News

On June 21, 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, effective immediately. This measure will help reduce what is known as “flagpoling.” Flagpoling occurs when temporary residents of Canada bypass the normal wait times involved in applying for a work or study permit online by leaving the country and then immediately re-entering to receive same-day immigration services.

Flagpoling uses significant resources at the border, causing delays for travellers and slowing down the movement of goods. The Government of Canada is taking measures to encourage applicants to apply in Canada rather than flagpole as they continue to improve processing times and increase fairness amongst applicants, without compromising the integrity of the immigration system.

Please click on the link below for full access to the news article: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/06/canada-improves-fairness-for-applicants-by-ending-post-graduation-work-permit-flagpoling.html

On June 3, 2024, the Government of Canada and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) began mediated negotiations with the goal of reaching an agreement on a renewed collective agreement for the Border Services Group. On June 11, 2024, PSAC and the federal government have come to a tentative agreement, avoiding any strike action or work to rule action by Canada Border Services Agency officers.

Although the Border Services Group was at a legal strike position should negotiations fail, 90% of front-line Border Services Officers occupy essential service positions and must continue to provide uninterrupted border services to protect the safety and security of the public.

If a strike were to take place, significant delays would have occurred and flagpoling for work, study or temporary permits would very likely be refused at all land ports of entry.

Please click on the links below for full access to the news articles:

https://psacunion.ca/tentative-agreement-reached-more-9000-workers

https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2024/06/government-responds-to-psac-announcement-of-possible-strike-action-at-our-borders-starting-friday.html

Government of Canada introduces legislation for citizenship by descent

On May 23, 2024, The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced legislation that would extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation in a way that is inclusive and protects the value of Canadian citizenship.

This legislation would automatically confer Canadian citizenship to persons born abroad to a Canadian parent who is also born abroad prior to the coming into force of this legislation. It would also extend access to a direct grant of citizenship to children born abroad and adopted by a Canadian parent beyond the first generation.

Please click on the link below for the full news release:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/05/government-of-canada-introduces-legislation-for-citizenship-by-descent.html

As of February 29, 2024, Immigration Canada has advised that Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (aka visitor visa).

The application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change.

Please click on the link below for the full news release:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/02/updated-travel-information-for-mexican-citizens-coming-to-canada.html

As the holiday season approaches, travel to/from Canada is expected. The University of Waterloo will be closed for the holiday season between December 23, 2023 to January 1, 2024, inclusive.

As the current crisis moves into its sixth month, the Canada-US land borders continue to remain closed to non-essential and discretionary travel.

As the holiday season has arrived, travel to/from Canada is expected. The University of Waterloo will be closed for the holiday season between December 22nd, 2018 to January 1, 2019, inclusive.

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