New Canadian Government led by Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau took office in November 2015. Change in name began soon after this, IRCC used to be known as CIC.The Current Minister for Canada Immigration -IRCC is John McCallum who is experienced Member of Parliament. Still in many official documents and publication CIC - Citizenship and Immigration Canada is still in usage while IRCC is preferred in most of the new communications.
What is CIC - Citizenship and Immigration Canada ?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) operates network of important embassies, high commission and consulates abroad. It is responsible for the establishment of policies, processing of permanent and temporary residence visa, work permit , refugee protection, Citizenship application and Canada Immigration.CIC Visa Offices process application for,
- Permanent Immigration
- Visitor Visa (TRV)
- Study permit
- Work permit
- Refugee Settlement
- Travel Document for permanent residents abroad
Canadian Citizens outside of Canada can get following services from CIC centers:
- Get proof of citizenship
- Give up citizenship
- Search citizenship records
There are other Case processing offices and Operations support centers within Canada. In addition there are offices for appointment where prior appointment is scheduled for,
- Submitting Refugee Claim
- Attend an Interview for Citizenship and Immigration
- Take Citizenship Test
- Attend a Citizenship Ceremony
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) helps immigrants to settle in Canada through funding organisations there are program followed by these funding organisation including:
- Language Instruction For newcomers to Canada
- Host Program
- Resettlement Assistance Program
- Information on life in Canada
- Job searching
- Participation in Community activities
The above mentioned are the main functions in addition there are many other functions like appeals , extensions, reviews and access to personal information for Work permit, student visa, visitor visa or Canada Immigration.
What is IRCC - Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada?
From November onwards with new government and new ministry for CIC, there is rename instead of CIC the department is known as IRCC - full form as Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The names are used interchangeably at many places. The new name reflects emphasis on refugee immigration to Canada as part of humanitarian grounds. The government has considered family sponsorship and other Canada immigration categories for increase funding and for improved program delivery. The ministry has been suggested to increase age of dependents from 19 yrs to 22 yrs allowing more number of people a chance to bring their dependents to Canada. Further there is going to be an expected change in express entry immigration selection system , candidates having family members or siblings will be allocated additional points in future. IRCC is renamed to give equal importance and status for Refugee immigration. Resettling refugees is a proud and important part of Canada's humanitarian tradition.
IRCC helps arrivals of immigrants to Canada, provides protection to refugees and various programs to support newcomers settle in Canada. Granting of Citizenship, travel documents and promoting multiculturism is also part of IRCC.
What is Difference between CIC and IRCC ?
IRCC is not new department or change of system it's just renaming of the current system. IRCC i.e. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada offers help to newcomers, immigrants and refugees. The new government has promised to improve funds, processing time and delivery system for the program. The new government expects to bring many positive changes including maintaining the humanitarian values, improving quota for sponsorship applications and expediting the process for family sponsorship.
Some of the recent change includes following,
- Expected change includes dependents age from 19 years to 22 years.
- Applicants under express entry having siblings in Canada on citizenship or PR status can gain additional points and processing benefits.
- On 3rd Feb 2016 IRCC introduce New Labour Market Impact Assessment exemption for the performing Art sector. Foreign nationals in film production, shooting and commercial production will be considered under business visitor category.
- The current processing time for PR card is 100 days on average this creates lot of problems for Canadian Permanent Resident who are new to Canada and want to travel internationally, they have to put their travel on hold or need travel document, the present government proposes to implement new residency obligation amnesty.
- From 15th March 2016 New electronic travel authorization system will be used where visa exempt travellers will need eTA except for USA nationals.
- There are many other change expected during the year 2016. So keep reading.
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