Canada’s Immigration Minister Pledges to Make Permanent Immigration Easier for Students

MARCH, 2016

The government of Canada is looking at ways to make the immigration process for international students in Canada easier and more straightforward, with Immigration Minister John McCallum stating that “we should be doing everything we can do to court them,” adding that they are “the cream of the crop.”

Since the launch of the Express Entry immigration selection system in January, 2015, many international students in Canada have faulted the system for making their pathway to permanent residence more uncertain than previously. The number of international students studying in Canada is over 300,000, a figure that is constantly growing. Many of these students are choosing Canada over other developed countries because of certain advantages that studying in Canada can bring, such as access to post-graduation work permits and the potential to obtain permanent resident status, not to mention the quality of education on offer.

Speaking after a meeting with provincial and territorial government representatives last week, Mr. McCallum said he intends to launch federal-provincial talks to reform Express Entry, which was launched by the previous Conservative government. Ideas that have been floated for tweaking the Express Entry system in order to assist international students include giving graduates specific points for education and work experience in Canada.

“We must do more to attract students to this country as permanent residents . . . International students have been shortchanged by the express entry system. They are the cream of the crop, in terms of potential future Canadians,” said Mr. McCallum.

Express Entry and international students

The Express Entry system requires candidates eligible for permanent resident status to make an expression of interest in immigrating to Canada. The government of Canada then invites certain individuals from this pool of candidates to apply for permanent residence using a points-based system.

Presently, a significant number of points are allocated to individuals with a job offer from a Canadian employer or nomination from a Canadian province. In order for the job offer to be valid for the purposes of Express Entry, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) must be issued. Since its launch, Express Entry has had repercussions for international students wishing to remain in Canada after their studies who, until 2015, typically followed a path to permanent residence that did not require their employer to obtain a LMIA.

Good news for students currently in Canada

Before winning last year’s election, the now-governing Liberal Party pledged to conduct a review of the Express Entry system and make changes, if necessary. The latest remarks from the Immigration Minister have been well received by international students currently studying in Canada, who may note that the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC, formerly known as CIC) has been proactive in many areas since the current government came into office just over four months ago.

International students currently in Canada are encouraged to apply for a post-graduation work permit upon completion of their studies in Canada. This will allow them to enter the Canadian labour market and gain valuable work experience for up to three years. The current government, which has been highly receptive to international students’ concerns, has at least three years left on its mandate, so by the time existing international students are working in Canada post-graduation, their pathway to permanent residence is expected to be more straightforward than at present.

Why study in Canada?

“Many international students choose Canada over other potential destinations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and France, because of certain advantages that come with studying in Canada. With quality and more affordable tuition at renowned universities and colleges in safe cities, and employment options both during and after the study period, the decision to study in Canada can be life changing,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“If you add to this list of reasons a clear pathway to permanent resident status and, eventually, Canadian citizenship, studying in Canada becomes an even more attractive proposition. I am glad that the current government is focusing on this so early in its term in office, and I anticipate that changes favourable to international students will be brought about before too long.

“Canada wants students because Canada is all about nation building. Young, intelligent newcomers who have proven they have the credentials and means to assimilate should play a significant role in that. Canada wants students to come here, study, contribute socially and economically, and stay permanently.

Canada: a country of diversity and opportunity

Individuals around the world thinking of coming to study in Canada should note that the country is made up of a number of provinces, each of which presents certain advantages for international students. These advantages may be in relation to transfer programs, cost of living, available study programs, employment prospects upon graduation, and available immigration opportunities. To learn more about provinces and locations in Canada as they relate to higher education, click here. Alternatively, choose from the following list of options:

• Study in Ontario
• Study in Quebec
• Study in British Columbia
• Study in Alberta
• Study in Nova Scotia
• Study in Manitoba
• Study in Saskatchewan
• Study in New Brunswick
• Study in Newfoundland
• Study in Prince Edward Island

Read more at http://www.cicnews.com/2016/03/canadas-immigration-minister-pledges-permanent-immigration-easier-students-037492.html#03YVb66wJlkkeyHH.99

The BC PNP :The Skills Immigration Registration System

English: The British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Español: Los Edificios del Parlamento de Columbia Británica en Victoria, Columbia Británica, Canadá (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Individuals who meet the minimum requirements for a BC PNP program described above can create an online profile and register in the SIRS.  Registration is free of charge.  Individuals may only have one active registration at a time, and they must indicate which stream they wish to be considered under.

It is important that information inputted during SIRS registration be accurate, as differences between the information in a registration and an application may lead to the BC PNP refusing an application.

Scoring in the Skills Immigration Registration System pool is as follows:
 

Scoring Section	Maximum Points
Skill Level of the B.C. Job Offer	60
Wage of the B.C. Job Offer	50
Regional District of Employment	10
Directly Related Work Experience	25
Highest Level of Education	25
Language	30
Maximum Total Points Available	200

 

Skill Level of the B.C. Job Offer points are calculated as follows:
 

Skill Level	Points
NOC Skill Level A (including Skill Type 0)	25
NOC Skill Level B	10
NOC Skill Level C	5
NOC Skill Level D	5
Bonus Points
Occupation is a “00” NOC	15
Occupation identified in the Top 100 occupations in the BC Labour Market Outlook 2014-2024	10
Currently working in B.C. for the employer in occupation identified in the BC PNP registration	10
Maximum Score Available	60

Wage of the B.C. Job Offer points are calculated as follows:
 

Wage	Points
$100,000 and above	50
$97,500 to $99,999	38
$95,000 to $97,499	37
$92,500 to $94,999	36
$90,000 to $92,499	35
$87,500 to $89,999	34
$85,000 to $87,499	33
$82,500 to $84,999	32
$80,000 to $82,499	31
$77,500 to $79,999	30
$75,000 to $77,499	29
$72,500 to $74,999	28
$70,000 to $72,499	27
$67,500 to $69,999	26
$65,000 to $67,499	25
$62,500 to $64,999	24
$60,000 to $62,499	23
$57,500 to $59,999	22
$55,000 to $57,499	21
$52,500 to $54,999	20
$50,000 to $52,499	19
$47,500 to $49,999	18
$45,000 to $47,499	17

 

Regional District of Employment points are as follows:
 

Regional District of Employment	Points
Stikine, Central Coast, Northern Rockies, Mount Waddington, Skeena-Queen Charlotte, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Kootenay-Boundary, AlberniClayoquot	10
Kitimat-Stikine, Bulkley-Nechako, Squamish-Lillooet, Strathcona, ColumbiaShushwap, East Kootenay	8
Peace River, Comox Valley, Cariboo, Central Kootenay	6
Okanagan-Similkameen, Cowichan Valley, North Okanagan, Fraser-Fort George	4
Thompson-Nicola, Nanaimo, Central Okanagan	2
Capital, Fraser Valley	2
Greater Vancouver	0
Maximum Score Available	10

 

Directly Related Work Experience points are calculated as follows.

Directly related work experience is work experience in the same NOC code, or work experience in an equal or higher NOC Skill Level where justification is provided.
 

Directly Related Work Experience in the Occupation of B.C. Job Offer	Points
5+ years	15
4 to 5 years	12
3 to 4 years	9
2 to 3 years	6
1 to 2 years	3
Less than 1 year	1
None	0
Bonus Points
At least 1 year of directly related experience in Canada	10

Highest Level of Education points will be scored as follows.

The duration of the program must have been at least six months. As well, language training programs do not qualify for bonus points.
 

Education	Points
Doctoral of Master’s Degree	17
Post Graduate Certificate or Diploma	11
Bachelor’s Degree	11
Trades Certification	11
Associate Degree	4
Non-trades certification or diploma	2
High School	0
Bonus Points
Post-secondary education completed in B.C.	8
Post-secondary education completed in Canada (outside of B.C.)	6
Educational Credential Assessment from a qualified supplier	4
Trades certification assessment from the Industry Training Authority	4
Maximum Score Available	25

 

Language points will be based on testing from designated testing agencies as follows.  It is important to note that language ability will be scored on an applicant’s lowest score for reading, writing, speaking, or listening.
 

Language	Points
10+	30
9	26
8	22
7	18
6	14
5	10
4	6
Below 4 or no test	0
Maximum Score Available	30

 

The BC PNP will be periodically issuing Invitations to Apply (an "ITA").  Only the highest scoring registrants will be issued an ITA.  Individuals who achieve or exceed the following registration scores will be guaranteed to receive an ITA. 
 

Category	Registration Score
Skills Immigration – Skilled Worker	135
Skills Immigration – International Graduate	105
Skills Immigration – Entry Level Semi Skilled	95
Skills Immigration – Northeast Pilot Project	95
Express Entry BC – Skilled Worker	135
Express Entry BC – International Graduate	105

 

At its discretion, the BC PNP will issue ITAs for scores lower than the above. The number and frequency of draws will be based on nomination allocation and program processing capacity.

The BC PNP plans on managing application intake so that 25% of applications will be BC PNP Express Entry applications, 35-45% of applications will be Skilled Workers applications, 15-20% of applications will be International Graduates applications, and 10-15% of applications will be ELSS applications.

More information about the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC programs can be found here: http://www.welcomebc.ca/welcome_bc/media/Media-Gallery/docs/pnp/BC-PNP-Skills-Immigration-and-Express-Entry-BC-Technical-Guide.pdf

Source:  Larlee Rosenberg, 

The BC PNP's Skilled Immigration Programs in 2016

English: Mount Robson, Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On January 27, 2016, the British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program ("BC PNP") re-opened its Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC programs, and introduced the Skills Immigration Registration System.  

The Skills Immigration Registration System is an expression of interest system to manage BC PNP Skills Immigration application intake.  It is similar to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (“IRCC”, previously “CIC”) Express Entry system, as only registrants who are invited by the BC PNP to submit full nomination applications can actually apply for nomination certificates.  Simply meeting program requirements does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply for nomination.   

The BC PNP determined that an application intake management system would be necessary in 2016 as the BC PNP had to frequently suspend intake to its programs in 2015.  On March 31, 2015, the BC PNP announced a 90-day pause on intake to its Skills Immigration programs. On July 2, 2015, the BC PNP re-opened its Skills Immigration program to limited intake, and the programs were full within 36 hours.  On September 1, 2015, the BC PNP suspended intake to its Express Entry BC programs, and, with the limited exception of a 50 spot opening in November, the BC PNP has not accepted applications to its programs since. 

While the Skills Immigration Registration System is designed to prevent similar program closures in 2016, it does mean that many individuals who qualify for BC PNP Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC programs will be unable to apply this year.

The Skills Immigration Registration System is open, and is now accepting registrants. Potential applicants must qualify for a BC PNP Skills Immigration program, or an Express Entry BC program, at both the time of registration and application.

Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC

The BC PNP Skills Immigration stream contains the following programs:

• Skilled Workers
• Health Care Professionals
• International Graduates
• International Post-Graduates
• Entry Level and Semi-Skilled
• North East Pilot Project

While the detailed requirements of each program are beyond the scope of this newsletter, a brief summary of each program, including any significant changes from 2015, are as follows.

The Skilled Workers program is for individuals who have an offer of indeterminate, full-time employment with an eligible employer in British Columbia.  The position must be in an occupation classified under National Occupational Classification (“NOC”) Skill Level 0, A, or B. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of directly related full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience in the occupation for which they are offered a job. 

The BC PNP is now defining “directly related work experience” as paid employment that is classified under the same NOC code as the British Columbia job offer.  Experience in a related occupation at a NOC Skill Level equal to or greater than the NOC code of the B.C. job offer may be considered “directly related” where there is a reasonable explanation, however, experience in a lower skill level NOC occupation will not be. It is important to note that this new definition of “directly related work experience” may negatively impact people who have been recently promoted.

The Health Care Professionals program is for individuals have an offer of indeterminate, full-time employment with a public health authority in an occupation that is an a prescribed list of occupations related to health care, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and, in certain circumstances, midwives. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of directly related full-time (or full-time equivalent) work experience.

The International Graduates program is for recent graduates who have an offer of indeterminate, full-time employment with an eligible employer in British Columbia.  The position must be in an occupation classified under NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B.  Alternatively, if the position is in a NOC Skill Level C or D occupation, then the applicant’s employer must demonstrate that there is a structured career plan in place that will lead to a NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B position.  No previous employment experience is required; however, applicants must have a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada, and must apply to the BC PNP within two years of graduating.

The International Post-Graduates program is for recent graduates who have a masters or doctoral degree from an eligible program at a post-secondary institution in British Columbia.  The program must be in agriculture, biological and biomedical sciences, computer and information sciences and support services, engineering, engineering technology, health professions and related clinical sciences, mathematics and statistics, natural resources conversation and research, or physical sciences. No job offer is required; however, applicants must apply within two years of graduating. 

The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled ("ELSS") program is for individuals who been employed full-time by a B.C. employer in an eligible occupation for at least nine consecutive months immediately prior to applying to the BC PNP, and who have a full-time and indeterminate job offer in that occupation from the same employer who employed them during those 9 months. Eligible occupations are prescribed, and include those in tourism and hospitality, long-haul trucking, and food processing.  In addition to the nine months experience requirement, long-haul trucker drivers must also have at least two years of employment experience as a long-haul truck driver in the three year period before registering Skills Immigration Registration System.

The current occupations that are eligible for the ELSS program in the tourism and hospitality sector are:
 

NOC	Occupation
6525	Hotel Front Desk Clerks
6531	Tour and Travel Guides
6532	Outdoor Sport and Recreation Guides
6533	Casino Operators
6511	Maîtres d’hotel and Hosts/Hostesses
6512	Bartenders
6513	Food and Beverage Servers
6711	Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers
6731	Light Duty Cleaners at Hotels / Resorts
6732	Specialized Cleaners at Hotels / Resorts
6733	Janitors, Caretakers, and Building Superintendents employed by Hotels / Resorts
6721	Support Occupations in Accommodation, Travel, and Facilities Setup Services at Hotels / Resorts
6741	Dry Cleaning, Laundry, and Other Service Support Occupations at Hotels and Resorts

 
The Northeast Pilot Project is for individuals who have any full-time job offer in an NOC Skill Level C or D occupation, where that job is located in Northeast British Columbia.  This pilot project program will run until March 31, 2016, and may be extended.

The following are additional requirements that apply to all BC PNP Skills Immigration programs above that are based on a job offer:

• The job offer must contain a wage that is competitive with B.C. wage rates for that occupation.


• The job offer must establish an employee/employer relationship between the applicant and the employer. Independent contractor relationships are not accepted.


• If the job offer is for a job in a NOC Skill Level B, C, or D, position, then the applicant will have to complete a language test, and demonstrate English or French language proficiency at a Canadian Language Benchmark 4 level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As well, the BC PNP may, at its discretion, require an applicant with a job offer for a job in a NOC Skill Level 0 or A position to complete a language test if the BC PNP has concerns about an applicant’s language ability.


• The applicant cannot own more than 10% of the company that has offered the applicant employment.


• Where the applicant is not already working for the employer, then the employer will have to conduct two weeks of bona fide and reasonable recruitment.


• The employer must have operated in B.C. for at least one year prior to the registration being submitted, and two years for applicants in the ELSS program or the Northeast Pilot Project.


• If the employer is located in Metro Vancouver, then the employer must have five or more full-time (or full-time equivalent) and indeterminate employees. If the employer is located outside of Metro Vancouver, it must have at least three.


• Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the BC PNP's minimum income requirements. This minimum necessary income will depend on an applicant’s family size and area of residence in British Columbia. Applicants who are already working in British Columbia must demonstrate a history of having met the minimum necessary income requirement prior to registering. ELSS applicants must have met the minimum income requirement for the full duration of their 9 qualifying months of employment. A spouse’s income will only be considered  towards the minimum necessary income where the spouse has a valid work permit and is currently employed in British Columbia.


• The BC PNP will not approve applications where there are reasonable grounds to believe that an employer increased an employee’s wage for the purpose of meeting minimum income requirements, or for the purpose of obtaining a higher registration score.

The minimum income cutoff is:
 

Family Income Threshold by area of Residence
Size of Family	Metro Vancouver	Rest of B.C.
1	$21,895	$18,248
2	$27,257	$22,716
3	$33,510	$27,927
4	$40,685	$33,908
5	$46,145	$38,457
6	$52,043	$43,374
7	$57,943	$48,290

 
Finally, in all programs, applicants who are out of status and who have not applied for restoration of status will not be able to apply to the BC PNP.

Applicants who are in IRCC's Express Entry pool should know that the BC PNP also has the following categories.

• Express Entry BC - Skilled Workers
• Express Entry BC - Health Care Professionals
• Express Entry BC  - International Graduates
• Express Entry BC  - International Post-Graduates

The Express Entry BC program requirements are similar to their corresponding non-Express Entry program requirements, with the exception that applicants must be in IRCC’s Express Entry pool at the time of registration, and Express Entry BC - International Graduates program participants require a job offer in a NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B position.  In 2015 the advantage of applying to an Express Entry BC program rather than its corresponding non-Express Entry BC program was that the Express Entry BC programs had faster processing times.  The same will presumably be true in 2016. 

Source:  Larlee Rosenberg

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Link citizenship for immigrants to residence in Atlantic Canada: McKenna

Welcome to Bienvenue à Nova Scotia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Atlantic Canada is in desperate need of economic and demographic revival, says one former New Brunswick premier, and the recent influx of refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East presents a golden opportunity for the beleaguered region.

Frank McKenna knows that what he is proposing may raise a few eyebrows, and that there will be challenges to overcome, but the former provincial politician and ambassador to Washington is arguing for a new set of rules that require a certain number of refugees and immigrants to settle in the Atlantic provinces – and remain there for a set amount of time before receiving permanent residency status.

“You know, this is not a perfect idea,” McKenna told The West Block’s Tom Clark. “But if we don’t do that, we suffer a slow and lingering death.”

The population in the Atlantic region, on average, is about eight years older than that in Alberta, said McKenna, and health care costs have increased dramatically and exponentially as the population ages. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador are desperate for young families and skilled workers.

“We’re closing rural schools. We’re closing rural hospitals. Our universities are desperate for students from outside the region. So we’re the canary in the coal mine for rural communities all across Canada.”

Asked about high unemployment in the region and a possible backlash from locals who will object to available jobs going to newcomers, McKenna acknowledged that’s a possible drawback. But new arrivals often create jobs as well, he noted, and they are accustomed to adapting to tough economic situations.

“They come from cultures where desperation is part of their everyday life. Quite frankly, we’ve gotten away from that to some extent in our region because we’re well supported with important programs, social programs, and we need new blood. We need new energy. We need a hint of that desperation from people who will help create other jobs.”

Source: http://globalnews.ca/news/2473981/link-citizenship-for-immigrants-to-residence-in-atlantic-canada-mckenna/

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Alberta to Begin Accepting new Applications for Immigration to Canada

English: A view from the south of the University Hospital complex on the north campus of the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Canadian province of Alberta will soon reopen its doors to newcomers who wish to settle in one of Canada’s most beautiful and vibrant provinces. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs, will begin accepting new applications from January 27, 2016.

Alberta has not been accepting new applications to the AINP since August 27, 2015.

The AINP is split into three streams: the Employer-Driven Stream, the Strategic Recruitment Stream, and the Self-Employed Farmer Stream. All streams of the AINP are ‘base’ streams, meaning that they are not aligned with the federal Express Entry system.

Potential applicants should note that, in addition to seeking skilled new immigrants, Alberta is also looking for applicants in certain semi-skilled occupations. Furthermore, while a job offer is required for a number of AINP categories, candidates with prior work experience in Alberta and who have a valid trade certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade, as well as those in certain engineering occupations, may be eligible to apply.

The AINP is also beneficial to individuals who have completed their studies in Canada.

The AINP Employer-Driven Stream

The Employer-Driven Stream aims to attract candidates with a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta. The stream is divided into three categories:

Skilled Worker Category

This category is for candidates with a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta in a skilled occupation (NOC skill level 0, A, or B).

International Graduate Category

This category is for candidates who have recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and have a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta in a NOC skill level O, A, B, or C occupation. Note that this category is open to candidates with job offers in semi-skilled, as well as skilled, occupations.

Semi-Skilled Worker Category

This category is for candidates who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta in a semi-skilled occupation (NOC C or D) that is eligible under the AINP.

The AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream

The Strategic Recruitment Stream allows Alberta to attract newcomers who may benefit the provincial labour market over the long term. The stream is divided into three categories:

Compulsory or Optional Trades Category

This category is for candidates who have a valid trade certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade in Alberta issued or recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).

Engineering Occupations Category

This category is for candidates who have credentials as an engineer, designer, or drafter and work experience in Alberta in an eligible engineering occupation, listed below:

• Engineering Managers (NOC 0211)
• Civil Engineers (2131)
• Mechanical Engineers (2132)
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2133)
• Chemical Engineers (2134)
• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (2141)
• Mining Engineers (2143)
• Geological Engineers (2144)
• Petroleum Engineers (2145)

Post-Graduate Worker Category

This category is for candidates who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Alberta, are currently working in Alberta in an eligible OCCUPATION, and have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.

The AINP Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Given that one of the major industries in Alberta is agriculture and that Alberta is traditionally a province that promotes small- and medium-sized business activity, it is only natural that the AINP also has a Self-Employed Farmer Stream. Candidates for this stream must prove prior farm management skills, invest a minimum of CDN $500,000 of equity in a primary production farming business in Alberta, and submit a proposed business plan.

Read more at http://www.cicnews.com/2016/01/alberta-accepting-applications-immigration-canada-017039.html#rztALxwC7dSCFpxE.99


Read more at http://www.cicnews.com/2016/01/alberta-accepting-applications-immigration-canada-017039.html#rztALxwC7dSCFpxE.99

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