May 17, 2017 | Blog, Citizenship, Family Immigration, Featured, Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, In the News, Permanent Residency, Spousal Sponsorship, Student Visas, Temporary Foreign Workers, Tourist Visas, Work Permits, Working In Canada
According to a U.S. News study, Canada was ranked the second best country in the world in 2017. U.S. News partnered with Y&R’s BAV and Wharton to rank 80 countries, based on several attributes, divided into nine (9) sub-rankings:
- Adventure (friendly, fun, pleasant climate, scenic, and sexy);
- Citizenship (cares about human rights, cares about the environment, gender equality, progressive, religious freedom, respects property rights, trustworthy and well-distributed political power);
- Cultural Influence (culturally significant in terms of entertainment, fashionable, happy, has an influential culture, modern, prestigious and trendy);
- Entrepreneurship (connected to the rest of the world, educated population, entrepreneurial, innovative, provides easy access to capital, skilled labor force, technological expertise, transparent business practices, well-developed infrastructure and well-developed legal framework):
- Heritage (culturally accessible, has a rich history, has good food and many cultural attractions);
- Movers (different, distinctive, dynamic and unique):
- Open for Business (bureaucratic, cheap manufacturing costs, corrupt, favorable tax environment and transparent government practices);
- Power (a leader, economically influential, politically influential, strong international alliances and strong military alliances); and
- Quality of Life (affordable, a good job market, economically stable, family friendly, income equality, politically stable, safe, well-developed public education system and well-developed public health system).
Coming in as the second best country overall after Switzerland, Canada was also ranked #1 in the Quality of Life sub-category and 4th in the Citizenship sub-category. With a great public health care system and strong education system, as well as being a safe and family-friendly country; Canadians can boast a high quality of life. Canada is also known for being welcoming to immigrants and accepting of the diverse cultures of all their citizens. Canada is a land of opportunities for many foreign nationals as well as a safe haven for refugees. It might even be said that the American Dream is currently alive in Canada. In fact, the United States ranked 7th overall behind the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Sweden (ranked 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, respectively). Canada also ranked second best country overall in the same survey done in 2016 (behind Germany) as well as #1 in Quality of Life and #2 in Citizenship.
In addition to the above-mentioned categories, Canada also ranked number one for Best Countries for Education, well above the United States (which ranked 7th). Canada secured this #1 spot because of its highly developed public education system and quality universities. All in all we can say that Canada is a wonderful place to live. No matter where in the world you come from, what your beliefs are, and what your future goals look like, Canada and its occupants welcome you with open arms.
Are you interested in exploring this beautiful country? There are so many opportunities for individuals and families looking to study, work, and live in Canada. Our team of experienced immigration consultants is here to help you achieve your dream. Maybe you want to come for a visit to see the sights or to visit family. Perhaps you are looking for temporary status that allows you to work and /or study in Canada. Even if you are seeking a more long-term status, we can help. Canada places much value on the reunification of families. So if you have family members living in Canada, we can help with Family Sponsorship applications, including Spousal Sponsorship. From visitor visas to permanent residence to citizenship, our team can help you choose the best program to fit your needs. To get started, take our free online assessment or contact us today. We would gladly answer all of your questions and discuss your options for Canada immigration.
May 13, 2017 | Blog, Canadian Experience Class, Express Entry, Federal Skilled Trades, Immigrate to Canada, Permanent Residency, Provincial Nominee Program, Skilled Workers
On May 10, British Columbia held a draw inviting 364 workers and graduates to apply for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP). Individuals who received an invitation are now eligible to submit their application to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. Applicants who receive a nomination will then be able to use this certificate to apply for permanent residence. The province uses a points-based system known as the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), which scores and ranks candidates and enters them into a pool for selection.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is broken up into three (3) pathways, further divided into categories. The Skills Immigration Registration System includes two (2) of these three (3) pathways, with a total of five (5) categories. Interested individuals must select one of the following five (5) categories to register for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.
Express Entry BC Stream
The Express Entry BC (EEBC) stream allows qualified applicants to expedite their permanent residence application by applying online through the Express Entry selection system. Candidates in the Express Entry pool who attain a provincial nomination certificate will receive 600 Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
There are two categories for individuals to choose from under this pathway. International skilled workers with a valid job offer from a B.C. employer may qualify for the EEBC – Skilled Worker category. Applicants for this category must have at least two (2) years of work experience in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) skilled occupation (NOC code 0, A, or B) directly related to their offer of employment. The EEBC – International Graduate category is for individuals who graduated from an eligible Canadian university or college within the last three (3) years. Applicants under this category must also have an offer of full-time, permanent employment from a B.C. employer. In addition to the minimum requirements of these categories, applicants must also meet the requirements of one of three federal economic immigration programs – Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class – in order to enter the Express Entry pool.
Skills Immigration Stream
There are three (3) categories under which international skilled workers may apply for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program via SIRS. These ‘base’ programs are not aligned with the Express Entry system so applicants must submit a paper application for permanent residence after receiving their provincial nomination certificate. Applicants under this stream are required to have a valid job offer from a B.C. employer, as well as meeting the minimum requirements of one of the following categories:
- Skills Immigration – Skilled Worker: International skilled workers with a job offer in a NOC skilled occupation (skill level 0, A, or B) and at least two (2) years of relevant work experience may qualify to apply for this category.
- Skills Immigration – International Graduate: This category is for individuals who have graduated from an eligible Canadian educational institution within the last three (3) years prior to applying. Applicants must have a job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC skill level 0, A, or B) OR a semi-skilled occupation (NOC level C or D) with a structured career plan.
- Skills Immigration – Entry Level and Semi-Skilled: International workers in specific occupations in tourism/hospitality, long-haul trucking, or the food processing industry may be eligible to apply under this category. Candidates in the Northeast Development Region of B.C. may apply in any NOC skill level C or D. All applicants under this category must have been working full time for the same employer for at least nine (9) consecutive months prior to applying as well as meeting the minimum language and education requirements.
Other categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program are not associated with SIRS and require a different method of applying. If you are looking to settle in British Columbia but do not meet the requirements of the above listed categories, you may still be eligible to apply under one of the other categories. Contact us to discuss your options.
Want to find out if you are eligible to apply for one of the above-mentioned categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program? Take our free online assessment today to get started on your path to permanent residence.
May 9, 2017 | Blog, Express Entry, Immigrate to Canada, Permanent Residency, Provincial Nominee Program, Skilled Workers
Candidates interested in applying for permanent residence and settling in the province of Nova Scotia may qualify for the Nova Scotia Demand Stream, the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program’s Express Entry Stream. The Nova Scotia Demand Stream opened on May 8th with two categories for potential applicants. Category B does not require a job offer and is available to applicants who have experience in a target occupation. Applications for category B are not being accepted at this time. However, applicants with a job offer may qualify to apply under category A, which is accepting applications online. The program is expected to close and reopen throughout the years, so it is important that you get your application prepared and submitted quickly.
Applicants in the Express Entry pool, who qualify for the Nova Scotia Demand Stream, will receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry Draw. In order to apply under Category A of the Nova Scotia Demand Stream, you must meet the minimum requirements as listed below:
- Score at least 67 points on the Nova Scotia Demand Stream’s six selection factors;
- Have a full-time, permanent offer of employment;
- Have at least 12 months of skilled work experience related to the job offer;
- Have a Canadian high school credential or the equivelant;
- Score a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher; and
- Have the necessary funds to settle successfully in Nova Scotia.
If you are interested in settling in Nova Scotia, take our free online assessment to determine your eligibility or contact us to speak with a qualified immigration consultant.
May 5, 2017 | Blog, Canadian Experience Class, Express Entry, Federal Skilled Trades, Immigrate to Canada, Permanent Residency, Provincial Nominee Program
May 4, 2017 – Another Express Entry draw has been made today, inviting 3,796 applicants and their families to apply for permanent residence. Candidates in the Express Entry pool with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 423 or more have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and now have 90 days in which to submit their application for permanent residence.
This score is slightly higher than the last draw on April 19th, which was the lowest score ever at 415. This increase in the cut-off might be a source of concern for some, but as per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), we can expect to see this score get lower over time. It might be worth noting that the last 3 draws were made approximately one week apart, while this recent draw was made a full 2 weeks after the last one. This might account for the increase in score if more candidates – with higher CRS scores – entered the pool during those two weeks. If you did not meet the threshold this time, you still have a shot in the next draw. You may also be able to increase your score. Contact us to speak with an immigration consultant about how to increase your CRS score in preparation for the next draw.
Did you receive an ITA? This means you are now eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Applicants who received an invitation can choose to include their spouses or common-law partners and any dependent children in their PR applications. Keep in mind that you must submit your complete application with all required documents within 90 days of receiving your ITA. To prevent delays or refusal of your application, it is important that you prepare your application accurately. Our immigration consultants can help you to determine what information is required and what documents you need to provide. If you need help preparing and submitting your permanent residence application or if you are interested in entering the Express Entry pool before the next draw, contact us to speak with a licensed immigration consultant.
Not sure if you qualify? To qualify for Express Entry, you must meet the minimum requirements of one of three economic programs. The first step to determine your eligibility is to complete our free online assessment. Our team of consultants will review and assess your qualifications to determine if you meet the requirements for an Express Entry application. If you are eligible you will be able to proceed with the next step towards making an application. This assessment will rank your minimum language requirement, skilled work experience and education level.
May 3, 2017 | Blog, Family Immigration, Immigrate to Canada, Permanent Residency
Currently, families immigrating to Canada under an economic, family, or refugee/humanitarian program are able to include their dependent children on their applications, as long as the child is under 19 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship. Prior to August 2014, dependent children aged 21 and under were eligible to be included in their parents’ application for permanent residence. Now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made the decision to return to the previous definition of dependent child. Beginning Oct. 24, 2017, applicants will be able to include dependent children who are under 22 years of age in their application for permanent residence.
The purpose of this change is to help families stay together through the immigration process. According to IRCC data, adult children often remain dependent on their parents for both financial and emotional support as they work on gaining an education and work experience of their own. By keeping families together, Canada is helping these young adults to gain valuable experience through post-secondary education without the added burden of being independent or being away from their families. These young adults may not be eligible to apply for permanent or even temporary status on their own merits. Thus, allowing them to be included in their parents’ applications will make the transition easier on the entire family. In many cases, these young adults help their family by watching younger children, thus allowing their parents to work. They may also help the family by working themselves. Thus, keeping families together is beneficial for the entire community. By making this change, Canada holds true to its promise of reuniting families and keeping them together.
Children who are unable to financially support themselves due to a physical or mental illness can also be included in their parents’ permanent residence applications, regardless of age.
For more information about Canada’s many immigration options, click here.
If you have any questions about this change or any other inquiries, contact us to speak with an immigration consultant.
To determine your eligibility for permanent residence, take our free online assessment.
