Weekly Digest | January 21, 2024

Key Highlights:

IRCC News Updates

International Experience Canada 2024: The International Experience Canada (IEC) program for the 2024 season is now open, with the initial rounds of invitations in progress. Eligible candidates are invited to apply for work permits in these rounds, which will continue until all spots are filled or the season concludes. For updates on invitation likelihood, quotas, and invitation round schedules, candidates should select their country or territory on the IEC website. Read more

Historic and Ambitious Initiatives for Francophone Minority Communities in Canada: On January 16, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller discussed major initiatives to enhance Francophone immigration outside Quebec. These include a new Francophone immigration policy, expansion of the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative, the start of a Francophone Immigration Support Program, and the implementation of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028, all aiming to fortify the Francophone presence in Canada. Read more Youtube: Live Streaming

Deletion of Citizenship COVID-19 Program Delivery Instructions: On January 16, 2024, the Citizenship COVID-19 program delivery instructions were officially deleted. Read more

Government Support for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals: On January 15, 2024, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) announced an investment of $86 million in 15 Canadian organizations to aid about 6,600 internationally educated health professionals. This funding, part of the Foreign Credentials Recognition Program, aims to enhance foreign credential recognition and integrate these professionals into Canada’s healthcare workforce, targeting key fields like nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and medical technology. Key initiatives include pre-arrival virtual exams for midwives, mentorship programs, and improved Canadian work experience opportunities, all aimed at reducing credential recognition barriers and facilitating labor mobility. Read more Foreign Credentials Recognition Program – Backgrounder: Read more

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program 2023 Cap Reached: On January 19, 2024, OINP announced the fulfillment of its 2023 nomination allocation, issuing 16,500 nominations across various streams. The program will continue to accept and consider new and existing applications under the 2024 nomination allocation. Read more

Northwest Territories Extends Immigration Strategy to 2025: The Government of the Northwest Territories, on January 17, 2024, announced the extension of its Immigration Strategy to 2025. Originally set to conclude in 2022, this strategy focuses on developing a skilled workforce and boosting economic growth through foreign national immigration. Public feedback is solicited by February 9, 2024, to help shape the strategy’s future direction. Read more

Applications Open for Manitoba Settlement Support Services Program: Announced on January 19, 2024, the Manitoba government is now accepting applications for the Newcomer Community Integration Support (NCIS) program. This initiative offers financial aid to projects fostering social and economic integration for newcomers in Manitoba. The program specifically targets newcomers who might not qualify for federal settlement and integration services. The application deadline is set for February 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Read more Register for the webinar on February 2, 2024: Read more

Québec Promotes Tuition Fee Exemption for French-Speaking Belgians at SIEP Salons: Québec is participating in the SIEP Salons in Namur, Liège, and Mons, as announced on January 19, 2024, to publicize tuition fee exemptions for French-speaking Belgians. This initiative underscores Québec’s commitment to providing quality education and a welcoming, French-speaking environment. Read more

Montréal’s 2023 Business Tourism Success: Montréal experienced a business tourism boom in 2023, hosting 288 events at the Palais des congrès and 475 city-wide, attracting over 870,000 visitors and generating about $425 million. The city continues to be North America’s top destination for international association events. The Palais des congrès is expanding its green roof and introducing cultural spaces, promising a vibrant outlook for 2024. Read more

Saskatchewan’s Healthcare Workforce Expansion with Filipino Nurses: Saskatchewan has welcomed twenty-one Filipino nurses into its healthcare system, part of an initiative to recruit over 400 nurses from the Philippines. The province is also progressing in physician recruitment, having added 259 doctors, including 39 from abroad. Incentive programs are being used to improve healthcare, particularly in rural and remote areas. Read more

January 31, 2024: Deadline for proposals relating to the Settlement Program and the Resettlement Assistance Program. Read more

February 27, 2024: Launch of the Temporary Public Policy offering permanent residence to foreign nationals affected by the Sudan conflict. This policy is active until 3,250 applications are received or for a duration of one year. Read more