Jul 28, 2017 | Business Immigration, Immigrate to Canada, In the News, Investor Immigration, New Immigration Programs, Permanent Residency
The Start-Up Visa Program, which was launched in April 2013, invites immigrant entrepreneurs to bring their business to Canada. The program allows entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence for themselves and their family. This pilot program was aimed at attracting pioneering foreign entrepreneurs who would contribute to the Canadian economy. After evaluation of the pilot, it has been determined that the Start-Up Visa Program is delivering on its goals to bring innovative companies into Canada, which in turn creates more jobs for middle-class Canadian workers in a range of industries. With the success of the pilot, the government has announced that it will make the Start-Up Visa Program a permanent part of the immigration landscape for 2018.
As of July 15, 117 principal applicants have received permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Program. This represents 68 start-ups that were launched in Canada as a result of this program. At present, there are more than 50 Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators designated to participate in the program. Entrepreneurs who participated in the program in the first 3 years received over $3.7 million in investment capital from designated entities to help them grow their business in Canada.
Innovative entrepreneurs who wish to apply for permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Program must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements.
- Prove your business is supported by a designated organization;
- Show your business meets ownership requirements;
- Meet the minimum language requirements (CLB 5 in all areas) in English or French; and
- Show sufficient funds to settle in Canada;
If you have an innovative business idea, you may be able to bring this idea with you to Canada. Take our free online assessment to determine your eligibility or contact us today to speak with a licensed immigration consultant.
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.
Jul 7, 2014 | Humanitarian & Compassionate
On July 4, the Federal Court of Canada ruled the government’s cuts to health care coverage for refugee claimants constitute “cruel and unusual” treatment and should be struck down.
The case was brought forward by the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, Justice for Children and Youth and the Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care when the government created a two tiered system for refugees in 2012.
Two years ago, Ottawa trimmed medical benefits for newcomers, leaving most immigrants with basic health care but without supplementals such as vision and dental care. However, rejected refugee claimants, and refugee claimants from countries the government considers safe, would be eligible for care only when they pose a threat to public health.
Government lawyers argued the rules bring health benefits for newcomers in line with what other Canadians receive and deter those who would abuse the health care system. They argued refugee claimants can still access health care through other programs, such as those put in place by some provinces to reinstate access to essential and emergency care.
In her decision, Justice Anne Mactavish wrote: “With the 2012 changes to the Interim Federal Health Program, the executive branch of the Canadian government has intentionally set out to make the lives of these disadvantaged individuals even more difficult than they already are in an effort to force those who have sought the protection of this country to leave Canada more quickly, and to deter others from coming here.”
According to Justice Mactavish, the government has painted a bad picture of refugees: “The limits on refugee health care demean and endanger those from countries the government deems safe. It puts their lives at risk, and perpetuates the stereotypical view that they are cheats, that their refugee claims are ‘bogus,’ and that they have come to Canada to abuse the generosity of Canadians. It undermines their dignity and serves to perpetuate the disadvantage suffered by members of an admittedly vulnerable, poor and disadvantaged group.”
James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees, was pleased with the ruling. “People have come to Canada to seek refuge, and the Conservative government treats them like criminals. Taking away critical health care is ensuring children and families are destined for pain and poverty. It speaks to the true nature of this government that they think this is something Canadians would accept. We don’t, and thankfully, our courts won’t either.”
The government has been given four months to make changes to reinstate health care coverage to pre-2012 levels.
Immigration Minister Chris Alexander has promised to appeal the ruling. He contested the facts of the case, claiming refugees would be receiving better treatment than Canadians receive and suggesting refugee health care costs are too high.
Lorne Waldman, lead counsel on the case and president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers said, “With the decision, the Federal Court has recognized that the government’s cuts to refugee health care violate the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, without any lawful justification.”
Jul 3, 2014 | Family Immigration
Currently, in the context of Canadian immigration law, a “dependent child” is not only the biological or adopted offspring of an applicant. He or she must meet the following criteria:
- Under the age of 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship;
- Reliant on the financial support of his/her parent(s) before turning 22 and unable to support him/herself due to a mental or physical condition; or
- Reliant on the financial support of his/her parent(s) and studying as a full-time student since before 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner.
As of August 1, 2014, the Canadian government will redefine who can immigrate to Canada as a dependent child.
From that date forward, the classification of dependent children will be narrowed to individuals 19 years of age or younger. The new definition will also eliminate the exemption that existed for full-time students who are financially dependent on their parents. In cases of dependency due to mental or physical condition, such dependency must have existed since before the age of 19 and must continue through the entire application process.
The changes will affect all applications made under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) for families with dependents. This includes all work permit applications as well as applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, various Provincial Nominee Programs and other permanent residency applications.
The processing fee for all dependent children will now be $150.
Applying for Immigration with Dependent Children:
The new regulations do not go into effect until August 1, so there is still time to benefit from the current rules. Individuals hoping to immigrate with children over the age of 19 must apply before this date to ensure that their children will be considered for immigration to Canada.
