Blue Bird Blog

The role of the Bank of Canada and how it impacts newcomers

The Bank of Canada (BoC) has raised interest rates to their highest level since 2001.
The overnight lending rate is now 4.75%, which is 25 basis points higher than it was at the previous increase in January this year. The BoC started raising rates in July 2022 when it went from 1.5 % to 2.5%. This means that over one year, the rate has increased by 3.25 percentage points. The current rate hike comes as something of a surprise to many as BoC Governor Tiff Macklem had said previously that the BoC would try to avoid further increases.

Le Canada élargit la portée du programme Mobilité francophone afin d’accroître l’immigration francophone

Le 15 juin 2023, Ottawa – L’immigration francophone est au cœur des priorités du gouvernement du Canada. Le pays a toujours agi en tant que précurseur dans ses initiatives pour accueillir le plus grand nombre possible de personnes immigrantes d’expression française, et ce, en instaurant des initiatives novatrices afin de favoriser la contribution des nouveaux arrivants au sein des communautés en situation minoritaire et ainsi maintenir le tissu social de notre pays. 

Canada expands the Francophone Mobility Program to increase Francophone immigration

June 15, 2023, Ottawa – Francophone immigration is at the heart of the Government of Canada's priorities. The country has always been a forerunner in its initiatives to welcome as many French-speaking nationals as possible, by implementing innovative initiatives to foster the contribution of newcomers to minority communities and thus maintain the social fabric of our country.

10 key facts international students should know about Canada’s Post Graduation Work Permit

As many university and college programs come to an end, international students may be considering post-graduation options, which can include applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This article will provide crucial insights into the PGWP application process to help you understand the intricacies of the program and the associated rules and policies.

Express Entry category-based draws: Which categories have the most job vacancies?

On May 31, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced which categories will be targeted in the category-based Express Entry draws that are expected to begin this summer.
The category-based draws will happen along with the general draws and the program-specific draws. In general draws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. In program-specific draws, invitations are limited to the highest-ranking candidates by program.