Bengaluru
Manitoba announces conclusion of special immigration measures for Ukrainians
On April 2, 2024, the Government of Manitoba announced the conclusion of several immigration-related measures, coinciding with the end of the federal Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program on March 31, 2024. Beginning April 30, 2024, the Government of Manitoba will bring several special measures to a close. Firstly, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Ukraine Special Measures Expression of Interest (EOI) draws will cease, marking the end of targeted efforts towards Ukrainian nationals. However, Ukrainian individuals who meet MPNP eligibility criteria can still submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) applications and participate in regular EOI draws. Additionally, individuals who were issued Letters of Advice to Apply (LAA) before May 1, 2024, will retain eligibility for MPNP application fee refunds upon the successful submission of their complete application. Lastly, immigration information appointments at the Reception Centre will no longer be available following the specified date, signalling a conclusion to this service.
#Manitoba, #MPNP, #Ukraine, #Ukrainian_nationals, #CUAET, #Ukrainian_newcomers
AAIP updated Fee Schedule effective April 1, 2024
Effective April 1, 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has revised its fee structure for applications, Expressions of Interest (EOIs), and various requests. This updated Fee Schedule replaces all prior fee schedules related to the AAIP. For applications under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, or Rural Renewal Stream, the fee stands at $840. Applications for streams such as the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Rural Entrepreneur Stream, or Farm Stream will now incur a fee of $3,500. In addition, EOIs for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, or Rural Entrepreneur Stream will now cost $200. Furthermore, the AAIP has introduced fees for various types of requests. These include a $150 charge for requesting an extension of nomination. Similarly, individuals seeking a Letter of Support (either 204(c) or 205(a)) from the AAIP to apply for a work permit will be subject to a $150 fee per request. The applicable fees are $250 and $150, respectively, for those wishing to lodge a Request for Reconsideration or make changes to a Business Performance Agreement.
#Alberta, #AAIP, #Fee_Schedule, #updates
IRCC announced permanent residence fee increases
Effective 9:00:00 AM Eastern time on April 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will increase certain permanent residence (PR) fees applicable until March 2026. This adjustment aligns with Canada’s Immigrant and Refugee Protection Regulations, tied to the Consumer Price Index. IRCC exempts certain applicants, including sponsored children and those under humanitarian and compassionate considerations, from paying the Right of Permanent Residence (RPR) Fee. Additionally, permit holder class applicants cannot include accompanying family members in their PR applications; each individual must apply as a principal applicant.
#IRCC, #PR, #Fee, #updates, RPR
More CUAET applicants arrived in Canada
On April 2, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the number of Ukrainian newcomers arriving in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). According to the latest update, IRCC received 1,189,320 applications under the CUAET. IRCC has approved 961,975 applications from Ukrainian nationals. July 15, 2023, was the last day to apply for a visitor visa outside Canada under the CUAET measures. From March 17, 2022, to March 23, 2024, 286,752 Ukrainians arrived in Canada under the CUAET program.
#Ukrainian_immigrants, #Ukrainian_refugees, #refugees, #CUAET, #Ukraine, #IRCC
New Brunswick announced an increase in the minimum wage
On April 2, 2024, the New Brunswick Government increased the minimum wage to $15.30 per hour. The current minimum wage in the province is $14.75 per hour. The provincial government ties the minimum wage to the consumer price index to protect low-wage earners from inflation and provide business predictability. The minimum wage has risen by 36% since 2019. New Brunswick’s median wage growth in 2023 was 6.8%, higher than the national average. The increase is expected to benefit minimum-wage workers in the province and reduce income inequality.
#New_Brunswick, #minimum_wages