Breaking News: Re-Opening of Federal Skilled Worker Program

English: The recreation of the immigration hall at Pier 21, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On Wednesday, April 23, 2014, the Government of Canadaannounced new occupations and caps for the popular Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. Additional important information has been announced for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs.

The new changes go into effect for all three programs on May 1, 2014.

“This is a long-awaited and exciting announcement for applicants all over the world,” said Attorney David Cohen. “I am certain that in the coming days we will see an incredible amount of excitement generated for the FSW program in particular, which has historically been the most popular path to Canadian Permanent Residency.”

Federal Skilled Worker Announcements

Effective May 1, 2014, the FSW will be accepting an overall total of 25,000 new applications. Applicants must have at least one year of work experience in one of 50 eligible occupations. A maximum of 1,000 applications will be accepted per eligible occupation.

The eligible occupations include many widely practiced professions. They are as follows:

1. Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services (NOC 0013)
2. Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c. (0015)
3. Financial managers (0111)
4. Human resources managers (0112)
5. Purchasing managers (0113)
6. Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers (0121)
7. Managers in health care (0311)
8. Construction managers (0711)
9. Home building and renovation managers (0712)
10. Managers in natural resources production and fishing (0811)
11. Manufacturing managers (0911)
12. Financial auditors and accountants (1111)
13. Financial and investment analysts (1112)
14. Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers (1113)
15. Other financial officers (1114)
16. Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (1123)
17. Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers (1212)
18. Property administrators (1224)
19. Geoscientists and oceanographers (2113)
20. Civil engineers (2131)
21. Mechanical engineers (2132)
22. Electrical and electronics engineers (2133)
23. Petroleum engineers (2145)
24. Information systems analysts and consultants (2171)
25. Database analysts and data administrators (2172)
26. Software engineers and designers (2173)
27. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174)
28. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (2232)
29. Construction estimators (2234)
30. Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241)
31. Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics (2243)
32. Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety (2263)
33. Computer network technicians (2281)
34. Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors (3011)
35. Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (3012)
36. Specialist physicians (3111)
37. General practitioners and family physicians (3112)
38. Dietitians and nutritionists (3132)
39. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (3141)
40. Physiotherapists (3142)
41. Occupational therapists (3143)
42. Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (3214)
43. Medical radiation technologists (3215)
44. Medical sonographers (3216)
45. Licensed practical nurses (3233)
46. Paramedical occupations (3234)
47. University professors and lecturers (4011)
48. Psychologists (4151)
49. Early childhood educators and assistants (4214)
50. Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125)

Applicants under the FSW program will be assessed according to the same criteria as 2013. Applicants are assessed on a points grid that takes into account important factors such as education, language skills, work experience, age, and adaptability to Canada. All applicants must meet minimum language requirements in either English or French.

In addition to skilled workers, the FSW program includes streams for PhD holders and individuals who have received eligible job offers from Canadian employers. A maximum of 500 PhD applicants will be accepted under the upcoming program. Applicants who hold valid job offers are not subject to any intake caps.

“While it is exciting to see so many occupations on this list, the most popular are likely to fill very quickly,” said Attorney David Cohen. “I strongly encourage anybody interested in this program to seize the moment and prepare to submit their application much sooner rather than later.”

Federal Skilled Trades Announcements

The FST program is for applicants with experience in a skilled trade. As of May 1, the FST program will be accepting a maximum of 5,000 applications for review. All NOC B level trades will be eligible for this program. This amounts to a total of 90 different occupations.

A maximum of 100 applications will be accepted under any single occupation. The 90 eligible occupations fall into the following general categories:

• Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical and construction trades;
• Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades;
• Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in national resources, agriculture and related production;
• Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators;
• Minor Group 632: chefs and cooks;
• Minor Group 633: butchers and bakers

Canadian Experience Class Announcements

The CEC program was created for individuals who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada. As of May 1, the program will accept a maximum of 8,000 new applications. Any skilled occupation is eligible*, however for NOC B level occupations a maximum of 100 applications will be accepted per occupation.

*The following six occupations are not eligible to apply under the CEC:

• Administrative officers (NOC 1221)
• Administrative assistants (1241)
• Accounting technicians/bookkeepers (1311)
• Cooks (6322)
• Food service supervisors (6311)
• Retail sales supervisors (6211)

What This Means for Applicants

Many prospective immigrants have been eagerly waiting for these changes to be announced. This new information confirms that all three programs are open for business once again.

The FSW program is more open to applicants than it has been in the past few years. The cap has increased more than five times over, from just 5,000 last year to 25,000 this year. In addition, the number of eligible occupations has more than doubled, from just 24 last year to 50 as of May 1. This means that skilled workers who were not eligible for the program in previous years because of their professional experience may now be eligible to apply.

“I am excited to hear that Canada is opening up its doors to so many talented professionals,” said Attorney David Cohen. “This is the last time applicants can apply under the FSW program in its current format. Starting in 2015, the Government of Canada has announced that it will be transitioning to a new immigration selection system known as ‘Express Entry’. This is just one more reason for interested applicants to act now, and take steps toward achieving their immigration goals.”

To find out if you are eligible for the FSW, FST, CEC or any of Canada’s over 60 immigration programs, please fill out an online assessment today.

Source: http://www.cicnews.com/2014/04/breaking-news-reopening-federal-skilled-worker-program-043382.html

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Jobs in Canada

English: Water tower in , , Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Position:                                 COOKS

NOC:                                        7642

Number of Positions               5

Years of Experience:               3+ years

English Level:                          Good

Preferred Countries:               No Preference

Needed by:                              May 2014

Length of Contract:                 2 years

Location:                                 North Battleford, SK

Starting Wage:                        13/hour to start

Type of Immigration:              LMO and Work Permit

Perm. Residence:                    Possible

Employer pays for:                  N/A

Employee pays for:                 Should be retained for PR, $150 for WP Fee, flight, accommodation, day-to-day expenses

Duties and Responsibilities

-          Sets up station according to restaurant guidelines

-          Prepares all food items as directed in a sanitary and timely manner.

-          Follows recipes, portion controls, and presentation specifications as set by the restaurant.

-          Restocks all items as needed throughout shift.

-          Cleans and maintains station in practising good safety, sanitation, organizational skills.

     Position:                                 Servers (Females only)

      NOC:                                        6453

     Number of Positions               6

     Years of Experience:               Previous experience in hospitality/restaurants is preferred  

      English Level:                          Fluent

Preferred Countries:               Latin american countries.

      Needed by:                              May 2014

      Length of Contract:                 2 years

      Location:                                 North Battleford, SK

      Starting Wage:                        10/hour plus tips

      Type of Immigration:              LMO and Work Permit  

      Perm. Residence:                    Possible

      Employer pays for:                  Flight to Canada

Employee pays for:                 Should be retained for PR, $150 for WP Fee, flight, accommodation, day-to-day expenses

      Duties and Responsibilities

-          Sets up station according to restaurant guidelines

-          Prepares all food items as directed in a sanitary and timely manner.

-          Follows recipes, portion controls, and presentation specifications as set by the restaurant.

-          Restocks all items as needed throughout shift.

-          Cleans and maintains station in practising good safety, sanitation, organizational skills.

    Position:                                 Grader Operator/Road Construction Foreman

    NOC:                                        7214

    Number of Positions               3

    Years of Experience:               3+ years

     English Level:                          Fluent

    Preferred Countries:               No Preference

     Needed by:                              April 2014

     Length of Contract:                 2 years

     Location:                                 Saskatoon, SK (Various locations in Saskatchewan)

     Starting Wage:                        28/hour plus benefits

     Type of Immigration:              LMO and Work Permit

      Perm. Residence:                    Possible

      Employer pays for:                  Immigration Assistance with WP, Relocation & Settlement

      Employee pays for:                 $155 for WP Fee, flight, accommodation, day-to-day expenses

      Youtube hint:                           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdm3jznl5JQ

       Main Characteristic:               Prepares all tasks of road construction before asphalt is laid

       RESPONSIBILITIES

-          Operates Grader and Skidsteer

-          Work as a team member and leader to carry out sub-grade preparation, which may include the use of cement powder to stabilize clay

-          Use survey equipment to ensure proper grading

-          Ensure subgrade materials and base gravels are laid to contract specifications

-          Plan work in an efficient and effective order, maximizing progress in a safe and timely manner; along with sufficient deployment and productivity of work crews

-          Ensure company equipment is lawfully operated, cared for, maintained and used effectively

-          Read and interpret project plans and specifications

-          Operate heavy equipment and other construction duties as necessary

-          Runs project of size from 2,000-10,000m2

REQUIREMENTS

-          Ability to meet safety requirements including pre-employment drug and alcohol testing

-          A successful candidate will be a Finish Grader and Finish Operator

-          Must have practical experience with operation of a grader and skidsteer

-          High School Diploma or G.E.D. preferred

-          Valid driver’s license

-          Knowledge of base construction methods, road construction materials, heavy equipment operation and industry requirements

-          Be willing to work out of town/province for extended period of time

-          Willing to work overtime, as required 

Please send your resume to nexuscanadavisa@gmail.com

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Immigration to Canada: Quebec opens doors for skilled workers

Flag of Quebec on the Quebec Government Office in Paris. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Three popular immigration streams, including investors and entrepreneurs, open for applicants

By 

Majorie van Leijen

Published Thursday, April 03, 2014

Positive news was announced for all who are interested in migrating to the French-speaking province of Quebec, Canada. Three of its popular immigration programmes will accept new applications this year.

The three programmes are the Quebec Skilled Worker Programme (QSWP), The Investor Programme (IP)and the Entrepreneur Programme (EP).

Quebec Skilled Workers Programme

With immediate effect, the QSWP programme has been extended to laud in another application year starting from April 1st, 2014. From this date to March 31st, 2015, 6500 applications will be accepted for review, committed the Government of Quebec.

Although the extension is good news for potential applicants, the new application year has a downside, as the intake cap has been reduced considerably; only last year the Quebec Government reserved space for a maximum number of 20,000 applicants through the same programme.

The high intake cap may have been an unrealistic one judging by the actual number of applicants. According to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) 10,000 applicants were accepted for review over the past ten months. 

At the same time, the numbers prove that applicants will have to speed up their application process to be eligible for this years’ programme. As the number of applicants usually surges by the year, the 6500 intake cap may be reached before the end of the programme year.

Investor Programme

Although the QSWP officially opens for application one year round, application rounds are different for the much contested investor opportunity into the province. While thousands of applications are received throughout the year, the Quebec Government only accepts a limited number of applications in short interval periods. The nest such period is from September 8-19 this year.

Within these two weeks, 1750 applications will be accepted by the Quebec Government, with an intake cap of 1200 applicants per country. The intake cap does not apply to applicants who speak a high-intermediate level of French.

The intake cap of 1750 is the same as the last round of intake, which took place in August last year.  However, over 5000 applications were submitted for the programme, which makes the programme highly competitive.

For both programmes applicants are advised to be well prepared and anticipative to submit their application as soon as they are permitted to do this. About the IP, Canadian attorney and author of the CIC newsletter Davic Cohen says: “It goes without saying that, with such a short timeframe for submission, only those individuals who are completely prepared in advance will be successful.

“The Province of Quebec has always been a popular destination for immigrants, and the QSW program has been its most popular immigration program. In the past, there were relatively few restrictions in terms of how many applications would be accepted for review. The new cap means that prospective applicants must compete against the clock and against each other to make sure they secure a place in the queue,” he added.

A third route – the Entrepreneur Route or Self-Employment Route- has been opened for applications, although little is known about the opportunity at this point. The Government of Quebec has said to accept a maximum of 500 applications from entrepreneurs and self-employed persons, without mention of a time frame.

What are the criteria?

The QSWP is the most general immigration stream and comparable to the Federal Skilled Worker Programme. However, more lenient criteria are applied in the province.

Quebec applies a point-based system, in which considerable emphasis is placed on language. An applicant can receive a maximum of 22 points for language. Up to 16 points can be awarded for French proficiency, and up to 6 for English.

Furthermore, the applicant must have qualifications in one of the 114 professions on the Areas of Training List, which was last updated in August 2013. On the new list 146 occupations are mentioned, with emphasis on occupations in the field of nursing and engineering.

When the province highly requires work force in one field, more points will be awarded for relating qualifications. Area of training can be allocated 6-16 points.

Investors are eligible to apply for he IP if they are able to invest CAD800,000 (Dh2800,000) for 5 years, or make a one-time payment of CAD220,000 (Dh760,000) with a financing option.

In return for the investment the province will provide a Quebec Selection Certificate and that will be transferred into a permanent residency for the investor and his/her family on the federal level.

Other than the investment and language proficiency, the investor will need to demonstrate a net worth of at least CAD1.6 million (Dh5.53 million) and managerial experience. Further, per August 2013 a new fee structure applies, requiring an initial fee of CAD10,000 (Dh34,600).

When the application is accepted the applicant may be invited for a selection interview, in which the applicant will be asked about his intention to settle in Quebec, his management experience, his assets and their lawful aquisition.

Quebec applies its own rules and regulations relating to immigration, although the decision to grant residency is made on the federal level. It has historically been a popular alternative to the competitive federal immigration programmes, and more recently the overall intake of applications in Quebec outpaced the intake on the federal.

Source: http://www.emirates247.com/news/immigration-to-canada-quebec-opens-doors-for-skilled-workers-2014-04-03-1.544101

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Nova Scotia: An Immigration Destination

Fishing Boats in Yarmouth, NS (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In recent weeks, the small Canadian province of Nova Scotia has been under the spotlight for many prospective immigrants. This is due largely to the creation of a new stream of immigration called the Regional Labour Market Demand Stream (RLMD), which is administered as part of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. Unlike most Canadian immigration programs, the RLMD stream does not require a job offer in order to apply.

The new stream offers the chance for prospective immigrants to settle in one of Canada’s most culturally dynamic provinces. Individuals wishing to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency through the RLMD stream or any of Canada’s immigration programs may wish to consider Nova Scotia, and to learn more about what the province has to offer.

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is the Provincial Nominee Program for Nova Scotia. Through the NSNP, Nova Scotia is able to target immigrants with the skills that are most needed throughout the province.

The RLMD stream is one of three streams currently administered by the NSNP. It’s creation was announced just a few weeks ago, and it began receiving applications on March 6, 2014. To learn more about the RLMD stream, please read our full coverage of the announcement from our last issue.

The NSNP has released some additional information regarding the stream and its requirements, including the following:

• At this time, there is no limit to the number of applications that will be accepted for review under the RLMD stream. This year only 150 applicants to this stream will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, but not necessarily the first 150 applications submitted.
• Applicants who do not receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate for this year will be given the option of withdrawing their application or remaining in the queue for next year.
• Both IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests will be accepted as proof of English proficiency.

What is Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is Canada’s second-smallest province in area, but with almost 1 million residents it is the most densely populated in the country. It is located in Eastern Canada, close to the province of New Brunswick and the American state of Maine. It is one of the country’s three Maritime Provinces, and is almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax, is a city of about 400,000 residents. It is home to world class universities such as Dalhousie University, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and Saint Mary’s University. Despite its modest size, Halifax is internationally renowned for its active music, art, and theatre scenes. A large number of Canada’s most famous actors and painters call Halifax home.

Working in Nova Scotia

According to a government study, Nova Scotia expects to experience “significant growth” due to retirement rates as well as expansion of new sectors of industry. These sectors includes: aerospace, information technology, skilled trades, financial services, and healthcare.

It is no surprise that the 43 eligible occupations for the RLMD stream fall largely within the scope of the province’s emerging sectors. In fact, Nova Scotia’s economy is expanding so quickly that the province has projected that it needs 75,000 new workers between the years 2011 and 2016. A full two-thirds of these new jobs will originate from the service sector.

“When it comes to career options, Nova Scotia is setting itself up to compete with some of the world’s best markets,” said Attorney David Cohen. But work is just one aspect of life in Canada. Residents of Nova Scotia find that, between bustling cities and towns and miles of pristine beach and forest, the province truly has the best of both worlds. The NSNP’s new stream is a rare opportunity for applicants to have the chance of moving to one of Canada’s best kept secrets.”

Below are the detailed eligibility requirements for the other streams of the NSNP

• Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker Stream is composed of three different categories, each with their own eligibility criteria. They are as follows:

Skilled Workers

This category is for individuals with experience in an occupation classified as NOC level 0, A or B, also known as skilled occupations. Priority is given to these high skilled applicants. See below for further eligibility requirements.

Semi-Skilled Workers

This category is for workers whose occupations are classified as NOC level C, also known as semi-skilled occupations. Applications in this category will only be considered if all eligibility criteria are met and the applicant has worked for at least 6 months with a Nova Scotia employer that is supporting their application for permanent residency.

Priority is given to semi-skilled workers whose employers:

• Have made an effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position; and
• Can demonstrate that they will provide support to assist newcomers with settlement needs

See below for further eligibility criteria.

Low-Skilled Workers

This category is for individuals whose occupations are classified as NOC level D, also known as unskilled occupations. Applications in this category will only be considered if all eligibility criteria are met and the applicant has worked for at least 6 months with a Nova Scotia employer that is supporting their application for permanent residency.

Priority is given to low-skilled workers whose employers:

• Have made an effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position; and
• Can demonstrate that they will provide support to assist newcomers with settlement needs

See below for further eligibility criteria.

General Criteria for this Stream 
In addition to the general eligibility outlined above, all applicants, regardless of their work experience, must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• If living in Canada, provide proof of legal status
• Be between the ages of 21 and 55 at the time of application
• Receive a full time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
• Have at completed at least a high school level of education (12 years of study), and;
  • Have the education, training, and licensing/certification needed to perform the job in Canada, if applicable
• Have at least 12 months of relevant work experience
• Meet language requirements for the program
  • For NOC levels 0, A or B – CLB level 5 in English or French
  • For NOC levels C or D – CLB level 4 in English or French
• Demonstrate the intent and ability to settle in the Province of Nova Scotia

Employers sponsoring applicants through this program must meet the following requirements:

Be permanently established in Nova Scotia

• Have operated in Nova Scotia, under current management, for at least two years
• Issue a full time, permanent job offer to the individual applicant.
  • The job must be located in Nova Scotia
  • The job must have salary and benefits that meet Provincial employment standards
  • The job must be in a position for which there is a shortage of qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Job offers made to NOC level C or D occupations will be considered based on local labour market requirements and conditions
• Demonstrate recruitment efforts to fill the position with a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Family Business Worker

This stream helps Nova Scotia employers hire workers that are close relatives and have specific skills that may be difficult to find amongst Canadian citizens and permanent residents. In order to be eligible, the identified worker, or their spouse, must be related to the family business owner or the spouse of the business owner in one of the following ways:

• Son or daughter
• Brother or sister
• Niece or nephew (children of brothers or sisters)
• Uncle or aunt (parent’s brothers or sisters)
• Grandchild

They may also be a step or half relative of the same degree.

In addition, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have legal status in their country of residence
• Have a permanent, full time job offer from a Nova Scotia business belonging to a close family member
• Have the necessary education, training, qualifications or licensing/accreditation needed to perform the job
• Have the appropriate work experience needed for the position
• Demonstrate the intent and ability to settle in the Province of Nova Scotia

In addition, the family business owner, or their spouse, must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Lived in Nova Scotia for at least two years
• Own at least 33.3% of the business issuing a job offer.
  • Business should be under current management for at least two years
• Have a financially viable business that can provide the salary and other parameters outlined in the job offer
• Not received social assistance or employment assistance within the last two years
• Issue a full-time, permanent job offer to the close family member that meets the following requirements:
• Has a salary, benefit, and working condition standards that meet provincial employment standards
  • Does not contravene bargaining agreements or settle any labour disputes
  • For occupations requiring certification, applicant should contact a provincial certification organization and verify they meet requirements
• The family business owner or their spouse/common-law or conjugal partner may support an application under this category no more than once every two years. They may have to provide documentation to show that previously supported family members have settled into Nova Scotia, found employment, and not needed social assistance.

To find out if you are eligible for the NSNP, or any of over 60 Canadian immigration programs,please fill out a free online assessment today. 

Source: http://www.cicnews.com/2014/04/nova-scotia-immigration-destination-043321.html