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.

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>>

New Canadian Citizenship Guide

A new greatly expanded study guide for Canadian citizenship was launched recently by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. In particular those taking the Citizenship test from March 2010 onwards should study the Citizenship Guide called "Discover Canada". The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship covers freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and the equality of men and women. The Canadian Government hopes that the guide will help to promote a greater understanding of Canada's history and values and the importance of institutions such as Parliament. This is the first time that the guide has undergone such an extensive review since it was introduced in 1995. Citizenship Responsibilities Section of the Guide:

DEFENDING CANADA: "There is no compulsory military service in Canada. However, serving in the regular Canadian Forces (navy, army and air force) is a noble way to contribute to Canada and an excellent career choice (www.forces.ca)"

Interview Questions... Clues

This is an article on typical Canadian Job Interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the questions listed, followed by some clue/strategy/suggestions to deal with it.

1. Tell me about yourself?

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a majorproblem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

Finding a Family Doctor

By Marilyn Campbell, About.com

Finding a good family doctor can be one of the biggest task, a newcomer might encounter. According to Statistics Canada nearly 10% of Ontarians didn't have a family doctor in 2007, either because they hadn't looked or couldn't find one. Based on the rest of the 2007 Community Health Survey, we're not as bad off as some of Canada, but if you're one of the 559,000 Ontario residents who wanted a doctor but couldn't find one, better-than-average numbers are no comfort. Whether you've moved, your doctor is retiring or you've just never had a long-term physician, the time to start looking for a family doctor is before you need one. Here are some doctor search techniques to get you started:

Decide What's Most Important to You: Before you even begin your search, take the time to think about what you're really looking for in a family physician. Does the doctor's gender matter to you? Is it important they be close to transit, or have parking near the door? Or are you just looking for the doctor who most closely matches your personal health care philosophy, no matter who or where they are? Which raises the question - do you know what your personal health care philosophy is?

Finding temporary work in the GTA

By Marilyn Campbell, About.com

The moment you land in this country or even before that, most of your thoughts might be revolving around finding a job at the earliest. Finding a temp job is a first step in this regard. Many Canadians look at temp work as the additional-income. But temporary employment can also help bridge the gap while you're job hunting, not only by providing income but also by keeping your skills and experience up-to-date. In addition, many Toronto temp agencies provide in-house training on things like computer programs and workplace safety, which can make you more employable overall. For those looking for a career change, short-term contract work will allow you to try out new jobs while you build new skills and gain experience. If you're one of those people who is easily bored and simply likes to change jobs often, having an employment agency looking for your next contract can save you valuable time in-between gigs. Finally of course, there is the opportunity for anyone to pick up extra income by working during their off-hours. So if you're job hunting, changing careers, or just want some extra cash, here are some of the temp agencies in Toronto that can help you reach your goals. Please click on the agency name to go to their respective websites.

Canada's recession to last until Q3 2009

Source: Reuters Canada (reporting by Louise Egan, editing by Jeffrey Hodgson)

Canada's economy will stay in a recession for three quarters and contract 0.5 percent annually in 2009 with the jobless rate peaking at 8.1 percent, the Conference Board of Canada forecast in a report on Wednesday (Jan 14, 2009). Canadian export volumes have been losing steam since late 2007 as the global economy slowed. But until recently the Canadian economy was shielded from the slowdown by high commodity prices. "What is new - and perhaps more devastating - is the impact that lower commodity prices will have on real income in Canada, especially when combined with the effect of waning consumer and investor confidence," the research group said in its outlook for the Canadian economy.

Recession in Canada?

Recession refers to a significant drop in economic activity, lasting more than a few months, as measured by employment rate and real gross domestic product (GDP). They are undesirable, but in a market economy such as Canada’s cycles of recession and prosperity are recurrent features of long-term economic growth. Recessions occur for various reasons. Most often, businesses build up inventories and, consequently, cut back their production and lay off workers, thus depressing earnings. The spiralling effect of lower income and low spending also dampens confidence in the economy. Large-scale natural disasters such as floods and droughts or trade wars between countries can induce recessions

How does it affect Canadians?: During the last recession in the early 1990s, the Canadian economy shrank substantially. From 1990 to 1991, real GDP decreased more than 1 per cent, and the unemployment rate rose above 10 per cent in both 1991 and 1992. Governments, both federal and provincial, posted higher deficits because they collected less tax on income and corporate profits but spent more money on programs such as employment insurance benefits. Governments try to avoid or overcome recessions by adjusting monetary and fiscal policies—increasing spending, cutting taxes, and lowering interest rates—and each of these actions helps create demand for goods and services. The Bank of Canada reduced interest rates several times in the early 2000s to avoid a potential recession.

The 38 Qualifying Occupations

On November 28, 2008, Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Canada Minister Jason Kenney announced the new instructions for the processing of all Federal Skilled Worker applications received since February 27, 2008. Under the Immigration Minister's new instructions, Canadian Immigration Visa Officers reviewing Federal Skilled Worker applications will process those from candidates who have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in one of the following 38 qualifying occupations. These are listed by National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories. For more details click here>>

Immigration Hit New Heights

by T. Smith

The population of Canada grew more in the past three months than it has in any third quarter since 1990, according to Statistics Canada. The population hit 33,441,300, up 129,900 since July. Every province and territory saw rising numbers, except the Northwest Territories, which saw a decline of 132 residents. Most of the growth was recorded in Western Canada, with Alberta continuing to report the highest numbers. New Canadians and people who moved to Alberta from other provinces numbered 25,640 in the third quarter of 2008, likely due to the continuing job opportunities offered in that province, Statistics Canada said. "Usually, people go where there are jobs, so that explains the strong tendency toward Alberta," said Hubert Denis, senior analyst for Statistics Canada. The agency said growth across the country was due mostly to immigration. Between July 1 and Oct. 1, 2008, 71,300 people entered Canada. Numbers have increased everywhere since provinces began stepping up their efforts to attract people internationally.

Immigration changes - Outlook for 2009

The Conservative government announced their intention to introduce significant amendments to Canada’s immigration system. Many heated debates, numerous stakeholder consultations, a federal election, and a new Immigration Minister later, the amendments were finally announced on November 28. Immigration remains a key priority for Canada, but now has a slightly stronger focus on economic immigration. Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada (CIMC) Minister Jason Kenney recently announced the details of the Canadian Government’s new Action Plan for Faster Immigration, which sets new regulations for the Federal Skilled Worker program of Canadian immigration. “We expect new federal skilled worker applicants, including those with arranged employment, to receive a decision within six to twelve months compared with up to six years under the old system,” said Minister Kenney.

Immigrants stuck in low-paying jobs: Study

by IANS

Professionals and degree-holders seeking immigration to Canada, beware! The number of degree-holder immigrants, including doctors and engineers, stuck in jobs with low education requirements, such as clerks, truck and cab drivers and salespeople, has risen steadily since the last recession of early 1990s, says a new study by Statistics Canada. Employment problems for new immigrants will only get worse as Canada enters recession, experts warn. The study titled “Immigrants’ Education and Required Job Skills” covered the period from 1991 to 2006. It found that in 2006, established immigrants - those who had lived in Canada for between 11 and 15 years - had more difficulty finding jobs as per their educational qualifications than they did in 1991. During this 15-year period, it said, the proportion of qualified immigrants stuck in jobs needing low educational qualifications rose steadily. In 1991, according to the study, about 12 percent male immigrants with a university degree had jobs with low educational requirements. By 2006, this proportion rose to 21 percent.

Foreign-Born Population at a 75 Year High

The most recent Statistics Canada report focuses on “immigration, citizenship, language, mobility and migration” in Canada, based on the 2006 census. It paints a picture of an increasingly diverse Canadian society and highlights the important contribution of immigrants to Canada’s growth and development. Canada’s foreign-born population grew four times as fast as the Canadian born population over the past five years, now accounting for one out of every five Canadian residents. Since the last census in 2001, over 1.11 million immigrants have settled in Canada, an increase of 13.6 per cent. Not in 75 years has the foreign-born population been so high. In 2006, nearly two thirds of these newcomers were from Asia and the Middle East, marking the first year that the foreign-born population from Asia and the Middle East exceeded that from Europe. European-born immigrants, who made up the bulk of immigrants 35 years ago, accounted for only 16 per cent in 2006.

Canada is the Most Welcoming Country

by Albert Smith

Immigrants and temporary migrants have become increasingly important to Canada’s population growth and its economy. Canadians are grateful to the contributions of foreign workers, and have established a vast network of settlement services to help newcomers feel at home. A recent HSBC survey has given Canada the top spot when it comes to friendliness and welcoming newcomers by the locals. According to the HSBC Bank International’s Expat Explorer Survey, people who relocate to Canada have comparatively easy time making friends with locals, joining local community group and learning a new language. In fact, 95 percent of people surveyed said that they have made friends with locals in Canada. A close second spot was acquired by Germany with 92 percent, followed by Australia with 91 percent. The study surveyed 2,155 Expats in 48 countries and measured the relative friendliness of the countries based on four categories: number of respondents who joined the community groups, number of respondents who joined local groups, percentage who bought property, and respondents’ ability to befriend locals.

Record numbers expected in 2009

by Gareth McConnell

A further 240,000−265,000 new permanent residents are expected to move to Canada next year. The number has been boosted by the increase in the number of provincial nominees to 26,000 and a slight increase in economic migrants (156,000). The numbers of economic migrants coming to live in Canada will be boosted by the Action Plan for Faster Immigration, introduced by Jason Kenney, minister for citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism Canada (CIMC), earlier in 2008. This new set of regulations were intended to increase the speed with which people can be accepted by Canada immigration under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

It's time to YAK in Canada!

By Peter Nowak

Fido, Solo and Koodo are going to have some new competition next year, although the newcomer's brand name won't end in "o." Globalive Communications Inc., the big winner in this summer's government auction of cellphone airwaves, will launch two separate wireless services in the second half of next year — one discount brand officially named Yak and another as-yet-unnamed core brand. Yak, which is the same banner that Globalive uses to sell land line, internet and long-distance services, will compete directly with Fido, Solo and Koodo, said company president Anthony Lacavera on Thursday. Those are the discount brands of Rogers Communications Inc., Bell Canada Inc. and Telus Corp., respectively. Yak will target the same customers Fido, Solo and Koodo cater to — namely, cellphone users who are more price sensitive and interested in voice and text rather than advanced smartphone features such as e-mail and web surfing, he said. Globalive will also compete with the core brands from Rogers, Bell and Telus, which offer smartphones and data services, through a core brand. The Toronto-based company plans to launch a countrywide network, with the exception of Quebec, by the end of 2009, with backing from Egyptian telecommunications billionaire Naguib Sawiris.

US citizens emigrate to Canada quickly

by Bryan Palmer

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has collaborated with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to create a system called NEXUS which allows nationals of both countries to cross the border and quickens immigration to Canada or America. A pilot programme has been in place for nearly a year and it has proved successful enough for the governments of the U.S. and Canada to roll it out. NEXUS currently operates at selected land crossings and airports in the U.S. and Canada, including the Woodstock-Houlton crossing in Belleville.

REJECTED: Inadmissible Family Member(s)

by Gianpaolo Panusa

Most applicants are shocked to discover that if any family member is inadmissible - whether accompanying you to Canada or not - then the applicant is inadmissible as well. This is certainly one of the least understandable of immigration rules. If your family member will not accompany you to Canada, then why should it matter if that family member has a medical condition or criminal record that keeps them out of Canada? I believe the answer lies in the fact that once you become a permanent resident, you do have certain rights to sponsor family members, and can even try a humanitarian and compassionate application as a last ditch effort in most circumstances. The legislation is circumventing those processes by ensuring that the applicant never becomes a permanent resident in the first place. Whatever the reason, it is a harsh rule and I think it is ripe for re-evaluation.