Immigration Canada

Between 2004 and 2013, based on records available from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, more than a million people came to Canada to seek a new life. But where did they come from? This question can offer insight into cultural understanding of the origins of several new Canadians as well how communities can connect. Here is a list of the top countries people emigrated to establish their home in Canada.

1. PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

People’s Republic of China

The most populous country in the world has also given Canada the largest chunk of our new citizens. In the last decade measured 2004 to 2013, 326,067 Chinese people became permanent residents and/or citizens of Canada.

2. INDIA

The second most populous country in the world also takes the second place for the source of new Canadians. Between 2004 to 2013, 310,513 Indians became Canadians.

3. PHILIPPINES

From the tropical island nation that is the Philippines to second-largest – mostly frigid – country that is Canada, 263,076 took the leap across the Pacific to find better opportunities for themselves and their families. Goes to show weather isn’t a vital aspect when choosing to build a new life.

4. PAKISTAN

Suffering from overpopulation, corruption, poverty, illiteracy and terrorism, many Pakistanis have fled the country seeking safety and security. In the past decade, 105,283 Pakistanis made Canada their home.

5. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Some of our neighbours down south don’t mind the cold weather as 85,848 Americans settled in Canada in the last decade. The two North American countries share the longest land border in the world as well as similar economic and cultural elements so it’s difficult to pinpoint immigration motives. Must be the free health care!

6. UNITED KINGDOM

It seems the British are still crossing the pond to settle in the colonies. In the last decade, 74,951 British nationals settled in Canada. With a common heritage and common language, Canada seems like a comfortable choice.

7. IRAN

The Islamic Republic of Iran doesn’t quite offer the most individual freedoms in the world and recent sanctions have forced a lot of economic hardship on citizens. Between 2004 to 2013, 73,474 Iranians settled in Canada, while in 2012 the federal government closed its Canadian embassy in Tehran.

Source: http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/5597423-7-top-countries-of-origin-of-new-canadians/

North Lake harbour in eastern Prince Edward Island looking north onto the Gulf of St. Lawrence. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The FCR Loans Pilot Project assists with the credential recognition process and sourcing suitable employment for new immigrants. The programme was a pilot project, which will become permanent. The project addresses the unfortunate situation that many new immigrants experience in not having the financial ability for training or taking licensing examinations for regulated professions, as they lack the requisite credit history to obtain bank loans in Canada.

A regulated profession or trade is one that is governed by a provincial, territorial or sometimes federal authority, in which certain entry requirements and standards of practice are used to assess the qualifications and certify, register or license an individual as a qualified applicant. Examples of regulated occupations include engineers, as well as nurses, doctors, teachers, accountants and electricians.

The loans are provided by nine organisations across Canada, including:

* WIL Employment Connections, in Ontario;

* Association Communautaire d'emprunt de Montréal (ACEM), in Quebec;

* Immigrant Access Fund, in Alberta;

* Immigrant Access Fund, in Saskatchewan;

* SEED Winnipeg Inc., in Manitoba;

* S.U.C.C.E.S.S in British Columbia;

* New Brunswick Multicultural Council Inc;

* Canada Microcredit Educators Group, in Prince Edward Island; and

* Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia.

Eligibility

Eligible Candidates are:

* Canadian citizens or permanent residents, residing in the applicable province;

* In possession of

a professional credential/designation or trades-related certificate obtained in a country other than Canada;

* Credit-worthy for credentialing purposes; and

* Limited with regards to Canadian experience in the related field due to a lack of foreign credentials.

Eligible costs of the project include tuition for short-term (two years or less) training; exam fees with a professional governing association; travel expenses to write an exam; qualification assessments fees; professional association fees; books and course materials; and living allowance during study time.

Benefits

The benefits of the programme include:

* Loans ranging from $1,500 to $15,000 for successful candidates.

* The loan application process can take approximately two weeks.

* There are no fees to apply for the FCR Loan.

* Security is not required for the loan.

* Repayment terms from one year to two years.

* A six-month interest-free grace period.

* Low interest rates (prime rate, plus one per cent).

* Options to save interest by making payments more frequently and within the grace period.

* Flexible monthly payment schedule.