Canada’s Proposed Mass Visa Cancellation Powers: What Immigration Applicants Need to Know
The federal government of Canada is reportedly seeking sweeping new powers to cancel groups of temporary visas across entire countries or applicant classes – a move that could significantly affect applicants from nations such as India and Bangladesh. (See the CBC’s original reporting on this topic.) 🔍 What’s being proposed According to internal government documents […]
Spotlight on CILA’s Inaugural Conference and the Francophone Immigration Debate
At the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) inaugural conference on October 28, 2025, I had the privilege of engaging in a compelling discussion about the direction of our immigration system – particularly the way French-speaking applicants are being selected through the Express Entry model. During one of the sessions, my colleague Mark Holthe noted that […]
Why Employer-Sponsored Work Permits and Foreign-Trained Credential Recognition Are Under Intense Scrutiny – And What Employers Must Know
The Problem: Workers, Skills and Oversight Canada continues to rely on employer-sponsored work permits – particularly through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and related streams – to fill labour-market gaps when Canadian citizens or permanent residents are unavailable. At the same time, international professionals increasingly arrive with credentials earned abroad and require recognition to […]
Canada’s New Immigration Plan: How Ottawa Aims to Attract Global Talent
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada’s next federal budget, set for November 4, 2025, will include a major new immigration plan focused on attracting high-skilled global talent. This new “Talent Strategy” comes at a time when Canada faces worker shortages in key industries – and growing competition from other countries. The goal is to […]
Canada’s Top Universities for 2026: A Guide for International Students
The global rankings for Canadian universities are in – and if you’re thinking of studying in Canada, this is good news. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 ranking, several Canadian schools rank high worldwide. Additionally, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2026 ranking shows shifts in which institutions lead nationally. This blog breaks down what […]
How to Choose the Right Immigration Pathway in 2025: PR vs Study vs Work
With so many immigration programs and frequent government changes, deciding the best way to come to Canada can feel overwhelming. Should you apply for permanent residence (PR), come as a student, or start on a work permit? Each pathway has its own benefits, challenges, and timelines – and the right choice depends on your goals. […]
How to Travel Smoothly Over Thanksgiving Weekend: Tips from CBSA & Beyond
Thanksgiving weekend is a popular time for travel, whether you’re visiting family, crossing the border, or taking a short getaway. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) warns that border crossings tend to be especially busy during long weekends, which can lead to delays and stress. If you’re planning to travel this Thanksgiving, here are practical […]
Canada’s Population Growth Slows Sharply in 2025 – What It Means for Immigration
Canada added just 47,098 people between April 1 and July 1, 2025 – a growth rate of 0.1% – marking the slowest second-quarter increase (excluding 2020) on record. This slowdown is driven largely by declines in non-permanent residents, highlighting how strongly recent population growth has depended on temporary migration. Aging Trends & Demographic Shifts On […]
CILA: Celebrating Advocacy, Community, and the Right to Counsel
The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) has quickly grown from an idea – first shared in an email among colleagues – into a national organization representing immigration lawyers committed to justice, fairness, and strong advocacy. Founded by a group of lawyers, including our own Ravi Jain (who sent that first email initiating the group), CILA […]
The $100,000 H-1B Visa: Why Canada Should See Opportunity, Not Threat
On September 22, 2025, the United States implemented a dramatic policy shift: a US$100,000 processing fee for H-1B visas. For decades, the H-1B program has been a cornerstone of the American labour market, allowing companies to hire skilled professionals – particularly in technology, healthcare, and finance. Now, however, this steep cost threatens to reshape the […]