MONTREAL ATTORNEY DAVID COHEN

CANADA IMMIGRATION NEWSLETTER Volume 17, No. 09, September 2013 1. Quebec Immigration Regulations Challenged in Court On August 1, 2013 new immigration regulations came into effect, which significantly changed the selection criteria under the Quebec Skilled Worker program. Not only did the changes apply to applications submitted after August 1st but also to be the vast majority of files submitted prior to that date. Tens of thousands of applicants will be affected. Many of them have waited patiently in line for a number of years and many of them will no longer qualify. To make matters worse, most of them will not be refunded their Quebec government processing fees. Read full story 2. Changes to Alberta Programs Create Greater Opportunities for Applicants On Friday, September 13th, the Province of Alberta announced a number of changes to its Provincial Nominee Program. These changes will help make immigration to the province more accessible for many prospective applicants. Read full story 3. Biometric Requirements for Certain Nationalities Now in Force The Canadian Government now requires biometric data from certain visitors, students, and temporary workers. This requirement, originally announced in the Budget plan for 2008, began its first phase on September 5th, 2013. Read full story 4. Working While Studying in Canada: Options for Students There are a number of possible options for international students to work while pursuing their programs of study in Canada. Depending on a student's situation, s/he may be eligible to work on-campus, off-campus, or as part of an internship or co-op program. Read full story