Amazon is hiring 1,800 tech workers in Canada in a move largely anticipated by experts who say Ottawa’s open-door immigration policies are luring American giants north. Venture capitalist Chris Albinson, the incoming CEO of Communitech, saw the writing on the wall in May and warned American policymakers then in an opinion piece in The Globe and Mail. “As the United States...

Canada welcomed 21,105 new permanent resident arrivals in April, the lowest total of 2021 although still the fourth-highest monthly total since COVID-19 travel restrictions were imposed. The latest federal government figures show Canada welcomed 91,580 newcomers in the first four months of the year, compared to just over 73,240 in 2020 – a solid start on its way to an...

With vaccination rates in Canada and the United States rising and cases of COVID-19 falling, there is a growing hope the border between the two countries will reopen. But the closure of the Canada-U.S. border, perhaps the longest, unprotected border in the world and one certainly shared by two countries with a very friendly relationship, has left many with questions...

For fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning from abroad could no longer be required to quarantine for 14 days from July, Canada has announced. Health Minister Patty Hajdu said Wednesday that negative COVID-19 tests would still be required. The easing of restrictions is set to begin in early July, although only if cases continue to drop and the vaccination...

Canada has opened two new pathways to permanent residency for Hong Kongers – many of whom are adversely affected by China’s anti-democracy crackdown. “With young Hong Kongers casting their eyes abroad, we want them to choose Canada,” said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino in a statement this week.  “Our Hong Kong immigration pathway is a historic initiative, intended to attract talented applicants...

Canada immigration news: Alberta immigration has issued invitations to 191 candidates in a new Express Entry draw. The June 5 Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program draw saw candidates required Comprehensive Ranking System scores as low as 300. Important requirements for the Alberta Express Entry stream are that candidates have stated an interest in immigrating permanently to the province, and are working in...

Two new draws through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program saw the province issue invitations to a total of 373 candidates. The June 8 draws featured a general draw, and a second draw targeting two NOC codes: 0621 for Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers and 0631 for Restaurant and Food Service Managers. In the general draw, the province issued 323 invitations...

A new draw through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program saw the province issue 142 Letters of Advice to Apply to skilled workers and international graduates. The June 7 draw saw LAAs issued through three MPNP streams. Skilled Workers in Manitoba received 95 LAAs, with the lowest ranked candidates scoring 375 points. International Education Stream candidates received 22 LAAs. The remaining 25 LAAs went...

Bloomberg is reporting that Canada is working on a plan to ease border restrictions for travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Quoting sources familiar with the plan, the news agency says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could make an announcement within days on a loosening of the 14-day isolation period currently required. Those entering Canada will still need a negative test...

Canada immigration news: Canadian immigration officials have announced National Hockey League play-off teams will be allowed into Canada to duke it out for the Stanley Cup despite COVID-19 restrictions. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino tweeted out over the weekend that Canada is making a special exemption for the hockey players, their coaches and trainers after what he describes as “a careful...