Immigration Canada

Quebec Announces Major Changes to Immigration Programs

English: Québec Province within Canada. Español: Provincia de Quebec en Canadá. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

80.1 percent of the people of Quebec speak French as their first language. In total, about 97.4 percent are able to speak French. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Government of Quebec has officially announced changes to language rules for immigration through the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program. This announcement was made in the Gazette Officielle du Quebec/The Quebec Gazette on Wednesday, July 17th 2013.

In addition to modifying language criteria, the government has announced its intent to institute a cap on application intake and to publish a new list of areas of training/fields of study.

Language Rules

Applicants applying to the skilled worker stream of the QSW program can receive a maximum of 22 points for language skills. Up to 16 points are awarded for French proficiency, and up to 6 for English.

French points are assessed on a scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced/fluent). Previously, points could be claimed for any level of proficiency in listening and speaking. This began with 1 point for A1 level and a maximum of 8 points for a C1 or C2 level for each proficiency.

The points system has been changed so that, moving forward, no points will be awarded until the B2 (advanced intermediate) level. In addition, applicants will now have the opportunity to earn points for reading and writing proficiency. Up to 1 point can be earned in each of these categories.

The charts below illustrates the new points breakdown:

English proficiency has similarly changed. Points for English language skills will not be awarded until the Intermediate level, or levels 5-8 according to government criteria:

It is important to note that applicants would not be disqualified for possessing less than B1 proficiency in French or English. The QSW application is assessed on a points system, and it is possible for an applicant to achieve sufficient points without being awarded points for their language skills.

These language rules will be effective for new applicants beginning August 1st, 2013. The rules will be effective retroactively for submitted files for which preliminary processing has not already begun. What constitutes ‘preliminary processing’ has not been made clear in the government’s announcement.

Proposed Changes

Two additional changes, proposed a week prior, have not yet been made official.

The first will place a cap of 20,000 on application intake for the QSW program. The second will involve publishing a new list of eligible areas of training/fields of study. Currently, applicants to the skilled worker stream of the QSW must have training in one of 110 areas of training/fields of study. This list corresponds to occupations the government has identified as in-demand in the Quebec.

What Applicants Should Know

French language ability has always played a significant role in the QSW program, Quebec’s largest immigration program. English proficiency remains important, however, and maximum points for English language skills have not diminished under this new system.

“These changes reflect the emphasis Quebec places on language proficiency. The government believes that speaking Canada’s official languages is an essential tool for economic and social integration into the province,” said Attorney David Cohen.

Attorney Cohen added that “while language proficiency is indeed important, not all applicants need these skills to qualify for immigration. Others with limited skills may be able to attain a higher level through language study. As always, Canada’s immigration system awards immigrants who are organized and motivated to come here.”

It is unknown when the Quebec Government will officially release the new list of areas of training/field of study but it is safe to say it will be on or before August 1st, 2013.

Source: http://www.cicnews.com/2013/07/quebec-announces-major-immigration-programs-072652.html

Alberta Work Experience Category

English: Alberta Legislature Building (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Flag of Alberta Français : Drapeau de l'Alberta Español: Bandera de Alberta Русский: Флаг Альберты (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This image was selected as a picture of the day on the Karachay-Balkar Wikipedia for 21st of April 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

Applying to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) this year may help you become a permanent resident sooner. This is a time-limited opportunity. Apply now!

The Alberta Work Experience Category of the AINP lets eligible foreign workers apply to nominate themselves for permanent residency. With the Alberta Work Experience Category you do not need your employer to apply with you. Before you apply make sure your occupation appears on the Eligible Occupations List. You must have at least two years of Alberta work experience in an occupation on the Eligible Occupations List and meet other program and federal government criteria.

Do you qualify?

Is your occupation on the Eligible Occupations List?
Do you have at least two years of Alberta experience in an eligible occupation?
Are you currently living in Alberta?
Do you meet all other required criteria?
You are not eligible to apply if your occupation does not appear on the Eligible Occupations List.

Visit the Alberta Work Experience Category criteria page to find out.

If you are working in Alberta or have recent Alberta work experience but your NOC code is not on the Eligible Occupations List, you may qualify to submit an AINP application under one of the AINP’s other streams or categories. Visit the AINP’s Strategic Recruitment Stream or Employer-Driven Stream page to see if you qualify to apply.

New jobs opening in Saskatchwean and Alberta.

In large construction projects, such as this skyscraper in Melbourne, cranes are essential. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Concrete pool construction using aluminum concrete forms. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We have 20 spots for construction laborers in Saskatchewan. The pay is 17.50 per hour and they build high end buildings.

We also have 28 spots in Alberta for 28 construction laborers.

Need to have a minimum of 1-2 years experience in home or building construction. Able to communicate in English.

Job Description:

Load, unload material from trucks
Move material on the construction site
Clean-up work sites
Construct scaffolding if required
Assist with assembly of concrete forms
Maintain and clean tools/equipment
Perform other duties as required

Please send us your resume to nexuscanadavisa@gmail.com

City looking to attract more immigrants

English: Charlottetown, P.E.I. Queen Street in the central business district. Español: Calle Queens en el distrito comercial. Türkçe: Charlottetown kent merkezinden bir görünüm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SUMMERSIDE – The City of Summerside is looking to bring more immigrants into the community to improve its population numbers through a new website portal.

Councillor Ron Dowling, chairman of the city’s economic development committee, said the city needs to make a stronger effort to find newcomers.

“Given Summerside’s lack of attraction in regards to immigration, the city is launching a multi-pronged approach to ensuring our community’s position in supporting immigration attraction to maximize its potential,” Dowling said.

He said the new web-portal will post immigrant opportunities and will provide a one-window source of information for those wising to come to Summerside.

“Currently, the city has developed the framework for a strategy and the real challenge is to effectively articulate the opportunity and support the potential immigrant and their experience in Summerside,” he said. “Immigration has fueled the province’s population growth from just over 138,000 to over 143,000. P.E.I.’s population growth leads the Atlantic region due in large measure to immigration.”

Dowling said while the Island was a leader, Summerside derived very little benefit from the influx of immigrants.

“Since 1996, the total number of immigrants coming to P.E.I. reached 10,000, according to Statistics Canada,” Dowling said. “Of those immigrants, only 565 initially settled in Summerside, or 5.5 per cent of the total. Over 9,206, or 91 per cent, settled initially in Queens County and, more specifically, Charlottetown.”

Dowling said looking strictly at pure population growth since 1901, Prince County has only seen its population grow by 12 per cent versus Queens County, which has increased more than 108 per cent.

He said population is a natural resource that provides labour skills for the market and Summerside is losing this asset to other parts of Canada.

“Given our seasonal economy, we can see that trend continuing well in to the future if we do not come up with a unique solution to stem the trend,” Dowling said. “Finally, private sector investment in Summerside is minimal at best and is mainly focused on the retail and service sectors. Over the last 11 years P.E.I. has had the lowest per capita private sector investment in all of Canada from a pure dollar perspective, the second highest unemployment rate in Canada, which traditionally hovers around 11 per cent, and the lowest average weekly earnings in all the provinces of Canada.

“We want that to change and we need everyone’s assistance to make that happen,” the councillor said.

The province and the city came up with the immigration portal with select information targeted specifically at this group. The project addresses three fundamental core strategies: infrastructure and economic development, population growth and retention, immigration.

“General information about Summerside will be included on the portal and will highlight our community and provide an overview of the business environment and outline key areas for potential investment,” Dowling said.

mcarson@journalpioneer.com

Source: http://www.journalpioneer.com/News/Local/2013-06-24/article-3290785/City-looking-to-attract-more-immigrants/1

NEW CANADIANS FACE CREDIT CURVE

Deutsch: Toronto: TD Canada Trust Tower (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

published by asingh on Tue, 07/02/2013 - 17:32

Statistics Canada estimates that immigrants account for more than one-in-five Canadians and projects that by 2055 immigration will account for 90 per cent of the country’s population growth.

But figuring out how things work in a new country can be challenging, from locating new schools and communities to navigating the banking system.

According to a poll from TD Canada Trust, most newcomers said they did not know how to open a bank account (47%), apply for a credit card (58%) or mortgage (87%) or send money to family overseas (72%) in their first three months in Canada.

The biggest surprise New Canadians encountered setting up their finances was the credit rating system (24%) and not having access to credit right away (23%).

“A major challenges new Canadians face is establishing a credit history so they can buy or rent a home, get a credit card, purchase a car, and even secure a mobile phone plan and insurance,” said Stephen Menon, Associate Vice President of credit cards at TD Canada Trust.

The following tips can help newcomers build their Canadian credit rating:

Apply for a secured credit card

According to the poll, a quarter of new Canadians (23%) said they wish they knew more about how to get approved for a credit card. Menon recommends newcomers visit their local branch to apply for a secured credit card as soon as they arrive.

Pay all of your bills on time and in full

Late bill payments have the potential to negatively affect a credit rating. According to the research, 49% of newcomers pay their bills through online banking and 30% use a mobile app on their smartphone or tablet for banking services.

Check your credit rating before applying for a mortgage

Eighty-seven per cent of newcomers didn’t know how to apply for a mortgage in their first three months in Canada and 38% said they wish they knew more about local mortgage rules. TD recommends homebuyers check their rating at least six months before applying for a mortgage, so they have time to correct it if there are any flaws.

TD Canada Trust and New Canadians

Language can be one of the biggest challenges for newcomers: 41% found communicating difficult when they first arrived and 55% said it was important for them to find a bank that offered services in their native language. TD Canada Trust offers telephone banking services in more than 170 languages, including the ability for customers to make an in-branch appointment with a financial advisor who speaks their native language.

Source: http://www.asianpacificpost.com/article/5636-new-canadians-face-credit-curve.html

Ottawa on Track to Become Canada's Most Welcoming City for Immigrants

Flag of the city of Ottawa, Ontario (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Canadian parliament from the Musée canadien des Civilisations in Gatineau Français : Parlement canadien depuis le Musée canadien des Civilisations à Gatineau (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Deutsch: Ottawa: Kuppeln der Nationalgalerie (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Langevin Block, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Confederation Square, with National War Memorial in its centre, in Ottawa, Canada. The view towards downtown from the Corktown Pedestrian Bridge in Ottawa, Canada. The Laurier bridge and Château Laurier are visible. Français : Vue vers le centre-ville depuis la passerelle de Corktown à Ottawa (Canada). On peut voir le Pont Laurier et le Château Laurier. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada, January 2005 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Editors Note: There is a calendar of events and a backgrounder associated with this press release.

On June 26, at 8 a.m., at a breakfast reception with business executives, civic leaders and representatives of faith communities in the region, the Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson will proclaim June 25 to 30, 2013 as the first-ever "Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW)." The Mayoral proclamation reception is one of several activities planned during WOW to bolster the capital's reputation as a welcoming city for newcomers. The calendar for the inaugural Welcoming Ottawa Week is marked by a series of engaging dialogues and celebratory activities, including community sports events, public lectures and seminars, a movie screening in a neighbourhood park, music, artists' gatherings, and the 2nd Annual Ottawa Immigration Forum.

"We have long recognized the value of immigration to our city's prosperity and vitality," says the Mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson. "The Welcoming Ottawa Week will underscore our genuine respect and hospitality to newcomers, while at the same time creating opportunities for dialogue and interactions between newcomers and established residents."

This year's Ottawa Immigration Forum, hosted by the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership(OLIP) in collaboration with the Réseau de soutien de l'immigration francophone de l'Est de l'Ontario, is themed "The Building Blocks of a Welcoming Community." The Forum will take place on Thursday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and coincides with Multiculturalism Day.

Forum attendees will hear about Manitoba's model for welcoming and integrating newcomers from Gerry Clement, a former senior official with the Manitoba Government and one of the principal architects of Manitoba's highly acclaimed immigrant attraction and integration strategy. Representatives of Ottawa's post-secondary institutions will also reflect upon the opportunities and challenges they face as they seek to extend and enhance Ottawa's reputation as an international student destination hub.

In 2012, Ottawa was the fourth-largest international student destination in Canada, after Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, and the first choice for international students among Canada's mid-sized cities.

"As a community, we are committed to strengthening our capacity to welcome and integrate immigrants," said Dick Stewart, Chair of the OLIP Council. "The 2013 Ottawa Immigration Forum will help us learn from the successes of other cities; and enable us to discuss ways in which we can maintain and enhance what works well."

The Forum will also celebrate the successes of the OLIP partners over the last eight months and continued progress towards the goals of the Ottawa Immigration Strategy, launched in 2011.

Welcoming Ottawa Week events begin on June 25 with two seminars: one on "Building Sustainable Capacity for Welcoming Organizations" featuring three prominent speakers and the tabling of a summary report on Phase 1 of Ottawa's first-ever Equity Project; the other on "Les Enjoux de l'immigration francophone a Ottawa."

The Mayor's proclamation and breakfast reception will anchor the Week, with an official proclamation ceremony on June 26. Local artists and arts organizations will gather on June 28 to discuss how to promote pluralism in the arts.

The Week will conclude on June 30 with the Community Cup event at Brewer Park. Over 2,000 guests are expected to gather to enjoy this fun-filled family event, with soccer competitions, demonstrations of sports such as cricket and Tai Chi which are popular among immigrants and minority residents, children's games, an international food bazaar, and a citizenship reaffirmation ceremony during which 200 Ottawans will renew their vows to Canada and to each other.

"We are excited about WOW," said Hindia Mohamoud, OLIP director. "A lot of good work is being done by the OLIP partners and countless Ottawans are welcoming to immigrants. The Welcoming Ottawa Week is about joining our voices and conveying clearly and unequivocally that we are intentioned to being the most welcoming city in Canada to newcomers both current and prospective."

Initiated by the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership and championed by the Mayor of Ottawa, Welcoming Ottawa Week is designed to create recurrent opportunities for Ottawans to express and reflect on the warmth of our welcome; and for newcomers and long-time residents of Ottawa to have quality-based recreational and intellectual interactions that will foster trust and understanding.

Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership

The Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership (OLIP) was founded in October 2009 by the City of Ottawa and Local Agencies Serving Immigrants (LASI). The partnership is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada with the mandate of improving local capacity to attract, settle and integrate immigrants. OLIP is one of over 40 Local Immigration Partnerships in Canada. Visit the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership online at www.olip-plio.ca.

Immigration in Canada by the numbers

English: Calgary Tower, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

BY KIRSTEN SMITH, POSTMEDIA NEWS

The proportion of foreign-born population in G8 countries and Australia (reported statistically)

Japan — 1.0 per cent (2000)
Italy — 8.0 per cent (2009)
Russia — 8.2 per cent (2002)
France — 8.6 per cent (2008)
United Kingdom — 11.5 per cent (2010)
United States — 12.9 per cent (2010)
Germany — 13 per cent (2010)
Canada — 20.6 per cent (2011)
Australia — 26.8 per cent (2010)

Recent immigration (2006 to 2011)
Canada — 1.2 million
Toronto — 381,745
Montreal — 189,730
Vancouver — 155,125
Calgary — 70,700
Edmonton — 49,930
Winnipeg — 45,270
Ottawa-Gatineau — 40,420
Saskatoon — 11,465
Windsor — 9,225
Regina — 8,150

The make-up of first-, second- and third-generation immigrants compared to total population:
First generation (born outside Canada): 7.2 million or 22 per cent Of them:
• 93.3 per cent immigrants
• 4.9 per cent foreign students and foreign workers • 87,400 were born outside Canada to parents who are Canadian
Second generation (born in Canada but at least one parent was born abroad): 5.7 million or 17.4 per cent • 54.8 per cent said both their parents were born outside Canada • B.C. was home to the most second generation residents 23.4 per cent • 3 in 10 second-generation residents were a visible minority
Third generation (born in Canada, both parents also born in Canada): 19.9 million or 60.7 per cent

Original source article: Immigration in Canada by the numbers