In this interview, Pace Immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk takes a look at what happened in immigration in 2016.

Gerry WeinerGerry Weiner – Pace Law Firm: Quebec has long been in control of its own immigration objectives, separate from those of the federal government. That remains true to this day. The result is that Canada still has an immigrant investor program, but it is centred in Quebec (a hodgepodge of provincial nomination programs targeting entrepreneurs also exists, but they are not straightforward ‘investor immigration’ programs in the classic sense).

Gerry WeinerHon. Gerry Weiner – Pace Immigration: Several years ago, my colleagues and I at Pace Law Firm developed ideas on how we could energize an investor immigration plan in Canada using an infrastructure program. That is, rebuilding Canadian infrastructure with new immigrant investor money. We have blogged about this numerous times.

Jim Metcalfe – Pace Immigration: To avoid being used by immigration scammers, would-be immigrants would do well to remember the old adage: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Luba Dinkova – Pace Immigration: If you are an international student and you wish to study in Canada, you aren’t alone.  Every year, hundreds of thousands of international students come to Canada to earn a diploma or a degree.

Jim Metcalfe – Pace Immigration: Starting November 10, 2016, persons who were exempt from obtaining a Canadian visitor’s visa began having to obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before embarking by air to Canada.

Director of Immigration Jim Metcalfe: As the clock continues to tick, the Canadian government has doubled down on its commitment to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada before the end of 2015:

After an election in the US, it’s not unusual for people on both sides of the political divide to send us questions about immigrating to Canada. With the election of Donald Trump, right now is no different. Most of the questions revolve around moving to and working in Canada, with some questions about Canadian health care and housing prospects.

Jim Metcalfe – Pace Law Firm: While “amnesty for illegals” is a hot topic in the US right now, Canada has had its share of amnesty discussions, too. Indeed, every twenty years or so, the government of Canada has had some form of amnesty for unauthorized immigrants who have overstayed their visa but ended up well established in Canadian work and life.

Jim Metcalfe – Pace Law Firm: The Canadian government has stated that it will allow 300,000 immigrants into Canada in 2017. When you factor in Syrian refugees, this is approximately the same number as 2016: