Canada’s Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced that, since 2008, the backlog of permanent resident applications has been reduced by about forty per cent The backlog of permanent resident applications has been reduced by about forty per cent, paving the way for a faster and more effective immigration system in 2013 and beyond, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced. “Backlogs and delays prevent Canada from attracting the best and brightest from around the world and ensuring that our immigration system is contributing to economic growth and long-term prosperity,” he said. “For too long, we...

Canada is facing a serious labour shortage. The population is ageing, the birth rate is slowing and there are fewer people with the requisite skills to fill vacant jobs.  Skilled immigrants are a key source for new talent with Statistics Canada predicting that by 2031, one in three workers will be born outside the country. Toronto is currently one of the world’s most culturally-diverse cities, and leading GTA businesses already recognize the critical opportunity this provides for their growth and innovation. “With our rich diversity, Toronto area business and organizations have a wonderful opportunity to become even more innovative. Our annual Immigrant Success...

The Come to Canada Wizard, which helps people determine if they are eligible to live, work or study in Canada, has now been visited by well over two million users since its launch in August 2011.“We want the world’s best and brightest to come to Canada and to help grow our economy,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.“The award-winning Wizard is one way that we are creating a more responsive, user-friendly and efficient immigration process that benefits applicants, immigrants and Canadians alike. The Wizard saves prospective immigrants to Canada time and money by helping them determine if they are able to immigrate to Canada, and the most...

Jason Kenney announced new Start-Up Visa, first of its kind in the world.Canada will launch a new program on April 1 to recruit innovative immigrant entrepreneurs who will create new jobs and spur economic growth.“Our new Start-Up Visa will help make Canada the destination of choice for the world’s best and brightest to launch their companies,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “Recruiting dynamic entrepreneurs from around the world will help Canada remain competitive in the global economy.”The Start-Up Visa program will link immigrant entrepreneurs with private sector organizations in Canada that have experience working with start-ups...

In an ongoing effort to deter people from using marriages of convenience to cheat their way into Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced a new regulation that requires certain sponsored spouses live in a legitimate relationship with their sponsor for two years or risk losing their permanent resident status.“I have consulted widely with Canadians, and especially with victims of marriage fraud, who have told me clearly that we must take action to stop this abuse of our immigration system,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.“Sometimes the sponsor in Canada is being duped and sometimes it’s a commercial transaction. Implementing...