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UPDATE: The immigration measures for Sudanese temporary residents in Canada have been extended until October 27, 2024 and this article has been updated to reflect the change.

On April 24, 2023, IRCC announced new immigration measures to support Sudanese temporary residents who are currently in Canada and may be unable to return home due to the rapidly deteriorating situation in their country.   

The current temporary measures came into effect on April 30, 2023, and have been extended until October 27, 2024. 

On September 8, 2023, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco causing widespread destruction. Thousands have died or have been left homeless. Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced temporary special measures to support nationals of Morocco in Canada. These special measures started on October 19, 2023 and will end on March 12, 2024. 

UPDATE: The special measures have been extended until January 3, 2024 and the article below has been updated to reflect this new information.

On February 6, 2023, Türkiye and Syria suffered devastating earthquakes that killed thousands and damaged vital infrastructure. Canada offered humanitarian assistance to the survivors, who faced freezing temperatures and more tremors that hampered rescue efforts.

Starting July 31, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require multi-factor authentication for users logging into their accounts through GCKey.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced a new temporary public policy which allows eligible foreign workers to study without a study permit.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is facilitating an open work permit extension for eligible workers who can opt-in to extend their work permit.

On June 6, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that 13 additional countries would be added to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. After applying for and being approved for an eTA, it is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).

If you've ever applied for a study permit or work permit before, you know how difficult it can be to get updates on your application’s progress! This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new application status tracking system that provides more frequent and detailed updates on your application’s progress. 

Are you seeking support as an International Student? Cyntia Brătan is here to help!  

The Student Success Office (SSO) at the University of Waterloo hosts the International Student Experience (ISE) team. In January 2023, ISE introduced a brand-new role to enhance the international undergraduate and graduate student experience: the International Student Support Specialist.

Updated May 1, 2023

On April 19, 2023, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), a group that represents 159,000 public servants, declared a general strike. As of May 1, 2023, it was announced that the strike has been resolved for the majority of workers. However, many government services accessed by international students will continue to be impacted.