New rules to benefit Canada immigrants

By SHIANEE MAMANGLU
February 15, 2010, 5:39pm

Architects, nurses, teachers, and pharmacists are some of the professionals who will benefit from a new Canada framework seeking to ensure a fair and competitive labor market environment for immigrants, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said Monday.

The DoLE said that the government of Canada recently implemented the “Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications,” which is equivalent to credential recognition, allowing for an individuals/immigrants to have their qualifications recognized and be directed toward related occupations commensurate with their skills and experience.

“The new framework will address specific barriers to qualification recognition. This is another good news for Filipinos,'' Director Salome Mendoza, head of the Canada desk of DoLE told the Bulletin.

"The framework will be implemented in eight occupations starting December 31 for the first batch and in six occupations by 2012 for the second batch,'' she added.

She said the first batch of occupations qualified for assessment for credential recognition include architects, engineers, auditors, accountants, medical laboratory technicians, occupation therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and nurses.

The second batch of occupations include the dentists, engineering technicians, licensed practical nurses, medical radiation technician, physicians, and teachers (from kindergarten to Grade 12), she said.

Mendoza said that many Filipino immigrants today continue to encounter barriers to the recognition of theirs skills, education and experience due to some countries' occupational regulatory systems.

She said the occupational regulatory systems in Canada were designed to respond only to Canadian-educated applicants, although its government developed some flexibility to accommodate applicants in occupations like education or teaching.

According to Mendoza, the new framework was adopted for the purpose of addressing the current gaps to successful immigrant labor market integration.

Under the Pan-Canadian framework, immigrants looking to enter regulated occupations in Canada will now receive clear information as early as possible on the immigration process, fair treatment during the assessment process and prompt communication of recognition decisions.

The framework's purpose is “to articulate a new, joint vision for governments to take concerted action to improve the integration of immigrants and other internationally-trained workers into the Canadian labour market.''

Canada in Top Five countries of the world by Employed Foreign Workers

A recent study shows that Canada among most attractive countries for international skilled workers to seek their employment, it hold 4th position after USA, Britain and Spain. In polls respondents indicated that would try to come to Canada to work, half of those also indicated that will seek for the opportunity to make immigration to Canada through their employment engagements. It is also noted that mobility of work force come with attributes of age and education, it is associated with young professionals with university education in their earlier 30-s. Canadian Immigration requirement for skilled worker immigration program set this criteria as preferred for Canada.

The reasons behind selecting Canada as top choice for immigration are obvious, high level of wages, lower cost of living in comparison to US, greater opportunities for employment within professional experience and educational background, career growth potential, welcoming social environment. Most foreigners working engineers, production operators, technicians and specialists in the field of information technology.

To work temporarily in Canada it is required to obtain Canadian Temporary Work Permit prior or/and related work visa documents prior to be allowed to work in Canada and choose different jobs. Those individuals who choose to apply for permanent residence in Canada upon completion of their initial working contract, having a job a demonstrating ability of finding job will in most cases qualify them for landed immigrant status without living Canada or going the standard immigration to Canada process.

Canada lures Indian students with citizenship offer.

Friday, 5 February 2010

Effective February 14th 2010 international students who attained a degree from a Quebec university will be offered a “certificate of selection” that will fast track them to obtaining Canadian citizenshi

Quebec Premier Jean Charest asserted that , "any student who obtains a bachelor, masters or PhD degree from a Quebec institute will automatically receive a certification of selection to become a citizen of Canada. This is the first time that such a step is being taken, and the idea is to recognise the efforts and skills of those who come to study with us. We have a shortage of skilled labourers, and we need to address that".

This move was intentional in luring students from India as Canada already has long standing partnerships with many Indian institutions.

Since its inception nine months, ago the Student Partners Program has seen approximately 4,000 applications submitted from Indian students intending to study in Canadian colleges and universities.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenny, commented that "international students bring with them new ideas and experiences and contribute both financially and culturally to the communities and institutions where they study."

A pilot project is currently under way to increase the processing time of students. As a result the acceptance rate has doubled and the applications of students are being processed in as little as two and a half weeks. Despite the quick processing time, the system is designed to identify fraudulent applications by administering a series of checks, including requiring the applicant to provide verifiable documentation as well as collecting feedback from colleges as to whether students are attending classes and upholding academic standards.

Currently there are more than 178,000 international students studying in Canada.

If you are interested in Visas to Canada, contact Nexus Canada for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMS (SWAP, WHP) CANADA

Canada's International Youth Exchange Program visa allows eligible foreign students and young workers from designated countries to work and live in Canada temporarily in order to learn new skills and gain valuable exposure to the Canadian culture. The programs vary from country to country and are managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Many of these programs offer a first-come first-served processing rule, while some programs have a limited number of spaces each year. Each program maintains its own requirements, application quotas, submission deadlines and upper age limits, and applications are processed on a first-come first-served basis.

There may also be conditions attached to the Working Holiday visa which may limit the type of work and the employer for whom the applicant may work. Once granted, Working Holiday visa holders can vacation and travel in Canada , explore the diverse country, and engage in temporary work to supplement their travel expenses.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM VISA REQUIREMENTS

In order to qualify for a Working Holiday visa, applicants must:

* Hold a valid passport from a country which has a reciprocal arrangement with Canada;
* Be aged between 18-35 years of age at the time of the application(depending on the relevant program);
* Be a full-time student in some cases, possess no criminal convictions or serious medical conditions; and
* Have sufficient funds for their intended stay in Canada.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Once an International Youth Exchange Program visa has been issued, applicants are generally provided with assistance on organizing their trip, job search, assistance and orientation in Canada upon arrival, accommodation arrangement and support. The duration of the visa will usually vary between 1-24 months. Applicants can also pursue language, general interest of self-improvement studies. An International Youth Exchange Program visa is an invaluable opportunity for young people to explore all that Canada has to offer. Applications are accepted on a yearly basis, on a first-come first-served basis. Some Working Holiday visas are issued as a once-in-a lifetime opportunity, while others allow for repeat participation. Temporary work permit holders can extend their stay in Canada by applying for another visa, during their stay.

Travel and Work in Canada

Did you know that if you are between the ages of 18 and 35, you can work legally for up to one year anywhere in Canada? Whether it is to gain valuable international work experience or to finally take that trip of a lifetime you’ve always imagined, why not become one of more than 35,000 young participants from around the world who travel and work in Canada with our program each year?

What is it all about?

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has negotiated agreements with several countries and has partnered with various organizations. Through these agreements and partnerships, international young participants can easily obtain a temporary work permit and gain professional and personal experience in Canada.

You have two options:

Option A) Are you a modern-day adventure-seeker or a seasoned traveller who wants to plan your experience in Canada on your own? Consult the list of participating countries to see if your country of origin has an agreement with Canada.
Country


Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Czech Republic
Denmark
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Korea, Rep.
Latvia
New Zealand
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom

Option B) In order to gain experience, are you willing to pay a small fee to obtain guidance, assistance and support, either in Canada or in your country? Consult the list of partner countries:

http://www.international.gc.ca/iyp-pij/partner_countries-pays_partenaires.aspx