Direct West Immigration Blog
16 August 2025
Canada’s Immigration Backlog: Delays Across Work, Study, and Residency Applications
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is experiencing widespread processing delays, affecting not only work permits but also study permits, visitor visas, and permanent residency applications.
24 March 2025
Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Program: A Pathway to Permanent Residence
Canada is launching a new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot Program in 2025, offering a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for qualified caregivers. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for home care workers, providing valuable opportunities for immigrants seeking stable and rewarding careers in Canada.
20 January 2025
Updated Eligibility for Family Open Work Permits in Canada: Key Changes Starting January 2025
As part of broader policy updates announced in September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is revising eligibility criteria for family open work permits (OWPs) for spouses of international students and foreign workers.
14 January 2025
Canada Revises Visitor Visa Policies: Multiple-Entry vs Single-Entry
In November 2024, Canada revised its visitor visa policies, notably affecting multiple-entry visas. Previously, multiple-entry visas were commonly issued with a validity of up to 10 years, allowing travelers to enter and exit Canada multiple times without reapplying. Under the new guidelines, immigration officers now have increased discretion to determine whether to issue single-entry or multiple-entry visas and to set their validity periods based on individual circumstances. This means that multiple-entry visas may now be issued with shorter validity periods, tailored to the specific needs and profiles of applicants.
14 January 2025
The Ongoing Impact of IRCC’s LMIA Policy Changes
The recent changes to Canada’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) policies have created significant challenges for new immigrants seeking employment through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Introduced in late 2024, these adjustments aim to prioritize Canadian workers, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and address unemployment in high-impact areas.
6 November 2024
Canada Work Permit Rule Changes – What You Need to Know
As of November 2024, Canada has implemented significant changes to its work permit regulations, making it easier for some foreign workers to enter the country while tightening restrictions for others. These adjustments are aimed at addressing the labour shortage while maintaining security and fair labour practices.
2 September 2024
Canada Tightens Work Permit Regulations: Visitors Must Apply from Home
In a significant policy shift, the Canadian government has announced that visitors to Canada can no longer apply for work permits from within the country. This change aims to streamline the immigration process, reduce overstays, and ensure that applicants meet all eligibility criteria before entering Canada.
1 August 2024
Why Enrolling in an Eligible PGWP Program is Crucial for International Students
If you’re interested in studying in Canada, one of the most significant decisions you’ll make is choosing a program that qualifies for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows you to stay and work in Canada after graduation. On the contrary, a non-eligible program will leave you with limited options after graduation. Unless you can obtain a job offer while studying, you will likely be left without a viable option to remain in Canada once you complete your program. Therefore, enrolling in an eligible program is crucial for several reasons.
28 March 2024
The Crucial Role of Hiring an RCIC in Immigration Matters
In the intricate world of immigration, navigating the legal pathways can be daunting. Whether you’re seeking to study, work, or reside in a new country, the process is often complex and filled with pitfalls. This is where Registered Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) shine, offering indispensable expertise and guidance to individuals and families embarking on their immigration journey.
25 January 2024
Navigating Canada’s Two-Year Cap on International Student Visas
Canada, renowned for its world-class education system and diverse cultural landscape, has long been a magnet for international students seeking academic excellence and a global perspective. However, a significant policy shift in recent years has stirred conversations within the international student community