Protect yourself from unscrupulous consultants

In a bid to help prospective immigrants reduce their current dependence on paid - and possibly unscrupulous - overseas visa consultants, Canada last week unveiled an online Wizard that would walk them step-by-step through the application procedure, thus demystifying the process.

Prospective immigrants and visitors to Canada now have a new interactive web tool at their fingertips to help them determine if they are eligible to come to Canada. Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney last week announced the launch of the Come to Canada Wizard. "We understand that our application processes can be complex, but this new tool is a major service improvement," said Kenney. "The Wizard will make it easier for potential immigrants and visitors to navigate the application process.

"The Wizard should also reduce applicants' reliance on immigration consultants and hopefully will make the Department more efficient by decreasing calls to our Call Centre," he added.

The Wizard simplifies the application process by matching applicants with the federal immigration option that best suits their specific circumstances. The Wizard does this by asking applicants a series of questions and, based on the answers, it provides the best options for them.

The Wizard leads applicants to a results page that breaks down the application steps and provides instructions and forms.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE WIZARD

Immigration to Canada: Who can be your 'Agent'?

by Shani Hanwella

How to Report Fraud... click this link>>

The term 'immigration agent' is often loosely used for individuals and companies who assist others to obtain visas to Canada. In Sri Lanka alone it appears there are over 200 - 300 such "agents" in operation who claim to be qualified to assist applicants with their Canadian migration matters. What is shocking is that the majority of these agents are neither qualified nor authorized by the Canadian government to represent applicants with their Canadian immigration matters. The fact that such "agents" may have been to Canada, or have a relative living in Canada, or know somebody who lives in Canada, or know someone who knows someone who lives in Canada, in no way qualifies them to act as legal advisors for Canadian immigration matters. Neither does simply knowing how to fill out Visa Application forms. Rather, providing proper advice and guidance to applicants on Canadian immigration matters requires knowledge of the law and experience in the field.

Common Myths about Auto Insurance

Insurance can be confusing at the best of times, but here are some of the most common misconceptions about auto insurance coverage in Canada.

The color of your car affects your insurance rate: Most people may not know it, but the insurance industry is colour-blind. It doesn't matter if your car is blue, red, silver, white, or black, your insurance rate for that make and model of car will always remain the same. 

A 2-door car is more expensive to insure than a 4-door: Not necessarily. Insurance companies rate cars based on the claims history of that vehicle. They look at things like accident frequency, repair costs, theft, vandalism and safety ratings for each make and model. When these factors are combined, a 4-door could cost more to insure than a 2-door model.

Getting a parking ticket means your insurance rates will go up: Parking tickets by themselves do not count against your driving record or your insurance, but unpaid fines could affect your ability to renew your driver's licence or worse result in a licence suspension - which will affect your rate.

Canada to open foreign credential office in India

Canada plans to establish a key office in India to facilitate recognition of foreign credentials, a move likely to help Indian immigrants seeking jobs in the country. “We want newcomers to be able to use their skills as soon as possible in Canada,” Jason Kenney, the Citizenship and Immigration Minister, said, adding that in the past immigrants arrived at the airport only to sink or swim. Mr. Kenney said the government proposed to open new offices in India, China, the Philippines and Britain for recognition of foreign credentials.

A Great Site for Newcomers to Canada

Welcome to Canada!

This Government of Canada sponsored site, named Newcomers Canada, provides newcomer with rich information about: news, job posting, interview tips, resume and cover letter example and much more...

Go to the site here>>