May 3, 2013 | Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, New Immigration Programs, New Laws, Permanent Residency, Policies and Problems, Skilled Workers
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, one of Canada’s most sought-after immigration options, is now being re-opened to allow foreign workers, in 24 qualifying applications, to apply for immigration to Canada. This program, which allows immigrants to apply for permanent residence based on a points system, was closed to anyone that did not have a job offer or meet the criteria of the Ph.D. stream since July 1, 2012. New applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program will be accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) beginning on May 4, 2013.
With the re-opening of the Federal Skilled Worker Program comes a new set of rules and requirements. Professionals who wish to apply for Canada immigration through the new Federal Skilled Worker Program must be sure that they meet the new criteria. Do not assume that you qualify now just because you may have qualified in the past. The points system that was previously in place has been amended to put more emphasis on language and age. But before you can assess your points, you must be sure that you fit into one of the following categories of the new Federal Skilled Worker Program:
- You are working in one of the 24 eligible occupations for a minimum of one (1) year;
- You have a job offer from a Canadian Employer;
- You are eligible to apply under the Ph.D. stream.
If you meet the criteria for one of these three options, you will then be required to meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Your eligibility will be assessed based on your language abilities, age, education, work experience, arranged employment, and adaptability. Points are awarded in each category with a maximum of 100 points available and a minimum of 67 points required in order to qualify for the program.
Another major update of the Federal Skilled Worker Program is in the way the points are assessed. With the new emphasis being on language and age, some people who qualified under the old Federal Skilled Worker Program may not qualify for the new program.
Research has shown that individuals adapt better in Canada if they are proficient in at least one of the country’s two official languages – English and French. As such, more points are now being awarded for language (the same is true for age as younger people have shown better adaptability as well as having more years to be in the workforce). In order to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must be able to prove your proficiency in one of the two languages. To do this, you must take and pass one of the following language tests:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
Each test will assess your language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. You must obtain the required score for one of these tests in order to apply for immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
In addition to language skills, your education will be assessed using the new Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). If you wish to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program using educational credentials from an institution outside of Canada, you will be required to get an ECA. This process will assess that the foreign education you have is equivalent to the required education in Canada for your field of work. For example; if you are an engineer with an engineering degree from a foreign institution, your foreign engineering degree would have to be equivalent to the Canadian engineering degree in order for you to work as an engineer in Canada. In some countries, less education may be required for certain occupations. Therefore, you may be ineligible based on your education if you do not meet the minimum requirement for your occupation in Canada. Confused? You don’t have to be. Contact our office to speak to a qualified immigration consultant who can help you to understand the new system and determine whether you qualify to apply for the new Federal Skilled Worker Program.
For those applicants who are eager to get started, you may get a jump-start on your Federal Skilled Worker application by starting the process of getting an ECA now, as long as you meet all of the other requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. CIC has designated organizations which can provide ECA reports for immigration purposes. If you would like to get started on this process and/or just get an idea of how your foreign credentials will be recognized in Canada, contact us today to get started. Our immigration consultants can assist you in obtaining an ECA and preparing your file early so that your application is ready to submit when the program opens. It is important to note that application forms for the Federal Skilled Worker Program will be updated upon the opening of the program so having an immigration consultant working on your case will prevent you from submitting outdated or incorrect forms.
Applicants for the Federal Skilled Worker Program should also note the cap of 5,000 applications – including a maximum of 300 applications for each of the 24 eligible occupations. With this cap in place, you do not want to risk having your application returned over a small clerical error as you may not have another chance to submit your application. With the CIC cracking down on even the tiniest of errors (not to mention large errors or missing information), it is always a good idea to have more than one pair of eyes reviewing your application. More than just another pair of eyes, our immigration consultants have a trained eye for even the most minute details. We have years of experience in dealing with these types of applications and the constant changes of the immigration system. With an immigration consultant by your side, you can rest assured that your application will be completed accurately and efficiently so that your time and money do not go to waste on a returned or refused application.
Don’t miss this opportunity to obtain your permanent residence in Canada. Applications are already being submitted and the doors may close on you if you do not act quickly. Contact us to get started right away and be ready when the new Federal Skilled Worker Program opens.
Mar 22, 2013 | In the News, New Immigration Programs, Permanent Residency, Skilled Workers, Working In Canada
A new immigration program, the Skilled Trades Immigration program, for skilled workers interested in immigration to Canada, has been added this year, opening up the door for candidates in specific occupations which do not require university education (e.g. carpenters, electricians). The previous immigration program for skilled workers was the Federal Skilled Worker Program. This program requires work experience in an occupation which is of a higher level (usually requiring university-level education). With the Skilled Trades Program in place, workers who are certified in a specific trade may qualify to immigrate to Canada without the need for a university education. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has come up with a list of 43 skilled trades which are eligible for the Skilled Trades Immigration program.
While this new immigration program may provide an opportunity for those who previously had no options, there is a limit on how many applications will be accepted for the Skilled Trades program and only applications which are put together properly will be considered. If you qualify for the Skilled Trades Program, you must submit your application quickly and accurately as you may not get a second chance. Applications submitted with errors or missing information will be returned and will not be processed. Additionally, there is a cap of 3,000 applications for the Skilled Trades Program as a whole and in some trades, only 100 applications will be considered. So if you apply too late, you may miss your chance for this year. The Skilled Trades Program will be available again next year but we do not know which jobs will be on the list. Your job may be on the list for this year and not be on the list next year. So those who do not get their applications in on time may not have another opportunity to do so.
We recommend that you contact a licensed immigration consultant to discuss the qualifications and requirements of the Skilled Trades Program. If you have experience and training in one of the 43 listed occupations for the Skilled Trades Program, you should start the application process as soon as possible so as to not miss your chance to immigrate to Canada. Our knowledgeable immigration consultants can assess your situation and get the ball rolling quickly for your skilled trades immigration application. We can help you prepare your application properly so there is no risk of errors causing your application to be returned to you. Give us a call today to get started.
Dec 21, 2012 | Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, In the News, New Laws, Permanent Residency, Processing Times, Skilled Workers, Work Permits, Working In Canada
A new program has been introduced to allow skilled workers working in Canada to continue working as they wait for their permanent residence application to be processed. The new Bridging Open Work Permit will benefit skilled workers who have applied for permanent residence under one of the following Canada immigration options:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
This program will allow you to receive an open work permit should your current work permit expire before you receive permanent residence in Canada. The Bridging Open Work Permit will prevent skilled workers from losing status and being unable to work in Canada if their application for permanent residence is still in process and their work permit is about to expire.
Prior to the introduction of the Bridging Open Work Permit, Canadian employers would have to submit an application for a Labour Market Opinion and the skilled worker could submit a request for extension of their work permit only if the LMO was issued. The Bridging Open Work Permit will prevent “unnecessary disruption in the lives of newcomers who are already contributing and successfully integrating into the Canadian economy,” declares Minister Kenney. Open work permits are already available in other immigration streams and this new Bridging Open Work Permit gives foreign skilled workers a chance to apply for permanent residence with less worry of processing times.
If you are a skilled worker who is currently working for a Canadian employer and interested in submitting an application for permanent residence, you may take our free assessment to see which of the Canada immigration options will best meet your needs. If you have a work permit that is close to expiring and would like more information about the Bridging Open Work Permit, you should contact us to speak to a qualified immigration consultant.
Share your opinions on the new Bridging Open Work Permit by commenting on our blog or visit us on Facebook and Twitter to share, like, comment or tweet about the Bridging Open Work Permit.
Dec 12, 2012 | Immigrate to Canada, Immigration, In the News, New Immigration Programs, New Laws, Permanent Residency, Skilled Workers, Working In Canada
Among the many program updates being made for the new year, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is changing the requirements of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to make it easier and faster for qualified applicants to obtain permanent residence in Canada. Changes to the program will allow skilled workers to apply for the Canadian Experience Class with only 12 months of Canadian work experience instead of the 24 months which was previously required. Skilled workers applying for Canada immigration through the Canadian Experience Class will therefore be able to become permanent residents of Canada a year sooner than before.
In addition to these changes for skilled workers, the Canadian Experience Class will now be easier for international students who are applying for permanent residence. Students applying for immigration to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class are required to earn one (1) year of work experience prior to their application for permanent residence. In the past, students were required to earn this experience within 24 months of graduating. Part of the changes to the Canadian Experience Class will now allow students 36 months in which to obtain their work experience.
With these changes to the Canadian Experience Class, CIC expects to accept close to 10,000 applications for permanent residents. This is a huge number compared to previous years. The Canadian Experience Class is growing quickly and the government is intent on making it easier for skilled workers to transition to permanent residence status. These changes will be put in place on January 2nd.
If you are a skilled worker or an international graduate who is interested in immigration to Canada, you may contact our office to speak with an immigration consultant about the Canadian Experience Class. You may also take our free assessment to find out if you qualify for this Canada immigration program. We urge you to share your thoughts with us and to spread the good news to any of your friends and family who may be affected by these changes. Call us today for more information on the Canadian Experience Class and/or to get answers to any of your Canada immigration questions.
Dec 4, 2012 | Immigration, In the News, Permanent Residency
All applicants who have applied or are planning to apply for immigration to Canada under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are required to pass a language proficiency test. This is also true for individuals who wish to obtain permanent resident status in Canada under the Federal Skilled Workers Program or various Provincial Nominee Programs.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has amended the language requirements for Canada immigration which will now allow CEC applicants to take the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) instead of the previously required IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Applicants now have a choice between taking either the IELTS or the CELPIP General Tests. All applications for the Canadian Experience Class which are submitted with the CELPIP General Test results which were written on or after the starting date of November 23, 2012 will be considered for eligibility into the CEC program.
By allowing Canada immigration applicants a choice between the two tests, the CIC is making it easier to fulfill the language requirements of each immigration program. Often the waiting time for the IELTS can be a problem for applicants or they may have difficulty finding a location near their home where they may take this test. By opening up the option of taking the CELPIP exam instead, individuals who are applying for Permanent Residence may be able to complete and submit their application faster with more choices for when and where to complete the language requirement exam. With 17 locations across Canada, the CELPIP tests are readily available for those who may be unable to find a testing centre for the IELTS in their area. Finding a testing center close to you is easy, whether you choose to take the IELTS or the CELPIP. Our office can guide you in finding the right place to go and ensuring that you complete the proper test for the program under which you are applying.
If you are interested in applying for immigration to Canada under the Canadian Experience Class and would like more assistance in your application and/or need help locating a testing center to complete your IELTS or CELPIP exams, you may contact our office to speak with a licensed and knowledgeable immigration consultant. With the guidance of an immigration consultant, you will be able to make the choice of which test is best for you and we will provide you with the information you need to get started on your immigration application.
Can-Am Immigration is interested in hearing your opinions on every change made by the Canadian government. Tell us what you think about the addition of the CELPIP General Test to the CEC language proficiency test requirements. If you are currently in the process of immigration to Canada under one of the programs that require the test, we would love to hear from you. If you have already taken either the IELTS or the CELPIP, please share your thoughts on the test (was it difficult for you? do you believe one or the other of these two tests may be better? how do you feel about the language proficiency requirement for permanent residence?) You may also wish to share this new information with your friends and family who may be interested in applying for immigration to Canada. You may comment or share this story directly from this website to Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and/or any of your other social networks.
Nov 8, 2012 | Family Immigration, Immigration, In the News, New Laws, Permanent Residency
New regulations were put into action on October 25, 2012 in an attempt to stop marriage fraud in Canada. These new laws will require sponsored spouses to remain in a relationship with their sponsors for a period of at least two years. Marriage fraud has become a large problem in Canada. According to Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney, “There are countless cases of marriage fraud across the country.” Efforts to prevent people from marrying for the sole purpose of obtaining permanent resident status have been ongoing. These new regulations have been a long time coming as similar laws are already in place in many other countries.
Permanent residents who were sponsored within the last two years and who have no children with their current sponsor will now need to stay in the relationship for two years or risk losing their permanent resident status. There must be some evidence that the relationship is genuine and not simply a “marriage of convenience.” In some cases of marriage fraud, Canadian citizens are being victimized by their partners who enter into the relationship with the goal of obtaining citizenship and then leaving their partner. Other cases include the exchange of money in which Canadian citizens are accepting money to marry and sponsor non-Canadians into Canada. Canadians are now standing up against marriage fraud with groups such as Canadians Against Immigration Fraud (CAIF) and the Canadian Marriage Fraud Victims Society joining Minister Kenney and the CIC in their fight against marriage fraud in Canada. Canadian Marriage Fraud Victims Society founder, Palwinder Singh Gill, supports the new regulations, stating that “Canada’s generous family sponsorship program was being abused because many people were marrying only to get a permanent resident card and then leave their partners. With this rule, those abusing the system will think twice.”
Anyone who applies or has applied for permanent resident status whose application was received on or after October 25, who is in a relationship with their sponsor for less than two years, and who does not have children with their sponsor at the time of their application, will now be given conditional permanent residence. Conditional permanent residence differs from regular permanent residence only in that you must remain in a legitimate relationship with your sponsor for that period of time. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) believes that enforcing this two year condition will reduce the amount of marriage fraud in Canada. In the past, Canada was considered a “soft target” for those who wished to bypass Canada immigration laws in order to become permanent residents under the Spousal Sponsorship program. These new regulations will hopefully put an end to marriage fraud in Canada. Other measures to prevent marriage fraud in the past include a law which was put in place in March which prevents those who have been sponsored from sponsoring a new spouse for a minimum of five years. This means if you were sponsored by your spouse in the last five years and are now in a new relationship, you are not eligible to be a sponsor until you have been a permanent resident for at least five years. These regulations along with the requirements of the Spousal Sponsorship program, which puts the burden on the sponsors and their partners to prove their relationship is genuine, should greatly reduce marriage fraud in Canada.
Some exceptions to these laws have been put into place which will allow for certain situations to be assessed differently. In cases of abuse or neglect, a sponsored spouse will not be forced to stay with their sponsor for these two years. This also applies in cases where the abuse is coming from a third party who is not the sponsor and who does not live with the couple, such as family members of the sponsor. Applicants who are found to be in a relationship which is abusive will not lose their permanent resident status if they leave their sponsors before the two year conditional permanent residence requirement. Another exception to this rule would allow sponsored spouses to keep their status in the case of a sponsor’s death prior to the two year period.
We want to hear what you have to say on the issue of marriage fraud and these new regulations. Do you think these new laws will put an end to the long-standing problem of marriage fraud in Canada? Do you believe the CIC should take further measures to prevent marriage fraud? Let us know what you think by sharing your opinions here on our blog and/or share this post with your friends and family on facebook and twitter.
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has sponsored and/or been sponsored by a spouse or partner and you are not sure how these new regulations may affect you, call our office to speak to an immigration consultant.
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