Newsletter – August 2019

This edition of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Newsletter includes the following:

• IRCC launches Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
• 11 communities to participate in Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
• What to know when applying to visit Canada
• Did you know …? #ImmigrationMatters and Student Direct Stream
• IRCC featured video – Sponsoring refugees: What to expect
• Upcoming events and important dates

IRCC launches Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

IRCC has launched a new, 3-year, economic pilot program to attract and retain labour for Canadian businesses. The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot aims to help meat processors and mushroom producers attract and retain skilled workers by providing them with the opportunity to become permanent residents.

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is testing an industry-specific approach to attract and retain other agri food sector workers with Canadian work experience in key occupations. Temporary foreign workers with more than 12 months of Canadian work experience in certain occupations will be able to apply under this pilot program as of 2020.

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot complements the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, the Provincial Nominee Program and the recently launched Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.

Associated links

• News release – New Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

11 communities to participate in Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

IRCC recently announced the 11 communities that will participate in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot:

• North Bay, Ontario
• Sault-Ste-Marie, Ontario
• Sudbury, Ontario
• Thunder Bay, Ontario
• Timmins, Ontario
• Brandon, Manitoba
• Gretna-Rhineland-Altona-Plum Coulee, Manitoba
• Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
• Claresholm, Alberta
• Vernon, British Columbia (BC)
• West Kootenay, BC

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is testing a new, community-driven approach to encourage newcomers to immigrate to Canada’s rural and northern communities. To complement the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the Government of Canada is also working with the territories to address the unique immigration needs in Canada’s North.

The launch of this pilot program will support the economic development of Canada’s more remote communities and help spread the benefits of immigration across Canada.

Associated links

• News release – New federal immigration program to support middle class jobs in rural and northern communities
• Backgrounder – Supporting middle class jobs in rural and northern communities through immigration

What to know when applying to visit Canada

What should temporary resident visa (TRV) applicants know before they apply? From June 3 to 30, 2019, Canada launched an information campaign in India to persuade more people to apply for a TRV online, to educate applicants on fraudulent immigration agents and to discourage individuals who have been refused from applying again. This information helps applicants save time and money and allows them to protect themselves against fraud. These tips are useful to anyone who wants to visit, study or work in Canada.

Apply online

Did you know that applicants do not need to use an immigration agent to apply for a TRV? All the forms and instructions applicants need can be found online for free. If applicants follow the instructions, they should be able to fill out the forms and submit them without the help of a representative. If an applicant does need help, they can have a trusted family member or friend apply online for them by appointing the family member or friend as an unpaid representative. Whether the applicant is applying online or in person, the application fee is always CAN$100, which is much less expensive than hiring an agent.

Use an authorized immigration agent (consultant lawyer or Quebec notary)

If an applicant chooses to hire an immigration agent, they need to make sure the agent is authorized in Canada. They can check online to find out if their agent is authorized. No immigration agent can guarantee that a visa application will be accepted. This video shows applicants how they can protect themselves against fraud.

Think twice before reapplying

If an application has been refused, the applicant should think twice before they reapply. Applicants may reapply only if they can address why the original application was refused and show how their previous circumstances have changed. Trying to reapply with the same information, with or without an immigration agent, does not change the original decision made. It only costs more money, and the application will likely be refused again.

Associated links

• News release – Helping visa applicants apply the smart way
• Visit Canada from India

Did you know ...?

Immigrants help grow Canada’s future through their contributions to various industries. Find out more about how #ImmigrationMatters to sectors such as arts and culture, health care, and business.

IRCC’s Student Direct Stream has expanded to include Pakistan. Students living in Pakistan who are applying for a study permit can now benefit from faster processing times.

IRCC featured video – Sponsoring refugees: What to expect

The IRCC video team produces informative and creative videos on a wide range of subjects of interest to the department, Canadians and our clients. In each issue of our newsletter, we highlight one of their productions.

In this issue, we bring you the video Sponsoring refugees: What to expect. Learn what it means to sponsor a refugee and how to prepare for their arrival. This video explains the role and responsibilities of sponsors in providing support to refugees.

Upcoming events and important dates

Celebrate Gender Equality Week from September 22 to 28. This week is inspired by the vision of a gender-equal society. Women, men and people of all gender identities benefit from gender equality.

World Tourism Day (WTD) is on September 27. The theme of this year’s WTD, “Tourism and the Digital Transformation”, highlights how technological advances provide opportunities for tourism.

October is Women’s History Month. Celebrate by honouring the achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history.

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year, with the objectives of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

Features