CIC's name has been changed to IRCC

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Rebrands as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
FEBRUARY, 2016


The Canadian federal government department that used to be called Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has been renamed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Usage of the new name began soon after the new government of Canada took office in November, 2015, but has become more apparent over the opening weeks of 2016.

IRCC facilitates the arrival of immigrants to Canada, provides protection to refugees, and offers programs to help newcomers settle in Canada. IRCC’s mandate also extends to granting citizenship, issuing travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians, and promoting multiculturalism.

While the acronym ‘CIC’ continues to be used in some cases, particularly on older webpages and program guides, it has become increasingly apparent over the first few months of the present government’s term in office that ‘IRCC’ is preferred in most official publications and communications.

To avoid any confusion, stakeholders should note that CIC and IRCC are not two separate departments. If documents or publications refer to CIC in one instance and IRCC in another, they are actually referring to the same department. IRCC is not so much a new department, but the successor to one that has existed for many years. However, the name CIC may continue to be used for some time by some stakeholders, such as Canadian provincial and territorial governments.

The addition of the word ‘refugees’ in the official name of the government department reflects the current government’s focus on humanitarian and refugee immigration to Canada. That being said, the government has made it clear that Canada will uphold an open and welcoming immigration policy for skilled immigrants and family class programs. There is no evidence to suggest that economic immigration or family reunification is less important to this government than its predecessors; indeed, the government has pledged to increase funding allocated to IRCC to improve program delivery and processing times.

In addition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a public mandate to the Minister overseeing IRCC, John McCallum, to increase the maximum age for dependents to 22, from 19, to allow more Canadians to bring their children to Canada. Minister McCallum has also been asked to look into giving additional points under the Entry Express immigration selection system to provide more opportunities for applicants who have Canadian siblings.

Read more here: www cicnews com

The importance of getting it right

‘The decision to immigrate to Canada is typically one of the top three most important decisions that an individual might make over the course of his or her life. This reality is even more heightened when one is also making the decision on behalf of accompanying family members,’ says Attorney David Cohen.

‘Not far behind the initial decision to immigrate rests another decisive decision, namely whether to go it alone, or whether to retain the services of an experienced representative to assist and provide legal counsel throughout the immigration process.

‘What is particularly noteworthy from this CBA request for a meeting with IRCC is that it raises issues about applications that have already been submitted. Oftentimes when candidates receive an Invitation to Apply through Express Entry, for example, they may think that they already have at least one foot in Canada. The reality, however, is that it is only by getting the next part — the actual application — right that applicants can reduce the risk of experiencing the kind of pitfalls that have befallen other applicants.’

Read more at http://www.cicnews.com/2016/02/canadian-bar-association-raises-client-concerns-immigration-refugees-citizenship-canada-027249.html#M8dbdsgo8ihWT4I6.99

2016 Express Entry Draw #4: 1505 Invitations, Lowest CRS Score 459

February 10th 2016 - Canadian Immigration authorities conducted the 4th round of invitations under Express Entry in 2016 and 27th overall, inviting 1505 applicants for permanent residence. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 459. It was the eighteenth successive draw under the Express Entry Systemwhere the lowest CRS score was under 500.

Express Entry is an immigration system implemented by Canadian immigration authorities ("CIC") on January 1, 2015 which manages skilled worker applications under Federal Economic programs. This includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Skilled Trades Program the Canada Experience Class and certain parts of the Provincial Nominee Program.

Stakeholders expect to see future declines in the CRS score to enable Canadian immigration authorities to meet targeted annual immigration levels. Annual immigration levels for 2016 are expected to be released by federal immigration authorities, shortly.

For more details:

http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/465874/work+visas/2016+Express+Entry+Draw+4+1505+Invitations+Lowest+CRS+Score+459

Express Entry Immigration to Canada viewed with a lot of interest in India

The Express Entry system is being viewed with a lot of interest in countries like India where a large number of skilled workers are interested in moving to Canada. More than 33,000 Indians immigrated to Canada in 2013 with more than half shifting to Canada for economic or business purposes.

Provinces like British Columbia have a large Indian population and such provinces are the preferred destinations for new immigrants. Other provinces like Vancouver are seeking to attract skilled immigrants possessing experience and knowledge in the field of technology.