Immigration Canada

John McCallum wants to 'substantially increase' immigration to fill Canada's labour needs

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

Canada's immigration minister points to an aging population and looming labour shortages

By Susana Mas, CBC News Posted: Aug 12, 2016 6:03 PM ET Last Updated: Aug 12, 2016 7:03 PM ET

If Immigration Minister John McCallum gets his way, Canada will significantly increase immigration beyond its current record level as a way to fill the country's labour needs.

Pointing to an aging population and looming labour shortages, McCallum made the pitch in Manila during a speech to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines on Friday.

"So why not substantially increase the number of immigrants coming to Canada? And that is, I think, I hope, what we are about to do," McCallum said, according to a transcript of his remarks obtained by CBC News.

Earlier in the week, McCallum was in Beijing, where he sought to open more offices where Chinese can apply for visas, in the hope of attracting more high-skilled workers.

The Trudeau government is already seeking to admit between 280,000 and 305,000 new permanent residents in 2016 — a record increase from the 260,000 to 285,000 newcomers the previous Conservative government had planned to welcome by the end of 2015.

Key to the Liberal government's larger plan to promote innovation and grow the economy is McCallum's three-year immigration plan, which he plans to unveil this fall.

McCallum said no final decision on immigration has been made and that he has to get his cabinet colleagues on board with his new plan and convince Canadians it's the right thing to do.

"But the direction in which I would like to go is to increase substantially the number of immigrants," McCallum said Friday.

Reducing 'barriers' to immigration

The express entry system launched under the previous Conservative government promised transformative changes to Canada's economic immigration policy.

McCallum will ease some of the rules to make it easier for international students to come to Canada and become permanent residents.

He is also going to eliminate what is known as a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) — a document all employers need to hire foreign nationals over Canadian workers.

Businesses have said it is the biggest flaw with express entry, a requirement the previous government borrowed from the temporary foreign worker program.

The Liberal government also tasked a parliamentary committee with a review of the controversial foreign worker program, but Parliament adjourned before the report was tabled. It will now be made public in the fall.

"So we're going to make it easier for international students, we're going to reduce some of the barriers in our immigration system … we don't think that every immigrant needs to go through what we call a labour market impact assessment process. We think it can be simplified. We think there are some rules which are no longer necessary," McCallum said.

"Now, we have to convince Canadians of this. But I think it's a good idea."

McCallum, who worked as a chief economist at one of Canada's Big Five banks and a professor of economics before he entered politics, also acknowledged he has his work cut out for him.

"Not every Canadian will agree. But I think with our mindset of welcoming newcomers in the beginning, with the facts of the labour shortages, aging population, we have a good case to make, and I think we will be able to convince a higher proportion of Canadians that this is the right way for Canada to go."

Philippines is currently the top source country for permanent residents in Canada, according to data published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as of May 31.

The immigration minister also said that processing times for reuniting families from the Philippines has dropped "dramatically" to 12 months, "cut in half in just a year."

The Liberal government promised during last fall's federal election campaign to reduce processing wait times in all categories.

Follow @SusanaMas on Twitter.

Pilot immigration programme to boost economic development in Atlantic Canada

Prince Edward Island (Canada), July 30 : Canada's federal government recently allied with four premiers of Atlantic Canada to introduce a 'New Atlantic Growth Strategy' to boost the region's economy by allowing immigration of new skilled workers, according to media reports in Canada.

The three-year-old pilot project will aim to bring to Canada over 2,000 immigrants and their families by 2017 in addition to the normal intake currently being allowed under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

The announcement was made at a press conference in St Peters Bay at Prince Edward Island earlier this month. The meeting was attended by the four Atlantic premiers -- Brian Gallant, Premier New Brunswick; Dwight Ball, Premier Newfoundland Labrador; Stephen McNeil, PremierNova Scotia; and Wade MacLauchlan, Premier Prince Edward Island. Federal Immigration Minister John McCallum and Innovation Minister Navdeep Singh Bains were also present in the meeting.

The immigration component will be largely driven by the provincial governments and their specific needs, said Immigration Minister, John McCallum.

We. . .will work with each government to develop a plan specific to their own province with a focus on particular occupations, particular regions and with a focus on engaging companies to not only recruit the immigrants but to undertake measures to keep them here, he said.

According to McCallum, the two levels of government will find ways to confirm that once immigrants arrive, theyll stay in a particular region as it will accelerate credentials for different jobs.

He mentioned that apparently, the program is a pilot project in Atlantic Canada. However, it could be the model for the rest of the country in the near future.

Investment matters:

When it comes to bringing home new immigrants, it is also important to secure jobs of existing residents. New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant emphasized that attracting new people and repatriating residents are both part of the same consolidated effort.

Premier MacLauchlan also said that through immigration, We will make Prince Edward Island a more attractive place in terms of repatriation. He mentioned that in order to create sustained prosperity, the workforce in his province must grow.

Dwight Ball, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier, however, pointed out that while increased immigration is necessary for the growth of the region, existing residents who are unemployed shall not be overlooked.

He said, Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to invest in our residents who are ready and looking for employment. We will continue to train those that are under-skilled and looking for work.

Ageing population concerns:

The new growth strategy also aims to address the ageing demography of Atlantic Canada.

According to figures released by Statistics Canada for the second quarter of 2014, overall population in the region has fallen 0.4 per cent since the third quarter of 2012, to 2,364,770. This shows that there is a marked difference between the mortality rate and the birth rate in the three provinces of Atlantic Canada; Prince Edward Island is the only exception.

Therefore, emphasis is given highly on retaining immigrants by working with the provincial governments and employers together so that future immigration can be tied up with labour market requirements in the region.

Innovation is essential:

To build up a strong economy, the premiers said they will also focus on priority areas like innovation, trade and investment and infrastructure. They will also aim to initiate growth and development while switching to a low-carbon economy.

Premier Wade MacLauchlan said in a written release, To build on our successes and create sustained prosperity for Prince Edward Island, we must grow our workforce and continue to foster an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship.

There is also a working agreement with the federal government to improve access to high speed internet and premium cell phone services in the region. This in the long run will aid to market the region internationally for its food and tourism, as well as create jobs to head towards its low carbon economy goal.

The leadership committee formed by the four premiers and federal ministers including John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Navdeep Singh Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement will oversee the plan.

The leaders say the first phase of the plan will probably be implemented by the end of the year.

(Writing and reporting by Debarati Mukherjee and Chandan Som)

Source: http://www.newkerala.com/news/2016/fullnews-98123.html

THE INS AND OUTS OF IMPLIED STATUS IN CANADA

By Victor Ing,
Special to The Post

I am often approached by people who wish to extend their stay in Canada as visitors, workers or students and have questions about their immigration status that are about to expire.
These temporary residents are generally aware that it is their responsibility to maintain their immigration status in Canada and they know that they must file an application to remain in Canada before the expiry of their current work or study permit or visitor status in order to do that.
Many people, however, are unclear about what happens next or what they are allowed to do after they have filed an application to extend their stay because they no longer have a valid immigration document that tells them what their status is in Canada and what their rights are.
Temporary residents who apply to extend their stay in Canada before the expiry of their respective visitor status or work and study permits have “implied status” in Canada.
Implied status simply means that the visitor, worker or student continues to maintain their legal immigration status in Canada until a decision is made on their application to extend their stay. This allows the applicant to legally reside in Canada even though his or her permit has expired, regardless of how long it takes Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process their application.
Implied status is granted by operation of Canada’s immigration laws. This means that IRCC will not send you a document that confirms you have implied status, nor tell you what you can or cannot do while under implied status.
Generally, the only way to show you benefit from implied status in Canada is to keep a filed copy of your application, along with proof that it has been delivered to the appropriate immigration office.
This lack of documentation can be concerning for applicants as well as their Canadian employers or the academic institutions where they study. It is therefore important to understand exactly what you can or cannot do while under implied status.
Immigration savvy applicants will know that persons under implied status can continue to visit, work or study, as applicable, under the same conditions as their expired visitor record or permits until a decision is made on their application to extend their stay in Canada. However, it may not be common knowledge what happens if the same person leaves Canada while under implied status.
Implied status continues to exist even if the person benefiting from it departs Canada. Therefore, they continue to have legal immigration status when they re-enter Canada without having to make a new application to enter the country.
However, if a person departs Canada and later returns under implied status, they can no longer work or study under the same conditions of their expired work or study permits.
For this reason, unless absolutely necessary it is generally advisable to avoid travelling outside Canada while under implied status.
In cases where international travel is unavoidable, make sure that you have a multiple-entry visa to come back to Canada or confirm that you do not need a visa to re-enter Canada. You should also prepare in advance and take the necessary steps, if possible, to make a new application for a work or study permit at the Canadian port of entry. This is often the case, for example, for foreign workers in Canada whose job duties require them to attend business trips outside Canada from time to time but need the ability to resume work immediately for their Canadian employer at the end of the trip.
There is another developing concern for those who are relying on having implied status in Canada. Immigration applications, including those to extend temporary resident status in Canada, are routinely rejected for processing by IRCC because it was found to be incomplete – a form may not have been signed or the appropriate immigration application fees were not paid, just to name a few examples.
In this case, IRCC takes the position that an extension application was never made, which means that the applicant never benefited from implied status.
The result is that the applicant’s temporary resident status will have expired on the same day as their original visitor status or work or study permit validity date.
There have been conflicting decisions from Canada’s Federal Court as to whether IRCC’s position is correct, and this continues to be a live issue for debate.
With current processing times of three or more months for extension applications in Canada, many people are relying on having implied status in Canada as proof of their legal immigration status.
It is important that applicants make timely and complete applications to extend their stay in Canada before the expiry of their current visitor status and work or study permits, but it is equally important for these applicants to know what they are allowed to do while under implied status in Canada.

Victor Ing is a lawyer of Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre. He provides a full range of immigration services.

For more information go to www.canadian-visa-lawyer.com or email victor@canadian-visa-lawyer.com.

Source: http://www.asianpacificpost.com/article/7602-ins-and-outs-implied-status-canada.html

Quebec Skilled Worker Program: New Application Dates Announced

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) will be open to 5,000 additional applications on a first-come, first-served basis from August 16^th to August 22^nd.

This is the second intake period announced by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness (MIDI).

Candidates are already able to create the required online user account in order to submit an application for a Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ).

Applicants who qualify under the Quebec Experience Program or with a validated job offer may submit an application anytime and are not confined to an intake period. Additionally, applicants with a valid study or work permit are not confined to an intake period.

Eligible Occupations

QSWP features more than 75 eligible occupations and areas of training that will enable applicants to qualify for a CSQ without a job offer.

The Areas of Training list features a wide range of studies awarding points to applicants (and a spouse or de facto spouse) for diplomas acquired outside Quebec or obtained in Quebec or recognized as Quebec equivalent.

he Quebec government published in 2015, a revised areas of training list under its popular Skilled Worker Program. The revised list enumerates a wider range of studies awarding points to applicants and a spouse or de facto spouse for diplomas acquired outside Quebec or obtained in Quebec or recognized as Quebec equivalent.

The Quebec Skilled Worker program aims to select candidates with the highest probability of successful economic settlement potential.

The following is a partial reference to the Quebec Immigration High Demand Occupation List. The list of occupations provides applicants from outside Canada, who do not have intermediate french abilities, the best chances to qualify under Quebec rules.

QSWP aims to select candidates with the highest probability of successful economic settlement. Foreign nationals wishing to settle permanently in Quebec must undergo a two-step immigration process.

They must first be selected by MIDI to receive a CSQ.

Then an approved CSQ holder must file an application with the federal immigration authorities. The federal government's role in evaluating a Quebec application for permanent residence is limited to issues of health and criminality.

Unlike the federal Express Entry immigration system or other Provincial Nominee Programs, Quebec remains the only program in Canada where skilled worker applicants are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and can predict their chances for admission on the basis of their proven qualifications.

What is a Quebec Skilled Worker?

A Quebec skilled worker is foreign national who intends to settle in Quebec and hold employment. This determination is made using a points system which evaluates the candidate’s area of training, education, experience, age, language, qualifications of a partner or spouse, offer of employment (which is not required), and children.

Applicants in a wide range of areas, including management, financial services, engineering, information technology and health care, have the best chance of success.

The Quebec application selection process features a multi-stage assessment, each with minimum cut-off scores.

Applicants with a passing score are issued a CSQ and may apply to the federal authorities for entry to Canada. Once admitted, a permanent resident enjoys all the rights and freedoms of labour mobility throughout Canada.

Quebec has received worldwide attention as a popular immigration destination. Last year, Montreal was rated by the Economist as the second best place in the world to live. Toronto topped the list.

Source:http://www.immigration.ca/en/immigrationnewsarticles-menu/230-canada-immigration-news-articles/2016/july/2660-quebec-skilled-worker-program-new-application-dates-announced.html?utm_source=Mondaq&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=inter-article-link

Atlantic premiers and federal ministers announce immigration boost

T. PETERS BAY, P.E.I. – The Atlantic premiers have announced details of a first-in-Canada pilot project designed to boost the region’s flagging economy through immigration, with a particular focus on ensuring that newcomers don’t join the steady stream of outmigration to other parts of the country.

Under the plan, the government will accept up to 2,000 immigrant applications in 2017, with increased numbers in the following years depending on performance.

“So it could be something like 4,000 people, and that number is scheduled to rise in coming years, depending on how well we do,” said John McCallum, the federal minister of immigration.

He said the immigration component will be largely driven by the provincial governments and their specific needs.

“We will be open to a variety of skill classes, and we, in my office, will work with each government to develop a plan specific to their own province with a focus on particular occupations, particular regions and with a focus on engaging companies to not only recruit the immigrants but to undertake measures to keep them here,” he said.

The details were announced Monday at a meeting in Prince Edward Island of the premiers and a number of federal cabinet ministers.

McCallum said the two levels of government will look for ways to ensure that once immigrants arrive, they’ll stay in a particular region. He said that could include efforts to expedite credentials for different jobs.

He said while the program will be a pilot project in Atlantic Canada, it could be the model for the rest of the country in years to come.

When asked what’s being done to entice people who have left their provinces to return, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant said attracting new people and repatriating residents is all part of the same effort.

Prince Edward Island Premier Wade MacLauchlan agreed.

“I truly believe by succeeding on immigration we will make Prince Edward Island a more attractive place in terms of repatriation,” MacLauchlan said.

He said the workforce in his province must grow in order to create sustained prosperity.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball said while increased immigration is necessary, it doesn’t mean that existing residents that are unemployed will be overlooked.

“Newfoundland and Labrador will always continue to invest in our residents who are ready and looking for employment. We will continue to train those that are under-skilled and looking for work,” he said.

Ball also stressed that the immigration plan is only one of the five pillars in the new Atlantic Growth Strategy.

Details will later be announced dealing with innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.

“Our fundamental goal is to increase the number of good paying jobs and opportunities here in Atlantic Canada,” said Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic development.

He said the growth strategy won’t be just another report that gathers dust.

“It’s legitimately about us focusing on areas of action and we can really move the agenda forward in a collaborative manner where we align our priorities and resources and we are outcome driven,” he said.

— By Kevin Bissett in Fredericton.

Pilot program to facilitate entry of 2,000 principal immigrants into Atlantic Canada in 2017

04 July 2016

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The four Atlantic premiers and members of the federal cabinet will work together on an Atlantic Growth Strategy and an immigration pilot program in order to grow the economy and support families in the region.

The strategy will contain targeted actions to stimulate the region’s economy, support both innovative and resource-based industries and increase job opportunities for Atlantic Canadians.

The strategy will focus on the following five priority areas:

skilled workforce and immigration;

innovation;

clean growth and climate change;

trade and investment; and

infrastructure.

As a first step in implementing the strategy, federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum announced an immigration pilot program following meetings with the four Atlantic premiers and members of the federal cabinet in St. Peter’s Bay, Prince Edward Island.

“Atlantic Canada faces an aging demographic challenge,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “It is imperative that we keep our young people here, bring back Atlantic Canadians to the region and increase the amount of new Canadians coming to our four provinces. The immigration pilot program will allow more new Canadians to Atlantic Canada, provide more flexibility to the provinces and focus more efforts on retention. This will help New Brunswick's labour force and our economy.”

The three-year pilot program has been established to help address resource gaps that sectors are facing and to help businesses attract and retain global talent while also supporting population growth, developing a skilled workforce and increasing employment rates in the region.

“The introduction of the immigration pilot program shows that no time was wasted to deliver under the Atlantic Growth Strategy,” said Gallant. “Atlantic Canadians need to work together to ensure programs appropriately address the needs of local business and society so that we can grow our economy. This pilot program is an important step in that process.”

The pilot program will test innovative approaches that will help retain immigrant workers in the Atlantic provinces in support of the strategy.

It will facilitate the entry of 2,000 principal immigrants into Atlantic Canada in 2017. Principal applicants can bring their family, so the actual number of immigrants could be several times greater. The number of immigrants is subject to increase in the second and third year of the program if there is sufficient demand.

“New Brunswick recently welcomed more Syrian refugees per capita than any other province,” said Gallant. “The warm and friendly nature of our communities is one of our biggest strengths, which promises successful outcomes for this immigration pilot.”

The meeting was a follow-up to the Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting in May and the historic first meeting between Atlantic premiers and members of the federal cabinet in February.

Gallant was joined by Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball; Prince Edward Island Premier Wade MacLauchlan; and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.

Federal government representatives included Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAuley; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum; Treasury Board President Scott Brison; Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Minister Dominic LeBlanc; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Singh Bains; and Public Services and Procurement Minister Judy Foote.

More information about the meeting is available online.

Canada Reaches A Major Milestone In Its Reliance On Immigration

The Huffington Post Canada | By Daniel Tencer

Canada has become completely reliant on immigrants for job growth, and the proof can be found in StatsCan’s latest employment data.

For only the second time on record, the number of immigrants with a job grew over the last year, while the number of Canadian-born people with a job shrank.

But don’t conclude just yet that “immigrants are stealing our jobs,” as the old xenophobic adage goes. This seems to be a case of Canadians aging out of the workforce, and younger immigrants taking their place.

There were 93,300 fewer jobs held by Canadian-born people in May of this year than there were a year earlier, according to Statistics Canada data. Meanwhile, the number of jobs held by immigrants jumped by more than 261,000.

But the numbers show that the Canadian-born labour force — the available pool of workers in the country — is also shrinking, down by 102,000 in the past year. As Canadian Baby Boomers age into retirement, the locally born labour force isn't large enough to replace them.

Or as analysts at Bloomberg Benchmark put it, “Canada’s demographic tipping point has arrived, and without immigrants — who have a much younger demographic profile — there will be no growth.”

There is also another reason for strong immigrant job growth, which is the oil price collapse. As Alberta and other oil-producing regions suffer through a recession, job growth is concentrating in Toronto and Vancouver, which have higher immigrant populations than the rest of the country.

But this is not to suggest that immigrants have it better in the workforce. The data also shows they continue to have a higher unemployment rate — 7.8 per cent in May, compared to 7.1 per cent for the locally born.

For immigrants who have been in Canada for fewer than five years, the jobless rate is much higher. It was 11.6 per cent in May, and has tracked four to seven percentage points higher than the Canadian average for the past decade at least.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/06/22/canada-jobs-immigration-aging-workforce_n_10613658.html

CANADA TO LIFT VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR MEXICO

Ottawa, Ontario

28 June 2016

The Government of Canada has made it a top priority to re-establish and strengthen our relationship with one of our most important partners, Mexico. To this end, Prime Minister Trudeau today announced Canada’s intention to lift the visa requirement for Mexican visitors to Canada beginning December 1, 2016. Lifting the visa requirement will deepen ties between Canada and Mexico and will increase the flow of travellers, ideas, and businesses between both countries.

Closer collaboration between Canada and Mexico on mobility issues will also help encourage travel between the two countries while preventing any increase in asylum claims or other irregular migration. Officials plan to meet regularly to promote these mutual interests.

Canadian officials are working with their Mexican counterparts on final details to ensure a successful visa lift.

Until November 30, 2016, the visa requirement is still in place for Mexico and – until it is lifted – Mexican citizens must continue to apply for a visa to visit, study or work in Canada. Mexicans can apply online for a visitor visa on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website, or can use the services of one of the Visa Application Centres in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Visitors are generally allowed a six-month stay from the day they enter Canada. If the Border Services Officer authorizes a stay of less than six months, they will indicate in the visitor’s passport the date by which they must leave Canada.

After the visa requirement is lifted, Mexicans wanting to work or study in Canada will still need to apply for a work or study permit prior to their arrival in Canada. Mexican citizens should also be aware that – once the visa is lifted – they will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly or transit through Canada. Applying for an eTA is a simple, inexpensive (CAD$7) process that takes just minutes to complete online. The eTA is electronically linked to a traveler’s passport, and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. All visa-exempt foreign nationals – except for U.S. citizens – need an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada.

Additional information will be provided to Mexican citizens in advance of the visa lift, including details on when Mexicans travellers can begin applying for their eTA.

Immigration Canada

John McCallum wants to 'substantially increase' immigration to fill Canada's labour needs

Canada's immigration minister points to an aging population and looming labour shortages

Reducing 'barriers' to immigration

Pilot immigration programme to boost economic development in Atlantic Canada

Prince Edward Island (Canada), July 30 : Canada's federal government recently allied with four premiers of Atlantic Canada to introduce a 'New Atlantic Growth Strategy' to boost the region's economy by allowing immigration of new skilled workers, according to media reports in Canada.

THE INS AND OUTS OF IMPLIED STATUS IN CANADA

Quebec Skilled Worker Program: New Application Dates Announced

Eligible Occupations

What is a Quebec Skilled Worker?

Atlantic premiers and federal ministers announce immigration boost

Pilot program to facilitate entry of 2,000 principal immigrants into Atlantic Canada in 2017

Canada Reaches A Major Milestone In Its Reliance On Immigration

CANADA TO LIFT VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR MEXICO

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Prince Edward Island (Canada), July 30 : Canada's federal government recently allied with four premiers of Atlantic Canada to introduce a 'New Atlantic Growth Strategy' to boost the region's economy by allowing immigration of new skilled workers, according to media reports in Canada.

Eligible Occupations

What is a Quebec Skilled Worker?

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