El Camino Immigration Services

Canada tightens immigration: Over 2.35 million visa applications rejected in 2024

In 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented enhanced application review processes, rejecting nearly 2.36 million temporary resident applications. The assessment outcomes encompassed 1.95 million visitor visas, 290,317 study permits, and 115,549 work permits. This measured approach seeks to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining the quality of essential services, including housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. The revised policies introduce additional qualification criteria for international students, incorporating enhanced financial requirements and adjusted study permit allocations. …

Over 530,000 individuals legally residing in the US under the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) parole program face potential displacement by April 24, 2025. The program, initiated by the Biden administration in October 2022, allowed vetted migrants with US sponsors to work legally for two years. As Trump’s administration moves to invalidate these grants alongside other protective statuses, Canada braces for a potential surge in asylum seekers. Quebec’s Lacolle border crossing is already witnessing a significant spike in claims – …

The Canada Border Services Agency has concluded legal proceedings against Winnipeg construction site manager Gurwinder Singh Ahluwalia, resulting in a 20-month conditional sentence and a $50,000 fine for violations of immigration employment regulations. Following an investigation that commenced in August 2023, the CBSA identified instances of unauthorized employment practices and worker compensation irregularities at a local construction site. The investigation, which concluded in April 2025, determined that Ahluwalia had improperly engaged foreign nationals without proper work authorization and provided inadequate compensation to authorized workers. …

The Canadian Government has announced a temporary suspension of processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in 24 census metropolitan areas (CMAs) where unemployment rates exceed 6%. This measure, effective from April 4 to July 10, 2025, notably affects major cities, including Toronto (8.6%), Montreal (6.7%), and Vancouver (6.6%). The policy, part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), aims to prioritize local employment opportunities. Employers in affected regions must either raise wages to qualify for the high-wage stream or wait for the next quarterly review on July 11. …

A significant increase in applications for Canadian citizenship has emerged among Americans with Canadian ancestry, particularly following recent political developments. Immigration consultants and lawyers report a surge in inquiries from “Lost Canadians” – individuals born abroad to foreign-born Canadians – seeking to restore their family’s Canadian citizenship. The trend is notably driven by concerns over civil rights, with LGBTQ+ community members among those actively pursuing relocation options. A recent policy shift by former Immigration Minister Marc Miller has made it easier for eligible individuals to reclaim their Canadian citizenship through discretionary measures. …

Recent data reveals a significant shift in migration patterns from the United States to Canada, with non-citizen US residents now forming the largest group of newcomers. Statistics Canada reports that from 2010 to 2019, the number of US non-citizen residents relocating to Canada quadrupled from 2,100 to over 9,000 annually. This dramatic increase is attributed to Canada’s welcoming immigration policies, universal healthcare system, and straightforward paths to permanent residency. The trend suggests that Canada’s appeal as a destination for skilled immigrants continues to grow, …

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced comprehensive new pilot programs for home care workers, set to launch on March 31, 2025. The initiative introduces two distinct pathways: the Home Care Worker Immigration (Child Care) Class and the Home Care Worker Immigration (Home Support) Class. With annual intake caps of 2,610 applications per class for 2025-2026, increasing to 2,750 in subsequent years, these programs aim to streamline permanent residence pathways for caregivers while addressing Canada’s growing demand for in-home care services. …

On March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) eliminated the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously awarded for job offers in the Express Entry system. This change, announced through updated Ministerial Instructions, means candidates will no longer receive the 50 or 200 bonus points for valid job offers, even those supported by Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA). While this measure is temporary, IRCC has not specified an end date. The change does not affect those who have already received invitations to apply or have pending PR applications. …

On March 20, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated the processing times for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under various streams. Based on statistics from all processing centres, the current average LMIA processing times have increased for all streams except the Agricultural Stream and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
• Global Talent Stream – 13 business days (+6 days)
• Agricultural stream – 17 business days (-5 days)
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – …

Canada’s population growth slowed to 1.8% in 2024, with an increase of 744,324 people, marking a decline from 3.1% in 2023. This change follows Ottawa’s strategy to reduce temporary residents, with most growth driven by international migration rather than natural increase. Statistics Canada notes that over two million newcomers may depart in 2025 and 2026 due to expiring permits, reflecting tightened immigration policies amid rising unemployment. Notably, while the overall population reached approximately 41.5 million as of January 1, …

Blog

Canada tightens immigration: Over 2.35 million visa applications rejected in 2024

Trump’s immigration policies could push half a million to Canada’s borders

Winnipeg construction manager faces penalties for immigration violations

Ottawa halts low-wage LMIA processing in 24 metropolitan areas due to high unemployment

Americans with Canadian heritage seek citizenship amid political concerns

US-to-Canada migration surge: Non-citizens lead the way

Canada unveils new Home Care Worker Immigration Programs for 2025-2030

Canada removed Express Entry CRS points for job offers

ESDC updated processing times for LMIA applications

Canada’s slower population growth in 2024