Canada Immigration News (Canada Immigration News)

Alberta a world leader on climate change issues

Graham — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:02:56 +0000

The district of Alberta will be one of the key voices at a global climate change conference this autumn.

Immigration minister Jason Kenney made the announcement on Monday July 6 that the region would attend this autumn’s conference in Copenhagen, to hear and voice concerns and solutions on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The minister’s statement comes after a day-long consultation on the issue with Premier Ed Stelmach and conservative ministers.

Mr Kenney commented: "We both underscored the importance that funds involved in the climate change issue stay as much as possible here in the province of Alberta to finance technological advancements that can reduce carbon emissions."

Those looking to emigrate to Canada may be attracted particularly to living in Alberta, considering this commitment to environmental issues and assurance of resources to enable the area to be one of the most environmentally-friendly in the world.

Canada welcomes immigrants

Graham — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:45:09 +0000

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) named Canada as most likely of the Western democratic countries to support immigrants.

The OECD’s director for employment, John Martin, said that most people move to the country with intention to stay permanently and become Canadian citizens.

Reasons to study in Canada

Graham — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:48:31 +0000

Canada has been ranked as one of the world’s premium destinations for study and work. Based upon education, national income quality of life statistics, as well as the country’s comfortable population density, quality healthcare system and low levels of crime, studying in Canada has becoming a highly attractive option for numerous international students looking to study abroad.

Work visa holders to fill the gap in skills shortages

Graham — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:36:28 +0000

The Canadian immigration department prepared a skills shortage list of 38 occupations in a move to encourage immigrants to fill the void.

It is claimed that, in spite of the economic downturn, the government has not forgotten about industries suffering from skills shortage and is encouraging people possessing relevant skills to apply for a visa.

Canada to collect biometric data on every visitor

Graham — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:51:51 +0000

Canada's Immigration Department wants to introduce collection of biometric data as photos and fingerprints on everyone coming to the country by 2013 and regardless of visitor's nationality.

At the meeting with the Parliamentary Immigration Commitee, Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Richard Fadden stated that the plan will be phased between 2011 and 2013.

Canadian residency route opened up to foreign graduates

Graham — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:43:10 +0000

Last year, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Diane Finley, opened a new route to permanent residency in Canada for certain temporary workers and students under the new Canadian Experience Class (CEC) starting in September 2008.

The new immigration program is addressed to qualified temporary foreign workers and foreign graduates with professional, managerial and skilled work experience in Canada.

Canada to rethink migrant worker rights

Graham — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:55:19 +0000

A report from Canada’s parliamentary foreign affair committee has been issued, suggesting that foreign workers on Canadian skilled visas should be given more protection from employers and more time to gain Canadian citizenship.

The suggestions made in the report are predominantly geared towards ensuring that foreign workers are not exploited, clearly stating: “No one should feel that they have to tolerate mistreatment in the short term for the long-term gain of permanent residency.”

Canada signs free trade agreement with EU

Graham — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:13:35 +0000

A free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada has been hailed as “a glimmer of light in the darkness of this global recession and an important message against protectionism around the globe.”

Currently, trade between Canada and the EU is worth an estimated €70 billion, and the new agreement is set to bring in a further €20 billion for the two sides within seven years of its implementation.

Furthermore, the Council of the European Union has stated its intention to work towards the implementation of visa-free travel to Canada for all EU citizens.

Canada improves online facilities for foreign students

Graham — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:15:35 +0000

In a further bid to attract foreign students to study in Canada, the Department of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism is expanding the online resources available to students from abroad.

Students are now able to apply online for extensions to their student visas, and can also apply for an off-campus work permit. These new possibilities have been made available to foreign students in the wake of a successful pilot scheme which resulted in 6,000 online applications being lodged.

Canada immigration is getting easier

Graham — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:20:13 +0000

Recent changes to the Canadian immigration system, including new legislation, administrative changes and over $100 million in funding, have reportedly cut the waiting time for visa applications by 12 per cent.

Despite a rising rate of unemployment as a result of the recession, Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney remains committed to ensuring that the country remains an aggressive recruiter of foreign skilled workers.

“It's been at least two decades - a generation - since waiting times went down rather than up,” Minister Kenney said. “We’re talking about highly skilled, economic immigrants and we’re competing with places like Australia, New Zealand and the United States for the best and the brightest.”