By Fatima-Zahra Fahmi
I am staying in the USA on a visitor visa and I want to know if I can apply to immigrate to Canada from here as I am not willing to go back to my home country.
Answer:
According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, applications for permanent residence must be submitted to the visa office responsible for:
• The country where the applicant is residing, if the applicant has been lawfully admitted to that country for at least one year; or
• The applicant’s country of nationality, or if the applicant is stateless, their country of habitual residence other than a country where they are residing without having been lawfully admitted.
The applicant is not required to have been residing in the host country for one year at the time of application, but to have been lawfully admitted to that country for a minimum one year period at the time of application.
In the USA, visitor visas are generally issued for a period of six months but can be extended for another 6 months which makes it up to a total of one year.
If you have lawfully entered the USA and you are currently residing there on the basis of a 6 months visitor visa (B2) you would need to apply for an extension to meet the definition of been lawfully admitted for at least one year. If you already applied and were granted an extension, then you will be able to apply for permanent residence to Canada through the Buffalo visa office. You do not need to wait for the completion of the one year before you apply, you can submit your application as soon as you secure an extension. Also, if you lose your legal status after your application is submitted, whether or not your status is restored, you application will still be processed and assessed on its merits.
However, if you are not sure you can get an extension of your visitor status in the USA and the six months has not yet expired, you may consider applying for a temporary resident visa to Canada (Visitor, student or worker) and explore options to apply for permanent residence from within Canada. For a temporary residence visa, the rule of one year does not apply, yet you have to show that you were admitted lawfully.
Please note that this answer only covers the question on where an application can be submitted. A successful application will depend on whether you meet all the immigration requirements for the category you are applying under or not.
Immigrant talent adds to brewer's bottom line
BY RASHA MOURTADA
Toronto — From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Published on Tuesday, Feb. 09, 2010 4:28PM EST Last updated on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 10:19AM EST
Adrian Joseph didn't have his certified general accountant designation, but he snagged a key finance job at Steam Whistle Brewing anyway.
The Sri Lanka-born accountant was professionally trained in Europe, and he won a world accountancy prize in Britain. But the lack of a CGA, CMA or CA, standard financial credentials in this country, is enough to cause many Canadian employers to skip right over such a résumé.
Steam Whistle, however, had a different point of view when it was looking to hire a controller eight years ago.
“[Immigrants] have risked everything to build a new life,” Steam Whistle co-founder Greg Taylor says. “They take their jobs very seriously and are very passionate, and at the end of the day that helps your bottom line.”
Since its inception in 1998, Toronto-based Steam Whistle has made inclusive hiring a priority, says Mr. Taylor. And while the practice is clearly good for the community, and adheres to the company's determination to be good corporate citizens, Mr. Taylor insists it has also aided the business. Today, 18 per cent of the company's 115 employees – and half of its management team – hail from other countries, including Sri Lanka, the Czech Republic, Cuba, Portugal and Russia.
At first, Steam Whistle had no choice but to look outside of Canada to fill certain positions. “We wanted a brew master with a master brewing degree,” says Sybil Taylor, Steam Whistle's director of marketing and Mr. Taylor's wife.
“If you're going to [produce] a pilsner that competes internationally, you need to have people capable of bringing that to the table,” agrees Mr. Taylor.
But no such postsecondary education programs exist in North America. In the end, they found a brew master who had received a master's degree in the field in the Czech Republic.
The experience was so positive, the Taylors say, that they saw no reason to limit hiring to candidates with only Canadian training and experience.
That's not to say homegrown talent should be overlooked, Mr. Taylor stresses. But to completely dismiss immigrants – because of foreign credentials or the lack of a Canadian equivalent – is simply bad for business.
For one thing, the work ethic of newcomers is second to none. “New Canadians come here for all the right reasons,” he says. “And that is to work and to take pride in their work. They're excited about the opportunities and they want to afford to live here. They're not taking anything for granted because of all the risks they've taken just to get here.”
For small businesses with limited budgets, hiring immigrants is a way to access top talent at a more reasonable cost. “Brewing is capital-intensive,” Ms. Taylor says. “It took us three years before we even broke even and our reality was that we couldn't afford to pay the top Canadian talent.”
Mr. Taylor gives the example of a marketing executive who wanted a salary of $200,000. “We talked to another guy who doesn't have the Canadian training and he wants half as much, but he has more experience.” This creates an opportunity for small businesses to access talent they could otherwise never afford, he says. “And it's only been created by the ignorance of people who don't value experience from abroad.”
Then there's the benefit of global perspectives and specialties.
“Internationally trained workers know different suppliers, they know different techniques to solve problems,” Ms. Taylor says. “You're just narrowing your information base by not hiring from a broader pool.” In some cases, like with Steam Whistle's brew master, international training provides precisely what the company needs.
That's a point of view with which Toronto-based Ratna Omidvar, president of Maytree, a private foundation dedicated to accelerating the settlement of immigrants and refugees, agrees.
“It's clear that because the world of marketing and technology has changed so much in the last 10 years, the same ideas can't be used to solve new and emerging problems,” she says. “And the more variety you have around the table, the more likely you will come to a new and different place for a solution.”
She backs up her argument by pointing to U.S. studies that show diversity contributes to the bottom line. Companies that don't embrace diversity are missing out on market share in Canada, she says, as well as markets beyond the borders.
Hiring immigrants can also help a business owner understand potential customers better, Mr. Taylor adds. In the case of Steam Whistle, “we're in downtown Toronto. The diverse culture is incredible here and our culture at Steam Whistle reflects that.” Ms. Taylor agrees: “It's reflective of our population here in Canada and so we understand the marketplace.”
The benefits go beyond any one company and extend into the greater community. “It's a way to actively support the country's immigration policy,” Mr. Taylor says.
The benefits may be many, but there are challenges. A lack of recognition of foreign credentials means that even though a candidate has the skills to do the job, additional training or credentials is still required. For example, Steam Whistle funded Mr. Joseph's CGA after hiring him as controller.
“It's an important credential in this country, and so we wanted him to have it,” Mr. Taylor says. It's paid for itself again and again, he adds, and since joining Steam Whistle, Mr. Joseph has been promoted from controller to CFO.
In 2007, Steam Whistle's inclusive hiring was recognized when the company won the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council's Immigrant Success Award for leadership and innovation in recruiting and retaining skilled immigrants.
“We're very proud of that, because it sends a message out that this is doable,” Mr. Taylor says. “Here we are, a successful small business, and the reason our product is so great is because of the hard work and skill of the people we've chosen to hire.”
Toronto — From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Published on Tuesday, Feb. 09, 2010 4:28PM EST Last updated on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 10:19AM EST
Adrian Joseph didn't have his certified general accountant designation, but he snagged a key finance job at Steam Whistle Brewing anyway.
The Sri Lanka-born accountant was professionally trained in Europe, and he won a world accountancy prize in Britain. But the lack of a CGA, CMA or CA, standard financial credentials in this country, is enough to cause many Canadian employers to skip right over such a résumé.
Steam Whistle, however, had a different point of view when it was looking to hire a controller eight years ago.
“[Immigrants] have risked everything to build a new life,” Steam Whistle co-founder Greg Taylor says. “They take their jobs very seriously and are very passionate, and at the end of the day that helps your bottom line.”
Since its inception in 1998, Toronto-based Steam Whistle has made inclusive hiring a priority, says Mr. Taylor. And while the practice is clearly good for the community, and adheres to the company's determination to be good corporate citizens, Mr. Taylor insists it has also aided the business. Today, 18 per cent of the company's 115 employees – and half of its management team – hail from other countries, including Sri Lanka, the Czech Republic, Cuba, Portugal and Russia.
At first, Steam Whistle had no choice but to look outside of Canada to fill certain positions. “We wanted a brew master with a master brewing degree,” says Sybil Taylor, Steam Whistle's director of marketing and Mr. Taylor's wife.
“If you're going to [produce] a pilsner that competes internationally, you need to have people capable of bringing that to the table,” agrees Mr. Taylor.
But no such postsecondary education programs exist in North America. In the end, they found a brew master who had received a master's degree in the field in the Czech Republic.
The experience was so positive, the Taylors say, that they saw no reason to limit hiring to candidates with only Canadian training and experience.
That's not to say homegrown talent should be overlooked, Mr. Taylor stresses. But to completely dismiss immigrants – because of foreign credentials or the lack of a Canadian equivalent – is simply bad for business.
For one thing, the work ethic of newcomers is second to none. “New Canadians come here for all the right reasons,” he says. “And that is to work and to take pride in their work. They're excited about the opportunities and they want to afford to live here. They're not taking anything for granted because of all the risks they've taken just to get here.”
For small businesses with limited budgets, hiring immigrants is a way to access top talent at a more reasonable cost. “Brewing is capital-intensive,” Ms. Taylor says. “It took us three years before we even broke even and our reality was that we couldn't afford to pay the top Canadian talent.”
Mr. Taylor gives the example of a marketing executive who wanted a salary of $200,000. “We talked to another guy who doesn't have the Canadian training and he wants half as much, but he has more experience.” This creates an opportunity for small businesses to access talent they could otherwise never afford, he says. “And it's only been created by the ignorance of people who don't value experience from abroad.”
Then there's the benefit of global perspectives and specialties.
“Internationally trained workers know different suppliers, they know different techniques to solve problems,” Ms. Taylor says. “You're just narrowing your information base by not hiring from a broader pool.” In some cases, like with Steam Whistle's brew master, international training provides precisely what the company needs.
That's a point of view with which Toronto-based Ratna Omidvar, president of Maytree, a private foundation dedicated to accelerating the settlement of immigrants and refugees, agrees.
“It's clear that because the world of marketing and technology has changed so much in the last 10 years, the same ideas can't be used to solve new and emerging problems,” she says. “And the more variety you have around the table, the more likely you will come to a new and different place for a solution.”
She backs up her argument by pointing to U.S. studies that show diversity contributes to the bottom line. Companies that don't embrace diversity are missing out on market share in Canada, she says, as well as markets beyond the borders.
Hiring immigrants can also help a business owner understand potential customers better, Mr. Taylor adds. In the case of Steam Whistle, “we're in downtown Toronto. The diverse culture is incredible here and our culture at Steam Whistle reflects that.” Ms. Taylor agrees: “It's reflective of our population here in Canada and so we understand the marketplace.”
The benefits go beyond any one company and extend into the greater community. “It's a way to actively support the country's immigration policy,” Mr. Taylor says.
The benefits may be many, but there are challenges. A lack of recognition of foreign credentials means that even though a candidate has the skills to do the job, additional training or credentials is still required. For example, Steam Whistle funded Mr. Joseph's CGA after hiring him as controller.
“It's an important credential in this country, and so we wanted him to have it,” Mr. Taylor says. It's paid for itself again and again, he adds, and since joining Steam Whistle, Mr. Joseph has been promoted from controller to CFO.
In 2007, Steam Whistle's inclusive hiring was recognized when the company won the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council's Immigrant Success Award for leadership and innovation in recruiting and retaining skilled immigrants.
“We're very proud of that, because it sends a message out that this is doable,” Mr. Taylor says. “Here we are, a successful small business, and the reason our product is so great is because of the hard work and skill of the people we've chosen to hire.”
Ghosts' in Punjab posing big threat to Canadian immigration (Lead)
Source:littleabout.com
Toronto, Feb 9 : Ghost immigration consultants have become a big threat to the immigration process in Canada which lets in more than 250,000 newcomers each year, a large number of them from Punjab.
According to figures, there are about 2,000 ghost immigration consultants as against just 1,655 registered by the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants. Operating out of the purview of law, these 'ghost' immigration consultants fleece thousands of prospective immigrants each year, defrauding them from $1,200 to $30,000 each.
Since India is the second largest source of immigration into Canada after China, the "ghost" problem is even deeper in the Indo-Canadian community as people here want to bring their relatives from India by hook or by crook.
The depth of the problem can be gauged from the following advertisement that appeared in a Chandigarh newspaper recently:
"JOB VACANCY IN CANADIAN HOTEL CANADA: Ominicity Hotel Director wish to advertise through this medium that the Following Job Vacancy in our Hotel. We need both men and females workers to fill in different categories of job openings. Currently, if your interested in working with us you can contact us back E-mail Address: ottawahotelss_canada@yahoo.ca Our Hotel Director shall connect you with our Canadian immigration director during your visa processing, SIGN BY DIRECTOR MRS RESOLING ANNA."
But inquiries revealed that there was no hotel by this name in Ottawa.
"Hundreds of such fly-by-night immigration operators have set shop in India to prey upon people desperate to move to Canada," Sheetal Jhuti, an Indo-Canadian immigration consultant based in Mississauga on the outskirts of Toronto, told IANS.
"These people go to Punjab and anywhere in India to scam the poor gullible people waiting to get any opportunity to get out of India," she says.
Jhuti adds, "Since an immigration consultant here has to pay high fees to the regulatory Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), many of these so-called consultants choose to operate out of Canada in their native countries where they don't come under any supervision. That's what is happening in India."
Once you are operating outside the system, anyone can call himself or herself an immigration consultant, she says.
The modus operandi of these 'ghost' immigration consultants, she explains, is to open offices in Chandigarh or Jalandhar and appoint some people to fill up immigration forms for them.
Since these 'ghost' operators are not under jurisdiction of the Canadian regulatory body, they can advertise for jobs that don't exist. When people respond, they charge huge sums of money to fill up their forms and then vanish, sayimmigration sources here.
"Thousands of these ghost consultants advertise daily, thousands of so-called education consultancies lie and cheat in the name of getting student visas to the UK, Canada, and Australia," says Jhuti.
"So, while people like me are paying through our nose to get our licences to run a model consultancy, my neighbourhood pizza store owner is making more money than me by just providing form filling services," she adds.
"The situation is simply unacceptable. It not only threatens the integrity of our citizenship and immigration systems but it also raises in my mind national security issues," John Ryan, chair of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, told the Globe and Mail newspaper last week.
"We know who (the ghost consultants) are and where they're operating. But law enforcement agencies can't do anything currently to stop them," he said.
The cheating is equally rampant in immigration from China, Pakistan and the Philippines - the other major sources of immigration into Canada.
Copyright Indo Asian News
Toronto, Feb 9 : Ghost immigration consultants have become a big threat to the immigration process in Canada which lets in more than 250,000 newcomers each year, a large number of them from Punjab.
According to figures, there are about 2,000 ghost immigration consultants as against just 1,655 registered by the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants. Operating out of the purview of law, these 'ghost' immigration consultants fleece thousands of prospective immigrants each year, defrauding them from $1,200 to $30,000 each.
Since India is the second largest source of immigration into Canada after China, the "ghost" problem is even deeper in the Indo-Canadian community as people here want to bring their relatives from India by hook or by crook.
The depth of the problem can be gauged from the following advertisement that appeared in a Chandigarh newspaper recently:
"JOB VACANCY IN CANADIAN HOTEL CANADA: Ominicity Hotel Director wish to advertise through this medium that the Following Job Vacancy in our Hotel. We need both men and females workers to fill in different categories of job openings. Currently, if your interested in working with us you can contact us back E-mail Address: ottawahotelss_canada@yahoo.ca Our Hotel Director shall connect you with our Canadian immigration director during your visa processing, SIGN BY DIRECTOR MRS RESOLING ANNA."
But inquiries revealed that there was no hotel by this name in Ottawa.
"Hundreds of such fly-by-night immigration operators have set shop in India to prey upon people desperate to move to Canada," Sheetal Jhuti, an Indo-Canadian immigration consultant based in Mississauga on the outskirts of Toronto, told IANS.
"These people go to Punjab and anywhere in India to scam the poor gullible people waiting to get any opportunity to get out of India," she says.
Jhuti adds, "Since an immigration consultant here has to pay high fees to the regulatory Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), many of these so-called consultants choose to operate out of Canada in their native countries where they don't come under any supervision. That's what is happening in India."
Once you are operating outside the system, anyone can call himself or herself an immigration consultant, she says.
The modus operandi of these 'ghost' immigration consultants, she explains, is to open offices in Chandigarh or Jalandhar and appoint some people to fill up immigration forms for them.
Since these 'ghost' operators are not under jurisdiction of the Canadian regulatory body, they can advertise for jobs that don't exist. When people respond, they charge huge sums of money to fill up their forms and then vanish, sayimmigration sources here.
"Thousands of these ghost consultants advertise daily, thousands of so-called education consultancies lie and cheat in the name of getting student visas to the UK, Canada, and Australia," says Jhuti.
"So, while people like me are paying through our nose to get our licences to run a model consultancy, my neighbourhood pizza store owner is making more money than me by just providing form filling services," she adds.
"The situation is simply unacceptable. It not only threatens the integrity of our citizenship and immigration systems but it also raises in my mind national security issues," John Ryan, chair of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, told the Globe and Mail newspaper last week.
"We know who (the ghost consultants) are and where they're operating. But law enforcement agencies can't do anything currently to stop them," he said.
The cheating is equally rampant in immigration from China, Pakistan and the Philippines - the other major sources of immigration into Canada.
Copyright Indo Asian News
Time to exorcise ghost immigration consultants
Some bilk newcomers, jeopardize national security
Vancouver SunFebruary 9, 2010
Many immigrants, leaving less than ideal circumstances in their own countries, choose to come to Canada in search of a better life. It's sad, then, that the first experience many of these vulnerable people have in Canada is one of exploitation.
The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants drew attention to this problem last week, with the announcement of a $1-million advertising campaign. The campaign, which features the image of a shark attacking a seal, draws attention to the fact the unscrupulous, unaccredited immigration consultants -- known as "ghost" consultants -- treat prospective immigrants as prey. The ads will appear in a number of languages and will include a toll-free line to help immigrants find an accredited consultant.
The society, which was created in 2004, accredits and educates consultants, and by law, members are only allowed to take money in exchange for help in the immigration process. The problem, however, is that consultants need not be members of the society, and those who aren't frequently fleece prospective immigrants out of thousands of dollars.
For example, a Surrey woman recently claimed more than $50,000 had been illegally transferred from an account she had set up on the advice of Fereydoun Hadad, a West Vancouver immigration consultant. Hadad pleaded guilty in January to charges of fraud and uttering a forged document, and he will be sentenced in March.
And just last week it was revealed that the RCMP is investigating a case in which 300 people claimed to be living at the same address, This is not a unique situation, as shady agents often attempt to get around residency requirements by advising prospective immigrants to falsely claim they've been living in Canada.
In fact, these few examples don't convey the likely scope of this problem. The society notes that there are more ghost agents than there are accredited ones: While there are a total of 1,655 registered members, the society has identified some 1,920 ghost agents.
Not all of these ghosts are involved in illegal activities, but their sheer volume, and the fact that they operate in an entirely unregulated atmosphere, virtually guarantees that unscrupulous agents can quietly bilk people out of their life savings -- and put Canada's national security in jeopardy.
And this could become an even bigger problem, given that many Haitians are attempting to immigrate to Canada, particularly Quebec, where there are just 150 registered consultants.
Clearly, this is an area in need of significant reform.
The society was created in an effort to solve some problems associated with the immigration system, but given that membership in the society is entirely voluntary, the problems remain.
The society is calling on the federal government to crack down on ghost agents, something that has been promised for more than a year.
In response to the recent controversy, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said regulatory reforms will be announced this year.
It's about time to exorcise these ghosts. Our international reputation, and our national security, depend on it.
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
Vancouver SunFebruary 9, 2010
Many immigrants, leaving less than ideal circumstances in their own countries, choose to come to Canada in search of a better life. It's sad, then, that the first experience many of these vulnerable people have in Canada is one of exploitation.
The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants drew attention to this problem last week, with the announcement of a $1-million advertising campaign. The campaign, which features the image of a shark attacking a seal, draws attention to the fact the unscrupulous, unaccredited immigration consultants -- known as "ghost" consultants -- treat prospective immigrants as prey. The ads will appear in a number of languages and will include a toll-free line to help immigrants find an accredited consultant.
The society, which was created in 2004, accredits and educates consultants, and by law, members are only allowed to take money in exchange for help in the immigration process. The problem, however, is that consultants need not be members of the society, and those who aren't frequently fleece prospective immigrants out of thousands of dollars.
For example, a Surrey woman recently claimed more than $50,000 had been illegally transferred from an account she had set up on the advice of Fereydoun Hadad, a West Vancouver immigration consultant. Hadad pleaded guilty in January to charges of fraud and uttering a forged document, and he will be sentenced in March.
And just last week it was revealed that the RCMP is investigating a case in which 300 people claimed to be living at the same address, This is not a unique situation, as shady agents often attempt to get around residency requirements by advising prospective immigrants to falsely claim they've been living in Canada.
In fact, these few examples don't convey the likely scope of this problem. The society notes that there are more ghost agents than there are accredited ones: While there are a total of 1,655 registered members, the society has identified some 1,920 ghost agents.
Not all of these ghosts are involved in illegal activities, but their sheer volume, and the fact that they operate in an entirely unregulated atmosphere, virtually guarantees that unscrupulous agents can quietly bilk people out of their life savings -- and put Canada's national security in jeopardy.
And this could become an even bigger problem, given that many Haitians are attempting to immigrate to Canada, particularly Quebec, where there are just 150 registered consultants.
Clearly, this is an area in need of significant reform.
The society was created in an effort to solve some problems associated with the immigration system, but given that membership in the society is entirely voluntary, the problems remain.
The society is calling on the federal government to crack down on ghost agents, something that has been promised for more than a year.
In response to the recent controversy, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said regulatory reforms will be announced this year.
It's about time to exorcise these ghosts. Our international reputation, and our national security, depend on it.
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
N.B. rule change aims to boost immigration
FREDERICTON - The provincial government has changed immigration rules to allow residents to sponsor family members to move to the province from outside of Canada.
The changes to the Provincial Nominee Program are targeted to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs to the province.
"The immediate family members of permanent residents should be afforded an opportunity to be successful in New Brunswick," said Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau, who is also responsible for the Population Growth Secretariat.
"This program change encourages retention by attracting newcomers with a genuine desire to stay in New Brunswick. Ultimately, we want our staff processing applications from individuals who are sincere about establishing businesses in our province."
Under the program's existing categories, nominees must have a job offer or a business plan. The changes will create a new category for skilled workers who already have family within New Brunswick.
Boudreau said residents will be able to help skilled family members find jobs and integrate into the province.
"Anyone looking for a job can tell you that the process often takes time and requires face-to-face contact with potential employers," he said.
"The process is even more difficult for those who live abroad."
In 2008, almost 2,000 immigrants arrived in New Brunswick through the program. The Population Growth Secretariat has a government mandate to attract 5,000 immigrants by 2015 and to significantly increase the retention rate once they arrive.
Lorraine LeClair, the executive director of the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area, said the new categories will make the program more effective for both the province and new immigrants.
"I think it's going to be a good initiative for New Brunswick," she said. "It's also going to be a great thing for our newcomers so that they'll be able to keep their families together and have an opportunity to bring more folks to New Brunswick."
LeClair said that should help New Brunswick meet its population growth goals, as well as provide benefits to immigrants.
"It shows that there are roots that are going to be built here," she said. "It keeps that family unit as a whole and it shows that we're a welcoming community, not just for the bottom line, but for a healthier, overall family environment."
Entrepreneurial immigrants looking to set up a business in New Brunswick must now submit a deposit, which will be refunded if they establish a business within two years of arriving in the province and it stays in operation for at least one year.
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island also have similar programs that require a refundable deposit.
Source: timestranscript.com
The changes to the Provincial Nominee Program are targeted to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs to the province.
"The immediate family members of permanent residents should be afforded an opportunity to be successful in New Brunswick," said Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau, who is also responsible for the Population Growth Secretariat.
"This program change encourages retention by attracting newcomers with a genuine desire to stay in New Brunswick. Ultimately, we want our staff processing applications from individuals who are sincere about establishing businesses in our province."
Under the program's existing categories, nominees must have a job offer or a business plan. The changes will create a new category for skilled workers who already have family within New Brunswick.
Boudreau said residents will be able to help skilled family members find jobs and integrate into the province.
"Anyone looking for a job can tell you that the process often takes time and requires face-to-face contact with potential employers," he said.
"The process is even more difficult for those who live abroad."
In 2008, almost 2,000 immigrants arrived in New Brunswick through the program. The Population Growth Secretariat has a government mandate to attract 5,000 immigrants by 2015 and to significantly increase the retention rate once they arrive.
Lorraine LeClair, the executive director of the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area, said the new categories will make the program more effective for both the province and new immigrants.
"I think it's going to be a good initiative for New Brunswick," she said. "It's also going to be a great thing for our newcomers so that they'll be able to keep their families together and have an opportunity to bring more folks to New Brunswick."
LeClair said that should help New Brunswick meet its population growth goals, as well as provide benefits to immigrants.
"It shows that there are roots that are going to be built here," she said. "It keeps that family unit as a whole and it shows that we're a welcoming community, not just for the bottom line, but for a healthier, overall family environment."
Entrepreneurial immigrants looking to set up a business in New Brunswick must now submit a deposit, which will be refunded if they establish a business within two years of arriving in the province and it stays in operation for at least one year.
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island also have similar programs that require a refundable deposit.
Source: timestranscript.com
New rules help draw foreign students
Colleges laud move to speed visa process
Source: thestart.com
Nicholas Keung,
Immigration Reporter
Until nine months ago, prospective students from India had to wait up to eight months for a visa to study in Canada – with many of them being rejected after a long delay or missing the course deadlines.
But a pilot program to fast-track applicants by Citizenship and Immigration Canada has dramatically reduced the visa-processing time to mere weeks for students like New Delhi's Dharam Pratap Singh, 29, who is enrolled in Centennial College's one-year project management post-graduate program.
Until the visa change was made, he says, students had to pay a fee and wait, possibly for too long, until they missed a term "and it's a year lost."
Canadian colleges laud the program, saying it will help them compete with schools in the United States, Britain and Australia in attracting international students, who pay far higher tuitions than local students.
The joint program between Canada's visa offices in India and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges has tightened the screening of applicants. Among other things, college officials must verify an applicant's financial resources and English proficiency.
"We want our international students' first experience with Canada to be a welcoming one," said Lorraine Trotter, dean of international and immigration education at George Brown College.
Under the pilot program, visa offices in India have received more than 4,000 applications with an approval rate more than double the previous year. Visa processing averages only 2 1/2 weeks.
As a result, Centennial College has seen its students from India increase from 450 to 975, with the visa-approval rate jumping from 27 per cent to 87 per cent.
"We want good students. Canada wants good immigrants. The program is marrying both," said Virginia Macchiavello, Centennial's international education director.
The number of foreign students in Canada has doubled since 1998 to 178,000, creating an estimated 83,000 jobs for Canadians last year. A 2009 government report found the students contributed $6.5 billion to the local economy.
As a result of globalization, George Brown's Trotter said many colleges have developed international strategies that include the delivery of programs overseas through partners and the globalization of curriculum for Canadian students.
"Employers are always looking for global-savvy employees," said Trotter, who just returned from a month-long tour of China and Korea to meet with overseas partners and promote the college.
Macchiavello said many visa students are keen on immigrating to Canada after graduation.
Their investment in a Canadian education can help cut integration costs, she said.
Rashmeet Kaur, a food and nutrition post-graduate student at Centennial, is one of those interested in staying in Canada.
"I like Canada," the 23-year-old New Delhi native said.
"I like its multicultural environment."
WHERE THE STUDENTS COME FROM
China: ..................................... 42,154
Korea: .................................... 27,440
U.S.: .......................................... 11,317
France: ..................................... 8,553
India: ......................................... 7,314
Japan:....................................... 6,627
Saudi Arabia: .......................... 4,672
Taiwan:...................................... 4,127
Hong Kong: .............................. 4,116
Mexico: .................................... 3,853
TOTAL: ................................ 178,227
Source: Citizenship and Immigration
Source: thestart.com
Nicholas Keung,
Immigration Reporter
Until nine months ago, prospective students from India had to wait up to eight months for a visa to study in Canada – with many of them being rejected after a long delay or missing the course deadlines.
But a pilot program to fast-track applicants by Citizenship and Immigration Canada has dramatically reduced the visa-processing time to mere weeks for students like New Delhi's Dharam Pratap Singh, 29, who is enrolled in Centennial College's one-year project management post-graduate program.
Until the visa change was made, he says, students had to pay a fee and wait, possibly for too long, until they missed a term "and it's a year lost."
Canadian colleges laud the program, saying it will help them compete with schools in the United States, Britain and Australia in attracting international students, who pay far higher tuitions than local students.
The joint program between Canada's visa offices in India and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges has tightened the screening of applicants. Among other things, college officials must verify an applicant's financial resources and English proficiency.
"We want our international students' first experience with Canada to be a welcoming one," said Lorraine Trotter, dean of international and immigration education at George Brown College.
Under the pilot program, visa offices in India have received more than 4,000 applications with an approval rate more than double the previous year. Visa processing averages only 2 1/2 weeks.
As a result, Centennial College has seen its students from India increase from 450 to 975, with the visa-approval rate jumping from 27 per cent to 87 per cent.
"We want good students. Canada wants good immigrants. The program is marrying both," said Virginia Macchiavello, Centennial's international education director.
The number of foreign students in Canada has doubled since 1998 to 178,000, creating an estimated 83,000 jobs for Canadians last year. A 2009 government report found the students contributed $6.5 billion to the local economy.
As a result of globalization, George Brown's Trotter said many colleges have developed international strategies that include the delivery of programs overseas through partners and the globalization of curriculum for Canadian students.
"Employers are always looking for global-savvy employees," said Trotter, who just returned from a month-long tour of China and Korea to meet with overseas partners and promote the college.
Macchiavello said many visa students are keen on immigrating to Canada after graduation.
Their investment in a Canadian education can help cut integration costs, she said.
Rashmeet Kaur, a food and nutrition post-graduate student at Centennial, is one of those interested in staying in Canada.
"I like Canada," the 23-year-old New Delhi native said.
"I like its multicultural environment."
WHERE THE STUDENTS COME FROM
China: ..................................... 42,154
Korea: .................................... 27,440
U.S.: .......................................... 11,317
France: ..................................... 8,553
India: ......................................... 7,314
Japan:....................................... 6,627
Saudi Arabia: .......................... 4,672
Taiwan:...................................... 4,127
Hong Kong: .............................. 4,116
Mexico: .................................... 3,853
TOTAL: ................................ 178,227
Source: Citizenship and Immigration
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ICTC tool helps immigrants find IT jobs in Canada
By:Jennifer Kavur
05.02.2010 kl 20:29 | IDG News Service
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) recently launched a new online self-assessment tool that helps technology professionals from foreign countries determine whether or not they have what it takes to secure employment in Canada.
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) recently launched a new online self-assessment tool that helps technology professionals from foreign countries determine whether or not they have what it takes to secure employment in Canada.
Unveiled at ICTC's 2010 Immigration Initiatives Partnership Celebration in Ottawa, the Canada Readiness Tool includes three modules to evaluate culture, communications and competencies for those considering the move to Canada as well as those already in the country seeking work.
Internationally educated professionals (IEPs) are very strong in their technical abilities, but very weak when it comes to cultural differences, communication skills and understanding what their competencies are, said Paul Swinwood, president of ICTC.
ICTC has identified competencies for 36 different occupations in the IT sector in Canada and the tool checks against these competencies to give IEPs an idea of what occupations they would more likely fit into and where their strengths and weaknesses are, he said.
The tool also intends to fill some gaps indicated by IEPs, such as the lack of information about the labour market, how and where to find employment and what it actually takes to work at a Canadian company, Swinwood added.
It also includes guides on how to build a resume, how to interview for a position, and labour market intelligence to help job seekers determine not only where jobs are located, but which companies hire for positions that match their skill set.
Roughly 80 per cent of immigrants end up in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, but that's not necessarily where the work might be for their skill sets, Swinwood pointed out.
In partnership with the Government of Canada and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, ICTC validated the effectiveness of the tool in India, China and the Philippines prior to its launch. Pilots were also conducted in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa.
The feedback provided a few "fantastic examples of people getting involved with this at the beginning of their quest to come to Canada right through to employment here in Canada," he said.
Funded by the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program, the tool is available free of charge in English and French to anyone interested in taking it.
The Canada Readiness Tool is one part of the larger Internationally Educated Professionals Integration Initiative, an ICTC-led project involving numerous programs, resources and tools created in partnership with government, industry and immigrant settlement agencies.
"We would not be successful without our partners," said Swinwood.
The tool is "another step in our approach to integrating internationally educated professionals," he said. "We see a lot more to be done across Canada ... we want to make sure that as part of Canada's competitiveness, we do everything we can to keep this valuable resource here and make sure that our companies have these people."
ICTC forecasts roughly 170,000 people will be needed in the ICT sector by 2015 and up to 30 per cent of that demand will come from IEPs. "Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in the number of people actually applying to immigrate to Canada as an ICT professional," said Swinwood.
Jennifer Cowland, director of technology services for Robert Half Technology Vancouver, provided a few tips to help immigrants find work in the IT field as quickly as possible.
"The job market is the toughest it's been in decades and that's especially true for immigrants who are now competing with an even larger pool of candidates than they would in a stronger economy," said Cowland.
It's "imperative to stay in a very positive mindset," she said. This includes remaining flexible on relocating within Canada, exploring new ways to apply your expertise, highlighting your transferable skills and being willing to compromise on contracts.
One big challenge immigrant IT workers face, according to Cowland, is a lack of Canadian work experience. "I strongly suggest that any individual hearing that looks into temporary contract roles and/or volunteering for a not-for-profit organization," she said.
It's also very important to have a strong command of local customs, soft skills and the English language, she noted. She also suggested networking, reaching out to a specialized IT recruiter such as Robert Half and finding one or two mentors.
There are two types of mentors you can tap into, said Cowland. The first is a professional mentor who has already been through the same situation as you and can help you learn local business customs and broaden your network; the second is a mentor working specifically in your field within a company you'd like to work for, she said.
Certifications are also "incredibly valuable and incredibly important," said Cowland. The value of certifications greatly depends on the needs of each IT department and they often have to be coupled with relevant experience, but there are a few that are in very strong demand, she said.
These include the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and the Project Management Professional (PMP), she said.
The good news is that the unemployment rate for IT pros is "significantly lower than the national average," said Cowland.
According to Statistics Canada, the unadjusted unemployment rate for the Computer and Telecommunication industries was 5.4 per cent in December 2009. The national unemployment rate was 7.8 per cent that same month.
Montreal-based recruitment agency Kovasys Inc. recently reported "a large influx of foreign IT specialists working in the U.S. on H-1B visas relocating and settling in Canada."
"We have found almost a threefold increase of U.S. applicants wanting to come and work in Canada," said Alex Kovalenko, director of operations for Kovasys.
In 2008, Kovasys found 0.6 per cent of screened applicants from the U.S. applying to work in Canada. The percentage increased to 1.6 per cent in 2009, reflecting an increase of 260 per cent in one year, reports the firm.
"The number could also be higher," Kovalenko noted. Some applicants indicate Toronto and/or Montreal as their main residence even if they are still residing and working in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, he said.
Motivating factors for moving north, according to Kovasys, include Canada's high standard of living, free health care, less stringent visa restrictions and even exchange rate with the U.S. dollar.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa granting specialists temporary work in the U.S. under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Follow me on Twitter @jenniferkavur.
05.02.2010 kl 20:29 | IDG News Service
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) recently launched a new online self-assessment tool that helps technology professionals from foreign countries determine whether or not they have what it takes to secure employment in Canada.
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) recently launched a new online self-assessment tool that helps technology professionals from foreign countries determine whether or not they have what it takes to secure employment in Canada.
Unveiled at ICTC's 2010 Immigration Initiatives Partnership Celebration in Ottawa, the Canada Readiness Tool includes three modules to evaluate culture, communications and competencies for those considering the move to Canada as well as those already in the country seeking work.
Internationally educated professionals (IEPs) are very strong in their technical abilities, but very weak when it comes to cultural differences, communication skills and understanding what their competencies are, said Paul Swinwood, president of ICTC.
ICTC has identified competencies for 36 different occupations in the IT sector in Canada and the tool checks against these competencies to give IEPs an idea of what occupations they would more likely fit into and where their strengths and weaknesses are, he said.
The tool also intends to fill some gaps indicated by IEPs, such as the lack of information about the labour market, how and where to find employment and what it actually takes to work at a Canadian company, Swinwood added.
It also includes guides on how to build a resume, how to interview for a position, and labour market intelligence to help job seekers determine not only where jobs are located, but which companies hire for positions that match their skill set.
Roughly 80 per cent of immigrants end up in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, but that's not necessarily where the work might be for their skill sets, Swinwood pointed out.
In partnership with the Government of Canada and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, ICTC validated the effectiveness of the tool in India, China and the Philippines prior to its launch. Pilots were also conducted in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa.
The feedback provided a few "fantastic examples of people getting involved with this at the beginning of their quest to come to Canada right through to employment here in Canada," he said.
Funded by the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program, the tool is available free of charge in English and French to anyone interested in taking it.
The Canada Readiness Tool is one part of the larger Internationally Educated Professionals Integration Initiative, an ICTC-led project involving numerous programs, resources and tools created in partnership with government, industry and immigrant settlement agencies.
"We would not be successful without our partners," said Swinwood.
The tool is "another step in our approach to integrating internationally educated professionals," he said. "We see a lot more to be done across Canada ... we want to make sure that as part of Canada's competitiveness, we do everything we can to keep this valuable resource here and make sure that our companies have these people."
ICTC forecasts roughly 170,000 people will be needed in the ICT sector by 2015 and up to 30 per cent of that demand will come from IEPs. "Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in the number of people actually applying to immigrate to Canada as an ICT professional," said Swinwood.
Jennifer Cowland, director of technology services for Robert Half Technology Vancouver, provided a few tips to help immigrants find work in the IT field as quickly as possible.
"The job market is the toughest it's been in decades and that's especially true for immigrants who are now competing with an even larger pool of candidates than they would in a stronger economy," said Cowland.
It's "imperative to stay in a very positive mindset," she said. This includes remaining flexible on relocating within Canada, exploring new ways to apply your expertise, highlighting your transferable skills and being willing to compromise on contracts.
One big challenge immigrant IT workers face, according to Cowland, is a lack of Canadian work experience. "I strongly suggest that any individual hearing that looks into temporary contract roles and/or volunteering for a not-for-profit organization," she said.
It's also very important to have a strong command of local customs, soft skills and the English language, she noted. She also suggested networking, reaching out to a specialized IT recruiter such as Robert Half and finding one or two mentors.
There are two types of mentors you can tap into, said Cowland. The first is a professional mentor who has already been through the same situation as you and can help you learn local business customs and broaden your network; the second is a mentor working specifically in your field within a company you'd like to work for, she said.
Certifications are also "incredibly valuable and incredibly important," said Cowland. The value of certifications greatly depends on the needs of each IT department and they often have to be coupled with relevant experience, but there are a few that are in very strong demand, she said.
These include the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and the Project Management Professional (PMP), she said.
The good news is that the unemployment rate for IT pros is "significantly lower than the national average," said Cowland.
According to Statistics Canada, the unadjusted unemployment rate for the Computer and Telecommunication industries was 5.4 per cent in December 2009. The national unemployment rate was 7.8 per cent that same month.
Montreal-based recruitment agency Kovasys Inc. recently reported "a large influx of foreign IT specialists working in the U.S. on H-1B visas relocating and settling in Canada."
"We have found almost a threefold increase of U.S. applicants wanting to come and work in Canada," said Alex Kovalenko, director of operations for Kovasys.
In 2008, Kovasys found 0.6 per cent of screened applicants from the U.S. applying to work in Canada. The percentage increased to 1.6 per cent in 2009, reflecting an increase of 260 per cent in one year, reports the firm.
"The number could also be higher," Kovalenko noted. Some applicants indicate Toronto and/or Montreal as their main residence even if they are still residing and working in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, he said.
Motivating factors for moving north, according to Kovasys, include Canada's high standard of living, free health care, less stringent visa restrictions and even exchange rate with the U.S. dollar.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa granting specialists temporary work in the U.S. under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Follow me on Twitter @jenniferkavur.
Canada Ranks 2nd out of 16 Peer Countries in Education and Skills Performance
By:Kathleen Legris
Canada earned top marks for its Education and Skills performance, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s How Canada Performs comparison with 16 other developed countries.
How Canada Performs: A Report Card on Canada is the Conference Board’s annual benchmarking analysis, which the Board has conducted since 1996. The assessment measures Canada’s performance against leading countries in the domains of Economy, Health, Society, Innovation, Environment, and Education and Skills.
Canada did exceptionally well in Education, even outperforming its largest trading partner, the U.S., by a sizable margin. The latest Education and Skills rankings give the country an “A” grade, an improvement from last year’s “B” result. Canada remains second to Finland in overall Education and Skills outcomes followed by Japan, Switzerland, Sweden Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, U.K., Denmark, Austria, Ireland, France, Norway, U.S. and Italy. Canada closed the gap on Finland by improving substantially on two key indicators:
* The proportion of working-age population that graduated from high school increased by a full percentage to 86.6%.
* Canada’s proportion of graduates from science, math, computer science and engineering disciplines improved significantly.
Canada’s strength is in delivering a high-quality education to people between the ages of 5 and 25 with comparatively modest spending. The country obtained “A” or “B” grades on 13 of the 15 Education and Skills indicators. Some weaknesses were illustrated in the results. Canada received a “D” grade on the indicator measuring Ph.D. graduates, and its performance on this indicator has deteriorated significantly over time. The leading country on this indicator, Sweden, has three and a half times Canada’s Ph.D. graduation rate. This poor ranking has implications for the country’s ability to improve innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
How Canada Performs: A Report Card on Canada measures how well Canada is meeting its fundamental goal of creating a high and sustainable quality of life for all Canadians. The majority of the data used for this benchmarking report is supplied by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The rest comes from other reliable sources, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy. The most recent year of data is used for each indicator. In some cases, such as literacy skills, the data is taken from surveys that were conducted several years ago.
Canada earned top marks for its Education and Skills performance, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s How Canada Performs comparison with 16 other developed countries.
How Canada Performs: A Report Card on Canada is the Conference Board’s annual benchmarking analysis, which the Board has conducted since 1996. The assessment measures Canada’s performance against leading countries in the domains of Economy, Health, Society, Innovation, Environment, and Education and Skills.
Canada did exceptionally well in Education, even outperforming its largest trading partner, the U.S., by a sizable margin. The latest Education and Skills rankings give the country an “A” grade, an improvement from last year’s “B” result. Canada remains second to Finland in overall Education and Skills outcomes followed by Japan, Switzerland, Sweden Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, U.K., Denmark, Austria, Ireland, France, Norway, U.S. and Italy. Canada closed the gap on Finland by improving substantially on two key indicators:
* The proportion of working-age population that graduated from high school increased by a full percentage to 86.6%.
* Canada’s proportion of graduates from science, math, computer science and engineering disciplines improved significantly.
Canada’s strength is in delivering a high-quality education to people between the ages of 5 and 25 with comparatively modest spending. The country obtained “A” or “B” grades on 13 of the 15 Education and Skills indicators. Some weaknesses were illustrated in the results. Canada received a “D” grade on the indicator measuring Ph.D. graduates, and its performance on this indicator has deteriorated significantly over time. The leading country on this indicator, Sweden, has three and a half times Canada’s Ph.D. graduation rate. This poor ranking has implications for the country’s ability to improve innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
How Canada Performs: A Report Card on Canada measures how well Canada is meeting its fundamental goal of creating a high and sustainable quality of life for all Canadians. The majority of the data used for this benchmarking report is supplied by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The rest comes from other reliable sources, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy. The most recent year of data is used for each indicator. In some cases, such as literacy skills, the data is taken from surveys that were conducted several years ago.
Earn While You Learn: International Students Work in Canada from Arrival through Post-Graduation
By:Kathleen Legris
International students are permitted to work in Canada from the point of arrival through post-graduation. In most cases, students will need to apply for a Work Permit to participate in a co-op/internship placement, work off campus, or apply for jobs after graduation. A Work Permit is not required for on-campus employment.
Working On Campus
International students do not need to apply for or hold a Work Permit in order to work on campus. Students may work on campus immediately upon arrival in Canada if they are:
* Enrolled full-time in a designated post-secondary; and
* Have a valid study permit.
Working Off Campus
The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows certain international students to work off campus while completing their studies. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a participating post-secondary educational institution and meet the guidelines set out by that institution. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) publishes a complete list of eligible institutions, by province on their website.
Students are not eligible to apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit immediately upon arrival in Canada. Instead, they must have been enrolled full-time at least 6 of the previous 12 months and meet the academic requirements set out by their university or college to be eligible.
Co-op and Internship Programs
For some academic programs, work experience is part of the curriculum. In these cases, an open Work Permit can be issued with the institution listed as the employer. If several work periods are required throughout the program, the Work Permit can be issued for the same period as the Study Permit.
International students, scholars, and scientists may also obtain Work Permits for work related to a research, educational or training program.
Post-Graduation Employment Program
The Post-Graduate Employment Program is designed to provide graduating students with Canadian work experience. Students may work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. The duration of the permit is based upon the length of study in Canada. Students who have completed less than 8 months of study are not eligible.
An application guide and forms to apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit, Co-op Work Permit, and Post Graduate Employment can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. International Student Advisors in university Student Services offices can also provide advice and information on these processes.
International students are permitted to work in Canada from the point of arrival through post-graduation. In most cases, students will need to apply for a Work Permit to participate in a co-op/internship placement, work off campus, or apply for jobs after graduation. A Work Permit is not required for on-campus employment.
Working On Campus
International students do not need to apply for or hold a Work Permit in order to work on campus. Students may work on campus immediately upon arrival in Canada if they are:
* Enrolled full-time in a designated post-secondary; and
* Have a valid study permit.
Working Off Campus
The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows certain international students to work off campus while completing their studies. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a participating post-secondary educational institution and meet the guidelines set out by that institution. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) publishes a complete list of eligible institutions, by province on their website.
Students are not eligible to apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit immediately upon arrival in Canada. Instead, they must have been enrolled full-time at least 6 of the previous 12 months and meet the academic requirements set out by their university or college to be eligible.
Co-op and Internship Programs
For some academic programs, work experience is part of the curriculum. In these cases, an open Work Permit can be issued with the institution listed as the employer. If several work periods are required throughout the program, the Work Permit can be issued for the same period as the Study Permit.
International students, scholars, and scientists may also obtain Work Permits for work related to a research, educational or training program.
Post-Graduation Employment Program
The Post-Graduate Employment Program is designed to provide graduating students with Canadian work experience. Students may work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. The duration of the permit is based upon the length of study in Canada. Students who have completed less than 8 months of study are not eligible.
An application guide and forms to apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit, Co-op Work Permit, and Post Graduate Employment can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. International Student Advisors in university Student Services offices can also provide advice and information on these processes.
Obtaining a Study Permit in Canada
By:Kathleen
A Study Permit is an official document allowing someone who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to study in Canada. Most international students need a Study Permit to study in Canada. Some international students also need a temporary resident visa. A separate application for a temporary resident visa is not necessary- it will be issued at the same time as the documentation necessary to enter Canada as an international student.
When a Study Permit for Canada is Required
If you are not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada or a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, and you wish to take a course of six months or more, then you will need a Study Permit for Canada.
When A Study Permit for Canada is Not Required
International students do not need a study permit to study in Canada in the following cases:
* Short course or program (6 months or less)
* Courses that are not academic, professional or vocational
* Courses included in a tour package for tourists
* Nursery schools or kindergarten
* Foreign Armed Forces
Students cannot apply for a Study Permit for Canada until they receive an Acceptance Letter from a recognized school, university of college in Canada. Study Permits are issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, who advise students to begin the process of obtaining a permit at least six months before proposed date of entry.
Education is a responsibility of the provincial and territory governments in Canada, and the individual provinces and territories set educational standards. The process and documents required to study in the province of Quebec are different, so check the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles for details. There are a variety of resources available for international students interested in studying in Canada.
Application Requirements
An Immigration Officer will review each completed application, which should include the following:
* Evidence that the student will leave Canada after study;
* An official Letter of Acceptance from a recognized school, university or college in Canada;
* Evidence of funding to pay for tuition, to support the stay in Canada, and to return home;
* Student will be law abiding and has no record of criminal activity,
* Student is not a risk to the security of Canada; and
* Student is in good health (a medical exam may be required).
Local Requirements
Students should check with their local visa office for any specific local requirements, for additional information or with any questions about applying for a Study Permit for Canada.
A Study Permit is an official document allowing someone who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to study in Canada. Most international students need a Study Permit to study in Canada. Some international students also need a temporary resident visa. A separate application for a temporary resident visa is not necessary- it will be issued at the same time as the documentation necessary to enter Canada as an international student.
When a Study Permit for Canada is Required
If you are not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada or a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, and you wish to take a course of six months or more, then you will need a Study Permit for Canada.
When A Study Permit for Canada is Not Required
International students do not need a study permit to study in Canada in the following cases:
* Short course or program (6 months or less)
* Courses that are not academic, professional or vocational
* Courses included in a tour package for tourists
* Nursery schools or kindergarten
* Foreign Armed Forces
Students cannot apply for a Study Permit for Canada until they receive an Acceptance Letter from a recognized school, university of college in Canada. Study Permits are issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, who advise students to begin the process of obtaining a permit at least six months before proposed date of entry.
Education is a responsibility of the provincial and territory governments in Canada, and the individual provinces and territories set educational standards. The process and documents required to study in the province of Quebec are different, so check the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles for details. There are a variety of resources available for international students interested in studying in Canada.
Application Requirements
An Immigration Officer will review each completed application, which should include the following:
* Evidence that the student will leave Canada after study;
* An official Letter of Acceptance from a recognized school, university or college in Canada;
* Evidence of funding to pay for tuition, to support the stay in Canada, and to return home;
* Student will be law abiding and has no record of criminal activity,
* Student is not a risk to the security of Canada; and
* Student is in good health (a medical exam may be required).
Local Requirements
Students should check with their local visa office for any specific local requirements, for additional information or with any questions about applying for a Study Permit for Canada.
Foreign Credentials Evaluation for Students Applying to Study in Canada
By:Kathleen Legris
Maintaining the quality of postsecondary programs in Canada is primarily the responsibility of individual institutions, which must operate within legislative and policy frameworks established by their respective provincial or territorial governments. Given the increasing numbers of international students applying to study in Canada, mechanisms for maintaining quality are increasingly important.
In Canada each university or college sets its own admission requirements and its own criteria for recognizing academic qualifications obtained abroad. Therefore, individual Admissions Office determine the procedures required to assess international qualifications.
The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) collects, organizes, and distributes information, and acts as a national clearing house and referral service to support the recognition and portability of Canadian and international educational and occupational qualifications. The organization collects data about procedures for recognizing academic and occupational credentials in different Canadian jurisdictions. This information is stored in a regularly updated database covering more than 800 professional organizations. In partnership with the provinces and territories, they also provide current information about postsecondary education systems in Canada for a variety of users, including Canadian missions and evaluation agencies abroad. Publications include a Directory of Universities, Colleges and Schools in the Provinces and Territories of Canada, which lists Canada's recognized, authorized, registered and licensed institutions.
Students who wish to have an assessment of qualifications for information purposes can consult a credentials evaluation service. Although these services offer expert advice on how credentials obtained outside Canada compare with credentials from a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of credentials for purposes of admission to a postsecondary institution in Canada. The credential evaluation service will advise about document and translation requirements. Credentials evaluation services charge a fee for their services. Applicants should check with institutions of choice to verify whether they will accept the assessment completed by these services. Although it may assist postsecondary institutions in understanding foreign credentials, there is no guarantee they will be acceptable.
Maintaining the quality of postsecondary programs in Canada is primarily the responsibility of individual institutions, which must operate within legislative and policy frameworks established by their respective provincial or territorial governments. Given the increasing numbers of international students applying to study in Canada, mechanisms for maintaining quality are increasingly important.
In Canada each university or college sets its own admission requirements and its own criteria for recognizing academic qualifications obtained abroad. Therefore, individual Admissions Office determine the procedures required to assess international qualifications.
The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) collects, organizes, and distributes information, and acts as a national clearing house and referral service to support the recognition and portability of Canadian and international educational and occupational qualifications. The organization collects data about procedures for recognizing academic and occupational credentials in different Canadian jurisdictions. This information is stored in a regularly updated database covering more than 800 professional organizations. In partnership with the provinces and territories, they also provide current information about postsecondary education systems in Canada for a variety of users, including Canadian missions and evaluation agencies abroad. Publications include a Directory of Universities, Colleges and Schools in the Provinces and Territories of Canada, which lists Canada's recognized, authorized, registered and licensed institutions.
Students who wish to have an assessment of qualifications for information purposes can consult a credentials evaluation service. Although these services offer expert advice on how credentials obtained outside Canada compare with credentials from a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of credentials for purposes of admission to a postsecondary institution in Canada. The credential evaluation service will advise about document and translation requirements. Credentials evaluation services charge a fee for their services. Applicants should check with institutions of choice to verify whether they will accept the assessment completed by these services. Although it may assist postsecondary institutions in understanding foreign credentials, there is no guarantee they will be acceptable.
Studying in Canada: A Guide for International Students
By:Kathleen Legris
Each year, more than 130,000 international students enroll in Canadian high schools, colleges, and universities. With one of the most respected education systems in the world, new opportunities to gain work experience during and after studies, and permanent immigration options for international students who have graduated from post-secondary programs in Canada, the numbers are expected to rise over the next decade.
Secondary Schools: There are numerous public, private, and independent high schools in Canada that offer specific programs for international students. Students can choose to study intensive English, an integrated English and academic program, or with strong English language skills, an academic program that leads to a Canadian high school diploma.
Colleges and Universities: In the Canadian education system, which varies from province to province, colleges are geared towards individuals seeking applied careers, such as a chef or hotel management, while universities prepare individuals for more academic careers, or for entrance into graduate school or a professional program such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or law. The government subsidizes almost all Canadian post-secondary institutions, so entrance to some professional programs is limited to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
Admission to any Canadian university or college requires completion of a high school diploma, such as the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or the foreign equivalent. Generally, students wishing to enter a Canadian university or college should have completed the course of studies that would make them eligible to enter university or college in their home country. Students whose first language is not English will also have to present results of an English Language Proficiency exam. Acceptable tests and scores will vary from institution to institution, so students should refer to individual colleges or universities for specific language requirements.
Master or Doctoral: As with other parts of the world, post-graduate schools in Canada are restricted to universities. Entrance to post-graduate programs will vary from university to university, and from department to department within each university. Masters and doctoral candidates should refer to the Graduate Studies Office of universities of interest for specific information.
There are numerous resources for international students thinking about studying in Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the agency responsible for issuing Study Permits and Work Permits, has a comprehensive website for international students. Organizations such as the CEC Network offer information and resources for students including costs, admission and Visa requirements, and cultural adjustment. Additionally, many schools, governments, and educational agents promote Study in Canada throughout the world through local visits, educational fairs, and internet campaigns.
Each year, more than 130,000 international students enroll in Canadian high schools, colleges, and universities. With one of the most respected education systems in the world, new opportunities to gain work experience during and after studies, and permanent immigration options for international students who have graduated from post-secondary programs in Canada, the numbers are expected to rise over the next decade.
Secondary Schools: There are numerous public, private, and independent high schools in Canada that offer specific programs for international students. Students can choose to study intensive English, an integrated English and academic program, or with strong English language skills, an academic program that leads to a Canadian high school diploma.
Colleges and Universities: In the Canadian education system, which varies from province to province, colleges are geared towards individuals seeking applied careers, such as a chef or hotel management, while universities prepare individuals for more academic careers, or for entrance into graduate school or a professional program such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or law. The government subsidizes almost all Canadian post-secondary institutions, so entrance to some professional programs is limited to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
Admission to any Canadian university or college requires completion of a high school diploma, such as the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or the foreign equivalent. Generally, students wishing to enter a Canadian university or college should have completed the course of studies that would make them eligible to enter university or college in their home country. Students whose first language is not English will also have to present results of an English Language Proficiency exam. Acceptable tests and scores will vary from institution to institution, so students should refer to individual colleges or universities for specific language requirements.
Master or Doctoral: As with other parts of the world, post-graduate schools in Canada are restricted to universities. Entrance to post-graduate programs will vary from university to university, and from department to department within each university. Masters and doctoral candidates should refer to the Graduate Studies Office of universities of interest for specific information.
There are numerous resources for international students thinking about studying in Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the agency responsible for issuing Study Permits and Work Permits, has a comprehensive website for international students. Organizations such as the CEC Network offer information and resources for students including costs, admission and Visa requirements, and cultural adjustment. Additionally, many schools, governments, and educational agents promote Study in Canada throughout the world through local visits, educational fairs, and internet campaigns.
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