Farmers Face Immigration Backlog, Lose Million-Dollar Rebate

0:00A couple from Maryland launched a vertical farming biz in Ontario back in 2022 through Canada's Startup VISA program. They dropped $619,800 on a non-resident speculation tax when buying their home in Clearview Township, banking on a rebate once they snag permanent residents within four years. But immigration backlogs exploded after the pandemic, with processing times now stretching over 10 years for new Startup VISA apps. Their deadline hits December 12th and delays from slash permanent resident targets mean they might lose that huge refund. Folks like Farmer and Lawyer Shockter feel trapped, having poured over $1 million into the business and hired 10 locals growing greens in. High-tech containers, experts call it an unfair snag for entrepreneurs Canada wants to attract, warning it could scare off global talent, eyeing homes to settle down. Tax collections from foreign buyers have to layly. From $184 million in 2022 to $81.5 million last year, Ontario tweaked rules to extend rebate

1:07filing from 90 to 180 days after PR approval, but won't budge on the four-year window. Shockter's suing over the delays and holding off on more investments, hoping for a breakthrough before the clock runs out, classic case of policy, whiplash hitting real dream chasers. That's your Canada News Today update, AI powered and always on.