Canada Immigration Update

Canada Resumption of Biometrics Collection for Temporary Residence Applicants

On February 23, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the resumption of biometrics collections for applicants applying for Temporary Resident status in Canada. This change impacts applicants for study permits, work permits, Temporary Resident permits, Visitor visas and applications to extend temporary status (student, worker or visitor) and to restore temporary status in Canada. 

IRCC Approves a new English language test for Canadian Immigration 

As of February 1, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced that a third option for English language testing, will be able to be used to confirm language skills. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) will be acceptable along with the IELTS and CELPIP as credibly approved English language tests for Canadian immigration applications.  A launch date as to when this testing criterion will be acceptable has yet to be announced by IRCC; but is expected in late 2023.

To Read More: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/standard-requirements/language-requirements/designated-testing-agencies.html

IRCC Introduces New Status Tracker for Express Entry and PNP Nominees
 

On February 8, 2023, IRCC announced the implementation of a new online status tracker for Express Entry Candidates (Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class) and the Provincial Nominee Program.

The tracker is intended to give greater visibility into the processing of PR applications to applicants, and is part of an overall modernization of IRCC systems and processes. 

 

To Read more: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/ircc-expands-digital-tools.html

Newly Redesigned Green cards and Employment Authorization Documents

On January 30, 2023, USCIS announced the new and improved design of the Permanent Resident Card, also called the "Green Card," along with Employment Authorization Documents "EAD's". The goal of these changes is to limit the threat of document tampering, counterfeiting and fraud.  
 

Physical changes include improved detailed artwork, tactile printing, enhanced optically variable ink, secured holographic images on the front and back of the cards, a layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box and data fields displayed in different places than on previous versions.

USCIS emphasized that individuals still currently holding the previous model of the cards can still use them until their validity period 

To read more: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-redesigns-green-card-and-employment-authorization-document

USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act Age Calculation for Adjustment of Status Applicants. 
 

On February 14, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made policy changes to when an immigrant visa number is available to calculate a noncitizen's age under the Child Status Protection Act.
 

In order to gain lawful permanent resident status, based on their parent's approved petition, the child must be under 21. If a child turns 22 during the processing, they may not be eligible to accompany their parents based on the petition.

Under the new policy USICS will now accept the Dates for Filing Chart to instead calculate the age of noncitizens, providing them with more transparency surrounding their eligibility to adjust their status, thus keeping them in good standing and eligible to apply for employment and travel authorization based on their pending application.

Applicants with previously denied applications may want to considering action to re-open a previously denied adjustment of status. 

To read more: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-child-status-protection-act-cspa-age-calculation-for-certain-adjustment-of-status