Immigration Canada

How to move from an international driver’s licence to a Canadian one

How long can I keep using my international driver’s license after immigrating?” is the first question most newcomers have about driving in Canada.

The answer is “Yes, but not for long.” And the rules vary from province to province.

New residents who have a valid driver’s license from another country, province or state can use their existing license, but for no longer than 60 to 90 days (depending on which Canadian province you reside in).

If you want to continue driving after this set period expires, you will need to obtain a valid Canadian driver’s license. Again, the specific rules on how to get your license vary from province to province, which also depend on your country of origin!

No matter where you live, to obtain your new license and start driving, your first step is to go down to your local driving test center with proof of your international license, driving experience and personal identification — plus pay the applicable fees!.

Driving in B.C.

In British Columbia, newcomers who wish to drive a motor vehicle in the province and have a valid driver’s license from another country can use their license for 90 days, after which you will be required to apply for a B.C. license.

Newcomers with a valid driver’s license from the United States, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea can apply to have a foreign license transferred to a B.C license after taking a required vision test and paying applicable license fees.

Immigrants relocating from the countries not listed above must complete a written knowledge test on the rules of the road and accompany road test. Signing up for driving lessons can also be a big help as the rules of the road will likely differ in Canada compared to your country of origin.

Alberta Rules

In Alberta, newcomers are required to exchange their original driver’s license for an Alberta license after 90 days.

Newcomers from Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Scotland, Switzerland, the United States or Wales can exchange it for an Alberta license after taking a required vision test and paying the applicable license fees.

Newcomers from a country not listed above will be required to take a written knowledge test and driving test.

Licensing in Manitoba

Newcomers can use a foreign license for only three months in Manitoba before it becomes invalid. They must then apply for a provincial driver’s license.

Newcomers with a valid driver’s license from the United States, Austria, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Republic of South Korea, Switzerland or the United Kingdom (including its territories) may exchange it for a Manitoba driver’s license after taking a required vision test.

Newcomers from other countries may use their foreign license for three months and then must pass a vision test, complete a written knowledge test on the rules of the road and successfully complete a driving test.

On the road in Ontario

Newcomers with a license from outside of Canada can use their existing license for up to 60 days while in Ontario.

Immigrants from the United States, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Northern Ireland, Korea, Australia, the Isle of Man, Great Britain, France and Belgium can exchange their license for an Ontario license after taking a required vision test and paying the applicable license fees.

Newcomers from countries not listed above will be required to complete a written knowledge test on the rules of the road and accompany road test.

Taking the test

So, if you’re from China, India or any other non-exempt country, you will have to take a written knowledge test and a road test to get a Canadian driver’s license.

In many provinces, there is a graduated testing system, which means you may not have full driving privileges immediately. In Ontario, for example, individuals can take a G2 road test eight months after passing the written test, which enables drivers to operate a vehicle at any time, but maintain a zero blood alcohol limit. Individuals can take an upgraded road test 12 months after to get their full G license.

Since this type of graduated licensing system was designed for novice drivers, a newcomer with substantial driving experience may be able to bypass some of this waiting period. Check with your local driving test center in your province to find out.

Source: http://canadianimmigrant.ca/drive-in-canada/how-to-move-from-an-international-drivers-licence-to-a-canadian-one

Canada Immigration News - IRCC Update on Spousal/Common-Law Sponsorship: Processing Times now Less Than 12 Months for Many Applicants

Breaking down language barriers: Nova Scotia government translating emergency brochures for newcomers | Metro News

Feds look at faster system to give social insurance numbers to immigrants | Metro News

Canada's best city to live in is not where you think

Published Tuesday, June 2, 2015 9:00AM EDT

Josh Elliott, CTVNews.ca

Forget the hustle and bustle of the big city. If you're looking for the best place to live in Canada, head for the suburbs.

The Montreal suburb of Boucherville, Que. is the best place to live in the country, according to aMoneySense list ranking quality of life in 209 Canadian cities. Ottawa was the highest-ranked major city at No. 2 on the list, with Quebec City ranked 10th, followed by Calgary at No. 19, Winnipeg at No. 24 and London, Ont. at No. 31.

MoneySense assembled its 2015 ranking by combining census data and Statistics Canada information to rank cities using a number of different factors. Those factors include everything from average income and crime rates to the number of people who own cars made in 2012 or later. Other factors include the length of commute to work, value of real estate, number of doctors in the community and the number of hot days per year.

Perched on the east bank of the Saint Lawrence River, Boucherville satisfied most of the desirability criteria on the list, with low unemployment, high average income, affordable housing, high population growth, bike-friendly streets and a strong arts and sports community. The town of approximately 43,000 citizens rose up to top spot this year after ranking sixth in 2014.

Several suburb communities ranked high on the list. The medium-sized, Toronto-area cities of Burlington and Oakville were third and sixth on the list, respectively. The Edmonton suburb of St. Albert placed fourth, while the Montreal suburb of Blainville ranked fifth and Levis, near Quebec City, placed eighth. North Vancouver was ninth on the list.

The MoneySense ranking considers communities with a population below 100,000 to be small. Medium cities have a population between 100,000 and 400,000, while large cities had a population larger than 400,000.

These were the top 10 large cities in the country:

Ottawa (No. 2)
Quebec City (No. 10)
Calgary (No. 19)
Winnipeg (No. 24)
London (No. 31)
Edmonton (No. 33)
Toronto (No. 35)
Hamilton (No. 41)
Vancouver (No. 46)
Laval (No. 60)

The list included several new additions that were not in the 2014 rankings. Comox, B.C. had the best debut at No. 25 on the list, followed by Erin, Ont. (No. 76) and Port Credit, Ont. (No. 87).

Here's the complete list of new additions:

Comox, B.C. (No. 25)
Erin, Ont. (No. 76)
Port Credit, Ont. (No. 87)
Spruce Grove, Alta. (No. 96)
Orangeville, Ont. (No. 97)
Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ont. (No. 124)
Nelson, B.C. (No. 125)
Selkirk, Man. (No. 155)

Ontario had 68 communities ranked on the list, more than any other province.

Here's how the 209 cities break down by province:

Ontario – 68 cities
Quebec – 44 cities
British Columbia – 42 cities
Alberta – 21 cities
Saskatchewan – 8 cities
New Brunswick – 7 cities
Manitoba – 6 cities
Nova Scotia – 5 cities
Newfoundland and Labrador – 4 cities
Prince Edward Island – 2 cities
Northwest Territories – 1 city
Yukon – 1 city
Nunavut – 0 cities

Calgary had one of the most noticeable year-to-year drops on the list, going from second overall in 2014 to No. 19 this year. Strathcona County, Alta. also dropped precipitously, falling out of third spot to 18th this year. Edmonton tumbled from eighth to 33rd, Kingston, Ont. fell from 11th to 37th and Regina, Sask. plummeted from ninth all the way to 44th.

Victoriaville, Que. had the most dramatic drop, falling from 57th last year to 156th this year.

Ontario communities generally climbed up the rankings, while Alberta saw several communities on the decline.

Source:http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-s-best-city-to-live-in-is-not-where-you-think-1.2402257

Canada: One of the Best country to live in 2016.

Canada is regarded as one of the best countries to live in the world because of its exceptional factors like high rate of life satisfaction, lower murder rates, and wide cultural diversity acceptance.
There exists a strong correlation between this country’s reputation and its intent to visit. As Canada tops this reputation, its tourism industry has generated more than $81.9 billion over the last year.
Canada has ranked high in its unique old age pension programs and health care system. In fact, this country is regarded as The 5th best country to see yourself grow old. If you are a Canadian, you are lucky indeed.
At present, 14.9% of the total Canadian population is aged over 65. This rate is anticipated to get doubled in the next 25 years.

With highly equipped healthcare system, newborn Canadian kids can enjoy a life up to or more than 81 years on an average.
According to the reports, Canada is the 14th biggest economy in the world. Thus, making it one of the wealthiest nations as well.
Like other developed countries, the Canadian financial system is dominated by its service industry – employing around 3-quarter of Canadians.
People who are living here are often mocked for apologizing. They never hesitate to ask for pardon when they commit mistakes. This characteristic multiplies the happiness and even strengthens their relationship.
Roughly, 64% of Canadians donate their money to charities.
Canadians have a lower unemployment rate.
As far as the banking sector is concerned, they have outstanding services.
Canadian sons/daughters earn twice as high as their parents do. Thus, providing a good income ladder to its citizens. For example, children born to poor parents can quickly raise their positions and they rarely die as poor.
Canada also offers a high rate of life satisfaction to its citizens. The reason behind it is that this nation has a minimal number of suicidal rates.
Statistics says that Canadians make more than 10 million overseas trips every year. Now, this clearly states their luxury and economical freedom.
Canada is also regarded as one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
Canadians make a lead in quantum computing, medical discoveries, space science, and technology.

Source: https://lifestyle9.org/worlds-best-country-to-live-in-2013/2/

International Education News l The PIE News l Canada report shows int'l grads in low-skilled jobs, calls for PSW overhaul

International Education News l The PIE News l Canada report shows int'l grads in low-skilled jobs, calls for PSW overhaul:

'via Blog this'

Food talent a hot commodity for immigration to Canada in 2015

Canada’s new economic immigration selection system has lived up to its “just-in-time” billing by processing most applications from start to finish within the government’s target of six months.

According to the one-year report card on the Express Entry system, 80 per cent of cases were processed within that time frame — from the day a complete application was received until a final decision was made by an immigration officer.

“Over 31,000 invitations to apply to permanent residence have been issued to a diverse range of highly skilled immigrants and almost 10,000 individuals (principal applicants and their family) have already landed in Canada as permanent residents,” said the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada review.

“Key findings indicate that professors were in the top 10 occupations list and that many international students fare well in Express Entry.”

Some 2,356 applicants invited to immigrate last year were “food service supervisors,” followed by 2,295 cooks. Together the two occupations accounted for 16 per cent of those who got a pass for permanent resident status in Canada.

Information systems analysts, software engineers, computer programmers and interactive media developers, university professors and lecturers, retail sales supervisors, graphic designers and illustrators, financial auditors and accountants, and financial investment analysts rounded up the top ten.

Under the Express Entry system, implemented in January 2015, each applicant completes a profile that is then added to a pool of candidates, where they are ranked against one another based on points awarded for personal attributes such as education, language skills and work experience.

A positive labour market impact assessment — a government certification that shows a candidate’s skills are in short supply in Canada — automatically boosts an applicant’s score by 600 points.

There were a total of 23 draws, each with a different cutoff ranging from a low of 450 points to a high of 886. As of this January, there were 60,042 profiles in the pool, with 22.5 per cent of them having a score between 400 and 449, and 36.4 per cent of a score between 350 and 399.

In 2015, 191,279 profiles were created in the pool, but 88,048 of them were removed because the applicant did not meet the criteria for any of the four economic immigration classes: provincial nominees, federal skilled workers, federal skilled trades and Canadian experience class.

Of the remaining candidates, only 31,000, or 30 per cent, received an invitation to immigrate here. Their top three destination provinces were Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia. Only eight cases were headed to Nunavut.

More than 78 per cent, or 22,111, of the successful candidates were already living in Canada when they applied — a sign of the advantage the new system awards those already working here, who have a positive labour market impact assessment in their line of work, or have graduated from a post-secondary program in Canada.

However, the number of French-speaking applicants is still small, representing just 1 per cent of all profiles in the pool and just 2 per cent of those invited to become permanent residents.

As in 2014, India, China and the Philippines remained the top three immigrant source countries, accounting for 41 per cent of successful candidates.

However, in 2015, people from the United Kingdom (5.8%), Ireland (4.3%) and United States (3.4%) also made the top six, while Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Egypt were bumped out of the top 10.

Occupations that will get you in

The best job categories to gain entry to Canada under the Express Entry system seem to be food service supervisors and cooks. Both represent 8% of some 31,000 invitations issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in 2015.

8% — 2,256 food service supervisors

8% — 2,295 cooks

4% — 1,255 information systems analysts

3% — 940 software engineers

3% — 935 computer programmers and interactive media developers

3% — 745 university professors and lecturers

2% — 669 retail sales supervisors

2% — 550 graphic designers and illustrators

2% — 494 financial auditors and accountants

2% — 446 financial investment analysts

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Moving to Canada from the USA:Permanent Immigration to Canada.

Express Entry

A major advantage of the Express Entry immigration selection system is that applications are processed within six months. Through Express Entry, American citizens can go from merely thinking about moving to Canada to living and working here as permanent residents in well under a year. Moreover, American citizens typically have a strong chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, thanks to strong language skills, the probability of having obtained skilled work experience, and the higher education that they may have completed earlier in life.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Much like the United States, Canada is sub-divided into different jurisdictions, known as provinces. These provinces are, in some ways, similar to the various states that make up the United States. Unlike states in the U.S., however, Canadian provinces have a significant say in which new immigrants come and settle in the particular provinces. Indeed, over recent years, many American legislators and commentators have asked publicly why the U.S. can't emulate the success that Canada has had in decentralizing its economic immigration system. The Provincial Nominee Programs may be a useful starting point for Americans who know which province they wish to move to, as well as others who have specific skill sets and work experience that certain provinces are looking for.

Immigration to Quebec

Quebec is a distinct case within the Canadian landscape. As Canada's only majority French-speaking province, many U.S. citizens may not initially jump at the opportunity to relocate to Quebec, but here are just a few reasons why the province deserves, at least, a second look:

Quebec is home to the metropolis of Montreal, known for its laid-back European-style joie de vivre. Montreal has a large English-speaking population, a relatively low cost of living, and the second-highest per capita student population of any city in North America. The U.S.–Canada border is also just a 45-minute drive from downtown Montreal.
For decades, Quebec has more closely modeled itself on the mixed economies and strong welfare states of Northern Europe. Quebec is the land of heavily subsidized day care for children and huge public investment in education, jobs training, and retirement costs while also retaining a business-friendly environment.
The major towns and cities of Quebec are just a few hours' drive from Boston and New York City. The New England region and upstate New York are even closer, and further afield, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Buffalo are all within a day's drive.

Spousal/Common-Law Sponsorship

A large percentage of American immigrants to Canada arrive after being sponsored by a Canadian spouse or common-law partner. Canada and the U.S., after all, are the best of neighbors (neighbors), and many Americans and Canadians become the best of friends. The current Liberal Government of Canada places particular emphasis on what is commonly known as family reunification or family sponsorship, and the spousal/common-law route is one pathway to Canadian immigration under this category. The government is also working on reducing processing times under this immigration category.

Furthermore, Canada recognizes same-sex marriage. Same-sex partners may be eligible to apply to reunite in Canada, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.

Business Immigration to Canada

Through the Business Class immigration programs, Canada aims to attract individuals that have a significant ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. With a diverse market-based economy and workplace values that American business people would recognize, Canada presents an abundance of opportunity for investment and entrepreneurship.

Provincial Business/Entrepreneur Programs

Canadian provinces have a significant say in which economic migrants settle in their jurisdictions, and many of them are looking for energetic and innovative entrepreneurs to help grown their economies. British Columbia, for example, has a new entrepreneur immigration program for individuals with a minimum net worth of CAD$600,000 (around USD$450,000, as of March 2016); this program presents unique business opportunities in one of Canada's most beautiful and mild provinces, which also happens to be the province with the highest projected jobs growth over the coming years. The province of Ontario — home to Canada's largest city, Toronto, and capital city, Ottawa — also has a new Entrepreneur Stream for individuals with a minimum net worth of CAD$800,000 to $1,500,000 (around USD$600,000 to $1.14m), as well as a Corporate Stream for established international corporations looking to expand into Ontario or buy an existing business. Manitoba's Business Investor immigration stream requires a net worth of only CAD$350,000 (USD$265,000), while in Nova Scotia, a newEntrepreneur Stream is attracting attention from Americans who wish to grow their portfolios in this stunning East Coast province.
Federal Business/Investor Immigration

The goal of Canada's federal business immigration programs is to attract investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals from outside Canada with venture capital, business acumen and entrepreneurial skills — attributes that American citizens have in abundance.
- Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Program: The IIVC accepts applications from high net worth international investors who possess the necessary skills and abilities to contribute to the Canadian economy and to become well integrated into Canadian society.
- Entrepreneur Start-up Visa Program: This program encourages entrepreneurs to grow their companies in Canada. Successful applicants link with private sector organizations in Canada, where they can receive funding, guidance and expertise in the opening and operating their enterprise in Canada.
- Self-Employed Persons Program: This program seeks to bring people who will become self-employed in Canada. Applicants must have either relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, or experience in farm management.
Quebec Business/Investor Immigration

The province of Quebec presents some interesting business immigration options for American citizens.

Quebec Investor Program: This program allows individuals with a net worth of at least CAD$1.6 million and managerial experience to make a government-secured investment of CAD$800,000 for five years. Financing of this investment is available through Canadian financial institutions.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program: To qualify as an entrepreneur, an individual must have a net worth of at least CAD$300,000, have managerial experience in a business that they either owned or controlled and be willing and able to establish or acquire a business in Quebec, which will create at least one incremental job in Quebec.
Quebec Self-Employed Person Program: Under this program, self-employed persons must have a net worth of at least CAD$100,000 and must have work experience in the profession or trade that they intend to practice in Quebec.

Source: http://www.canadavisa.com/moving-to-canada-from-the-u-s.html#Permanent Immigration to Canada

Moving to Canada from the U.S.

There are many ways to immigrate to Canada from the United States or to reside in Canada temporarily, but each pathway requires a plan.

The United States and Canada share a long and storied history. Both of these vast, ambitious nations were, by and large, settled and governed by immigrant communities — and both the U.S. and Canada continue to receive hundreds of thousands of newcomers from around the world on an annual basis.

Every year, thousands of American citizens make the decision to move to Canada. Some are attracted by economic opportunity, others are sponsored by a spouse or partner, while many other Americans come to work or study in Canada on a temporary basis. Indeed, some are enticed by more than one of these factors, or other considerations.

As long as there has been America, there have been Americans moving to Canada. The ill-tempered nature of the 2016 Presidential Election cycle in the U.S. has led to increased interest from Americans who wish to live in a forward-looking, progressive and safe place where they and their families can benefit from a large swathe of opportunities — and all without straying too far from their friends and families back home.

Citizens of the United States, let's begin your clear path to Canada.

This comprehensive page covers the full range of immigration and temporary residence options that are open to U.S. citizens wishing to move to Canada. Click on any item in the menus below to go directly to the section that is most relevant to your particular needs. If you have a specific inquiry about moving to Canada from the U.S., please contact us today by completing the form at the end of this page. We will be happy to assist you in your Canadian immigration goals.

Reside in Canada Temporarily

Permanent Immigration to Canada

Other Considerations When Moving to Canada

Reside in Canada Temporarily

Work in Canada

Much like in the U.S., Canadians enjoy a free market economy, where individuals and enterprises are rewarded for their creativity, innovation and hard work. Also, Canadian governments, both federal and provincial, are more inclined to intervene in the economy when it is pragmatic to do so. Canada is

not governed from an ideological standpoint; this allows individuals can reach their potential while also ensuring that 'boom and bust' cycles are not the norm.

Obtaining a Canadian work visa (referred to as a work permit in Canada) is usually an important step towards working legally in Canada. If you do not have a job offer, our Job Search Tool is key to finding work in your field at any location across Canada. If you do have a job offer from a Canadian employer, congratulations! You and your prospective employer may have to obtain a document called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you begin working in Canada. This document serves as proof that your employment in Canada will likely have a neutral or positive effect on the local labour market.

SWAP Working Holidays

SWAP Working Holidays (formerly Student Work Abroad Programs) facilitate international exchanges between young people from different nations. U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 to 30, inclusive, may obtain an open work permit for 12 months under this program, provided that they have been enrolled in the full-time post-secondary study at some point in the past twelve months. Final year students are not returning to studies are also eligible. After working in Canada for up to a year, U.S. students are permitted to repeat SWAP in Canada once they have completed another academic term in the U.S.

NAFTA

Under the auspices of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), U.S. citizens may be eligible for facilitated processing when applying for a temporary Work Permit in Canada. Work Permits under the provisions of NAFTA do not usually require an LMIA.

U.S. citizens may work in Canada under NAFTA through one of the following categories:

NAFTA Professional

A NAFTA Professional must be qualified to work in one of approximately 60 targeted professions, including professions in teaching, science, medicine, finance, law, and much more.
NAFTA Intra-Company Transfer

NAFTA Intra-Company Transferees from the U.S. may be transferred to Canada on a temporary basis to work for a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their employer. These individuals must have worked continuously for their U.S. employer for at least one of the last three years and be employed by the company at the time of application in a position that is considered managerial, executive, or involving specialized knowledge.
NAFTA Traders and Investors

A NAFTA Trader from the U.S. must demonstrate an intention to carry out substantial trade of goods or services between Canada and the U.S. A NAFTA Investor must demonstrate that he or she has made a substantial investment in a new or existing Canadian business and that he or she is seeking entry to Canada to develop and direct the Canadian business. Work permits in the NAFTA Investor category may also be granted to employees of the primary Investor, who can be considered essential staff.

Intra-Company Transfer

Because Canada is the United States' largest trading partner, and vice versa, a large number of American businesses have affiliate offices, branches, or subsidiaries in Canada. The Intra-Company Transfer Program allows international businesses to bring key employees to Canada without the requirement to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Employees who work in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge roles may be eligible to come to Canada with their family and work as an intra-company transferee.

Work Without a Work Permit

Some situations may occur when a U.S. citizens can perform work in Canada without needing to secure a Temporary Work Permit. This includes individuals who engage in business or trade activities in Canada but will not enter the Canadian labour (labor) market, known collectively as Business Visitors.

Other positions covered by this provision include after sales service workers, athletes, performing artists, media, and military personnel.

Study in Canada

At a time when young Americans are faced with escalating tuition costs, mounting student debt, and higher barriers to entry than before, many of them are noticing that a world-class higher education is available on the same continent, and often for a fraction of the cost. With an exchange rate that benefits U.S. citizens looking to study in Canada, there has never been a better time to consider Canadian universities and colleges for further education. International students in Canada can also work while studying, allowing them to supplement their income and gain vital work experience.

Furthermore, studying in Canada doesn't just make sense from an educational and economic point of view — it is also a pathway towards developing a professional career and immigrating to Canada permanently.