Key changes to Canada's immigration regulations regarding temporary foreign workers

• Bomza Law Group - Immigration Lawyers
• Canada
• January 31 2011
• 

On April 1, 2011, a number of significant changes to Canada's immigration laws and regulations respecting temporary foreign workers will come into effect. In order to ensure that no one is adversely impacted by these changes, it is important that all employers, HR professionals and foreign workers alike are fully educated and aware of these changes:    

1. Four-Year Cap on Canadian Work Permits

Effective April 1, 2011, foreign nationals will only be permitted to hold a temporary work permit for a cumulative 4 years. After working in Canada for one or more periods totaling 4 years, the foreign national will be required to wait for at least 4 years before he or she may reapply for a work permit. Some exceptions to this rule will apply, including situations where:

• The foreign national intends to perform work in Canada that would create or maintain significant social, cultural or economic benefits or opportunities to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• The foreign national intends to perform work pursuant to an international agreement with Canada (such as the NAFTA, CCFTA, Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement, GATS, etc.)  
• The foreign national is performing work in Canada while on a study permit  

2. Two-Year Ban for Non-Compliant Employers

In an effort to protect the rights of foreign workers in Canada, the new regulations create the imposition of a 2-year ban on the hiring of any temporary foreign workers for employers who have failed to substantially provide the same wages, working conditions, or occupation offered to any work permit holder in the past two years. Commencing April 1, 2011, such compliance will be assessed at the time an application for an LMO or work permit is made and will consider the employment of any foreign worker in the company's employ in the 2 years prior. Any employers found to have been non-compliant will not only be subject to this 2-year ban, but will also have their name, address and period of ban published on a publicly available list.

3. Assessing the Genuineness of an Offer of Employment

These new regulations additionally implement a number of factors to be considered by officers in assessing the genuineness of employment offers before approving both Labour Market Opinions and LMO-exempt work permits. Specifically, the officer will look to the nature of the employer's business, the level of activity of the company's operations, the terms of the offer of employment, and the employer's ability to meet those terms (including payment of wages offered).

4. Additional Requirements for Employers of Live-In Caregivers

The regulations further establish certain employer-related requirements for live-in caregiver work permit applications, including the employer's need for a live-in caregiver, the provision of adequate accommodation, and his/her ability to pay the wages offered.

5. Limited Validity of Labour Market Opinions

Following HRSDC's announcement in May 2009 that all Labour Market Opinions would be issued with a limited validity of 6 months, the Canadian Government's new changes make it required by law for all Labour Market Opinions to have an expiry date. If the foreign national does not apply for a work permit within that timeframe, a new Labour Market Opinion will need to be obtained by the employer.

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Canada: New Employer Compliance Requirements Take Effect Soon

Image by Shaun Merritt via FlickrEmployers should be prepared for new restrictions on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program taking effect April 1, 2011. Employers will be required to demonstrate past compliance with program rules and commitments in order to participate in the program. Further, some foreign workers will be subject to a four-year limit on employment in Canada.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will introduce new restrictions for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) effective April 1, 2011. Employers will be required to demonstrate their past compliance with program rules and commitments, and risk suspension from the TFWP for past program violations. In addition, some foreign nationals will be subject to a four-year limit on the time they can work in Canada under the TFWP.
New Compliance Requirements for Employers

Effective April 1, 2011, employers seeking to hire foreign workers will have their compliance with TFWP requirements over the preceding two years assessed. CIC will examine whether a sponsoring employer has provided its TFWP workers with wages, working conditions and an occupation that were substantially the same as the terms and conditions of the job offer that supported the work permit application.
An employer who does not meet the terms and conditions of the job offer may be subject to a two-year probationary period during which it may not hire a foreign worker under the program, unless the employer can show its earlier noncompliance was justified. Acceptable justifications to excuse noncompliance can include:

• A change in federal or provincial laws;
• A change in the applicable collective bargaining agreements;
• A good faith error in interpretation by the employer concerning its obligations to the foreign worker, so long as the employer subsequently provided compensation or made sufficient attempts to do so to all foreign workers who were affected by the error;
• An unintentional accounting or administrative error made by the employer, so long as the employer subsequently provided compensation or made sufficient attempts to do so to all foreign workers who were affected by the error;
• If the employer implemented measures that did not disproportionately affect foreign workers in response to dramatic economic changes directly affecting the employer, or
• Similar or related circumstances.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada will also maintain a public list of noncompliant employers on its website.
Though these new regulations do not take effect until April 1, they will apply to employers retroactively. As such, employers should review all work permits obtained on or after April 1, 2009 to ensure that the wages, working conditions and occupation have remained substantially the same as disclosed in the employer’s original offers of employment. If necessary, remedial action must be taken by the employer to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Four-Year Employment Limit for Some Work Permit Holders

The new TFWP rules will limit some work permit holders to a cumulative maximum period of four years of work in Canada. Once the four-year cap is reached, these individuals will not be eligible to apply for another work permit for a period of four years. However, the new cap will not apply to certain workers who enter in a category that is exempt from the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) requirement. This includes foreign nationals holding work permits that are issued pursuant to an international trade treaty, such as NAFTA or the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), or those holding positions that are exempt from LMO requirements because they create or maintain significant benefits for Canadians (such as intra-company transferees, among others).
Note that the four-year limit applies to employment authorization. It does not limit a foreign national’s stay in Canada to four years. In theory, those subject to the four-year work limit may be eligible to obtain another form of immigration status, such as student or dependent status, if they qualify. However, employers should still plan ahead and explore options for permanent residence for those foreign employees who may be subject to the four-year cap.

Source: Fragomen

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Bienvenue a Québec! – Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program

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Quebec is Canada’s largest province in terms of size and is often referred to as “La Belle Province” or the beautiful province in the rest of Canada. Known for its European-style cities, such as Montreal, Quebec is a prime destination for immigrants from all over the world.

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is specifically designed for applicants who intend to reside in the Province of Quebec. The program consists of two phases: the issuance of a Quebec Selection Certificate followed by the issuance of a Canadian Permanent Resident visa.

i. Quebec Selection Certificate

The first step in obtaining a permanent resident visa through Quebec is to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). A CSQ is a document issued by the Quebec immigration authorities (Immigration et Communautés Culturelles Québec) indicating that the applicant designated on the certificate has been selected to reside within the Province of Quebec. The CSQ is not a permanent resident visa, but rather authorization by the province to apply for permanent residency. In order to qualify for a CSQ, an applicant must score at least 49 points (or 57 points with a spouse or common-law partner) in the following 10 selection factors:

• Education – a maximum of 28 points can be obtained for education and area of training;

• Age – a maximum of 16 points can be obtained for applicants between the ages of 18 and 42 years of age;

• Experience – a maximum of 8 points can be obtained for work experience;

• Language proficiency – a maximum of 22 points can be obtained for French and English proficiency;

• Stay and Family in Quebec – a maximum of 8 points can be obtained for having stayed in Quebec or for having family living in Quebec;

• Validated Employment Offer – a maximum of 10 points can be obtained for having a valid employment offer in Quebec

• Financial Self-Sufficiency – an applicant must obtain 1 point to qualify and must meet a minimum funds requirement;

• Spouse’s Characteristics – an applicant can obtain up to 16 points for a spouse’s (or common-law partner’s) education, area of training, age, and language proficiency;

• Children – a maximum of 8 points can be obtained for children;

• Adaptability – a maximum of 6 points can be obtained upon the interview for adaptability.

Once all supporting documents have been submitted to the Quebec visa office, the application is assessed against the Quebec Skilled Worker selection criteria. The majority of applicants who meet the requirements are then called for an interview, which is a great opportunity for applicants to express their motivation and desire to reside in Quebec. Upon the completion of a successful interview, a CSQ is issued.

ii. Permanent Resident Visa

After the CSQ has been issued, an applicant submits the certificate, along with forms and supporting documents, to the federal immigration authorities who assess the applicants for medical and security purposes. The applicant and family members are then granted Canadian Permanent Resident visas.

As French is the predominant language in Quebec, all applicants must demonstrate, at least, a willing to learn French. Some applicants will require a higher score in French language proficiency if they are lacking points in other selection factors.

Why the Quebec Skilled Worker Program Is Good For You

The Quebec Skilled Worker category of immigration is more sophisticated and complex than the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The Quebec selection system is based on a “human capital” model and unlike most provincial nominee programs, an applicant does not require a job offer to qualify. Unlike the Federal program for skilled workers, Quebec does not limit the number of applicants by specific occupation. Many applicants, such as Registered Nurses and Computer/IT Specialists to name just two, no longer qualify for the Federal program as their occupation is no longer on the list of qualifying occupations or that their specific occupation’s cap limit has been reached. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program offers these people a new opportunity for permanent residency and with so many ways to qualify under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, all we can say to you is “Bienvenue a Québec!”

Find out if you qualify for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

Source: Canada immigration newsletter

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Immigration drives construction, provincial economy

Image by Martin LaBar via Flickr

Published: January 28, 2011 3:00 PM
Updated: January 28, 2011 3:09 PM

When you want to see how strong B.C.’s construction industry is going to be, look at the number of people deciding to call British Columbia home.

The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association examined the link between immigration, construction and the economy in its recently released Winter 2010-11 edition of Construction Monitor.

“Almost everyone in Canada will tell you that immigrants built this country. They came to this nation and built lives for themselves and their children,” said ICBA president Philip Hochstein. “But people might be surprised to hear that immigrants are still driving the economy – especially in B.C. and especially in construction.”

Hochstein said the link between immigration and construction is clear – and its importance will only grow.

“Instead of taking jobs away, immigrants help grow the job pool and drive construction – housing, commercial and industrial,” Hochstein said. “Of all provinces, the construction sector is the largest contributor to the economy here in B.C. Immigration can help keep that strong.”

Immigration will continue growing in importance for our economy as declining birthrates flip B.C.’s natural rate of increase to a natural rate of decrease.

“Other provinces may track other economy-driving indicators like oil, agriculture, or manufacturing and financial services, but it’s clear that B.C. needs to keep an eye on immigration,” Hochstein added. “All British Columbians will win if we continue to see people from across the globe decide to call B.C. home.”

A full copy of the report is at icba.ca.

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Business immigrants continue to take top billing in Canada

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• By David McKie

A lot of the talk about immigration recently has focused on would-be refugees trying to cheat the system to gain entry to Canada and eventually become citizens.

It got me thinking about the numbers and types of immigrants who come to Canada - just as the latest release of quarterly statistics from the department of immigration crossed my desk. The report contains year-to-year and quarterly statistics that track who's coming to Canada, why, where they're ending up.

There are too many statistics to discuss in this space. So allow me to mention a few of the numbers in the third quarter for 2010 that caught my attention.

There are three main classes of immigrants: business, family and refugees. From the chart below, you see the trend that's in play.

When comparing their numbers from the second quarter of 2010 to the third quarter (the most recent statistics), we see that the business class - represented by the red line in the chart - grew by eight per cent; the family and refugee classes dropped by 2.6 per cent and 2.8 per cent, respectively.

These trends held firm when comparing the first three quarters for 2009 and 2010. 

In a news release last summer, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said Canada wouldn't increase the number of business-class immigrants at the expense of family or humanitarian immigration categories, but the numbers tell a different story.

Predictably, advocates and some Opposition MPs accuse the Harper government of favouring people who either have money or who are coming here to do certain jobs over potential refugee claimants.

The government responds by pointing out that Canada needs people who can contribute to the economy and pay taxes (or put another way, stay off welfare) while helping to increase our population by sponsoring their relatives or having kids, or both.

I recall a scrum Kenney had with reporters on Nov. 1, 2010. We asked him about numbers, which even then showed an increase in people coming to Canada through temporary work permits. While he fielded specific questions about that program, there was no mistaking his government's take on the value of business-class immigrants. 

"Within five years, there will be no growth in the Canadian labour market (workers)," he explained to reporters. "All labour force growth will be because of immigration. There are, in certain regions, significant labour-market shortages. We've also seen some recent data that show that federal skilled workers who have arrived in the last few years have seen significant improvement in their economic outcomes."

(Click here to listen to audio of Kenney talking to reporters)

There are also some interesting trends within the general numbers from those Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism spreadsheets.

For instance, within the business class, one of the largest growth areas is something called the "Provincial or Territorial nominees" program, which allows jurisdictions across the country to determine who they get to keep. It's often the case that they end up choosing individuals who are on temporary work visas. This category has grown, in part, because provinces such as Alberta have asked Ottawa to raise the cap. The "investors" category has enjoyed even more impressive growth.

In the "refugee class," even though the overall category is in decline, there are parts of it, such as "privately sponsored" refugees, that are increasing. This comes as no surprise, as Kenney has touted this as a preferred route for refugees entering the country. But "Refugees landing in Canada" and those sponsored by the government are two parts of this overall category that are declining. And these declines are responsible for the refugee category's overall downward trend.

If you have any feedback on any aspect our immigration program, please feel free to contact me at: david_mckie@cbc.ca

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Canada's Best Diversity Employers

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  Now entering its fourth year, Canada's Best Diversity Employers recognizes employers across Canada that have exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs. This competition examines a range of diversity initiatives covering five major employee groups: (a) Women; (b) Members of visible minorities; (c) Persons with disabilities; (d) Aboriginal peoples; and (e) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered/Transsexual (LGBT) peoples. This competition replaces our two annual rankings of the top employers for women and visible minorities, which we published as an appendix to our book between 2002 and 2007, when the present competition was launched. Winners may use the competition's official logo for recruitment purposes until next year's winners are released. Read the press release announcing the 2010 winners
Agrium Inc.
Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc.
BC Hydro
Bell Aliant Regional Communications
Blake, Cassels & Graydon
Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.
Bruce Power Limited Partnership
Business Development Bank of Canada
Cameco Corporation
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Canada Safeway Limited
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto
Corus Entertainment Inc.
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.
Ernst & Young LLP
George Brown College
Health Canada - Santé Canada
Home Depot Canada, The
HSBC Bank Canada
KPMG LLP
L'Oréal Canada Inc.
Manitoba Lotteries Corporation
McGill University
Mount Sinai Hospital
MTS Allstream Inc.
Nexen Inc.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Ontario Public Service
Port Metro Vancouver
Procter & Gamble Inc.
Royal Bank of Canada
Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation
Saskatchewan Government Insurance / SGI
SaskPower Corporation
Scotiabank Group
Shell Canada Limited
Stantec Consulting Inc.
Statistics Canada
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Telus Corporation
Toronto Police Service
TransCanada Corporation
University of British Columbia
University of Toronto

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International Experience Canada/Working Holiday Program - Ireland

Image via WikipediJanuary 17 2011

Author page »

The International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative in Ireland is now officially open for 2011. Administrative changes have been made to the IEC for 2011. Most notably, for the first time in Ireland, Applicants will be able to apply directly to the Government of Canada. These changes are being introduced in order to re-align the IEC-Ireland with its counterparts in participating countries around the world.   
The Changes:
1. Student and non-student sub-categories will be amalgamated into one overall Working Holiday Program category. As of 2011, everyone who applies to the IEC will do so under the Working Holiday Program (WHP). The WHP enables citizens from Ireland aged 18-35 to travel and work in Canada. It is the ideal formula for students and non-students who want to supplement their travel experiences with temporary work;
2. Applicants who have a spouse or partner and/or dependents will be permitted to travel to Canada as well although they will be required to obtain their own individual status document;
3. Finally, program participation has been expanded for up to two one-year periods. Applicants will need to re-apply if they wish to repeat as a participant, but this change means that they may continue their stay in Canada after one year or travel again several years apart.
For assistance with preparing an application under the Working Holiday Program and/or how to transition from this program into becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident, contact our office and ask to speak with one of our immigration lawyers.

Source: 

• Bomza Law Group - Immigration Lawyers
• Donna Habsha

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Minister Kenney Makes it Easier for Haitians in Canada to Work

Image via WikipediaOTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 18, 2011) - Haitians in Canada temporarily can now apply for work permits more easily, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.
"Given the continued health and safety concerns in Haiti, ensuring that Haitian nationals who are currently in Canada temporarily can work and support themselves while they are here is paramount," said Minister Kenney. "It's important for Haitians already in Canada to know that if they need a work permit, they can now obtain one much more easily."
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations generally require work permit applications to be accompanied by a determination by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada that there is no adverse impact on the labour market. This is known as a labour market opinion, or an LMO. By removing this requirement, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is making it easier for Haitians who are here to work and maintain their immigration status.
Haitian nationals applying to extend their work permit will also receive continued coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). New applicants who are eligible for these measures will now also benefit from the IFHP.
These measures will take effect immediately and will apply to all Haitian nationals who were in Canada prior to January 13, 2011, and who are applying for a work permit or extending a work permit. The requirement for an LMO will remain in place for all those who arrived in Canada after that date.
Eligible individuals will have until September 1, 2011, to apply. Work permits are normally valid for one year.
For further information on work permits: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp

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Typical Living Expenses in Canada

Image via WikipediaSource: Muchmore magazine
Your life in Canada will be different than in your home country. You may have to take a job with lower pay while you upgrade your skills or get experience working here. That means your financial status could change. Even if you earn a higher salary in Canada than you were earning in your home country, the cost of living here may be higher than you are used to. Below are typical cost of living figures in Canada for your information.
Existing newcomers, please feel free to add your typical costs for essential services or other items via comments as this is really useful information for everyone.

Prepare financially before you leave

Determine how much it costs to live where you are planning to settle in Canada. The cost of living will vary depending on where you decide to settle but some costs will be typical for items and services across Canada.
Check with your banker, lawyer, or financial adviser to find out if your home country has a limit on how much money can be removed. Find out more about bringing money with you to Canada and items you can import duty free and tax free on the Canada Border Services Agency website.
If you will be immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker, investor, entrepreneur or as a self-employed person you will have to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada. You will need to provide proof of your funds to the Canadian visa office in your home country when you submit your application for immigration.

Here are some typical costs for items and services in Canada.

Typical Canadian living costs

Household expenses - Your everyday costs

Up to half your take-home pay in Canada can be taken up by household expenses. These expenses include the cost of your home, heating and other utilities, food, clothing, health insurance and transportation.

Your home will cost the most

Most Canadians spend 35 to 50 percent of their income on housing and utilities. This includes the cost of renting your home or paying your mortgage (a mortgage is a long-term loan.) It also includes the often-high cost of heating your home and paying for electricity, telephone service and water.

If you rent

Many newcomers choose to rent an apartment on a monthly basis. Rental costs vary across cities and across Canada; they usually cost less outside large cities.
You will likely pay at least $350 a month to rent a room and at least $2,000 a month to rent a larger apartment or a large house. An immigrant-serving organization where you plan to settle can help you find a home that you can afford.

If you buy

If you want to buy a house, you will probably need to get a mortgage. Banks and other lending institutions give mortgage loans. They decide whether you have enough income, enough assets (things you own) and a good credit rating. Most banks will ask you to pay at least 10 percent of the cost of the house from your own money.
In addition to your mortgage payments, you will have to pay for property tax and household insurance. If you plan to purchase a condominium (condo), you will have to pay other fees.
You can compare the costs of housing in communities across Canada in the city profiles section of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website.

Health insurance

Some provincial and territorial health programs may not cover some newcomers for the first three months they are in Canada.
You should check with the ministry of health in your province or territory as soon as you arrive in Canada to see if you will need to buy extra health insurance.

Basic expenses

Food will be a basic expense and costs will depend on the size of your family. This cost can double if you often eat in restaurants or choose to buy specialty items.
Clothing expenses may be less than 10 percent of your take-home pay, but you may spend a lot more if you buy your clothing at designer stores. Second-hand shops sell used clothing and furniture at very low cost.

Alcohol and cigarettes

Some people include alcohol and cigarettes as part of their budget. Alcohol and cigarettes are expensive in Canada because they are heavily taxed.

Transportation

Many Canadian families have one or more cars. Canadians either buy their cars new or used or they lease them, which is a form of rental.
Make sure you think of all the costs before you decide to buy or lease a car. For example, when you own a car you will have to pay to keep it working well, for gas, monthly loan payments, registration and insurance. When you lease a car you will sign a contract to have the car for a set period of time. You will pay the same costs as you do when you own a car.
Many Canadians also choose to use public transportation, walk or bike.

Car insurance

It is the law that all cars must be insured and registered with your provincial or territorial government. Car insurance can be expensive, but it protects you and other drivers in case of an accident. In most provinces, you can find more information by contacting the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Be ready for occasional expenses

Living in Canada, you will find that every now and then you have to make payments for occasional expenses. Some examples: buying prescription medicine (not covered by health insurance), school supplies and long-distance calls to friends and family in your home country.
Learn more about the costs for living in major cities across Canada at Statistics Canada’s website.

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Going to Live and Work in Canada as a Skilled Migrant: Update

Image via WikipediaIf you’re thinking about starting a new life in Canada, and you’re going to apply for a visa as a skilled migrant, the latest news from the jobs market and immigration department will be of interest and use to you

If you’ve decided that 2011 is the year you finally turn your dreams of relocating abroad into reality, and Canada is your destination of choice, this update on the jobs market, employment landscape and changes to immigration rules in Canada is for you.

As a skilled migrant hoping to move to live, work and start a new life in Canada, it’s imperative that you keep abreast of any changes that could impact on you.  As we all know, Canada’s economy has faired far better than America’s or Great Britain’s over the past few years, but the latest job statistics show that some employment sectors are cutting workers.
Depending on your skill set and where you want to work in Canada, it may be time for you to speed up your visa application and get moving before job opportunities dry up.  Alternatively, if you’re hoping to work in some regulated professions in Canada, there is good news relating to skill matching and international qualifications recognition.
The unemployment rate in Canada in December held steady at 7.6% - but if you look much more closely at the statistics, you can see some notable developments.  For example, the construction sector seems to be constricting, which is not good news if you’re a skilled migrant potentially planning on working in the construction trade.
To date Canada’s property market has been relatively steady compared to our own for example, but a sharp downturn in numbers employed in the construction industry in December 2010 suggests that this sector could be weakening.  27,000 jobs were lost in this sector alone at the end of 2010, and the number of new starts was down.
Other sectors that saw a decline in numbers included healthcare and social assistance, wholesale and retail trade, business building and agriculture – although this may be a seasonal downshift.
The good news in terms of increasing jobs numbers and employed persons is to be found in the following sectors however: - manufacturing, transportation, warehousing and natural resources – and there has been a really marked increase in the numbers of Canadians working in private sector jobs.  The public sector has held steady in terms of the number of employed persons, and there was a fall back in terms of the numbers of self-employed in Canada.
Employment has increased most notably in Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador.
In terms of other positive marked changes to make note of, there has been a steady increase in the numbers of both young people and those over 55 who are in paid employment.  Therefore, no matter what age you’re at, you should not face any discrimination based on your date of birth!
Reviewing employment figures along with certain immigration statistics recently resulted in Canada Statistics revealing that there is a strong and disappointing mismatch between skilled migrants’ qualifications and professional training, and the jobs they end up doing once they move to live in Canada.
The delivery of the report has proved very positive however, as it has led the authorities to make some key changes.  Canada Immigration is now beginning to implement a fast track system of recognising foreign professional qualifications and credentials to knock down the barriers many professionals face when trying to get work in their sector in Canada.
So, whether you’re a doctor, a dentist, a teacher or a lawyer, in future your professional accreditation should be recognised in Canada, allowing you a smoother path into work in your chosen sector.
According to Canada Immigration: “The first group of occupations, which includes accountants, medical laboratory technicians, occupational therapists and pharmacists, will get access to the programme by the end of the year with the remainder of the professions such as doctors, engineering technicians, nurses and teachers having access by the end of 2012.”
All in all, by the end of this fast track scheme’s implementation at the end of next year, 15 occupations will be evaluated under the system.

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Skilled Workers Have a Path to Citizenship in Canada

Image via Wikipedia By Katherine at Legal Language
Posted 01/05/2011
Canada needs more skilled workers. To encourage immigration, the Canadian government has established a quick path for qualified workers to obtain permanent residence.
Skilled workers must meet specific criteria before their applications are processed, however — not to mention the specific list of occupations that qualify for this immigration path.

Which Occupations Are Accepted?

If you are interested in coming to Canada as a skilled worker, but you do not yet have an offer of employment, the very first thing you should do is find out whether or not your occupation is acceptable for this particular route to immigration.
Canada allows people of any occupation to immigrate as skilled workers if they have an employment offer from a Canadian business. If you do not have an offer, Canada will accept skilled workers from the following occupations:

• Primary production managers
• Professional occupations in business services to management
• Insurance adjusters and claims examiners
• Biologists and related scientists
• Architects
• Specialist physicians
• General practitioners and family physicians
• Dentists
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Registered nurses
• Medical radiation technologists
• Dental hygienists and dental therapists
• Licensed practical nurses
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Chefs
• Cooks
• Contractors and supervisors in carpentry trades
• Contractors and supervisors in mechanic trades
• Electricians
• Industrial electricians
• Plumbers
• Welders and related machine operators
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• Crane operators
• Drillers and blasters in surface mining, quarrying and construction
• Supervisors in oil, gas drilling and related services

Further Eligibility Requirements

If you have a job offer or if you have worked in one of the above occupations, you must still meet additional eligibility requirements before your application can be processed.
These include:

• Taking a language proficiency exam — you must be fluent in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English and French
• You must have worked for at least one year, either full time or the equivalent in part time, continuously, within the last 10 years
• You must have been compensated for your work
• You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents during the move to Canada

If you meet the above minimum requirements, your application will be processed according to the six selection factors in the skilled worker points grid, which are:

• Your education experience
• Your language abilities
• Your work experience
• Your age
• Whether you have arranged employment in Canada
• Your adaptability

How Skilled Workers Can Apply

To apply as a skilled worker, you will need to download and fill out the following forms:

• IMM 0008: Application for Permanent Residence in Canada
• IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 1: Schedule 1 Background/Declaration
• IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 3: Schedule 3 – Economic Classes – Federal Skilled Workers
• IMM 5406: Additional Family Information

Once the forms are filled out truthfully and to the best of your ability, you must mail them, along with fees and proof of language proficiency, to the Centralized Intake Office for Federal Skilled Worker Applications in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Keep in mind that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will contact you about going through medical, criminal and background checks.

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CHOOSE MANITOBA OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. RESIDENTS

Image via Wikipedia

Manitoba welcomes applications from U.S. residents under a special initiative of our government immigration program.

Under the initiative, applications from the U.S. will be given priority assessment.

Why choose Manitoba?

We're the friendly and prosperous Canadian province that neighbours North Dakota. Manitoba offers opportunities for you and your family to pursue rewarding careers while enjoying an affordable lifestyle and the benefits of high-quality, accessible public education and health care.

U.S. residents will find employment opportunities here. Our economy is stable and strong. Americans who have visited Manitoba for pleasure - and for business or work - find they feel right at home.

The Manitoba government selects candidates for immigration based on their job and English language skills and ability to settle as permanent residents of Manitoba.

U.S. residents can apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program under a special initiative. Eligibility requirements include making an exploratory visit to Manitoba. For details, visit Strategic Initiatives.

To learn about living and working in Manitoba, visit Choose Manitoba.

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Government of Ontario to organize Business Immigration Seminar

India Infoline News Service / 09:49 , Oct 17, 2010

The seminar series is being organized to showcase Ontario as part of the MEDT’s strategy to encourage greater participation by Indian businesses and to encourage Indian companies and entrepreneurs to set up global offices in the state.

The Government of Ontario, Canada, in association with FIEO is organizing business immigration seminars in Mumbai and New Delhi, Oct 18 and 21st October 2010 respectively. The Business Immigration Section of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT), Government of Ontario, Canada, provides a variety of services and support to business immigrants during the planning stages of immigration and after arriving in Ontario. The seminar series is being organized to showcase Ontario as part of the MEDT’s strategy to encourage greater participation by Indian businesses and to encourage Indian companies and entrepreneurs to set up global offices in the state.  Ontario has been ranked as the no. 1 province in Canada by Site Selection Magazine in their annual Canadian Competitiveness Rankings. By way of background, Site Selection is a U.S. based bi-monthly print magazine which provides CEOs, development planners and corporate executives’ news and information on all aspects of the business location/relocation process. There are about half a million people of Indian descent living in Ontario which makes the province an attractive destination for Indian Companies and entrepreneurs. Many Indian Companies like Essar, Piramal, ICICI Bank, Bombay Chamber of Commerce have operations in Ontario. Similarly, Ontario companies Sun Life, Bank of Nova Scotia, and Celestica have operations in India. The seminars aim to educate and help businesses understand the conducive policies and effective programs adopted by the government of Ontario to encourage business immigration. To be addressed by Immigration Specialist from the Business Immigration Unit at Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and by Royal Bank of Canada, which is a facilitator for the Federal Investor Program, the seminars will provide the attendees a complete picture of the advantages that are available to people seeking to immigrate under Ontario’s immigrations programs. Ontario has a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), an immigration program through which Ontario nominates individuals and their families for permanent resident status based on a pre-approved job offer in the province. Employers can attract individuals from abroad; individuals in Canada on a work permit or international student graduates from a publicly-funded Canadian college or university. It also has an Immigrant Investor Program (IIP) which allows prospective immigrants to make a passive investment in a government fund and become a landed immigrant.

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• Facebook Canada and Ontario Police team up to help locate abducted kids (techvibes.com)