Canada Immigration Consultants - Canada news from migration experts

LATEST IMMIGRATION NEWS - CANADA
(as published in our newsletters)

CANADA – MORE TRUCKDRIVERS NEEDED

September 2010 - The Trucking companies that we deal with in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada are still looking to take on more Truckdrivers. They are looking to sponsor applicants for work visas and then permanent residence through the Provincial Nomination Program.

The employer is looking for Truckdrivers who have the UK Class 1 licence (or other European equivalent) with at least 3 years experience.

If you are interested, then please email us and we will send you an application form with information.

CANADA – IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR SKILLED WORKERS AND INVESTORS

July 2010 - The Canada government has now announced some changes in processing for federal skilled worker applicants.

The new rules mean that applicants must either have a job offer, or they must have experience in one of 29 in-demand occupations. This is a new list of occupations which is a shortened version of the previous list.

For those applying under the occupation list, the government will limit the number of applications considered for processing to 20,000 per year. Furthermore, within the 20,000 limit, a maximum of 1,000 applications per occupation will be considered. The limit does not apply to applicants with a job offer or those who have already applied.

In addition, all federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class applicants must submit the results of an independent language test before they will be considered.

Previously, applicants had the option of proving their language ability via a written submission. Citizenship and Immigration Canada now only accepts designated third-party language tests as proof of language ability – no exceptions.

Also, the rules for those applying for Canadian residency through the Investor category are set to get tighter.

The proposed changes will require new investors to have a personal net worth of CDN$1.6M, up from CDN$800,000, and make an investment of CDN$800,000, up from CDN$400,000.

Until the new investor rules are implemented, Canada will stop accepting new applications in this category.

This is of course a significant change and the lack of any advance warning makes it difficult for applicants to plan accordingly.

CANADA – CONSULTATION ON IMMIGRATION

March 2010 - The Canadian government has recently launched a consultation on their immigration programme.

The official announcement seems to indicate that this may result in changes to allow more occupations to be included in the Federal Skilled Worker category.

This would be a welcome move, allowing more applicants to apply directly for permanent residency without having to apply through employer sponsorship or Provincial Nomination entry.

The consultation runs until April 16th, after which we hope that a new more flexible system of entry will be introduced.

CANADA – 2010 IMMIGRATION TARGET AND NOVA SCOTIA CHANGES

December 2009 - The Canadian government has decided to maintain a similar annual immigration target in 2010. The overall target will be between 240,000 and 265,000 new immigrants.

Unlike other countries which are reducing their immigrant intake, Canada still wants to attract the right migrants for long term economic needs.

The government’s Annual Report identifies that the provinces, through their Provincial Nominee Programs, will have an increased impact on the number of economic immigrants arriving in Canada.

One province that wants to increase its share of immigrants is Nova Scotia. Around 2600 new immigrants arrived in Nova Scotia in 2008 and the province’s Minister for Immigration, Ramona Jennex thinks this is far too low.

The province aims to double the number of immigrants that settle in Nova Scotia and they hope to have a new strategy ready in the next few months to achieve this goal. The Minister stated that Nova Scotia's immigration advisory panel is currently working on recommendations and that she wants to implement the new strategy as soon as possible. Watch this space for more information.

CANADA – FOCUS ON ALBERTA

April 2009 - The Province of Alberta is increasingly becoming one of the most popular destinations for migrants to Canada.

The 2 main cities of Calgary and Edmonton are home to the majority of the 3.5 million people who live in Alberta. The population growth last year was twice the Canadian average – largely due to immigration.

Much of the growth in the Alberta economy comes from its huge exports of oil and gas. Other important sectors include forestry, tourism and information technology. The unemployment rate is the lowest in Canada.

The Government of Alberta are allowed to nominate applicants directly through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). This allows applications through many different categories such as for Skilled Workers, International Graduates, Semi-Skilled Workers, Self-Employed Farmers and the Family Stream for those who have a relative living in Alberta.

The AINP is an excellent route to gain entry to Canada’s fastest growing economy with categories to suit many different types of applicants.

If you wish to be considered for immigration to Alberta either through the Federal Skilled Worker or the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, then please complete an Online Assessment form on our website.

CANADA – PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS AND OTHER OPTIONS

February 2009 - We are now increasingly assisting applicants through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs. This is a consequence of the recent changes to the list of occupations that are eligible for processing under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Most provinces in Canada have an agreement with the Government of Canada that allows them to nominate immigrants who wish to settle in that province. The selection process varies from province to province. Each province selects immigrants who can fill its needs – normally through labour market shortages.

For instance, the government of Nova Scotia is keen to attract people to the province with work experience in Aerospace and Health Care.

However, in addition the government of British Columbia has a further need for selected occupations in Tourism/Hospitality and Food Processing.

A select number of province’s have ‘family connections’ streams of their respective Nominee Programs. Specifically, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland allow permanent residents and citizens of the province to sponsor foreign family members to come to the province where their Canadian relative lives. There are differences in each program so contact us for province specific details.

If you wish to be considered for immigration to Canada either through the Federal Skilled Worker or a Provincial Nominee Program, then please complete an Online Assessment form on our website.

Also, for students who wish to have opportunities to settle in Canada, contact us today for information on how studying in Canada can make students eligible for a number of permanent residency options.

CANADA - STUDY IN NOVA SCOTIA FOR 1 YEAR & BECOME A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF CANADA

December 2008 - We have teamed up with our immigration associates in Canada and Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia to offer an exciting route to securing Canadian residency through study.

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) based in Halifax, Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities, founded in 1802.

By studying at SMU for a minimum of 1 year, graduates are eligible to obtain a work permit, allowing them and their spouse to work in Canada. Once working in Canada, there are numerous avenues such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP's) that can be taken to secure permanent residency.

SMU has a wide range of courses at both the graduate and postgraduate level covering Arts, Business, Languages, I.T., Science and Engineering.

We can assist with all of the following;

1. Applying for admission to SMU through our status as authorized agents
2. Securing your student visa, your subsequent work permit and Canadian permanent residence for you and your family
3. Assistance with accommodation, meet and greet service, employment advice.

This route provides a highly valued Canadian qualification at a recognised university and is a proven route to Canadian permanent residency.

It is also an excellent introduction to Canadian life in one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan cities. Your spouse or common law partner can also accompany you to Canada and they are permitted to work as an accompanying family member. Your children can also be included on your student visa.

If you are interested in studying at SMU and using this as a pathway to securing Canadian residence, then please contact us.

CANADA - NEW OCCUPATIONS LIST FOR MIGRATION

December 2008 - The Canadian government have announced changes to their selection system for Federal Skilled Workers.

Following legislation passed earlier this year, the government have now issued new instructions to determine whose applications are “eligible for processing” under the new criteria.

In order to be eligible for processing you must either have;

1. An arranged offer of employment or
2. Lived in Canada for one year as a temporary foreign worker or student or
3. Have at least one years experience in an occupation on a new list.

The new list includes the following occupations;

Financial Managers
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Managers in Health Care
Restaurant and Food Service Managers
Accommodation Service Managers
Construction Managers
Financial Auditors and Accountants
Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
Mining Engineers
Geological Engineers
Petroleum Engineers
Specialist Physicians
General Practitioners and Family Physicians
Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapists
Head Nurses and Supervisors
Registered Nurses
Medical Radiation Technologists
Licensed Practical Nurses
University Professors
College and Other Vocational Instructors
Chefs
Cooks
Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
Industrial Electricians
Plumbers
Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
Welders and Related Machine Operators
Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
Crane Operators
Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction
Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

PLEASE NOTE – this new list does not apply to applications submitted before February 27th 2008, or to Provincial Nomination applications or to Quebec selected immigrants.

This new list sees Canada following the example of other countries such as Australia in pinpointing more accurately the lists of occupations that are in urgent demand across the country.

If you have qualifications and experience in any of these occupations, then please contact us. Your skills are in strong demand in Canada and it is likely that we can assist you with securing permanent residence faster under these changes.

CANADA – NEW “CANADA EXPERIENCE CLASS”

September 2008 - The Canadian government have now launched a new route to securing Canadian permanent residence through what is termed the “Canada Experience Class”.

This new category allows foreign workers and students in Canada to obtain permanent residence. As a foreign worker, you need to have obtained at least 2 years of skilled work experience in Canada.

If you have graduated from a Canadian university or other post-secondary institution, then you only require 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada, to apply for permanent residence.

The application can be made while the applicant is still in Canada or within 1 year of leaving your employment in Canada.

This new category is part of a range of changes likely to take place over the next 12 months to prioritise workers to meet with Canada’s skilled labour shortages. This includes the current consultation process to amend the criteria for selecting applicants under the Skilled Worker points test category.

CANADA – CHANGES TO THE SYSTEM

July 2008 - The Canadian parliament has now passed new legislation to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The new immigration law gives power to the Minister for Immigration to allow certain categories of applications to be prioritised to ensure that skilled workers arrive sooner.

The Minister will be able to issue instructions to immigration officers on which categories of applications are identified for priority processing, and those which are not a priority.

A consultation process has now been initiated where all Canadian provinces and employers groups will be invited to give their views on the types of skilled workers that should be prioritised to meet with Canada’s skilled labour shortages. This consultation process is likely to take several months.

Immigrants in other categories such as Provincial Nomination and Family sponsorship are not affected by the changes. Furthermore, the Canadian government are still committed to accepting up to 265,000 new permanent residents each year, which is in line with previous years. Canada has an acute shortage of skilled workers in all areas of its economy, so the new system will aim to allow them to secure residence quicker.

The new rules will probably not be published for several months yet until the consultation process is completed. We will keep you informed on the new rules once published and explain how the new system will operate.

For further information on migration to Canada, please call us on (+44) (0) 20 8365 3380 or complete an Online Assessment form on our website www.commonwealthimmigration.com.

CANADA – TRUCKDRIVERS NEEDED

June 2008 - We are assisting a Canadian trucking firm based in eastern Canada (Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) to recruit UK and Irish Truckdrivers. If you have a full HGV licence and 5 years experience, then this may be the opportunity for you.

The employer will sponsor applicants for work permits and then for full Canadian residency. If you are interested, then please contact us for more details.

CANADA – PROPOSED NEW LAW

March 2008 - On March 14, 2008, the Canadian introduced legislative amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in an attempt to modernize the immigration system, to ensure that skilled workers arrive sooner.

Although the Act has not yet been passed by Parliament, if it becomes law then it will radically change the way Canada can select immigrants. The proposed measures will allow Immigration to select among the new applications and choose those that best meet Canada’s labour market needs.

Under the current system, applications are processed in chronological order. The new proposals will allow Immigration to process certain application faster (such as those whose occupations are in most demand) and not to process applications from those whose skills are not in current demand. Critics have deemed it a “cherrypicking process”.

The stated aim is to ensure that Canada can continue to attract skilled workers in a timely manner similar to other countries such as the UK and Australia. The long processing time for many applications is seen as a hindrance to the immediate needs of the Canadian economy.

The new rules will not affect any applications submitted before February 27th 2008. We will keep you informed on the new proposals, if passed by Parliament, and explain how the new system will operate.

CANADA – CONJUGAL PARTNER ENTRY

October 2007 - We often are approached by individuals looking to move to Canada who are in a relationship with a Canadian citizen.

Many applicants look at applying for residency through the Spouse or Common Law spouse categories. However what if you are not married or cannot fulfil the co-habitation requirements to qualify as a Common Law spouse? You cannot get a visa to live together but if you do not live together you cannot prove co-habitation. It sounds like a vicious circle.

However, in these circumstances, the Conjugal Partner route may be an option.

This category allows a Canadian citizen to sponsor their overseas partner for residence in Canada. A relationship must have existed for at least 12 months. However, crucially you do not have to prove co-habitation for this period - if you can demonstrate that there are circumstances preventing you living together (such as an immigration barrier).

The Canadian citizen then formally sponsors the overseas individual for permanent residence.

This Conjugal Partner category does require careful preparation to fully document the relationship and ensure that all the key criteria of this visa are met. If you believe that your circumstances may fall into this category then please contact us. We assess each case individually to see if this option can work.

CANADA – MICROSOFT ATTRACTING FOREIGN WORKERS TO NEW CENTRE IN CANADA

August 2007 - U.S. technology giant Microsoft Corp. recently announced that it will be setting up shop in Vancouver, British Columbia. The location of the new Microsoft Canada Development Centre was chosen because the city is both “a global gateway with a diverse population,” and “is close to Microsoft corporate offices in Redmond, Washington.”

However, the most significant reason, and the one that has stimulated much debate, centres on immigration and temporary foreign workers.

With a high demand for foreign information technology (IT) workers, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has long lobbied the American government to ease restrictions on temporary work visas (H1-B visas). Recognizing that American immigration policy is not likely to change in the near future, Canada’s more open immigration system for foreign skilled workers has become a more attractive option for Microsoft. The Canadian software development centre will allow “the company to recruit and retain highly skilled people affected by immigration issues in the U.S.”

In Canada there is no annual limit on the number of work permits issued; Canadian companies in labour-tight industries eagerly use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to recruit foreign talent. Attracting information technology workers has been deemed a priority in Canada, and special immigration provisions for IT workers have been implemented to facilitate their entry into the Canadian work force.

There is a fundamental difference between the thinking behind temporary foreign workers in the United States and in Canada. A Canadian temporary work permit is seen as the first step to becoming a Permanent Resident and then a Canadian citizen, whereas American H1-B holders are aware that their stay in the U.S. is only temporary. Those Microsoft employees on H1- B visas, who would have to leave the United States when their visas expire, now, have the option to transfer to the Microsoft development centre in Canada.

If you have a potential offer of employment in Canada and you are looking for a temporary work visa, then please contact us.

CANADA - NEW FOREIGN CREDENTIALS REFERRAL OFFICE

July 2007 - The Canadian government have recently launched a new service named the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO). Its aim is to assist immigrants and potential immigrants to find the information and access the services they need to put their skills to work quickly in Canada.

The FCRO will function as a one-stop shop for information and referral services to individuals both overseas and in Canada. It will provide information on the Canadian labour market and processes for credential assessment and recognition in Canada. They hope this will help internationally trained individuals to find employment commensurate with their skills and experience more quickly.

Canada is still a very attractive destination with continued high growth and increasing employment in many Provinces. Please feel free to complete the Online Assessment on our website so we can ascertain if you will qualify for Canadian residency.

For further information on migration to Canada, please call us on (+44) (0) 20 8365 3380 or complete an Online Assessment form on our website www.commonwealthimmigration.com.

CANADA
– PERMANENT RESIDENCE CARDS

May 2007 - The Canadian government has launched an awareness campaign reminding permanent residents of the need to ensure their permanent residence cards are still valid if they intend to travel internationally.

The first Canadian permanent residence cards were introduced in 2002 and will expire in July 2007. So to all our clients who have migrated to Canada in the last few years – make sure your card is valid for re-entry if you travel outside Canada!

CANADA
– TRUCKDRIVERS – BREAKING NEWS!

March 2007 - We have been in contact with a Trucking company based in New Brunswick, Canada who are very keen to take on UK Truckdrivers. They are looking to sponsor applicants for work visas and then permanent residence through the Provincial Nomination Program.

The employer is looking for UK Class 1 Truckdrivers with at least 2 years experience.

The employer will be visiting the UK for an information seminar to explain everything about the company and to offer employment on the spot.

We will be in touch again once we have an exact date for the seminar – likely to be April / May 2007.

CANADA
- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

March 2007 - Commonwealth Immigration are pleased to confirm that we are now able to offer exciting employment opportunities leading to temporary work visas and permanent residency in many occupations across Canada.

Through our relationship with an associate in Canada, employment can be secured for those of you who work in any of the following occupations;

o CARPENTERS AND JOINERS
o HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIANS
o SHEET METAL WORKERS
o FIRE ALARM SERVICE FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIANS
o CABINET MAKERS
o PLUMBERS
o BRICKLAYERS / STONE MASONS
o DRYWALL PLASTERERS
o FITTERS
o WELDERS
o HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS
o PAINTERS AND DECORATORS
o WELDERS & FABRICATORS
o CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS & PROJECT MANAGERS
o SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
o DENTAL TECHNICIANS FOR ONTARIO
o BMW, VW, LANDROVER & JAGUAR TECHNICIANS

We can then assist with obtaining a temporary work visa and then permanent residency through the appropriate Provincial Nomination Program. This is a much faster route to securing your move to Canada. So, if you work in any of these occupations send us your CV and we’ll be in touch!

For further information on migration to Canada, please call us on (+44) (0) 20 8365 3380 or complete an Online Assessment form on our website www.commonwealthimmigration.com.

CANADA
- BUSINESS IMIGRANTS

January 2007 - Commonwealth Immigration are pleased to confirm that we are now able to offer a guaranteed route which provides permanent residence to Canada for successful business immigrants.

Through a suitable, guaranteed investment in the Canadian economy, investor immigrants become eligible for permanent residence in Canada and, eventually, Canadian citizenship.

Applicants need to have a total net worth of CDN$800,000 and some business management experience. In partnership with a leading multi-national, applicants can receive financing for most of the required investment amount.

This then frees up their capital to purchase a home or a business when they arrive in Canada, while complying fully with Canadian government regulations.

WHERE?
- NEW BRUNSWICK!

January 2007 - While many of our clients for Canadian residency apply to major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, we thought it worth mentioning that there are other places in Canada that are very welcoming for immigrants.

One such place is the Province of New Brunswick. One of our clients who has applied for Canadian residency recently went to visit New Brunswick and loved it so much that she is determined to move there.

So where is it? New Brunswick is on the eastern coast of Canada, beside Nova Scotia, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and the U.S. state of Maine. It has excellent links with all major Canadian and US cities and is easy to reach from Europe.

It’s roughly the same size as Ireland but only has a population of 730,000. That means the average house costs just CDN$130,000 (UK£60,000).

The New Brunswick economy has been outperforming the rest of Canada over the last several years. With a solid background in I.T. and manufacturing, coupled with its strategic position next to the U.S. market, the future seems rosy.

So much so, that the New Brunswick government offer a Provincial Nominee Program to attract immigrants – both workers and business applicants. If you are eligible, this is a much quicker process than an immigration application through the Federal government.

The capital city Fredericton is home to about 100,000 people and offers many cultural attractions such as theatres and art galleries. The city also has several large parks, forested areas and lakeside beaches. Two well established universities are also located in Fredericton.

And if all that isn’t enough to attract you, then here are some more key facts;

1. Free basic healthcare is provided by the Provincial government

2. New Brunswick’s crime rate is significantly lower than the national average.

3. New Brunswick is connected to the rest of North America and to Europe by major airlines. Air Canada provides daily flights from New York, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, St. John's and Halifax.

We hope that these news have been informative for you. However, remember everyone's circumstances are different so if you or a friend or family member want to check your eligibility to emigrate then either

1) complete the Online Assessment Form on our website or
2) give us a call on +44 (0) 1223 830 916

We would love to hear from you!

Regards
Tim McMahon
Commonwealth Immigration
www.commonwealthimmigration.com