Immigration To Canada

Migration Tips

noreply@blogger.com (kentajan) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:45:00 +0000

Canada maintains one of the most open immigration policies in the world, but there’s still a mountain of paperwork standing between you and your Canadian visa.

Canada remains one of the world’s top immigration destinations with the Canadian Government seeking to attract the elusive ‘skilled worker.’ To offset declining birth rates, an aging population and fill specific skill shortages, Canada is looking to attract skilled workers to its shores. With its popular points-based Skilled Worker program, the Canadian Government is looking to attract upwards of 250,000 new immigrants in 2006 alone.

If you are thinking of immigrating to Canada, or anywhere for that matter, you need to be aware; the process takes time and commitment. Those who take a step-by-step approach to immigration are often the most successful.

For your part, researching the type of visa you are eligible for and collecting the necessary documents will be the most time consuming. You’ll likely need to spend a day or so, gathering the necessary paperwork including work history documents, birth and marriage certificates and other ‘proof’ documents. If you have misplaced any of the necessary required documents, it’s important to request replacements from the various government departments at the early stage of your application process as these take time.

Several free, online assessments are available to measure individual points for the Canadian Skilled Worker visa and other visa subclasses. Most are attached to migration agencies, but some do offer the assessment service at no cost, with no obligation. Online assessments offer a quick and easy way to gauge whether or not you qualify for a Canadian visa.

Canada’s most popular and most flexible visa, the Skilled Worker visa, works on a points-based system. Pass marks are set by Citizenship and Immigration Canada with variables such as education, skills, age and language proficiency assigned a point value. In order to be eligible to apply for the Canadian Skilled Worker visa, the minimum point level of 67 out of 100 must be obtained. Once the pass mark has been attained, it’s important to keep in mind there will be fees, medicals and time factors to take into consideration when applying for a Skilled Worker visa.

Essentially, the 100 points are broken down into six categories, each with a different point maximum. Factor one, with a maximum of 25 points, is education. The more educated you are, the more points you are eligible to receive. Factor two is language, and being that Canada is a bilingual country, more points are allotted to those who speak either or both of Canada’s official languages (English and French). With a maximum score of 24 points, at least one language must be spoken with a high level of proficiency.

To a maximum score of 21 points, experience rounds out factor three. Points are given on a scale based on one to four year, with four years of qualified experience worth the full 21 points. Factor four is age; ten points for those between the ages of 21-49, with two points deducted for each year above or below.

If you have a pre-arranged work placement, subject to Human Resources Development Canada confirmation, you will be eligible for ten points under factor five. The final category, adaptability, makes up the final ten points. Points in this category are awarded for spousal or partner education, previous work and or study in Canada and family relationships in Canada.

Canada offers several visa categories for business immigrants. There are three main categories: investor, entrepreneur and self-employed. Investors must demonstrate business experience, a minimum net worth and the ability to invest in the country. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate experience, net worth and are subject to several conditions upon arrival in Canada. Self-employed persons must have the intention and ability to create their own employment and are expected to contribute to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

Work permits, including working holiday maker visas for Canada, are only issued for foreign workers who are going to Canada for a limited time. If you are interested in living and working permanently in Canada, you must apply for permanent residence through the Skilled Worker program.

If you have an unusual case, varied work experience, a criminal record, prior immigration offence or any medical problems, you may want to think about employing a migration agent. Migration agents break the visa process into manageable steps and have a firm understanding of immigration legislation. Be sure to use a registered migration agent or Canadian qualified lawyer. You can check the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants’ web site for a listing of all registered agents.

Canada is a beautiful and diverse country, getting the right visa takes solid advance preparation. Remember to research, gather your documents early and be patient; the process can run anywhere from six to thirty-two months!

Canada Immigration Facts

noreply@blogger.com (kentajan) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:56:00 +0000

Canada Immigration System

noreply@blogger.com (kentajan) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:30:00 +0000

Throughout the world, Canada is known as a prosperous and strong nation valued for its stability, respect for diversity and democratic institutions. With a huge landmass, a relatively small population and abundant natural resources, it has prospered to the point where a recent United Nations study lists it as the best place in the world to live. This is why Canada has recently become the destination of choice for many of the world's immigrants.

The Canadian Government is committed to admit 255,000 newcomers to Canada as permanent residents for 2007. This is an increase of 10,000 projected new permanent residents admitted for 2007. The Government is planning for continuous increases in the number of new immigrants each year until 10% of Canada's population or 325,000 immigrants are admitted to Canada annually in five years time. This would represent an annual increase of 100,000 new permanent residents over current immigration levels. On a per capita basis, this level of immigration ranks among the highest in the world. Unlike the United States and other countries, there is no quota based on either nationality or occupation. .

Canada needs more immigrants. The 2001 census, released by Statistics Canada, showed a decline in the rate of increase in Canada's population. Immigration was declared the primary contributor to the national population increase of 4 percent, ahead of birth rates and natural increase for the first time since the Second World War.

Under the new Immigration Act enacted on June 28, 2002 many occupations that could not qualify under the previous legislation are now able to qualify e.g. Doctors, Dentists, Teachers, Nurses, Lawyers, Managers, all other professional and technical occupations, skilled trades. Unmarried live-in couples are now recognized and may apply for Permanent Residence. The Canadian Government lowered the pass mark to 67 points on September 18, 2003. I strongly recommend that you proceed immediately with the assessment of your qualifications for Permanent Residence since, according to the present Immigration Act and its Regulations, the Minister of Immigration can change the pass mark at any time, without notice.

Furthermore, the Government is making significant financial investments this year and following years to accelerate the processing of existing and new applications for permanent residence to Canada.

Canadian Provincial Nominee Program

noreply@blogger.com (kentajan) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:20:00 +0000

In recent years the Canadian Government has entered into bilateral agreements with eight provinces and one territory allowing these governments to nominate a pre-determined number of persons annually to become permanent residents of Canada whose job skills can be matched with the skilled worker shortages in that province. The province of Ontario will be included in the program sometime in 2007. Quebec selects applicants using its own program and selection criteria. Each of these provinces has different selection criteria, passmarks and procedures. This year approximately 10,000 persons are expected to arrive in Canada through this route and a greater number is expected next year.

The major advantage of being nominated under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is that a Canadian Embassy will give an applicant priority processing of his/her application for permanent residence to Canada once it has received a Provincial Nomination. An applicant who is nominated by a province will receive his/her visa much much quicker than those persons applying in the Skilled Worker Category under the normal federal selection system. Usually such applications will be processed and visas issued within 6 to 9 months by a Canadian Embassy instead of several years.

If you wish to immigrate to one of Canada’s provinces as a provincial nominee, you must apply to that province for nomination. Provincial nominees are not assessed on the six selection factors of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. When a province has made a selection decision, the application for permanent residence is processed by a Canadian Embassy on that basis. The Embassy will only concern itself with post-selection matters such as medical examinations and security checks.

Skilled Workers
The following is a list of basic requirements to receive a Provincial Nomination (PNP) in the Skilled Worker category in each of the 8 participating provinces and one territory.

1. Yukon

Submit application to one of the businesses listed beside the occupation or trade on the Occupational Shortage Table.
Certification or accreditation for the specific trade or occupation.

2. British Columbia

Job offer from a BC employer.
The strategic occupations component of the BC PNP requires that the employer and prospective employee submit a joint application.

3. Alberta

Employer nominates a candidate who has the relevant education, training and experience
Occupation must be in levels O, A or B of the NOC.

4. Saskatchewan

An offer of permanent, full time employment in Saskatchewan in NOC levels A, B or O or in a designated trade in Saskatchewan (existing work permit sub-category).

5. Manitoba

Employers who apply for pre-approval of job offers demonstrating they have made a genuine effort to recruit in Canada for the position and are offering a suitable wage package.
Applicants who have a pre-approved job offer as well as the training, work experience, licensing or accreditation and language ability required.
Job must be on Occupational Requirement List.
Score 55 points or more on the Manitoba Selection Grid (General Stream).

6. New Brunswick

Score at least 50 points on New Brunswick Selection Grid.
Skill Shortage/High Demand Occupation List.
Find a permanent, fulltime job offer from an established New Brunswick company. In most cases, the skills offered by the prospective immigrant must not be readily available in the province of New Brunswick and employers must prove that they are having difficulty finding these skills in the local job market.

7. Nova Scotia

A permanent, full time job from a Nova Scotia employer. The employer must prove a shortage in the province of relevant workers.
Meet the minimum criteria on the Nova Scotia Selection Grid.

8. Prince Edward Island (PEI)

A minimum score of 50 on the PEI Selection Grid.
Education and training consistent with the position offered – having your credentials assessed to Canadian standards for regulated occupations is strongly recommended.
A good faith offer of employment from a local employer at prevailing market rates.

9. Newfoundland and Labrador

Obtain at least 50 points on the Newfoundland Selection Grid.
A job offer where the occupation falls within the Strategic Sector List.

10. Ontario

In the first year the Pilot PNP will nominate 500 individuals. The Pilot PNP is employer-driven. This means that as a prospective nominee, you can only apply if your employer is pre-screened, the position is approved, and your employer provides you with a nominee application package from the Pilot PNP.
To be considered, positions must be in eligible occupations in the Pilot PNP list.
During the first year of the Pilot PNP, jobs in 20 specific occupations are eligible for consideration in the following four sectors:

Health

Education

Manufacturing

Construction

Employers are only eligible to apply for positions in the 20 occupations listed. Prospective nominees are only eligible to apply if they have a bona fide job offer and are qualified in one of the 20 listed occupations.

For further details on how this Program can work for you, refer to my home page and click on the link “Skilled Workers”. I have described in detail how the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is included in the process of applying for a permanent residence visa to Canada for you, your spouse and dependent children.

If you are nominated by a Province, you will be able to obtain a visa for permanent residence to Canada for you and your family in as little as six (6) to nine (9) months instead of several years which is the present average processing time at most Canadian Embassies under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Fast track a permanent residence application now!

Immigration Tips

noreply@blogger.com (kentajan) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 17:24:00 +0000

There are regional differences in the economy!

Most newcomers to Canada choose to settle in the larger Canadian cities - most often Vancouver, Montreal or Toronto. Canada is an extremely large country and the economy differs in the various regions of the country. In some areas, resource industries such as mining, forestry, or fishing provide most of the employment opportunities. In other areas, however, financial services, high technology industries and communications are the growth areas. While Ontario is traditionally the engine of Canada's economy - and the city of Toronto is the economic centre of the country - there are regional differences here as well. Rural and northern Ontario is much, much different than Toronto or Ottawa or Windsor for example.

What this means for you is that while you may have heard that Canada has a need for aerospace engineers, for example, it may turn out that opportunities for aerospace engineers only exist in certain regions of the country - thousands of miles from where friends or family have settled. Don't make the mistake of assuming that the same kinds of opportunities exist all over Canada and all over Ontario.

English language skills are becoming increasingly important!

In virtually every profession, English language skills are becoming critical. Employers expect all employees to be able to communicate with clients or patients, write reports, contribute to meetings, and execute marketing plans. You may find that even if you are a highly qualified professional, your ability to find a good job will be affected by your level of English fluency.

It can take time to become established in Canada!

The process of having your professional and educational qualifications assessed, and finding a job can take time.

What you can do to make the transition to Canada easier?

Research Your Field - Find out what the labour market conditions are for the field you are interested in, within the region you are considering.

Find out what the requirements are to practice your profession in the province where you want to work.

For example: each regulated profession in Ontario has different requirements which you must meet in order to practice here.

Have your credentials assessed before you leave your country!

In most cases, you can begin the application process of becoming recognized in your profession in Canada before you leave. This is will save you time once you are here, since it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to find work in your field if you are not recognized. Request an application package from the occupational regulatory body for your profession. Depending on the profession, you will probably be told that you can send the required documents to the regulatory body for assessment immediately and will be notified of the results while you are still in your home country.

Remember - even if you have already had your credentials assessed for immigration purposes, this does not take the place of assessments done by the professional regulatory body in the province. To be certain that your education meets the provincial standards, you must have your credentials assessed by the professional regulatory body.

Bring the appropriate documents and contact information with you when you come to Canada!

If you have not already gone through the assessment process, you will have to do it when you arrive. Depending on the profession, you may be asked to submit to the occupational regulatory body:

A resumé.
A copy - usually an official copy - of your degree/diploma.
An official transcript from your university/college. (Usually directly from the institution to the occupational regulatory body.)
An official copy of current registrations, permits, licenses to practice in your field in your country of origin.
Letters or other documents which give details of your work experience.
Copies of letters of completion of continuing education (upgrading) courses.
The curriculum, or syllabus, of your college/ university program.

Collecting all of these documents can be time-consuming. If you come prepared, it will speed up the process.

Improve your english!

If you are not fluent in English, you should improve your English language communication skills as much as possible before coming to Canada. Most occupational regulatory bodies require some kind of proof of fluency. More importantly, employers are demanding a higher and higher degree of English language fluency.

Note: If you are French-speaking, you may meet the language requirements for your profession. Since French is one of the official languages in Canada, most occupational regulatory bodies accept French for licensing purposes. You may find, however, that some employers do not, since English is the most common language used in other provinces.

The job search process in Canada may be quite different from what you are used to.

Although many professional positions are advertised in newspapers, most are not. Instead, jobs are found through a variety of techniques and you will probably need to conduct a very active job search in order to be successful.

Resumé
References
Canadian Experience

Many professional regulatory bodies require you to have Canadian work experience in your profession before they will grant you a license. Gaining Canadian experience in your field can be very difficult. You will need to look for an entry level position in your field to gain the required experience. You may think you are over-qualified for these kinds of positions but in many professions - engineering and accounting, for example - it is necessary to gain the experience before you can gain a license and rise to the level for which you are qualified.

Networking

Networking simply means meeting others in your field. It is an increasingly important technique in searching for work. Many positions are not advertised. It is only through "word-of-mouth" that you will find out that a certain company is looking for certain types of professionals. You can network by joining associations, attending workshops, courses, and lectures, through family and friends, or by volunteering, for example. Networking does not often immediately result in a job but it will help you to become established in your field and find out about opportunities for employment.

Teamwork

Canadian workers - and especially professionals - increasingly work in small groups, rather than individually. Employers, therefore, are very interested in people who have good teamwork skills - people who participate constructively in meetings, cooperate, communicate and generally work well with others. These kinds of people are often called "team players" and if you can prove that you are that kind of person, you will have an advantage in the job market.

SOME GOOD ADVICE

Always make certain that you have all the facts at your disposal.
Always provide all information as requested by the authorities and in a timly fashion
Never ever lie on any of the forms provided. Your application will be declined due to misrepresentation.
Always follow through will all required steps.
Always be persistent in your attempts. Persistence brings success.
Always be respectful towards all immigration authorities.
Always keep copies of everything that is sent to immigration authorities.
Always check your representatives credentials and ask for references
Once you have hired a qualified consultant / lawyer make sure you have an agreement in place

Licensing and Working in Canada: Work Permits, Permanent Resident Status, and Arranged Employment

noreply@blogger.com (kentajan) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 21:30:00 +0000

Persons seeking to live and work in Canada may do so primarily via either of two options. The first is to seek a temporary resident visa such as a Canadian work permit; the other is to seek permanent resident status in Canada.

Canadian Work Permits

A work permit is a visa of a fixed duration which allows an individual to engage in employment in Canada. Such a permit is generally based on a job offer from a Canadian employer, or on a specific intended business activity. Accordingly, the work permit issued to the individual is specific to an employer and a position of employment. The visa has a fixed validity, generally of one year, and can most often be renewed from within Canada.

The advantage of a Canadian work permit for a foreign worker is the time frame in which it is issued. Such permits can be issued within anywhere from a single hour at a Canadian port of entry to several weeks at visa offices abroad, depending on a number of factors. This compares very favourably with the delays associated with a permanent resident application, which can take between 12 and 48 months, or even longer.

The disadvantage of a work permit is that it is inherently temporary in nature. In the case that the individual did not have an intention to remain beyond several years, this may not be an issue, but those who wish to reside permanently in Canada will need to consider the permanent resident route. A work permit does not itself lead to permanent status or citizenship in Canada.

Permanent Resident Status

A permanent resident visa is sought via a Canadian visa office abroad. Successful candidates are awarded a visa which allows them to live in Canada for so long as they fulfill the requirements of residency. These requirements entail residing physically in Canada for a period of no less than two years out of any given five year period, although certain exceptions may apply.

Possession of permanent resident status has certain rights and responsibilities. They include:

equality rights
democratic rights
legal rights
mobility rights
language rights
freedom of religion
freedom of expression
freedom of assembly and association

Canadians are also expected to:

obey Canada's laws
respect the rights and freedoms of others
respect Canada's linguistic duality and multicultural heritage.

Permanent resident status does not have any expiration. An individual may continue to live and work in Canada indefinitely with such status. It also allows that individual to seek Canadian citizenship, typically after residing in Canada for a period of three years. Canadian citizens have the right to apply for a Canadian passport and to return to Canada at any time after traveling or living abroad.

Arranged Employment

Applicants who meet the requirements of Canada's Skilled Worker Selection Criteria are not required to have pre-arranged employment in Canada prior to applying. Having an advance job offer, however, can have its benefits. For those who do not qualify under the selection system, arranged employment may lend enough points to meet the current pass mark. For those who do already qualify, pre-arranged employment can have the effect of expediting the application process.

Arranged Employment, as a selection factor, awards points in the case that a Canadian employer satisfies Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) that a bona-fide offer of skilled employment exists for a candidate upon becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

For those with a job off in advance, there is also the possibility of pursuing a Canadian work permit first, and then a permanent resident visa. This offers the advantages of both categories; the expedience of a temporary visa, and the long term validity of a permanent resident visa.

Canada Investors Program

noreply@blogger.com (kentajan) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:12:00 +0000

The Canadian Government has designed the Immigrant Investor Program in order to provide experienced business people and senior managers with a vehicle that may provide a unique opportunity to immigrate to Canada. The Immigrant Investor Program was created in 1986 by the Canadian Government to attract successful business immigrants to Canada. Since its inception, the Immigrant Investor Program has attracted 18,000 immigrants and over CAN$4 billion in direct investments to Canada. By satisfying certain requirements and investing a pre-determined amount of capital, prospective immigrants and their dependents can obtain Canadian permanent residence and benefit from Canadian citizenship at a later date. There are no assessment points nor passmark required in order to qualify under this category. Furthermore, no English or French language tests are required.

To be eligible for the Investor Program:

You must have a minimum net worth of CAN$800,000 acquired through lawful economic activities;
You must have a minimum of three years management experience (planning, supervision and control of financial as well as human and material resources) acquired over the course of 10 years preceding your application in a profitable and legal business (agricultural, industrial or commercial), in government or in an international organization;
You must undertake to invest a minimum of CAN$400,000 for five years by signing an agreement with an approved financial intermediary such as a recognized stock broker or a trust company. This amount will be invested with a government agency in a province to fund a program to assist small and medium sized businesses in that province and for job creation and economic development. No further investment is required from the investor. At the end of the 5 year term, CAN$400,000 is repaid to the investor (without interest). The return of the investment is fully guaranteed by the province participating in the program. The province controls the investment during the five year lock-in period.There is a financing option available whereby investors can deposit CAN$120,000 and financing can be arranged by a major Canadian bank to assist you in completing the balance of the CAN$400,000 investment requirement. No personal guarantees or collateral are required for the loan. Once the loan is advanced, no future payments of capital or interest are required to service the loan and you will not receive any interest or capital return at maturity. The total cost of this financing package is therefore limited to your initial deposit of CAN$120,000.
You and your dependents must pass a medical and security evaluation.The participating banks in the Immigrant Investor Program are large, well-known Canadian banks with many offices and branches overseas. They are among the world's largest banking and financial service organizations. Interviews under the Investor category take place in 2-3 months and the entire application process takes approximately 12-18 months. Once approved, the investor receives an unconditional Visa for Permanent Residence for himself and his dependents. No immigration conditions are imposed upon admission to Canada with a visa under the Investor Program. The investor can work, operate a business or retire. Investors are not required to start a business in Canada. Once you land in Canada with a permanent resident visa you are permitted to leave Canada for a cumulative period of three years in any five year period without losing your status. In other words, you must reside in Canada for a cumulative period of two years in any five year period. This gives you flexibility to temporarily live, work, carry on your business interests and travel outside of Canada while still maintaining your status as a permanent resident of Canada.You can apply for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport after three years of residence in Canada.