Posted on by

Parents and Grandparents Canada Visa Program Set to Reopen This Fall

Parents and Grandparents Program Set to Reopen This Fall

Ottawa, August 8, 2023 – The Parents and Grandparents Program exemplifies Canada’s dedication to maintaining intact families. This program assists Canadian citizens and permanent residents in bringing their families to Canada. The government is demonstrating its commitment to family reunions by inviting more parents and grandparents than ever before.

This year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will take sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents. They anticipate receiving up to 15,000 applications. Beginning on 10 October 2023, IRCC will begin inviting approximately 24,200 individuals who have expressed interest in sponsorship, with the expectation that 15,000 of them will submit applications. These invitations will be mailed over the course of two weeks.

If you submitted your name in 2020 but were not invited in 2021 or 2022, do not lose hope. This year, the IRCC will select candidates from the list for 2020 rather than creating a new one. They performed the same action in 2021 and 2022. If you fall into this category, keep a watch on your email for an invitation.

Those fortunate enough to be invited in 2023 can register online via the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal to keep things simple and expedient. It is part of Canada’s strategy to streamline and modernize the immigration process.

There is an alternative for those who did not receive an invitation but still want their parents and grandparents to visit. They may request an enhanced visa. This visa allows family members to enter and remain for an extended period. You can remain in Canada for up to 5 years at a time and extend your stay by up to 2 years without leaving the country.

Want more information on prior Parents and Grandparents Program admissions? Check out the new report on their website titled “The Parents and Grandparents Program: Intake Report, 2014 to 2019.” By the end of this year, they will have published a report spanning the years 2020 to 2021.

Consequently, if you wish to reunite with your family in Canada, the Parents and Grandparents Program could be your ticket. Prepare for your opportunity this autumn!

If you are still waiting for you decision on immigration application or you have received a refusal, please get GCMS notes.

Posted on by

Canada Considers Limiting International Students

Canada Considers Limiting International Students

The Canadian government is now considering a cap on international students as an option to address the housing crunch. This decision reflects the delicate balance that needs to be struck between meeting labour needs and ensuring adequate housing for all residents.

While this situation unfolds, international students planning to apply for a study visa for Canada should stay updated on the latest policy changes. It’s important to remember that while these changes may affect work opportunities, the primary purpose of a study visa is to pursue education in Canada.

Canada, known for its open approach to immigration, is currently facing a unique challenge. The country’s welcoming stance towards international students, seen as a solution to the labour shortage, is now being reconsidered due to the worsening housing crunch1.

The Government of Canada had previously announced the temporary lifting of the 20-hour-per-week cap on the number of hours that eligible post-secondary students are allowed to work off-campus while class is in session2. This measure, effective from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, was aimed at addressing the labour shortage and aiding economic recovery2.

However, this influx of international students, coupled with other non-permanent arrivals, has led to a rapid population growth. This growth is driving up rents in the country’s biggest cities and exacerbating the housing shortage1. The vacancy rate on rental buildings is now below 2% — the lowest since 20011.

Posted on by

Your Guide to GCMS Notes and Getting a Canada Visa

Guide to GCMS Notes: Get GCMS Notes

Understanding the Basics: What GCMS Notes Are

GCMS, or Global Case Management System, is a system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process citizenship and immigration applications. A GCMS Note is an information file that can be requested by applicants for temporary residence (visitor visas, study permits, work permits) or permanent residence (Express Entry, Provincial Nomination Program, Family Sponsorship etc.) from IRCC. It is available under the Access to Information Act (ATI).

GCMS notes are one of the few methods by which applicants can apply for, to get the most granular updates available on their application; including the immigration office and officer processing their application, and application status and reason for status. On the GCMS note, applicants can see an expansive amount of information, encompassing everything they have submitted, and that IRCC has gathered in relation to the application.

How GCMS Notes Offer Insights into Your Visa Application

GCMS notes provide an overview of the processing details of your immigration/visa application and the reasons for the refusal, if applicable. They contain detailed information of each applicant’s file, documents received by the IRCC, correspondence to and from IRCC, comprehensive notes made by the officers reviewing the file, and other vital information.

With your GCMS notes, you can get an explicit knowledge of your Canada visa/immigration application and turn this knowledge into practical steps to increase your immigration/visa approval chances.

Why GCMS Notes Play a Vital Role in Canada Visa Approval

GCMS notes are absolutely legal, safe, providing you secure ways to get the complete record of a Canadian immigration file. They are essential documents that help you carry out visa rejection cases easily. They let you know the exact grounds of your visa refusal that further improve the chance of visa approval in the best possible way.

Ordering GCMS notes is one way you can get detailed information on your application and address any problem. With your entitlement to a copy of these notes, you may stay up to date on the status of your application and take any required actions to improve the chances of your application being accepted.

Requesting Your GCMS Notes: Step-by-Step Guide

There are four options under GCMS notes application:

  1. GCMS Notes from IRCC
  2. GCMS Notes from CBSA
  3. GCMS Notes from IRCC & CBSA
  4. Full Case File with GCMS Notes

How to Get GCMS Notes:

  1. Assess whether you can submit a GCMS Note yourself: Anyone who has an application with IRCC and CBSA, and whose application has passed the R-10 completeness stage can potentially apply for a GCMS. However, to obtain a GCMS note one must first submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request, under the Access to Information Act. You can submit for GCMS notes if you are permanent resident or citizen of Canada
  2. Determine When to Request Your GCMS Notes: Individuals applying for a GCMS note are recommended to wait until their application passes what is known as the R-10 completeness check.
  3. Request Your GCMS Notes: You can request your GCMS notes online through the IRCC website. The online platform provides a user-friendly interface, allowing applicants to monitor the progress of their request and receive electronic copies of their notes once available.
  4. For those who are applying from outside Canada: There are many third party service providers which assists you to get GCMS notes, one such service provider is GCMSApply.com

Interpreting GCMS Notes: What to Look For

  1. Understand the Structure of GCMS Notes: All GCMS notes are structured in a similar way and follow the same pattern. The most important and interesting part of the file is usually at the very end in the “Notes” section. It is here that the immigration officers observations and reasoning for decisions made are noted.
  2. Look for Key Information: On the GCMS note, applicants can see an expansive amount of information, encompassing everything they have submitted, and that IRCC has gathered in relation to the application.
  3. Decipher Abbreviations and Codes: The official list of codes that the IRCC uses when processing GCMS files is The Codes List. The immigration officer enters these codes in the GCMS system in English (or French for Quebec immigrants).

Addressing Concerns in Your Application using GCMS Notes

  1. Identify Issues with Your Application: The GCMS notes provide an overview of the processing details of your immigration/visa application and the reasons for the refusal, if applicable.
  2. Take Corrective Measures: If you encounter complex information or have concerns about the content of your GCMS notes, it’s advisable to seek professional advice from an immigration consultant or lawyer. They can help interpret the notes accurately and provide guidance on your next steps.

Remember, understanding your GCMS notes can give you an explicit knowledge of your Canada visa/immigration application and turn this knowledge into practical steps to increase your immigration/visa approval chances.

Check here to see frequently asked questions and answers about GCMS notes.

Posted on by

Express Entry Rounds of Invitations- All Category- August 2023

Express Entry Rounds of Invitations- All Category Draw for August 2023

In the latest Canada Express Entry draw held on August 15, 2023, a substantial number of 4,300 candidates were issued invitations to apply for permanent residence. This draw, which targeted candidates with no specified program, featured a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 496 points or above. The draw continued the trend of inviting a large number of candidates, reflecting Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants from around the world.

Key details of the draw are as follows:

  • Category: No Program Specified
  • Number of Invitations Issued: 4,300
  • Rank Required to be Invited: 4,300 or above
  • Date and Time of Round: August 15, 2023 at 14:23:51 UTC
  • CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 496
  • Tie-breaking Rule: August 01, 2023 at 12:59:52 UTC

The CRS cut-off of 496 points indicated that candidates with competitive qualifications and skills were invited to apply for permanent residency. The tie-breaking rule ensured that candidates with the same CRS score were prioritized based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

DateCategoryTotal ITAsMinimum CRS RequiredTie-breaking Rule
August 15, 2023No Program Specified4,300496August 01, 2023 at 12:59:52 UTC
August 3, 2023Trade Occupations (2023-1)1,500388June 07, 2023 at 07:03:08 UTC
August 2, 2023French Language Proficiency (2023-1)800435July 31, 2023 at 09:57:30 UTC
August 1, 2023No Program Specified2,000517July 30, 2023 at 13:25:02 UTC

This draw follows previous draws in August, which saw invitations issued under different categories such as Trade Occupations, French Language Proficiency, and the general “No Program Specified” category. Canada’s Express Entry system remains a dynamic and accessible pathway for skilled workers and their families to establish themselves in the country.

The diversity of categories and the consistent invitation of candidates with varying CRS scores highlight Canada’s dedication to selecting candidates who possess the skills and attributes that align with the nation’s economic and labor market needs. As a result, candidates who received invitations have the opportunity to contribute to Canada’s economy and society while enjoying the benefits of permanent residency.

Candidates who received invitations in this latest draw can now proceed with their application process for permanent residence. As they navigate through the application requirements and procedures, they move closer to realizing their goal of becoming permanent residents of Canada, a nation known for its inclusivity, opportunities, and high quality of life.

Posted on by

List of Documents Required at Port of Entry for New International Students

Documents Required at Port of Entry for New International Students

In a crucial guide for incoming international students, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has compiled a comprehensive list of seven essential documents that new students must possess to avoid potential immigration delays or even the risk of being returned to their home countries. As the fall 2023 intake approaches, students are urged to ensure they have the following documents before embarking on their journey to Canada:

  1. Acceptable Travel Documentation: A valid passport is a must-have for entry into Canada.
  2. Letter of Introduction or Study Permit: Students must possess either the letter of introduction from the port of entry, which was sent by the visa office upon approval of the study permit, or a valid study permit if already obtained.
  3. School’s Letter of Acceptance: A copy of the official letter of acceptance from the educational institution must be on hand.
  4. Study Visa Foil or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): A valid study visa foil stamped in the passport or an eTA is necessary for visa-exempt countries.
  5. Proof of Sufficient Funds: Students need to provide proof of financial sustainability during their stay, often demonstrated through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
  6. Clean Criminal and Immigration Record: Students must not have any criminal or immigration-related convictions, unless a pardon or rehabilitation has been granted.
  7. Valid Immigration Medical Exam Results: Being in excellent health and having valid immigration medical exam results at the time of entry is essential. If the medical exam expires before entering Canada, a new one is required.

CBSA advises students to keep these documents in their handbags and refrain from placing them in checked luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) by New International Students

1. When can new students come to Canada on a study visa?
There is no specific timeframe set for new international students with study visas to travel to Canada. Those with valid stamped visas and complete documentation can settle into the Canadian community at any time. However, engagement in work or studies is only allowed once their courses officially begin.

2. I have a connecting flight with a short layover. Should I be concerned about missing my second flight due to immigration procedures?
During peak seasons, such as the fall 2023 intake, there is a higher probability of missing connecting flights due to immigration procedures. It is advisable to contact your airline for potential alternative flights or consider booking a new one after completing the immigration check.

3. Can I do my immigration check at the final destination airport?
No, all new immigrants or temporary visa holders must complete the immigration check at the first Canadian port of entry, regardless of their final destination within Canada. This can be an airport, land border, or waterway entry point.

4. What should I do if a CBSA officer denies issuing a study permit at the airport?
If you are denied a study permit at the airport, the actions to take depend on the reason for denial. If a required document is missing, you may request entry as a visitor, given you have a valid visa. However, for serious offenses or fraudulent documents, individuals may be sent back to their home countries. Remember, CBSA officers have discretion in their decisions, so cooperation and courtesy are crucial.

International students are encouraged to follow the Canada immigration website for all the correct information and updates before finalizing a decision. Study permit: Prepare for arrival – Canada.ca