E-newsletter - Past Editions
Fall 2010
CIC's e-newsletter: A new way to stay informed!
We are pleased to present the first edition of our new e-newsletter. This is an easy way to stay informed about recent developments and current issues at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Subscribe and we’ll send you four e-newsletters per year.
Subscribe or read current edition.
Preventing Human Smuggling
The Government recently introduced legislation aimed at preventing human smugglers from abusing Canada’s immigration system. The legislation and related measures would make it easier to prosecute human smugglers and impose mandatory minimum sentences on those convicted.
Those who choose to come to Canada in this fashion would face mandatory detention for up to a year to allow for the determination of identity, admissibility and any illegal activity. They would also be prevented from applying for permanent residence for five years.
These changes are in addition to legislation passed in June to reform Canada’s refugee system. We are currently working to implement changes which will help speed up the process for those who seek asylum in Canada. These efforts aim to allow legitimate refugees to get the protection they merit and start their lives in this country – and others can be deported more quickly. We expect to have changes implemented within 12 to 18 months.
Have your say – Marriage Fraud in the Immigration System
Citizenship and Immigration Canada is gearing up to tackle the issue of marriage fraud. We are looking at options on how we can prevent this type of fraud and deal with those who enter into a sham marriage as a way to gain entry into Canada. Learn more about the issue, and tell us what you think. Online consultations are now underway, and can be found on our website.
Take the online consultation questionnaire
Changes to Proof of Language Requirements
Under recently issued Ministerial Instructions, Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker and the Canadian Experience Class applicants are required to include the results of a designated English or French language test at the time of their application. This does not change current language requirements for either program.
An independent language test is the fairest, most transparent, objective, consistent and accurate way to evaluate an applicant’s language skills.
Follow us on Twitter for Federal Skilled Worker Application Updates
As of June 26, 2010, a maximum of 20,000 completed applications will be considered for processing each year under the Federal Skilled Worked program. Within this cap, a maximum of 1,000 applications for each of the 29 eligible occupations will be considered for processing. As applications are received by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, they are checked for completeness. Only applications that pass the completeness check are counted toward the overall cap. These limits do not apply to applications with an offer of arranged employment.
In the coming weeks, we will be posting regular tweets with the tally of completed applications received. The updated numbers will also be available on our web site.
Follow us on Twitter or find out more about the Federal Skilled Worker program
Twelve Outstanding Canadians Receive Citizenship Award
During this year’s Citizenship Week (October 18 to 24), we had the honour of presenting twelve outstanding Canadians with Canada’s Citizenship Award. The Award thanks Canadians who volunteer their time to help newcomers adjust to life in Canada and who promote the values of Canadian citizenship.
2010 Canadian Citizenship Award recipients
Citizenship and Immigration Data
Four times per year, we post detailed citizenship and immigration statistics. The data includes our most recent figures on the number of new citizens, the number of permanent and temporary entrants to Canada, visas issued and more. From January to June, 2010, Canada welcomed a total of 138,530 permanent residents. Based on preliminary figures, it is quite likely that we will be landing the largest number of new permanent residents in more than 50 years.
View the most recent statistics
We also recently released Facts and Figures 2009: Immigration Overview – Permanent and Temporary Residents, a compilation of immigration statistics from 1985 to 2009.
Take the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge – Win a trip to Halifax!
Are you between the ages of 9 and 18? Send us your best writing or artwork that tells the story of how people from diverse backgrounds have contributed to Canada. Named after the navigator and interpreter believed to be the first person of African descent to set foot on Canadian soil, the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge celebrates Canada’s diversity and the wide array of our country’s ethnic backgrounds.
Winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia to attend the Canada Winter Games in February 2011. All entries must be sent by Friday, December 10, 2010.
Atom Egoyan: Directing his own future
Born in Cairo, Egypt to Armenian parents, Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan makes no attempt to camouflage his roots.
For this critically-acclaimed director, it is his own personal story as an immigrant that shaped his award-winning career.
Modernizing Temporary Resident Visa application forms
On October 14, 2010, we launched a new electronic form for Temporary Resident Visa applications. The form can now be completed on the computer and saved. A unique two-dimension bar code is generated for each electronic application form submitted. This bar code contains the data provided by the applicant, and can be quickly scanned by Canadian visa offices that process applications. These changes are intended to make the application process faster and easier and reduce errors. Other Citizen and Immigration forms will be updated with these features in the months and years ahead.
Temporary Resident Visa application forms and instruction guide
News releases
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