Canadian Immigration Podcast

Mark Holthe

This podcast is all about Canadian Immigration law, policy, and practice. Periodically Canadian immigration lawyer Mark Holthe will address various topics related to the Canadian immigration process. If you are looking for up-to-date information on where the government is going with the latest round of changes, this is the place to come. If you are looking for specific answers, tips to completing IRCC application forms, and other useful information, visit the Canadian Immigration Answers podcast also on iTunes or visit our website at www.holthelaw.com.

  1. CIP 186: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 7 - Your Job Title, Your Score - Who Gets the Boost?

    6d ago

    CIP 186: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 7 - Your Job Title, Your Score - Who Gets the Boost?

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry break down one of the most significant proposed changes to Express Entry: the new High-Wage Occupation (HWO) factor. They explain why IRCC believes pre-landing earnings are a strong predictor of economic success, how the proposed occupation-based multiplier could dramatically boost CRS scores for some applicants, and why many temporary residents—including international graduates and essential workers—could find themselves at a disadvantage. Key Topics Discussed Why IRCC is introducing the proposed High-Wage Occupation factor How occupation—not your personal salary—will determine eligibility The three proposed wage multiplier categories and how they may work Why some occupations could receive significant CRS boosts while others receive none Key Takeaways The proposed High-Wage Occupation factor is based on national median wages for occupations, not what an individual personally earns. Applicants working in higher-paying occupations may receive substantial additional CRS points under the new system.  Many essential workers and international graduates in lower-wage occupations could become less competitive despite having Canadian education and work experience. Although the overall framework has been released, many implementation details—including the exact CRS points awarded—have not yet been finalized. Quotes from the Episode: Mark Holthe:"It is occupation-based, not individual-based." Alicia Backman-Beharry:"The system is not structurally reinforcing the wages of the people that we tend to devalue." Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

    46 min
  2. CIP 185: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 6 - 3 Doors to 1: Who Gets In, Who Gets Locked Out?

    Jun 26

    CIP 185: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 6 - 3 Doors to 1: Who Gets In, Who Gets Locked Out?

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry examine one of the biggest proposed Express Entry reforms: merging the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program into a single pathway. They explain who stands to benefit, who may be disadvantaged, and why simplifying the system could dramatically change who qualifies for permanent residence in Canada. Key Topics Discussed Why IRCC wants to merge the three Express Entry programs New minimum eligibility requirements under the proposed single program Winners and losers under the proposed changes Why trades workers and international students may face new barriers Key Takeaways A single Express Entry program may simplify the system but will also reshape who qualifies to enter the pool. Foreign skilled workers with varied work experience may benefit from more flexible eligibility rules. Higher language and education requirements could make it harder for many skilled trades workers to qualify. The proposed reforms are still subject to public consultation, giving Canadians and stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback. Quotes from the Episode: Mark Holthe:“When you take three doors built to three different heights and replace them with one door, somebody’s door just got lower. Somebody else’s just got higher.” Alicia Backman-Beharry:“Simpler is a relative term measured against the old system, and it’s not a promise for what your odds are in the future under the new program.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

    39 min
  3. CIP 184: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 5 - Where Do You Stand Now?

    Jun 23

    CIP 184: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 5 - Where Do You Stand Now?

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry continue their series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada. They explain why a high CRS score may no longer guarantee a realistic path to permanent residence, and break down the growing divide between general draws and category-based draws in Express Entry. Key Topics Discussed The 169 versus 505 CRS paradox General draws versus category-based draws STEM draw blackout and category-based uncertainty High-wage occupations and future CRS changes Key Takeaways A higher CRS score does not always mean a better chance of receiving an ITA. Category-based draws can completely change the outcome for applicants with lower CRS scores. Some categories, including STEM, may remain inactive for long periods despite appearing on IRCC’s list. Applicants need to understand where they stand now and prepare before CRS changes arrive. Quotes from the Episode: Mark Holthe: “If your whole plan is, ‘I will just wait for the general cutoff to drift down to my score,’ the data is basically telling you that that’s not a plan.” Alicia Backman-Beharry: “It is just so important now to be extremely targeted in terms of how you are planning for your future instead of passive.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

    1h 2m
  4. CIP 183: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 4 - The Biggest Shake-up Since 2015

    Jun 18

    CIP 183: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 4 - The Biggest Shake-up Since 2015

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry continue their series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada. They explain why the public consultation on minimum eligibility may not be the reform that most affects applicants, and break down the three tracks applicants need to watch: regulatory reform, CRS changes through ministerial instructions, and category-based draws. Key Topics Discussed Three-track timeline for Express Entry reforms CRS changes versus regulatory amendments Category-based draws and public consultation High-wage occupations and future job offer points Key Takeaways The eligibility merger is important, but it is not the most urgent reform for most applicants. CRS changes could arrive quickly through ministerial instructions and may significantly affect scores. Category-based draws are running on a separate clock and may become even more important as bonus points are removed. Applicants should prepare strategically by keeping as many pathways open as possible. Quotes from the Episode: Mark Holthe: “No longer can you just submit a profile, sit back, and wait for your turn.” Alicia Backman-Beharry: “It’s really a matter of being really thoughtful about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and where you want it to take you.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

    48 min
  5. CIP 182: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 3 - What's Changing, What Isn't, and Your Early Game Plan

    Jun 15

    CIP 182: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 3 - What's Changing, What Isn't, and Your Early Game Plan

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry continue their series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada. They break down the two-track timeline for Express Entry changes, what is expected to change quickly through ministerial instructions, what will take longer through regulatory amendments, and how applicants should assess their current strategy before the deeper reform episodes begin. Key Topics Discussed Two-track timeline for Express Entry reforms Ministerial instructions versus regulatory amendments What is staying stable in Express Entry for 2026 High-wage occupation factors and future CRS changes Key Takeaways Express Entry is evolving, not collapsing, and many core features remain stable for now. Ministerial instruction changes could happen quickly and may affect CRS scoring factors. Regulatory reforms, including a potential merger of FSW, CEC, and FST, are expected later. Applicants should assess whether their occupation, Canadian experience, education, spouse, French, PNP, or job offer strategy may be affected. Quotes from the Episode: Mark Holthe: “Change is here. It is right on the doorstep.” Alicia Backman-Beharry: “It’s so helpful to understand which reforms are coming and when they’re coming.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

    58 min
  6. CIP 181: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 2 - Why Canada is Rewriting the Rules

    Jun 11

    CIP 181: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 2 - Why Canada is Rewriting the Rules

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry continue their series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada. They examine IRCC’s own data on Express Entry outcomes, why Canada is still proposing major reforms to a system that appears to be working, and how high wages, job offers, Canadian experience, French language ability, category-based draws, and immigration levels could reshape future permanent residence strategies. Key Topics Discussed IRCC data on Express Entry outcomes High-wage Canadian work experience and job offers Immigration levels and temporary resident reductions Why Express Entry reforms are being proposed Key Takeaways Express Entry applicants generally have strong employment, wage, and occupation-match outcomes. IRCC appears to be recalibrating the system toward high-wage earners and stronger economic predictors. Reduced temporary resident and permanent resident targets are making PR planning more competitive. Applicants should reassess CRS strategies that rely on bonus points, occupation categories, French, Canadian education, and timing. Quotes from the Episode: Mark Holthe: “Does my current CRS strategy, the factors I’m counting on, the timing I’ve planned, the profile I’ve built still make sense under a system being recalibrated toward high-wage earnings?” Alicia Backman-Beharry: “They are changing things not because they don’t work, not because they’re broken, but because they want to make it better.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

    51 min
  7. CIP 180: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 1 - Express Entry Explained

    Jun 8

    CIP 180: Express Entry Reforms: Episode 1 - Express Entry Explained

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Mark Holthe and Alicia Backman-Beharry launch a new series on major Express Entry reforms expected in Canada. They explain how Express Entry works, why it is not a permanent residence program itself, what applicants need to understand about the current system, and how upcoming changes to CRS points, category-based draws, and program structures could affect future permanent residence strategies. Key Topics Discussed Express Entry basics Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades CRS score factors Upcoming Express Entry reforms Key Takeaways Express Entry is a system for managing economic immigration applications, not a program itself. Being in the Express Entry pool does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Canadian Experience Class and category-based draws are currently playing a major role. Upcoming reforms could significantly change how CRS points are awarded. Quotes from the Episode: Mark Holthe: “There’s nothing more important than knowing what’s coming and then doing what you can to increase your chances of success.” Alicia Backman-Beharry: “What people do right now is going to impact whether their profile is one that has a chance in the future.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

    47 min
  8. CIP 179: Tax Implications of Moving to Canada

    May 9

    CIP 179: Tax Implications of Moving to Canada

    Episode Summary: In this special episode, Mark Holthe speaks with cross-border tax consultant Sonya Dolguina about the financial and tax implications of moving from the United States to Canada. They discuss why tax residency is separate from immigration status, how Canada taxes worldwide income, what U.S. citizens need to know before relocating, and why proactive planning can help avoid costly mistakes when moving to Canada. Key Topics Discussed Moving from the U.S. to Canada Canadian tax residency Worldwide income reporting Cross-border tax planning Key Takeaways Tax residency and immigration status are not the same. Canada may tax worldwide income once someone becomes a Canadian tax resident. U.S. citizens may still have U.S. tax filing obligations after moving to Canada. Planning before the move can help avoid unnecessary tax consequences. Booster Strategies to Improve Your Chances Plan Before You Move Speak with a cross-border tax professional at least a year in advance if possible. Understand Your Tax Residency Know when Canada may consider you a tax resident and what income must be reported. Review Investments and Assets Early Identify foreign accounts, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, and real estate before relocating. Quotes from the Episode: Mark Holthe: “Sometimes you don’t even know the questions to ask.” Sonya Dolguina: “Tax residency and residency for immigration purposes are generally completely separate.” Links and Resources Watch this episode on YouTube Canadian Immigration Podcast Book a consult Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass Subscribe for MoreStay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process. Disclaimer This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

    41 min
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4.7
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

This podcast is all about Canadian Immigration law, policy, and practice. Periodically Canadian immigration lawyer Mark Holthe will address various topics related to the Canadian immigration process. If you are looking for up-to-date information on where the government is going with the latest round of changes, this is the place to come. If you are looking for specific answers, tips to completing IRCC application forms, and other useful information, visit the Canadian Immigration Answers podcast also on iTunes or visit our website at www.holthelaw.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Holthe
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    190
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 All comments and or discussions contained within the podcast are for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you would like to receive specific legal guidance contact us at info@holthelaw.com.
  • Show Website
    Canadian Immigration Podcast

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