A Message From Our President

With its close proximity and ease of access, the United States has long been the most popular international travel destination for Canadian residents. However, recent data from Statistics Canada shows that air travel to the U.S. dropped by 22% in June, while return trips by car declined by a striking 33% compared to the same period last year. These numbers are clearly influenced by both political and economic factors.

One positive result from this trend is that more Canadians are choosing to explore and invest in travel within their own country. From breathtaking landscapes to world-class festivals, diverse cultural experiences, and a great food scene that goes far beyond poutine and maple syrup, there’s never been a better time to discover the richness of Canada.

Canada continues to be a top destination for immigrants from around the world, and it’s encouraging to see residents at home embracing all the reasons why. Domestic travel not only strengthens our national identity, but also supports local economies and communities across the country.

As summer continues to fly by, I hope you and your families are enjoying the season in good health and good company. As always, we remain here to support you and your referrals with any current and future immigration needs.

Cari Gombinsky

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

On July 28, 2025, the Government of Canada began inviting potential sponsors to apply to sponsor their parents or grandparents. Within a two week period, 17,860 invitations will be sent to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020, with the government aiming to accept 10,000 complete applications. The deadline to submit a full application is October 9, 2025.

If you're unsure whether you've received an invitation, Solutions Immigration can help verify your status and guide you through the next steps. Because these applications are carefully scrutinized by the IRCC, it is crucial to avoid making mistakes or missing information that would jeopardize this sponsorship opportunity.

If sponsorship is not currently an option for you, Solutions can also assist with applying for Super Visas that would allow your parents or grandparents to visit Canada for extended stays. 

Canada Invests $3.2B to Support Newcomer Integration

On July 23rd, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced a $3.2 billion investment over three years to expand newcomer support services across Canada (excluding Quebec). The funding will support over 520 organizations that help immigrants connect with jobs and settle into their new communities.

Services will include:

• Help with licensing and credential recognition
• Job-related and general language training
• Support for Francophone newcomers living outside Quebec

The goal is to address labour shortages, especially in areas such as healthcare and skilled trades, by helping newcomers put their skills to use sooner. By supporting strong early integration, this initiative aims to build a more inclusive and productive economy.

“This investment is about giving newcomers the skills and opportunities they need to build their lives here and help build Canada at the same time. When newcomers thrive, our communities grow stronger, and we all move forward together.”  - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Express Entry: How Category-Based Draws Open New Doors

Canada’s Express Entry system includes category-based draws that target specific in-demand occupations such as healthcare, skilled trades, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), education, and agriculture. These draws also prioritize candidates with strong French language skills.

Category-based draws make it easier for qualified individuals in these areas to move to Canada as they will typically not need as many points as other groups to receive an Invitation to Apply. This approach helps address labour shortages more effectively and offers a faster path to permanent residence for skilled workers in critical sectors.

If your skills and/or experience align with one of these categories, it’s important to have a complete and up-to-date Express Entry profile. Solutions Immigration is here to help you create or update your profile and guide you through your Permanent Residence application.

Bill C2 and Its Impact

On June 3, 2025, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree introduced Bill C-2 - The Strong Borders Act - to Canadian parliament. If passed, this legislation would have significant impact on immigration, most noticeably relating to Refugees seeking protection in Canada

Changes proposed include:

• Claimants who entered Canada after June 24, 2020 and filed a claim more than a year after arrival would be ineligible for a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board
   
• Claimants entering by land from the United States (outside official ports of entry) would have to seek refugee protection within 14 days of arrival in Canada

These proposed changes, as well as others that would give the Government more powers in pausing or cancelling existing programs, have been met with widespread criticism by many legal experts, human rights groups, and refugee advocates. Several prominent organizations have indicated that they would challenge Bill C-2 in court if it ever became law.

Given the uncertainty about future changes, it is very important to get professional advice on any immigration matters. Now more than ever, it is critical to submit timely, complete, and thoroughly documented applications.