A Message from our President

With 2021 coming to an end, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead. While the coronavirus pandemic continues to present many challenges within Canada and around the world, there are reasons to be optimistic. 

Recently appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Sean Fraser, indicated that we are on track to meet our goal of welcoming 401,000 new immigrants to Canada in 2021, with a record-setting 46,315 people obtaining permanent resident status in October 2021. Equally exciting, he reaffirmed Canada's commitment to ambitious immigration levels in the coming years, with a target of 411,000 in 2022 and an additional 421,000 in 2023. The new Minister has also acknowledged the ongoing challenges stemming from the pandemic, including a significantly increased backlog of temporary and permanent resident applications, and the importance of streamlining the system and digitalizing the application process.

I am honoured by the trust placed in Solutions by our valued clients. Our entire team remains committed to helping individuals and families navigate the complex immigration system and achieve their dream of starting their new life in Canada. 

On behalf of the Solutions team, I wish you all the very best as we approach the holiday season. I hope that 2022 brings you and your loved ones much success, health and happiness.

Cari Gombinsky

Government of Canada announces new travel and border measures

The following measures became effective on November 30, 2021:*

*The information below is subject to change as travel restrictions and requirements can change on a day to day basis.

- Individuals 12 and over travelling within Canada are required to show proof of full vaccination to board a ship (voyages over 24 hours), train or airplane. A negative Covid-19 test will no longer be accepted as an alternative. This new policy does not apply to road vehicles or to individuals exempted from vaccination for medical reasons.

- Fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals registered under the Indian Act departing Canada by air or land for less than 72 hours will not have to present a pre-entry molecular test prior to re-entering. This exemption extends to accompanying children under 12. Travellers outside the country for more than 72 hours still require a pre-entry molecular test. Antigen/Rapid Tests do not qualify for entry.

- The following vaccines were added to the list of COVID-19 vaccines that can be taken to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada: Sinopharm, Sinovac, and COVAXIN. 

In addition to the above, the federal government is prohibiting entry into Canada of all foreign nationals who have travelled to the following countries within the previous 14 days: South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Egypt, Malawi and Nigeria. This precautionary measure will remain in place until January 31, 2022. Any Canadian citizen, permanent resident or individual with status uner the Indian Act who has been in any of these countries in the previous 14 days will be required to adhere to enhanced testing, screening and quarantine measures.  

Expiry of Exemptions from Entry Requirements

Effective January 15, 2022, certain groups of travellers will no longer be exempt from entry requirements. As of that date, individuals in the following groups will only be allowed to enter Canada if fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine:

• Individuals travelling to reunite with family (unvaccinated children under 18 years of age will retain exemption if travelling to reunite with an immediate or extended family member who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act);
• International students who are 18 years old and older; 
• Professional and amateur athletes;
• Individuals with a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers (outside of those in agriculture and food processing); and
• Essential service providers, including truck drivers

 Post-Graduate Work Permits - Extension of Online Study Eligibility

In response to the pandemic, international students were allowed to study up to 100% online and obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) once they completed their program. Online eligibility was introduced in 2020 and was set to expire on December 31, 2021. However, the Canadian government has announced that this rule will be extended to include online study time from March 2020 until August 31, 2022.  

 Opening of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants

On November 23, 2021, the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) officially became the professional regulator of immigration and citizenship consultants across Canada. All paid consultants must be licensed by the CICC to represent clients and work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Business Immigration Opportunities

Starting  or buying an existing business?

If you or someone you know would like to come to Canada with the goal of obtaining Permanent Residence, business immigration programs might be an exciting option for qualified candidates. 

Government Business Programs Include:

• Self Employed
• Start-Up Visa
• Provincial Entrepreneurial Programs
• Significant Benefit Work Permits
• Intra-Company Transfers
• Treaty Investors

If you have business ownership or management experience and are interested in coming to Canada to open or purchase a business, please contact our office for a consultation to determine the program that would best suit you.