Stories From The Shadows

A showdown in Congress over spending cuts and the budget appears headed for a shutdown of federal government operations on October 1st, 2023, and could significantly slow down immigration processing. House Republicans appear to be barreling toward a government shutdown, unable to agree on a spending bill. The so-called Freedom Caucus in the House simply refuses to agree to any bill that doesn’t cave to their demands. Bills over which they are currently fighting cannot possibly pass the Senate. Government funding ends on September 30. All But Essential To Be Furloughed If the government agencies close for budgetary reasons, all but "essential" personnel are furloughed and are not allowed to work. The following is an overview of how immigration-related agencies could likely operate during this shutdown. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a fee-funded agency so if the government shuts down, it is generally business as usual...

The federal government is inviting thousands of Canadians to apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents starting Oct. 10 — but many say its recent approach is leaving qualified Canadians behind, and could be making the immigration department vulnerable to ineligible applications. Under the parents and grandparents program (PGP), the department only invites people to apply if they've formally submitted an interest in entering their names into the lottery system. The problem for many, is the immigration department has not accepted new interest-to-sponsor (ITS) forms since 2020. Usually, there's an opportunity to do that each year. "It is good for those who were lucky enough to get their names into the hats, basically in 2020," said Jatin Shory, a refugee and immigration lawyer in Calgary. "But our biggest issue definitely, definitely, definitely comes for those who would qualify now if a brand new intake cycle opened up, but who are now just being left behind....

Australia is taking in more than 1,500 people a day as immigration surges and the birth rate plunges during a housing affordability and cost of living crisis. A record 454,400 migrants moved to Australia in the year to March, on a net basis, taking the population to 26.5million. The influx of international students and skilled migrants meant Australia took in more foreigners than it did in 2008 during the mining boom. Overseas immigration made up 80.7 per cent of Australia's population growth, with the total of 563,200 new arrivals including the nation's net birth rate of 108,800. That equated to 1,543 new people a day in a nation already struggling with a rental crisis, unaffordable houses and high inflation. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that before departures were factored in, 681,000 migrants arrived over the year, marking a 103 per cent increase in the permanent and long-term overseas intake. The number of people moving overseas permanently rose by 8.8 pe...

Employers hired almost 65,000 more workers in August, many more than expected, improving the prospects that the economy will avoid a hard landing but also raising the possibility the Reserve Bank may hike interest rates again. The unemployment rate last month was 3.7%, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday. Economists had forecast the economy would add 25,000 jobs in August, which would have left the jobless rate at July’s reported level of 3.7%. Of the 64,900 extra jobs recorded in August, all but 2,800 of them were part-time roles. Hours worked fell 0.5% but remained 3.7% higher than a year earlier. Those looking for work increased 0.1 percentage point from a revised 66.9% in July, a lift that contributed to the jobless rate remaining unchanged despite the jump in jobs. “The participation rate also increased, up to a record high of 67% in August, which, together with the high employment-to-population ratio [of 64.5%], continues to reflect a tight labour market,” Bjorn ...

Indians aspiring to study in Australia need to show at least $24,505 in their savings bank account while applying for an Australia student visa, reported the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australia. This change is to make sure students arriving have enough funds, SBS reported. The 17 percent increase is also being implemented to ensure that students arriving in Australia don’t seek jobs immediately after joining a programme. As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1,31,640 international students arrived in Australia in July 2023. This, as per their data, is an increase of 60,420 from 2022 figures. Australian visa rules change Clare O’Neil, the minister for home affairs, Australia had reportedly said that the recent announcement of a hike in student visas is to ensure students do not join the workforce. In February this year, the Australian government changed rules for student visa holders capping the students' working hours to 48 hours per fortnight, which was a...

If you are living in Islamabad or nearby and looking for an immigration consultant to guide you through the intricate process of Australian immigration, you've come to the right place. The journey to becoming an Australian resident can be a complex and challenging one, but it doesn't have to be a solo expedition. In this article, we will explore the advantages of enlisting the services of an Australian immigration consultant in Islamabad , and how these experts can make your immigration dreams a reality. Why Choose an Australian Immigration Consultant? The path to Australian immigration is rife with legalities, paperwork, and a multitude of visa options. Navigating this labyrinthine process can be overwhelming, but with an experienced immigration consultant by your side, the journey becomes significantly smoother. Here's why you should consider seeking professional assistance: 1.       Expertise and In-Depth Knowledge: Australian immigration laws and reg...

According to a recent jobs report from Statistics Canada for the month of August 2023, the unemployment rate in Ontario has risen to 5.9% from 5.6%. So the unemployment rate is now up by 1% from 4.9% in the month of April 2023 and is currently above the national average of 5.5%. Employment in Ontario during the month of August 2023 was 7,940,000, which declined slightly (-0.1%) from 7,949,300 in July 2023. As per Statistics Canada, the increase in Ontario’s unemployment rate is due to an increase in the size of the working-age population (15 and older) by 45,000 with little change in employment. Geography Unemployment Rate August 2023 Monthly Change Canada 5.5% No Change Ontario 5.9% ⬆️ 0.3% Alberta 5.7% ⬇️ 0.4% British Columbia 5.2% ⬇️ 0.2% Manitoba 5.7% ⬆️ 0.8% Saskatchewan 5.4% ⬆️ 0.3% Quebec 4.3% ⬇️ 0.2% Prince Edward Island 7.6% ⬇️ 0.5% New Brunswick 7.7% ⬆️ 1.5% Newfoundland and Labrador 8.9% ⬆️ 0.2% Unemployment rate also increased in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and N...

Immigration to Canada under the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) will re-open in October, but will continue to be limited to the families of those sponsors who have already submitted interest to sponsor forms. “Due to the number of forms remaining in the pool of submissions from 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send invitations to apply to randomly selected potential sponsors from that pool instead of opening a new interest to sponsor form,” notes Canadian immigration on its website. “This is the same approach taken for the 2021 and 2022 intakes. Anyone who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, but did not receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) in 2021 or 2022, is encouraged to check the email account they provided in 2020 when they submitted their interest to sponsor form.” The IRCC will begin sending invitations to apply to 24,200 interested potential sponsors over a two-week period starting Oct. 10 with the goal of receiving up to 15,000 complete appl...

The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Australian Government endorsed events (COVID‑19 Pandemic Event) is closing. From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be available to people who already hold a Pandemic Event visa. These visa holders may be eligible for a subsequent visa until we close this visa to all applications on 1 February 2024. All other visa holders will be ineligible for the Pandemic Event visa from 2 September 2023. Extending the time before full closure will give employers time to find new workers. It will also allow visa holders an opportunity to consider their options. They may wish to apply for other visas if eligible or make arrangements to depart before their current visa expires. The Australian Government introduced the Pandemic Event visa in April 2020 to enable temporary visa holders to remain in Australia lawfully while the border was closed. It also addressed labour shortages in critical sectors in the local economy. Now that Australia’s bor...

The United Kingdom, with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. If you're planning to visit the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or for any other short-term purpose, you will likely need a UK Visit Visa. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into all aspects of obtaining and utilizing a UK Visit Visa. What is a UK Visit Visa? A UK Visit Visa , also known as a Standard Visitor Visa, is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United Kingdom for a limited period, typically up to six months. This visa is designed for individuals who wish to visit the UK for leisure, business, medical treatment, or to see family and friends. Types of UK Visit Visas 1. Tourist Visit Visa The most common type of UK Visit Visa , the Tourist Visit Visa, is for individuals who intend to explore the UK's attractions, including its historic sites, muse...

The best banks for international students in Canada can accommodate your savings, day-to-day banking, and financing needs. As an international student, opening a bank account is one of the most important steps you can take to get settled in your new country of residence. In Canada, there were over 800,000 international students with active study permits at the end of 2022, many of whom had to find a bank account that suited their needs. Here are our top picks for both financial institutions and accounts that are geared toward foreign students: Best banks for International Students in Canada CHEQUING ACCOUNT INTRO OFFER PRODUCTS WAYS TO BANK BMO $100 cash bonus BMO International Student GIC Program Chequing accounts with Student Special Discount Program: BMO Performance Plan BMO Premium Plan Credit cards: BMO CashBack Mastercard BMO AIR MILES Mastercard Online, ATM, phone and branch banking. CIBC $125 cash bonus CIBC International Student GIC Program Chequing accounts with CIBC Smart pl...