions must have completed their studies in French, according to a new policy announced last year.
This change promotes French among students and graduates.
To be eligible, applicants must meet one of two criteria: completion of an eligible program where 75% of courses or credits are in French, ensuring proficiency in a French-speaking environment, or three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies in French, either in Quebec or abroad.
#Quebec, #QEP, #Francophone_candidates, #Quebec_Graduates_stream
May 7, 2024
Loneliness has become prevalent, impacting 45.9% of Canadians. Newcomer women in Canada face challenges in forming social networks, affecting their employment, earnings, and health.
The ideal network size varies per individual, but immigrant women often have smaller networks.
Those who have been in Canada for six or more years, are married, unemployed, or arrived at ages 15-24 face particular challenges.
However, Black women, refugees, or those not speaking an official language are at the highest risk. The data shows significant employment, education, and income gaps between immigrant men and women due to gender roles and inequalities.
#Immigrant_women, #loneliness, #statistics_Canada, #statistics
May 7, 2024
