Bengaluru
IRCC launches survey for newcomers
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is inviting newcomers to participate in an anonymous online survey regarding their resettlement and integration experiences in Canada. Scheduled to start on December 16, 2024, this survey aims to evaluate the effectiveness of settlement services and identify areas for improvement. Open to permanent residents from 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 who are at least 18 years old, the survey will take about 20 minutes and is available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, and others. Participation is voluntary, and responses will remain confidential, ensuring no impact on future IRCC applications. The deadline for completion is January 26, 2025.
#IRCC, #newcomers, #Canada, #settlement_survey #integration_support
Nova Scotia recognized as a top travel destination for 2025
Nova Scotia has been named one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025, highlighted for its stunning coastal attractions and improved air travel accessibility. The province is featured in the “For Moments on the Water” category, along with the Yukon, which appears under “For Nature Lovers,” making them the only two Canadian regions on the list. In 2023, the provincial government invested over $4 million to enhance tourism through marketing and product development, contributing to impressive visitor numbers—over one million from January to July 2024 and 2.2 million in 2023. Nova Scotia continues to position itself as a premier travel destination.
#NovaScotia, #travel2025, #top_destinations, #tourism, #travelandleisure
New rules for international students transferring schools in Canada for Winter/Spring 2025
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new provisions for international students planning to transfer schools for the winter or spring 2025 semesters, allowing them to start studying at their new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before receiving a new study permit, provided they meet specific criteria. To qualify, students must have secured acceptance at the new DLI for the relevant semester, have applied for a new study permit through a permit extension application, hold a valid study permit that does not list the new DLI, and continue to adhere to all current study permit conditions. This change marks a departure from previous regulations requiring students to obtain a new study permit approval before changing DLIs, as students can no longer transfer institutions through their online accounts without first applying to extend their current permits. Different requirements will apply for those transferring after the winter/spring semester.
#international_students, #Canada_education, #study_permit, #IRCC, #student_visa, #DLI, #Canada_immigration, #studyinCanada
Marc Miller considers asylum system changes
Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller is contemplating adjustments to Canada’s asylum system to counteract individuals potentially exploiting the Safe Third Country Agreement, which allows Canada and the United States to reject asylum seekers who cross unofficial borders within 14 days. Previously, this agreement only applied to official entry points, and advocates argue that the revised rules have compelled many to resort to dangerous methods, including employing human smugglers and remaining hidden until they can legally claim asylum. While Miller believes the agreement is functioning effectively, he acknowledges the need for reform to address its exploitation. He states that options are being explored and that changes will emerge in the coming weeks. He confirmed that measures concerning the 14-day rule are also under consideration. Meanwhile, the Bloc Québécois has called for this provision to be eliminated, and immigration lawyer Maureen Silcoff emphasizes the rule’s significance in encouraging individuals to present themselves to immigration authorities.
#Canada_immigration, #asylum_system, #safe_third_country_agreement, #refugee_advocacy, #immigration_reform, #Marc_Miller, #border_crossing