Blue Bird Blog
Ontario caps rent increases below the rate of inflation
On June 29, the Government of Ontario announced it would cap rent increases for 2023 at 2.5%.
Each year, Ontario releases a rent increase guideline that landlords can then use to raise the cost of tenants’ rent by a specific percentage to align with the cost of living. The province typically uses Ontario’s Consumer Price Index as a baseline for inflation. However, the recent high rate means that by this standard, landlords would have been able to raise rents by 5.3% for the year, which is not sustainable for most tenants.
Canada family sponsorship: Open Work Permits now also available for outland applications
Family reunification is a core pillar in Canada’s immigration strategy and a new measure by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to make it possible for more families to be together. Spouses, partners, and dependents of permanent residents, Canadian citizens, temporary workers, and students already in Canada may now be eligible for an Open Work Permit.
British Columbia, Manitoba and New Brunswick invite candidates in latest PNP draw results
Three of Canada’s provinces have nominated candidates through streams of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
A candidate that receives nomination by a province becomes much more likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is because the federal and provincial governments share responsibility for immigration in Canada and being nominated by a province means you are considered a good fit for the provincial labour force.
Ukrainians in Canada will be able to apply for permanent residence beginning in October
On Saturday, the Canadian government announced that it will introduce a new pathway this October to enable Ukrainians in Canada to apply for permanent residence.
Effective October 23, 2023, the new pathway will be available to Ukrainians in Canada with temporary resident status and who have at least one family member in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says that more details will be available leading up to the launch of the program in October.
Canada to launch Open Work Permit stream for U.S. H-1B visa holders today
As of today, those who hold a United States H-1B specialty occupation visa may be eligible to apply to work and live in Canada.
Note: This is a developing story. CIC News will update it as the Canadian government releases more information.
The measure was announced by Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, on June 27 and aims to improve labour mobility in North America. It may impact thousands of workers in high-tech industries in both Canada and the United States, as well as their immediate family members.
